Virginia International Raceway

Track Info

Location	Alton, Virginia
Type	Permanent Road Course
Length	3.27 miles (5.26 km) - Full Course
Turns	17
Surface	Asphalt
Capacity	~50,000
Opened	1957 (reopened 2000)

Track Characteristics

Virginia International Raceway is one of the most beautiful and demanding road courses in North America. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Virginia-North Carolina border, VIR's 3.27-mile Full Course winds through 17 turns across 130 feet of elevation change, with long straights of 3,000 and 4,000 feet that allow GTP prototypes to reach extraordinary speeds before plunging into technical braking zones.

What makes VIR special is the combination of speed and scenery. The circuit flows through dense forests and open meadows, with the rolling terrain creating a natural amphitheater effect for spectators. Carroll Shelby won the inaugural race here in 1957 driving a Maserati 450S and famously declared, "One lap at VIR equals a hundred at Watkins Glen." Whether or not you agree with the comparison, VIR's technical demands are undeniable.

The Full Course features a mix of corner types that test every aspect of a car's setup. The fast, sweeping bends in the North section reward aerodynamic grip and driver confidence. The tighter corners in the South section demand precise turn-in and strong mechanical grip. The Climbing Esses are a signature sequence where the track rises through a series of left-right-left transitions that require perfect car placement and throttle control. Oak Tree Turn, a fast right-hander, is one of the most respected corners on the circuit and has been the scene of many decisive moments in GT racing.

The Michelin GT Challenge at VIR traditionally focuses on GT competition, making it a highlight of the season for the GTD Pro and GTD classes. The rolling hills and tight spectator areas create an intimate atmosphere that is very different from the bigger endurance events, and the August date means hot conditions that push tires and cooling systems to their limits.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC is about 60 miles south. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is about 100 miles northwest. Danville Regional Airport is about 20 miles east for private aviation.
Nearest City	Danville, VA is about 20 miles east. The track sits in the rural community of Alton, near the Virginia-North Carolina border on the banks of the Dan River.

Series That Race Here

• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Michelin GT Challenge at VIR
• IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
• MotoAmerica Superbike Championship
• NASA - National Auto Sport Association events
• SCCA - Club racing and track days throughout the year

2026 IMSA Event Info

Race Name	Michelin GT Challenge at VIR
Date	August 20, 2026
Duration	2 hours 40 minutes
TV	Peacock, NBCSN
GT Focus	Traditionally a GT-focused round with GTD Pro and GTD class battles as the main attraction

Notable Past IMSA / Sports Car Races

• 1957 - Inaugural Race: Carroll Shelby won the very first race at VIR driving a Maserati 450S on August 3, 1957. The track was built by local motorsport enthusiasts on farmland owned by the Foote family and quickly earned a reputation as one of America's finest road courses.
• 1974 - Closure: VIR closed its gates in 1974 and sat dormant for over 25 years. The track fell into disrepair, but the layout was largely preserved, and motorsport enthusiasts never forgot the circuit's quality.
• 2000 - Reopening: VIR reopened in March 2000 with world-class facilities and resort amenities, including an on-site lodge, spa, and multiple track configurations. The reopened circuit has become one of the premier club and professional racing venues in North America.
• 2019: The Michelin GT Challenge produced an intense battle between Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari in the GTLM class, with the undulating circuit providing a perfect stage for close GT racing that came down to the final laps.
• 2023: The GT-focused event saw GTD Pro and GTD class cars fighting door-to-door through VIR's 17 turns, with the hot August conditions playing a major role in tire degradation and strategy.

Track Facts

• VIR originally opened on August 3, 1957, and Carroll Shelby won the inaugural race in a Maserati 450S. Shelby called VIR one of the best circuits he had ever driven.
• The track was closed from 1974 to 2000 - a 26-year dormancy. When it reopened, the essential character of the original layout was preserved while modern safety and facility upgrades were added.
• VIR offers five track configurations that can be run simultaneously on different sections of the property, from the 4.2-mile Grand Course down to the 1.1-mile Patriot Course.
• The Full Course features 130 feet of elevation change, with long 3,000- and 4,000-foot straights that create dramatic speed contrasts between the fast and slow sections of the lap.
• VIR is less than half a mile from the North Carolina border and sits on the banks of the Dan River, giving it one of the most scenic natural settings of any racing circuit in the country.
• The on-site VIR Lodge allows race teams, track day participants, and spectators to stay within walking distance of the paddock, creating a resort-like motorsport experience that is rare in American racing.

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