As the summer break concludes this week, SRO America’s series are set to make their highly anticipated return to one of the most revered tracks in the country, VIRginia International Raceway. Located in the rolling hills and lush greenery of Alton, Virginia, VIR is more than just a race track, it's a motorsport haven rich in history, challenge, and beauty. As we gear up for another thrilling weekend of racing, we spoke to some of Virginia’s very own racing drivers to hear all about what makes VIR so special.
VIR's layout spans 3.27 miles and features 17 turns that challenge every aspect of a driver's skill set. It features rapid elevation changes and blind crests, highlighting the demanding nature of the track that requires both respect and finesse.
James Clay, driver of the No. 36 BimmerWorld BMW M4 GT4 G82 in the Pirelli GT4 America championship, is no stranger to VIR. He explained that “VIR is one of my absolute favorite tracks in the world, and with it being located only a couple of hours from our shop and home, this is my favorite race weekend of the SRO season.”
After sweeping the weekend in the Am class in last year’s event, the Blacksburg, Virginia native is eagerly awaiting his return to his home track; “We've already tested at VIR earlier this year and I look forward to starting off strong where we ended that test, and hopefully another weekend of wins to replicate last year!”
Colin Garrett also stood on the podium last year in the TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School championship, and now will face a new challenge as a part of the GT4 America field.
“VIR is always a special race for myself,” said Colin Garrett. “I am only 20 minutes down the road in South Boston, Virginia. I do a lot of coaching on my off weeks at the facility as well, so this event means a lot.”
As he stepped up into GT4 machinery this season, he acknowledged that “the track itself is so demanding, and in order to be perfect and fast you have to find that edge where the car and yourself are both constantly on the limit. Once you’re there, you get into a flow state. The feeling of perfecting the Uphill Esses into Southbend with Oak Tree finishing off the section is a feeling of none other.”
“I’ve had great success at VIR in past years,” he continued. “I look forward to adding to that this weekend with my co-driver Zac Anderson and the Auto Technic Racing crew in our #51 11/11 Veteran Project/BMW of Ridgefield BMW M Motorsport M4 GT4. This place is truly heaven on earth.”
We invite all racing fans to join us at VIRginia International Raceway from July 19th to 21st for an experience that combines top-tier GT racing with a challenging circuit, promising a weekend of unforgettable motorsport action ahead. Buy your tickets now!