Virginia International Raceway - VIR Full Course
Virginia International Raceway - VIR Full Course Notes:
Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is a motorsports complex built during the late fifties in 1155 acres of farmland surrounded by the Dan River on three sides, near Alton, VA. It is part of the first wave of raceways built by members of the Sports Car Club of America to host regular motorsports events such as SCCA Trans-Am, IMSA GT, etc. The designer was Hooper D. Johnson, who used the concept of a three-dimensional racing track, which incorporates 130 ft. of elevation change through numerous up and down segments on its almost 7K feet of straight runs.
There are five possible layouts in the Virginia International Raceway: a 3.27 miles Full Course; a 2.25 miles North Course; a 1.65 miles South Course; a 1.1 miles Patriot Course; the Grand West Course, of 4.1 miles. Lots of blind turns and back-to-back left-right combinations keep the drivers guessing what's coming next. Racing in the Virginia countryside is an experience all motorsports enthusiasts should have, and this is the ideal place to bring to life the old way to race. With pleasant weather almost all year round, VIR is quite an option to enjoy your favorite motorsport.
Full Course Notes:
The Full Course configuration at Virginia International Raceway represents one of North America's most demanding road racing challenges, stretching 5.260 kilometers through 18 turns across Virginia's rolling countryside. This layout combines the original 1957 circuit design with modern refinements, featuring a dramatic 40-meter elevation change that creates blind crests, off-camber corners, and technical sections requiring absolute commitment. The 2014 repaving widened the track by six feet at strategic locations, improving overtaking opportunities while preserving the circuit's unforgiving character that has tested professional drivers for over six decades.
The Full Course's signature sections define its reputation among racers. The Climbing Esses (Turns 7-9) demand precise line selection as the track rises and falls through a rapid left-right-left-right combination where apex timing determines exit speed. Oak Tree (Turn 11) ranks among VIR's slowest corners, requiring patience before unleashing full throttle onto the 1,219-meter back straight. South Bend (Turn 10) presents a blind cresting left-hander dropping steeply on exit, while the Roller Coaster (Turn 14) mirrors Laguna Seca's famous Corkscrew in concept if not scale. The 914-meter front straight rewards powerful engines, though the technical middle sector separates momentum cars from raw horsepower. Major series including IMSA, AMA, and various club racing organizations utilize this configuration year-round, with lap times typically ranging from 1:50-2:10 depending on vehicle class and conditions.
| Name | Organization | Date |
|---|
