Regular readers know that VIR is my “home track”. By that I mean that it is close to home and a favorite track to spend time at if not actually drive the course.
This past weekend (including Friday) was a grand slam of sorts with many races under the auspices of IMSA (International Motor Sports Racing Association). It included F4, an open-wheeled formula that is used world-wide as a stepping stone to other formula series including Formula 1.
There was also the Lamborghini Trofeo, a spec series. The Porsche GT3 cup race. The Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, and the WeatherTech Championship.
The WeatherTech Championship cars were GTLM (GT Le Mans professional) that use the same technical regulations as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the GTD (GT Daytona pro-am) cars using the FIA GT3 technical specifications.
There were some notable cars in attendance in the GTLM class:
The GTD cars were plentiful.
The Lexus team had two cars that were featured in their garage area.
Maybe when it is retired it can be my next track day car? Well, I can dream.
Watching the F4 racers qualifying was very exciting. These are young drivers that often come from the “go-cart” ranks and drive with abandon.
Sometimes with too much abandon…
All for the pleasure of the podium.
Above is Jordan Sherratt #37
Above is Austin Kaszuba and his dad. They are in their second year and have their own web site: https://www.austinkaszubaracing.com/
Next year they are looking to move to F3.
VIR is one of the nicest race tracks in the country. It has rolling hills and green grass. Its full course is a challenge and a delight to drive with seventeen corners and over 130 foot elevation change with two long straights and the climbing esses.
It is a fan friendly track where you don’t need any special passes to wander about the paddock and get close to the teams and support staff.
Key to any racing are the racing tires (tyres). They are essential to finding the most grip and their construction is key to how the chassis is set up and what the driver can expect as he or she searches for the best line around the track.
Stacks and stacks of tires…
And Mr.Tire himself, the Michelin Man.
To keep all those tires filled were hundreds of bottles of…NITROGEN.
Nitrogen not only to fill tires with a dry and non-volatile gas, but to run essential tools:
Above is the impact gun used to release and secure the single lug nut that holds on each wheel.
VIR is a fun place to visit and watch races at and the gamut of fans goes from human to furry.
Many thanks goes out to the corner workers and the safety crews.
JIM'S GARAGE 
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