June 10, 2000
| On the weekend of June 9-11, 2000 racing returned to the storied pavement of Virginia International Raceway. Located a stone's throw from the North Carolina border in Danville, VA, this beautiful track lies secluded in the rolling hills. The track has recently been restored to its former glory after being abandoned in 1974. The full history can be found in an excellent unofficial website devoted to the track. In attendance were all manner of famous classic cars, from 50's Ferraris, D-Type Jags, and Lister-Chevys to the dominant McLaren Can-Am cars, there were sights to be seen at every turn. Famous personalities including Hurley Haywood, and the author of The Last Open Road, Burt Levy were in attendance, including many participants of the inaugural race in 1957. The track has been the site of many famous battles fought out in such cars at the Cunningham C4Rs and all manner of Ferraris. This reunion weekend was no different, with drivers throwing their vintage cars around the track at speeds approaching the all-time track record. VIR will be the site of many upcoming motorsports events, vintage and modern SCCA competition included. If you are in the area, VIR is worth a visit. It has been called one of the most challenging tracks in the United States, and in 1957 Carrol Shelby was quoted as saying that "One lap here is like 100 at Watkins Glen." Others have said that it is "comparable to the Nuburgring." It definitely doesn't disappoint. |
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Jaguar D-Type |
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Triumph Spitfire |
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Renault Alpine A110 |
Penske-Sunoco Trans-Am Camaro |
Ford GT-40 |
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Renault Alpine A110 |
McLaren M8C |
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Can-Am/Formula Atlantic Race |
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