11/11/11 - VIR Holiday Laps

[jcauseyfd]

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VIRginia International Raceway's
ANNUAL HOLIDAY LAPS
Friday, November 11, 2011











< Alton, VA - October 18, 2011 >

The 2011 Holiday season is approaching just as fast as the cars on our track, which means it's time for VIRginia International Raceway's annual Holiday Laps charity benefit. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to drive their vehicles on the historic 3.27 mile VIR track and see firsthand why Car and Driver Magazine calls it "one of the top 6 road courses in the U.S.A." But best of all, while enjoying the exhilaration of cruising the track, drivers will be helping others at the same time.

Holiday Laps will be held on Friday, November 11th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last group taking the track at 3:30 PM that day. The cost is $25 per session, which will last from 20 to 25 minutes. Donations of $25 in cash, unwrapped toys or non-perishable food items will be accepted. All donations are tax deductible and will benefit the Danville Salvation Army and their Christmas Holiday programs.

Several companies have kicked in to help everyone have fun. F&S Photography will be donating a free 8x10 color photo on site to every vehicle that participates. TMI AutoTech will once again be offering rides in their Ariel Atom performance car (which is manufactured locally) for $10 a session, all of which will go to the Salvation Army. The VIR Kart Track will be open all day, offering an opportunity to hone one's racing skills on a state-of-the-art 5/8 mile paved karting circuit and The Oak Tree Spa will be open for appointments as well. Raffles will be held throughout
the day, and there may even be a visit from Santa again this year.

"We are extremely grateful to our friends at VIR for coming alongside us and helping to meet the needs of our community. This year has been hard for so many of the families that are coming through our doors. We are going to need that extra support from Holiday Laps. What a unique opportunity to allow people to get out there and DO GOOD, and do it fast," enthused Captain Karl Dahlin, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army.

If you would like to donate a service or door prize to make this event even more special, please contact Crista Walker at 434.822.7700 ext 116 or by e-mailing her at cwalker@VIRnow.com. VIR will also be happy to make special arrangements for local car clubs or other organizations.



We invite you to come, enjoy the fun and help support a great cause!














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Recently chosen as one of Car & Driver's Top 6 tracks in the nation, VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia. VIR hosts a wide range of professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing and track events, and is well established as "America's Motorsport Resort." For further information, call 434-822-7700 or visit our web site at www.VIRnow.com (http://www.VIRnow.com) and subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on facebook.















VIRginia International Raceway1245 Pine Tree Road · Alton, Virginia 24520 · 434.822.7700

www.VIRnow.com (http://www.VIRnow.com)

[N2MINI]

I have that day off and circled, hope to attend this year..

[yardofbeef]

I had my day off booked since about March. This is a great event - lots to see, good people, nice cars, and the chance to enjoy VIR amenities. And it's for charity. Everyone's a winner !!!

[fleazilla]

Any costs to worry about? Might have to see you guys there..

[N2MINI]

I believe it is $25 per session and you go out as many sessions as you'd like!!!! \
Session is approx. 20 minutes

[fleazilla]

I new there had to be a a catch to it!, if you think about it though that's really cheap compared to what it would normally be.. Can't wait!

[yardofbeef]

We (Karen and I) had a blast there when we went to this event earlier in the year.
There are a load of nice cars to drool over, and the opportunity to look over the amenities that VIR has to offer.
They had laid on free go-karting, had tours of the villas and spa (free manicures) - and a really good buffet was open (at very reasonable price).
I hope they do the same in November - it's definitely one we'll be doing again....

[racephan]

Looks like I get to go this year! Hoping to get a colleague to come along with his MINI as well.

[jtmcalp]

Looks like I get to go this year! Hoping to get a colleague to come along with his MINI as well.

I will be coming. :) Not sure yet if I am taking the MINI or the BMW though.

[fleazilla]

Well that just depends on which one drives better? I personally would like to see more mini's but it just depends Wich one it more fun to drive? (mini) or goes around curves better (mini) so ultimately it comes down to better(mini) judgment..I'm sure you will make the(mini) write choice..

[fleazilla]

I've asked off unless something comes up I should be there..

[jtmcalp]

Well that just depends on which one drives better? I personally would like to see more mini's but it just depends Wich one it more fun to drive? (mini) or goes around curves better (mini) so ultimately it comes down to better(mini) judgment..I'm sure you will make the(mini) write choice..

Hahah. Yeah i have been tracking the MINI this season and it has been awsome! But just got a deal on an e36 M3. So i picked that up but it needs shocks and bushings so if they are done in time i would like to give it a spin out there since this will more than likely be my last time on track for the season.

[BThayer23]

That's a nice car, very capable on the track, probably the best chassis for HPDEs thanks to its mix of affordable parts, wealth of racing development, and fantastic handling and balance. And it doesn't have too much horsepower that will make a bad driver think he's fast.

Did you run the Mustang Club school at CMP in June? I think I remember seeing a BRG MINI - I had the blue one.

[jtmcalp]

That's a nice car, very capable on the track, probably the best chassis for HPDEs thanks to its mix of affordable parts, wealth of racing development, and fantastic handling and balance. And it doesn't have too much horsepower that will make a bad driver think he's fast.

Did you run the Mustang Club school at CMP in June? I think I remember seeing a BRG MINI - I had the blue one.

Oh yeah that was me. I do remember talking with you a bunch. I ran a couple more events after that, with some much better tires and a rear sway bar things got better for the MINI.

are you going to the holiday laps?

[fleazilla]

Fine then,I guess I can't blame you,newer toy got to get some play! I hope it's up and ready to go,it would suck not being able to run it..

[BThayer23]

are you going to the holiday laps?

I'm thinking about it. We just won a big project at work that's supposed to start up before the end of the month, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to take the time off.

[racephan]

I will be coming. :) Not sure yet if I am taking the MINI or the BMW though.

Haha, you joined. Awesome.

[jcauseyfd]

First post updated with a copy of the email I received regarding the event.

[Max Headroom]

Glad to see you're going to be there Stuart! This will be my sixth straight year at this event. Last time in April (the Ronald McDonald House benefit) my car was in the shop, so a friend of mine brought out a new Camaro SS for that fund raiser and we had a blast in it. That was the first rear wheel drive car I've ever driven at VIR. This Holiday Laps will see Max Headroom back with a final run on the Goodyear tires before they get replaced. I hope the weather will be as nice as last year. Rain or shine this event is well worth it!

Gary

[jcauseyfd]

VIR put up the pic below on Twitter and Facebook. It is a pic of turn 14 (Roller Coaster) prior to it reopening in 2000.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/294144_10150366762667488_40483792487_8128031_1153649316_n.jpg

[N2MINI]

VIR came alive quick after that. I was there in 2001 for a Keith Code Superbike School and the place looked great. I didn't know till a few years later that it had been run down at all....

[HellonWheels]

for these holiday laps, is it going to be like the parade laps we did in september? no passing and following a pace car? also, do we need helmets this time??

[yardofbeef]

It's similar - i.e. pace car and no passing. Helmet is not required. Converibles are allowed.
The pace is generally faster, and there are a lot of other performace cars on the track, Porsche, BMX, Lotus, Mustang, Vipers & 'vettes - (all good eye candy).
Notice - i said there are a lot of performance cars, but NOT always performance drivers - as with anything of this sort, you could be limited a little by the guy / girl in front.
Time is 20-25 minutes per session, and you'll generally get ~6 -8 laps in during that time. You can sign up at the gate for as many sessions as you want, or buy more sessions when you are in the main paddock area - it's your call.
The pace usually picks up towards the end of the day as the number of drivers thins out.
(Wear something warm - on a cold day, the wind whips through the area and can chill you through to the bone.)

[N2MINI]

What time is anyone planning to get up there.. I still hope to be there and will probably not get there till around 11 in hopes that it thins out some as Stuart mentioned and I can only get in but so many sessions $$$ wise...

[N2MINI]

As of now weather up there for Friday is partly cloudy and high of 48 degrees!!!
So who is going and what time do you plan to be there??
I know there are a few from the W-S area going maybe we can ride up together.
Not sure if they will have a "lunch break" or if it is eat whenever you want and the sessions continue on.. but I was thinking of getting up there just before lunch
and getting in one session then eating lunch there and getting in another one alittle later before heading home..

For those who have been in the past what time does it usually "thin out" maybe I should wait till after lunch to do my 2 sessions or so???

[jcauseyfd]

I'm hoping to be up there between 9 and 10 am. I usually get at least one session in during the morning.

They do usually break for lunch around 12 - 12:30 for about an hour. The Atom may keep running during that time, but that is about it. I always just get a burger and fries at the concession stand.

If I do an afternoon session, I'll usually go for one right after lunch. Normally, I then leave after that.

[fanta]

Arriving around 1:30 and hope to get in 2 runs before the 3:30 cut-off.

[yardofbeef]

In my (extremely limited) first-hand experience, as you turn up you will be put into one of 4 groups (indicated by a small sticker on your windshield).
One group sets off every 30 minutes or thereabouts. As the day goes on, i have seen the numbers in each group thin out, so that later in the day 2 smaller groups may be bundled together to keep things moving. Because of this, your day will naturally be broken up as other groups are on the track.
At the end of the day (at the last event) , they made a "last-call" for anyone, so the final group was just those remaining who wanted to go out for a final time.

You can purchase your sessions at the entry gate, but can also sign up for more later in the main paddock if you feel like doing more. You'll get a wristband for each session, and you hand it into an official just before you get onto the track. (so don't think you have to sign up for everything as you roll through the entrance gate).

Lunch is on your own schedule - There are concession stands for food, or there is usually an all you can eat buffet for around $12. The buffet food is very good, and dining facilities are considerably better - silverware and tablecloths inside vs. sitting outside at a picnic table in November. I know where i'll be.

There are other "distractions" - the go-karts for instance, are a blast. Jake, Lee and I did this at MiniPallooza and it was a rip.
At the Charity laps event in March, they were doing something like 5 free laps on the carts, just so you could try some of the other stuff VIR had to offer.
I don't know if they are doing any free samples at this event, but i'd recommend folks doing the anyway - at least you will get the satisfaction of being able to pass someone. Carts were $25 a session, and FUN. Anyone up for a race? - we could have a Mini Only group if enough are interested!!!

I'm getting there early, but simply because i enjoy hanging out at this event (there's usually lots of good stuff to see and do), and will be there until later in the day. I'll do about 2-3 sessions over the day - last time i did 2 - it's quite intense if you've not done it before, and you may actually appreciate some downtime.

This was a little more than i intended to write, but hope it's of use for any 1st timers at this. And don't forget - It's all for charity - you have a great time and you get to write it off on your taxes!!!

[N2MINI]

So if I'm in "Run Group 1" and skip a session I can't go again till the other 3 groups run which will be 1 - 1.5 hours later?? or can I ease into another group...

[jcauseyfd]

That is how it works Bryan. If you get there early enough, there may only be two groups, possibly a third starting to form, so they cycle through fairly fast.

I think last year they ended up with five or six groups at the peak (which is usually just before or after lunch).

Then, as the afternoon wears on, and folks start leaving and groups get combined, they'll start to cycle through a bit faster.

[N2MINI]

Thanks,

[yinyang2coops]

I'm going - will be there early. See you all there! --Brett

[fleazilla]

Man things just aren't quite there my wife got her 1st paycheck and we just can't make it till we get everything caught up,good news is we pretty much are but we just don't have the cash this paycheck to spare enjoying ourselves just yet,but the next event we are there! Have fun guys,if your questioning going just go! You won't regret it! Is Stewart was saying the go-carts were a blast I highly recommend taking one for a spin!

Everyone have fun be safe and be smart,just watch out for all the other boring cars that get in your way cause they can't keep up with you in he turns..

[Augie05]

Anyone have thoughts or experience using summer performance tires at vir with temps in the mid to upper 40s? I have a set of conti max performance tires on my mini. Will they warm up enough to be safe at these temps?

I know temps 10 to 15 degrees lower would be challenging with these tires.

[jcauseyfd]

Seems like a couple years ago it was pretty cool and my summers did fine.

Sent from my Galaxy Tab via Tapatalk.

[Flynscot0256]

Looks like I might just get the afternoon off to head to VIR. I will be leaving from Greensboro around 11:30am:star:

[jcauseyfd]

Stuck in a long line at the gate. Looks like it is going to be a big turnout. Maybe more than usual because it is a holiday.

Posted using Tapatalk on my HTC EVO.

[N2MINI]

My first time doing this event. Got to the turn in to VIR at 10:30. Had to wait just to get on the property. Took 45 minutes from there to get to the ticket booth to pay to get in... Couple cars didn't want to wait and turned around and left... Once we got to our line of parking for group G we had an hour and a half wait thru the 30 minute lunch break. Our session lasted 14 minutes from pit road to pit road and we got in 3 laps.. Guess they were trying to speed up the process as there were lots of cars. I estimate atleast 200... After our run we decided to head out as it was already 2:00 and wasn't sure we'd actually get in another session by the 3:30 deadline for the last session.. It was fun, glad I went, got to see some cool cars, Lambo, 2 Cobras, Daytona Coupe, few Vipers, Mustangs and Corvettes by the dozens... Not sure I'll be going back though at over $7.50 per lap...

[MiniCuse]

The turnout was alot more than the last one I went to. I would assume that is holiday related. Last time I went early and was in Group B. I did two sessions and was on my way home by 1 p.m. or so. This time I arrived around 1230 and was put in Group H. When we got out on the track it was Group B and Group H on the track together. Throw in some slow people at the front of that large of a group and it made for a pretty pedestrian pace. I didn't bother sticking around for another session. Next time I'll get up there early.

[jcauseyfd]

I got there just after 9:30 and had to wait an hour to get through the gate. Then, I had just missed Group D's run. So my first run was not until after the lunch break. After that, I spent a good hour taking some pics (to be posted shortly) and then waited for the free pic of me on the track. Finally left just before 3:00. It did seem that starting about 2:00 they started combining the groups to help people get more laps in. I think Group D went 2 or 3 more times that afternoon while I was there. But yeah, with the huge turnout, it was a bit on the frustrating side. I noted the groups went all they way up through Group I - most I've ever seen there.

That is the first time I recall seeing anyone with a Lambo out there. From watching him while taking pics, he obviously had lots of speed on the straights, but was not doing so well in the twisty bits. Managed to get parked next to him for this pic:

http://hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/326278_10150441867710479_534620478_10729988_1818317826_o.jpg

[HellonWheels]

Had a good time even with the wait and everything. Best thing was my wife's commentary on the video I was trying to take. Needless to say I won't be able to post the video without editing the sound out of it. We got stuck behind a slow moving corvette and another Mini driver. The vette was really slowing everybody down. But what do expect from any Chevrolet?? Did hit 105 on the straights a couple times and 103 in the S curves. So that was pretty cool. Would I want to do it again, maybe, but not at $25 for 4 laps in 14 minutes. We got 3 parade laps at Minipalooza for free. And we didn't have to wait over 2 hours total to run. I really think the crowd overwhelmed VIR this year and they weren't prepared to handle it. It shouldnt take 45 minutes to sign a waiver, hand them $25 and them give you a wrist band and put a sticker on your windshield. And if you are going to have a pace car leading the pack, they should be moving pretty good, not just out for Sunday stroll.

[Augie05]

Timing is everything even with vir holiday laps. We got there at 1230 and only waited 5 min at the gate. We got in two runs and prob could have gotten in a third but decided to walk around and check out the cars instead. Much of the pace was slow but we did manage to hit 115 on back straight before having to slow for a rx8. Actually the rx8 held us back multiple times. It was my 19 year old son driving the last run behind the rx8. We had a great time but as mentioned timing and luck had a play here.

Overall, mini more than held its own at vir. Also noticed LSD doing its job multiple times! Too bad mini does not offer a real LSD anymore. I guess this makes my car a bit rare...

[Flynscot0256]

I got there at approx 12:40 no wait at the gate, I waited about an hour and a half to do my laps it was OK. Anyone can go fast on the straightaways, it is the twisties where I like to eat up the road. I had a blast. the GP stuck on the road. It was a nice charity event, but I dont think VIR were ready for this many cars.

[jcauseyfd]

Decided to try something a little different this time and uploaded some pics to Flickr. Here is the link:

2011 VIR Holiday Laps (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjwH98wX)

[racephan]

I had a great time Friday at the VIR Holiday Laps. Ended up being at the track about twice as long as expected but luckily, the day was open. Drove up from Raleigh with a group of friends in my MINI, a BMW M3, an Audi A4, a S4, Sonata turbo and a VW GTI.
Waited as the others said about 45 minutes to get through the gates than another 90 minutes or more to get on the track for a 3 lap, 11 minute drive. We were towards the front of our group behind a few Hondas but the Passat pace car was dragging ass on the straights so it was really tough to exceed 100mph. I went to Holiday Laps in 2009 and the speeds on the straights behind the GTI pace car back than were much higher and that was in the wet.
My second time on track, I was in the front behind the pace car. We got in 6 laps, 20 minutes+ and while the speeds were kept down again, I still hit 100mph in the uphill esses and had many moments where the DTC came on throughout my laps ahead of my buddy in a much stronger M3. I had a GoPro cam on my roof so I am looking forward to getting the video from that.
Met a few MINI club members including Jeff and theflyingScot in his sweet ass GP MINI. There were a lot of MINIs there overall compared to other makes/models probably only exceeded by S2000 owners. Overall, it was like a car show with lots of nice cars on track and in the paddock.
I got to ride in the backseat of my buddy's M3 for the last session of the day behind a colleague in his Z06 Vette. That was a nice way to wrap the day. Too bad the Atom rides booked up so quick, I wanted to give that a try.
Thanks as always to VIR for hosting a fun, affordable event.


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-gRTjrGZ/0/M/i-gRTjrGZ-M.jpg

[Dirt]

It was fun, glad I went, got to see some cool cars, Lambo, 2 Cobras, Daytona Coupe, few Vipers, Mustangs and Corvettes by the dozens....
Was that Daytona, by any chance, a light blue metallic color?

[N2MINI]

It was the "standard" Shelby Blue but not metallic... The couple that was driving it were probably mid to upper 30's...

[fanta]

On board video from my 2nd run of the day.


http://youtu.be/XHTqDhN5qmk

[Augie05]

I just took a peak at the video. Looks like you got the entire run....

Is that a black SUV that you are following... hard to tell in the piece that I saw.

[fanta]

I just took a peak at the video. Looks like you got the entire run....

Is that a black SUV that you are following... hard to tell in the piece that I saw.

Yeah, the video is entire 2nd run of the day. I am following my friend in a Ford Focus who sadly went into the tire wall in Hog Pen during our 3rd session

[jcauseyfd]

Yeah, the video is entire 2nd run of the day. I am following my friend in a Ford Focus who sadly went into the tire wall in Hog Pen during our 3rd session

For his sake, I hope the tire walls do less damage than the Armco.

[Augie05]

Ouch... hit a tire wall. How fast was he going and how much damage?

I also heard (second hand) about a Mustang hitting the wall coming right out of the paddock. I guess he couldn't handle the massive power of a Mustang on the track?? If anyone else has anymore details please share....

[fanta]

Ouch... hit a tire wall. How fast was he going and how much damage?..

Not sure of the speed, but it was the 3rd session of the day and he had been through that corner many times that afternoon. I suppose he just pushed a little too much this lap and was just carrying to much speed into turn 16 and the back end came out. He corrected it just fine, but both drivers side tires got into the grass and he was just a passenger at that point. The damage was only cosmetic to the drivers side front an rear fenders and bumper. He was able to drive it home luckily.

[N2MINI]

Here are a couple of the pics I took.. Click on each pic for larger view..
8860886188628863

[yardofbeef]

Ouch... hit a tire wall. How fast was he going and how much damage?

I also heard (second hand) about a Mustang hitting the wall coming right out of the paddock. I guess he couldn't handle the massive power of a Mustang on the track?? If anyone else has anymore details please share....


I was standing in line for the Atom when this happened, - a ringside seat. It was an orange / rust colored Mach1 Mustang.
As the cars were heading out onto the track, this driver was making the right turn into the pit lane, and giving it some with the revs hoping for a spectacular start (which they got). Turning right, with high revs, i guess he popped the clutch out, the rear of the car came around and he gracefully smacked the rear driver side of it into the armco.

I saw the car later, up on jacks with the rear wheel off, being inspected for internal damage. I would guess it was more his bodywork and pride that were hurt more than anything else. It's the only car i saw spin-out that day that never even made it onto the track.

Best of all, I had a look at his plates on the way past - CRNRCRVR (cornercarver). Ooops.

[HellonWheels]

Yeah this same guy in the Mach1 took his car off the jackstands and backed it right into a huge blue trash can that was right at the rear passenger side of his car. It just wasnt his day at all.

[JohnT]

I was there for the first time in a Mini (the Electric Blue car in jcauseyfd Flickr post). Got there early to get behind the Pace car (usually the best spot), but too many cars in each group had us catching the back of the field by the second lap. Didn't really get a chance to test the limits of my car like I had hoped. Good time anyway. Saw some nice cars and rode in the Ariel.

[Augie05]

Does anyone have the link to the photos taken by the pro group that was there?

Thanks!

[tScott]

www.fandsenterprises.com