VIR Gold Cup -Racing, party, and picnic- 6/10/07

[Mr. Magoo]

How many people want to go to VIR for the Gold Cup Races? This is the 50th Anniversary of VIR and they will have some very special people in attendance. The Grand Marshall will be Carroll Shelby. This weekend features some of the most historic cars from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

As in the past we will be able to park together right up next to the track. This allows us to socialize, picnic as well as watching some fine car racing. For those that want to see the cars "up close and personal" your ticket will allow you to walk through the paddock areas and talk with the drivers and crews.

More information regarding the weekend events can be found at www.virclub.com

In addition to the racing will be car shows, autocross and a road rally. http://www.virclub.com/vir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=161


In addition, for a small additional fee ($20) you can drive on the track for almost an hour.

Please let me know of your interest and I will attempt to get discount tickets. Normal cost is $20.

Attending:

1. Mr. Magoo +1 ?
2. Midnight Dave
3. Minimark
4. FTGT101
5. CHMini
6. HPUDrew
7. N2MINI
8. SalemGym
9. NascarMINI
10. Miniani + 1
11. CooperSKart +1
12. DSRH +1
13. JBalfour
14. Vango +1
15. Casper +1

[MidnightDave]

Same day as the MINI Ice cream run, but this sounds better! Oh, what to do?

I just looked up the event and there are no times? I was hoping to do both somehow ;-)

Here's a pic from the Mitty at Road Atlanta to give you an idea of this event...

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2042/img2689dt2.jpg

[minimark]

Count me in! I was planning on going anyway. :D

[FTGT101]

I was thinking of going. Thought is over I am there.

[simplygriff]

What time will this start?
-G

[Mr. Magoo]

I would like to get there by 10:00. If we leave Greensboro, by 8:30 that should work. For those that can't caravan, we can reserve a spot at our tent. Last year we had about 12 cars that were there.

[simplygriff]

So I assume it takes an hour and half to get there. Hmmm... My friends are having an anniversary party the night before and I'm not sure how long that would go into the night. I'll let you guys know as it gets a little closer.
-G

[HPUdrew]

FYI, Flow MINI is going to be setting up a run up there for the Gold Cup weekend. Not sure which day yet, but I'll post up as soon as I know!

Drew

PS. I'm thinking it's Sunday.

[N2MINI]

I'm interested, events like this are the only time I'll be able to get my Cabrio on a track like that..

[Mr. Magoo]

FYI, Flow MINI is going to be setting up a run up there for the Gold Cup weekend. Not sure which day yet, but I'll post up as soon as I know!

Drew

PS. I'm thinking it's Sunday.

That would work perfect. They will obviously have a greater buying power. I have listed those interested on the first post of this thread.

[SALEMGYM]

Put me down. I went last year and it was a blast.
SALEMGYM

[jdavidson]

I have to be in PA that weekend..:(

[N2MINI]

VIR also has a pretty serious Kart Track with rentals $30 half hour..Claim to give group rates..

[Nascar Mini]

I'll be there,maybe FTGT101 and i can drive up together,as we're both coming from Mooresville.How about it Daniel? PM me if you like.I would also be interested in the track drive for just $20 bucks!

[minianni]

the minianni's will be there. It was a good time last year. Except for the hail storm I found on the way home.

[CooperSKart]

I think we can make it again this year. I may see if I can get my older bro to come along also - he's a gearhead too but alas hasn't been converted to the MINI camp yet (he wants to get a WRX). Last year was a hoot!

[DSRH]

Count us in!! VIR rocks. Julie and Andrew Talbert...

PS when are we gonna get a group together and do some VIR kart racing? We need to do that!!

We are doing the MINI parade Saturday and VIR Ferrari Challenge this coming Sunday. Anyone else coming to VIR this weekend?

[onefastmini]

I'll be taking Jack to the Ferrari Challenge thing on Saturday!!
--Dan

[DSRH]

Hey Get a two day ticket and join us Sunday! WE need some tailgating help!

[onefastmini]

Actually, I have the full 3 day pass but I am going to Gastonia on Sunday to see my cousins new bambino

[FTGT101]

Sounds like a plan to me. I'll pm you soon.


I'll be there,maybe FTGT101 and i can drive up together,as we're both coming from Mooresville.How about it Daniel? PM me if you like.I would also be interested in the track drive for just $20 bucks!

[Mr. Magoo]

I'll be taking Jack to the Ferrari Challenge thing on Saturday!!
--Dan

Dan, I saw my neighbor last night, that works at Synergy, and he thought that the Chanllenge was open. Glad to see you and Jack are going to go.

I also found out from him, that a lot of dealerships plan on being there with cars. He indicated Roanoke Porsche and Audi was planning on being there with several cars. Maybe Flow will do the same. What do you hear from Flow, Drew?

[Mr. Magoo]

First post update. Let me know any chanages/number of people.

This is a great turnout.

[jdavidson]

Sorry to be off topic but, how much are the Sunday tickets for the Ferrari Challenge?

[onefastmini]

Hey Get a two day ticket and join us Sunday! WE need some tailgating help!

Ok, so I'm going to Gastonia on Saturday instead, Jack and I will tailgate with you, Andrew, just let me know where you will be setting up.

I have not been able to find a price for tickets ( mine was a gift), Andrew?
--Dan

[DSRH]

Cool Dan....I usually setup on the hill in front of the bridge in the grass with my Land Cruiser so I can drop the gate, spread some food and drink with some chairs. I am flexible on the location....the cell sevice is spotty up there so if you like we can use frs (channel 20/20) to find each other when we get there. I haven't figured out what time to arrive yet. Do you have a time that you plan get there?

Ticket info is online:

http://www.virclub.com/vir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=1

Ferrari Challenge Brings Italian Exotics to VIR
DANVILLE, VA. - Fans of exotic cars will find something to like at VIRginia International Raceway, May 19 and 20.

The Ferrari Challenge brings the racing version of Ferrari's latest exotics to America's Motorsport Resort for practice Friday and two days of racing over VIR's scenic 3.27-mile classic road course.

Joining the F430 racers, based on the street F430, will be the Shell Historic Challenge. These races return classic Ferraris, Maseratis and Alfa Romeos from the 30s through the 70s to the race track - where they belong - instead of locking them away in museums.


If you thrill to the sights and sounds of Italy's finest cars, you'll find something to love at the Ferrari Challenge weekend. Spectator tickets are available all three days, with Friday and Saturday one-day tickets available for $10; $15 for Sunday-only tickets; or $20 for a Saturday and Sunday two-day pass.

[jdavidson]

@DSRH Thanks, I'm really on the fence about going to the Ferrari race, it would be great to see the historics but, I'm not sure how interesting it would be to see all those identical F430s racing. Is it as interesting as the Porsche Cup races I've seen on TV? (Those guys are crazy!)

[jbalfour]

Does anyone know the schedule for the Ferraris? What time does it start? I think I am going to make it. Who else is going?

[jbalfour]

I'm also planning to come on June 10th.

[jdavidson]

@jbalfour: Here ya go.. http://www.ferrarichallenge.com/news/index.cfm?cid=2925

[jbalfour]

@jbalfour: Here ya go.. http://www.ferrarichallenge.com/news/index.cfm?cid=2925

Thank you. I went to the web site, but I couldn't find it.

[Mr. Magoo]

Everybody check the first post and let me know if the number is correct. I want to contact the track for a discount. But before I do, is Flow going to do anything, Drew?

[jbalfour]

Everybody check the first post and let me know if the number is correct. I want to contact the track for a discount. But before I do, is Flow going to do anything, Drew?

Add me to the list.

- James

[MidnightDave]

We have the 6/10 VIR run and the 6/23 Mt. Mitchell run and I'd like to set some check points along the way for the Charlotte guys to meet and caravan together. I'll start a new thread for that so we don't fill this one up.

[Nascar Mini]

Any more on this?Discount? Flow anything?

Thanks,
Bill

[HPUdrew]

I'm going to call FLOW tomorrow to discuss this and all of the other upcoming events. I'll post up tomorrow with more details! :)

Drew

[Vango]

I may be intrested (Van & Jennifer) Im signed up for day 2 & 3 of the ice cream run but I would sure hate to miss a chance to get on the track at VIR. So put me down as intrested....Hate it when 2 fun things happen on the same day!!!

[simplygriff]

Hey Magoo, you can take me off the list. Buddy of mine is coming down from B-more this weekend.
-G

[Mr. Magoo]

Hey Magoo, you can take me off the list. Buddy of mine is coming down from B-more this weekend.
-G

Your off, sorry you can't make it.

[CooperSKart]

Did anyone else get the postcard from Flow? They're doing the MINI rally to VIR on the 10th. They have a brunch from 9 - 10 am at Flow & then a caravan to VIR w/ a $10 ticket fee & also a lunch at VIR. We're going either way, I just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were about going separately or hooking up w/ Flow or what.

[HPUdrew]

Yeah, if you can, RSVP with Flow since you are doing this. I'll be there too, and I'm still trying to get a hold of Lee to get all the details on all of the upcoming events.

Drew

[Mr. Magoo]

Did anyone else get the postcard from Flow? They're doing the MINI rally to VIR on the 10th. They have a brunch from 9 - 10 am at Flow & then a caravan to VIR w/ a $10 ticket fee & also a lunch at VIR. We're going either way, I just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were about going separately or hooking up w/ Flow or what.

I think that since Flow is putting this together, we should go along with them. We need to be as receptive to their plans as we can. The price is as good as we can get, and if they are going to do the lunch, it is even better. Unless anyone has any better ideas, I suggest we "go with the Flow".

When I get back from vacation, I'll talk with Lee and see if we can schedule a place to meet in Greensboro, rather than make the trip to W-S and then return to GSO.

More details to follow.

[MidnightDave]

I'll go with the Flow, too. Jason is handling the Charlotte ice cream run, and I might meet them in Statesville at 6pm if timing works out--anyway, put me down for the Flow hookup! Thanks!

[Vango]

Ill go with the flow also

[HPUdrew]

Seems that's going to make it easiest on all of us. Please RSVP with Flow if you are going, 788-3333.

Also, Mark informed me that this was a big (roughly 100 MINIS) event last year and we were able to pull in around 30 new members from it. Please wear your club shirts, or if you need one before then just let me know. Thanks!!!

Drew

[minimark]

Sounds like a plan to me! So we are going to meet at Flow about 9:00? In Flow's newsletter, they said they had 135 Minis last year!

[jbalfour]

Seems that's going to make it easiest on all of us. Please RSVP with Flow if you are going, 788-3333.

Also, Mark informed me that this was a big (roughly 100 MINIS) event last year and we were able to pull in around 30 new members from it. Please wear your club shirts, or if you need one before then just let me know. Thanks!!!

Drew

Should we RSVP to FLOW even if we can't leave from there? Going to W-S will double my drive time.

For people who don't live in Winston Salem, FLOW's no. is (800)467-5003.

[TWISTER]

RSVP if you want lunch and want to get in for $10

You can meet the caravan anywhere along the route

[minianni]

With this timing, are we still going to get there to do the track drive? We left earlier last year and just got there with not too much time to spare.

[jbalfour]

With this timing, are we still going to get there to do the track drive? We left earlier last year and just got there with not too much time to spare.

What was the track drive like last year?

[CooperSKart]

I made it to the track drive last year & it really was a blast. We put all the MINIs together & the trick was that the lead MINI would slow down a bit to let the cars in front get ahead and then we could all open up and take off (until we caught back up - which usually didn't take too long). There were some pretty wild cars also on the track with us like some Porsches and a Ferrari and a nice old Alfa Romeo.

[MidnightDave]

I hope I don't intimidate any 5 series Bimmers this time. ;-)

[N2MINI]

I just ckecked VIR's website, and they claim to be doing the "Parade" laps at 11:55. Leaving Flow at 10:00 is going to be cutting it close, unless they know of a change in schedule!! The "Parade" laps are my main reason in going as I can't do track days in a cabrio..When I called to RSVP with Flow, I asked about this and she told me she'd ask Lee about this and let us know.

[HPUdrew]

I spoke to Kelvin and the rest of the staff at Flow MINI yesterday. The plan is for everyone to meet at Flow at 9am. We'll have a small brunch to tide us over, then we're leaving by 10am to head to VIR. I didn't get a chance to talk to Lee Davis yet, but I will. Kelvin seemed to think that we were still getting some decent track time, though I agree, the schedule certainly wouldn't make it seem so.

At this point, the best plan is for everyone to RSVP with Flow for how many people you'll have attending in your car. The cost will be $10 to get in to VIR, and then we'll all do something for lunch (though we may be buying this on our own). For the Greensboro area guys, just check with Flow on what the route will be, and what time they plan to pass through, and I'm sure you can link up with us there if you'd rather do that.

Drew

[Casper]

My wife and I are newbies and this sounds like a great way to have fun, see other Minis and to meet club members. We live in Roanoke, Va. so we will meet everyone at the VIR.

Add:
Casper + 1 to your list of attendees

[Mr. Magoo]

Just talked with Kelvin at Flow. He indicated that the caravan was going to leave W/S at 10 +/- and should be at Brown Summit around 10:45. How many people want to meet in Greensboro to hook up with the caravan? I will try to find a place that we can meet. Right now, my thought is a gas station on 29 across from Greens Supper Club.

[jbalfour]

Just talked with Kelvin at Flow. He indicated that the caravan was going to leave W/S at 10 +/- and should be at Brown Summit around 10:45. How many people want to meet in Greensboro to hook up with the caravan? I will try to find a place that we can meet. Right now, my thought is a gas station on 29 across from Greens Supper Club.

That sounds good to me.

[CooperSKart]

We might do the caravan hookup in Gsbo too since that's where were staying with my folks.

[Mr. Magoo]

For all those that plan on meeting in Greensboro, we will meet at the gas station (I think it is a BP) across from Green's Supper Club by no later than 10:25. The plans are for the caravan to leave from Flow in W/S by 10:00, and we estimate that it will take about 30 minutes to get to Greensboro.

Greens Supper Club is on US 29N.

[minianni]

Just got off the phone with Flow. It seems the "Parade" laps may be around the Patriot Course, not the Full Course. Now this maybe just for the Minis from Flow, especially since leaving at 10:00 is going to be very close to the time VIR has allotted. The guy at Flow was not very clear.

Last year we paid $20 to the Red Cross (tax deductible) to drive the track. I also didn't see no 135 Minis from Flow there last year, at least not at the Gold Cup.

So we may go up earlier than going with Flow. Like Brian said we folks with cabrios ain't allowed to go on track days.

Steve

[N2MINI]

Just got off the phone with VIR. They are saying that Red Cross Parade Laps start at 11:00am and run till 11:55am. Will run on the full course, for a fee of $25. "SHE" did not know of any Flow event/time or other wise for track time. I too have talked with people at Flow, but didn't get to talk to Lee..Too bad someone with Flow doesn't know more on this, to be able give one of us a direct answer on what is going to happen. Steve, what time might you be going early, if you do I might follow you up?

[Mr. Magoo]

I am going to wait for the pack. We will probably not be there for the drive at noon. I did talk with Kelvin, and he seemed to think that we would have an opportunity to drive after the last race.

[Mr. Magoo]

Just got off the phone with Flow. It seems the "Parade" laps may be around the Patriot Course, not the Full Course. Now this maybe just for the Minis from Flow, especially since leaving at 10:00 is going to be very close to the time VIR has allotted. The guy at Flow was not very clear.

Last year we paid $20 to the Red Cross (tax deductible) to drive the track. I also didn't see no 135 Minis from Flow there last year, at least not at the Gold Cup.

So we may go up earlier than going with Flow. Like Brian said we folks with cabrios ain't allowed to go on track days.

Steve


Steve, if you go early, how about getting a place on the track near where we were last year. Also will try to contact you by radio 20-20.

[HPUdrew]

Ok guys, to clear up some confusion on this, and on the Parade Laps....

From my conversation with Lee my understanding is this... The Parade Laps will occur after lunch is over. These laps are not set in stone, and if there are excessive cautions or weather that slows down the course of events, then we have a chance of not getting on the track. Lee made it VERY clear to me that he can't PROMISE the laps, but that every time he is up there, the MINIs find their way onto the track for a decent amount of time.

I'm going either way, and I'm depending on the parade laps that Lee told me about as my way onto the track. The schedule does not show this time-frame, but we would get on the track during the time the corner workers get their break, which you and I know is going to happen. I feel confidant that Lee will get us all on the track, so I'm just "going with the Flow" for now.

Drew

[minimark]

We'll just go with the Flow....:D Are we going to be on 20/20?

[minianni]

The miniannis are going up early. 8-8:30 leaving from Pfafftown.

The Gold Cup Schedule:

http://www.virclub.com/vir/downloads/2007GoldCup%20schedule60607.pdf

As you can see lunch is from 11:00- 11:55 with the Red Cross parade laps happening at that time barring any delays (cautions weather,etc).Racing starting at 12:00 and going straight through to the end of the day.

I was told the same thing as you were Drew with the addition of the laps being on the Patriot Course. Now maybe the person got these laps confused with what is going on Sat. with the car show and parade laps.

I will try to set up at the same place Magoo.

Brian, I'll send you pm with my phone #'s if you want to go up with us early.

Hey, if Flow gets on the track at a different time then maybe I can get extra laps:D. That wouldn't be all bad.

I'd really like to go with the group but getting on the track is more important to me. I'm installing an M7-USS tomorrow. Is that another mod to minianni's "no mods" mini?:eek:

See you guys up there

Steve

[Mr. Magoo]

We had a great time at VIR yesterday. I want to publicly thank Lee Davis for this event. He did an outstanding job and was a very gracious host.

Once we arrived at VIR, he was always around to help. He spent time at the food court to make sure everyone got fed and everything worked fine. He did not just lead us there and then disappear.

By mid-afternoon, there was an annoucement "All MINI Coopers to the false starting grid". We got to drive the Patriot course for about an hour. Again, Lee was there talking to everyone. He was encouraging everyone to have a good time and drive as long as we liked. This is really a course made for the MINI. It was really awesome to be driving this track with the rack going on right next to you. After having driven the full track and this, I would opt for the Patriot course anytime.

Again, thanks to Flow and especially, Lee for the event. Looking for more time at VIR.

[N2MINI]

I too had a great time at VIR. Went early with a couple other MINI's to run the Red Cross Parade Laps on the full course. Great fun, even if alittle slow at some points. Later on at Patriot course, NOW THAT WAS FUN!! No pace car leading us, Let it rip, just don't hit the car in front of you!!! Probably went 10-12 laps or so, and towards the end alot of people had pulled off, so the last couple of laps was clear sailing..Big Thanks, to Flow MINI

[jbalfour]

Had a great time as well.

Here are a few of the photos I took:

Waiting for the caravan to come by in Greensboro.

http://jbalfour.com/images/MINI/US29N.jpg

I was driving by myself, so I don't have any pictures of the caravan. Took one when we stopped at the gate.

http://jbalfour.com/images/MINI/Gate.jpg

http://jbalfour.com/images/MINI/Lineup01.jpg

http://jbalfour.com/images/MINI/Lineup02.jpg

[minianni]

The miniannis also had a great time. This was minianni's 1st time to VIR and she was duly impressed. Loved the facility more than Lowe's. She got to see the track up close and personal on the Red Cross parade laps. Probably was a good thing we were second behind the pace truck:D.

Later, on the Patriot course I got to test USS I put on Sat. It works:D:D:D. No head shake as before, Much more solid. Now to get rid of the tire spin. When going up the esses the tire spin was so much that the computer shifted the tranny before I wanted it to. But with a slight mod to driving style it got better during the later laps with less traffic as N2MINI stated.

A great time was had and a big thanks to Flow and Lee Davis for making this happen. I too would like more time on the Patroit course. Maybe VIR would lax their policy on cabrios on the smaller course.

mr.minianni

[CooperSKart]

We had a fantastic time! We got to see some wonderful old iron (GT-350's, Chaparals, Birdcage Maseratis, orig. Minis, lots of Lotuses (Loti?), etc. and even an old D-type Jag & a GT-40 static). The Patriot course was great! Kind of like a big open autocross course (w/o the cones of course) but it was still really tight compared to the main VIR track. We had plenty of opportunity to open up and let the MINIs rip and clip those apexes at speed! Many thanks also to Lee w/ Flow - he really made sure we had a good time and were taken care of!

[MidnightDave]

Ditto on a) great time, b) thanks Lee and Flow, c) Patriot course ROCKS for nimble, low hp cars, d) can't wait till next year. Here come the pics!

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/421/1282848imgmz0.jpg

This thing was just tooling down the road when I headed out, I heard him coming, grabbed the camera and luckily caught him as he went by, near Lowe's Motor Speedway.
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1056/1282841imgke2.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6550/1282849imghz2.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3135/1282881imggd5.jpg

[MidnightDave]

My new girlfriend--good looking, but a little shallow! ;-)
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/5261/1282872imgrc1.jpg

Even her curves weren't as nice as this!
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8595/1282895imgry2.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3936/1282896imget8.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6176/1282897imgvs4.jpg

[MidnightDave]

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/2697/1282865imgci0.jpg


http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/7179/1282878imgws6.jpg

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/3528/1282874imgcg3.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8272/1282873imgjb5.jpg

[MidnightDave]

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/5012/1282869imglk9.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6940/1282861imgpx5.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/8843/1282858imgbd2.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3299/1282851imggz1.jpg

[MidnightDave]

and of course, MINICH and her new friend!

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/811/1282871imgwj7.jpg

[Vango]

Great pics Dave..We also had a great time.. Thanks Flow and Lee!!!

[csc.rcc]

So, I just found out tonight that a bunch of you sat right next to my parent on Sunday. I couldn't go, but they had the blue pop-up right next to a huge crowd of THM members. Two middle age guys... probably pretty nondescript, one is a carfan the other is doing a whirlwind tour of all of life's interesting things because he has a very short-span terminal illness.

Anyhoo, they enjoyed sitting next to you all.

[MidnightDave]

Wow, were they in the Jag with the Goodwood Festival sticker in the back window? I almost asked about it, but I was a little spacy from the heat...sorry to hear about that fellow, he saw a good set of races...

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/7756/1282867imglo8.jpg