ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA Jan 23-26
DETROIT STREET CIRCUIT May 30-31 ROAD AMERICA Jul 31 - Aug 3
2025 RACE SCHEDULE
SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY Mar 12-15
MID- OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE Jun 6-8
LONG BEACH STREET CIRCUIT Apr 11-12
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL Jun 19-22
WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA May 9-11
CANADIAN TIRE MOTORSPORT PARK Jul 11-13
VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY Aug 22-24
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY Sep 19-21
MICHELIN RACEWAY ROAD ATLANTA Oct 8-11
FULL THROTTLE DEFENSE
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IMSA 2024
Greetings IMSA Race Fans,
On behalf of the France family and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), we are honored to welcome you back to VIRginia International Raceway for this weekend’s Michelin GT Challenge at VIR.
Sunday’s two-hour, 40-minute race will feature the highly competitive IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT classes representing world-class manufacturers and a full field of the best sports car racing teams and drivers in the world. The factory-backed GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class showcases tremendous production-based GT machinery, world-class teams and all-pro driver lineups battling for honors in the lone GT-only race this WeatherTech Championship season. The GT Daytona (GTD) class also features a broad range of sports cars from many of the world’s greatest manufacturers shared by Pro-Am driver lineups.
In addition to the WeatherTech Championship weekend headliner, three other IMSA-sanctioned series are on tap. Saturday’s schedule is highlighted by the Virginia Is for Racing Lovers Grand Prix, the two-hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge battle of production-based racers from the Grand Sport (GS) and Touring Car (TCR) classes. It’s sure to be a thrilling race from the green flag all the way to the checkered.
On top of that this weekend, the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge featuring Le Mans Prototype 3 and GT4 race cars will conduct a pair of 45-minute sprint races – one each on Saturday and Sunday. The same goes for a very popular single-make series, the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin. That means you’re getting six IMSA-sanctioned races at VIR for a jam-packed, nonstop weekend of on-track entertainment.
IMSA continually sets the bar as the ideal motorsports platform featuring the most advanced machinery, the widest array of global auto manufacturers participating, fast drivers and iconic venues like VIR. We intend to push the limits of the sport, now and in the future, and hope you continue to come along for the ride.
While you’re here, make sure to obtain one of our Fan Guides, which has a weekend schedule and illustrations of each race car in the field to determine who’s who on the racetrack. You’ll also notice digital displays on all WeatherTech Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge race cars. These inform you where each is running in its class throughout a race.
Also, be sure to download the IMSA app for live Timing & Scoring, onboard cameras and up-to-the-minute news and information. Follow IMSA on our various social media platforms as well. And whenever you can’t be with us at the racetrack, be sure to tune into NBC Sports’ outstanding IMSA coverage on the NBC and USA television networks or streaming on Peacock.
Thank you again for joining us this weekend!
Best Regards,
Ed Bennett
John Doonan CEO President
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A LETTER FROM CONNIE
DEAR VIR FRIENDS,
Welcome back to VIRginia International Raceway and thank you so much for joining us for the 2024 Michelin GT Challenge IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the VIRginia is for Racing Lovers Grand Prix IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. We’re so grateful to have you back at VIR and I hope I get to personally “make howdys” with you as I walk around VIR’s 1250 acres this weekend.
We are pleased to welcome Michelin back as our title partner and we are excited by their engagement with our collective fans this weekend through the Michelin Hot Lap Experience. We are truly honored to collaborate with such an innovative and supportive company that mirrors our desire to continue unprecedented advancement within the racing world. We are excited to welcome Virginia Tourism back as well. VIR is proud to be a member of Racing Virginia and we encourage you to visit various tracks throughout the Commonwealth.
I often say that I have the best job on the planet and it’s true. Over the 26 years since Harvey Siegel and I began resurrecting VIR, we have built the best team in motorsports and continually invested in improving the racetracks and building new facilities. We hope that all of you – the participants, spectators, partners, officials, and the VIR Team- all get to experience and enjoy at least some of the improvements we have made including twelve new Villas that are currently under construction and will be finished in December, and fifty-nine new long-term storage garages that opened earlier this year. To purchase a Villa or rent a garage, email lodge@virnow.com.
We have a full calendar with an accomplished and diverse array of track renters. Our continuing focus on hosting corporate and group events with our on-site partnersSkip Barber, Kaizen Autosport, Racing for Heroes’ off-road and shooting adventures, and the VIR Kart Track – has enabled more people to enjoy more of VIR. If you’re interested in bringing your group, visit VIRnow.com! While you are here, make time to visit Caesars Casino and Resort. The temporary gaming facility is open 24/7 at 1100 West Main Street in Danville, in advance of the permanent facility which will open before the end of the year. Be sure to come back to VIR for dinner and drinks at Oak Tree Tavern or Connie’s Pub before retiring to our newly renovated rooms or Villas to rest up for another exciting day at the track so many of y’all call “Home”.
We have a lot to be thankful for at VIR and we’re looking forward to a very bright future ahead of us, thanks to your enthusiastic support! We hope you enjoy your weekend and get to make a howdy with some of VIR’s new staff members or those that you have come to know over the years . . . and, of course, me!
As I always say, “Come back, come often and bring your friends!” . . . next year and the year after and the years after that!
Best always,
Connie Nyholm Co-Owner & CEO
VIRginia International Raceway
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS *
AUGUST 23-25, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
8:00 am - 8:30 am PRACTICE #1 - HSR NASCAR CLASSIC
8:45 am - 9:25 am PRACTICE #1 - MAZDA MX-5
9:40 am - 10:25 am PRACTICE #1 - VP CHALLENGE
10:25 am - 11:25 am PRACTICE #1 - MICHELIN CHALLENGE
11:25 am - 12:25 pm Lunch
12:25 pm - 12:55 pm PRACTICE #2 - MAZDA MX-5
1:10 pm - 1:40 pm PRACTICE #2 - VP CHALLENGE
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm PRACTICE #1 - WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP (All Classes)
3:50 pm - 4:50 pm PRACTICE #2 - MICHELIN CHALLENGE
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm QUALIFYING - HSR NASCAR CLASSIC
5:50 pm - 6:05 pm QUALIFYING - VP CHALLENGE GSX
6:10 pm - 6:25 pm QUALIFYING - VP CHALLENGE P3
Saturday, August 24, 2024
8:00 am - 8:15 am QUALIFYING - MICHELIN CHALLENGE TCR
8:20 am - 8:35 am QUALIFYING - MICHELIN CHALLENGE GS
8:50 am - 9:20 am RACE #1 - HSR NASCAR CLASSIC
9:35 am - 9:55 am QUALIFYING - MAZDA MX-5
10:15 am - 12:00 pm PRACTICE #2 - WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP (All Classes)
12:20 pm - 1:05 pm RACE #1 - VP CHALLENGE - 45 MINUTES
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm DRIVER AUTOGRAPH SESSION - WeatherTech Championship at Team Transporters in the Paddock
1:05 pm - 2:05 pm Break / Pre-Race
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm BMW CAR CORRAL PARADE LAPS (IMSA)
1:20 pm - 2:05 pm PRE-RACE - OPEN GRID / FAN WALK - PIT LANE - MICHELIN CHALLENGE
1:30 pm - 1:50 am Corvette Car Corral Parade Laps (IMSA)
2:15 pm - 4:15 pm RACE - VIRGINIA IS FOR RACING LOVERS GRAND PRIX FOR THE IMSA MICHELIN PILOT CHALLENGE - 2 HOURS
4:20 pm - 4:45 pm POST-RACE - MICHELIN CHALLENGE
4:20 pm - 4:40 pm Mustang Car Corral Laps - limit 100 cars (IMSA)
4:50 pm - 5:05 pm QUALIFYING - WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP (GTD/GTD PRO - Any Driver)
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm Race #2 - HSR NASCAR Classic
6:05 pm - 6:50 pm RACE #1 - MAZDA MX-5 - 45 MINUTES
8:30 pm - 8:45 pm HITACHI ENERGY FIREWORKS SHOW (from Patriot Paddock)
Sunday, August 25, 2024
8:10 am - 8:30 am PORSCHE CAR CORRAL PARADE LAPS (IMSA)
8:40 am - 9:25 am RACE #2 - VP CHALLENGE - 45 MINUTES
9:40 am - 9:45 am PRE-RACE - MAZDA MX-5
9:45 am - 10:30 am RACE #2 - MAZDA MX-5 - 45 MINUTES
11:00 am - 11:50 am WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP - OPEN GRID / FAN WALK - PIT LANE
11:00 am - 11:45 am IMSA HOT LAP EXPERIENCE (by invitation only)
12:10 pm - 2:50 pm RACE - MICHELIN GT CHALLENGE AT VIR FOR THE IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP - 2 Hours and 40 Minutes
*Schedule Subject to Change
VIR MAP
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MICHELIN - A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION
Michelin has been a dominant force in motorsports for over a century, and their involvement in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence in racing. IMSA, founded in 1969, is North America’s premier sports car racing organization, and Michelin has been the official tire supplier for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship since 2019.
The WeatherTech SportsCar Championship features some of the most prestigious endurance races in North America, and you can experience Michelin performance this weekend! Visit the Michelin booth in the fan zone to register for a ride on the 1.1-mile Patriot Course, featuring manufacturer partner high-performance vehicles from the IMSA field showcasing Michelin tire performance.
Michelin has enjoyed a strategic partnership with VIRginia International Raceway for more than a decade and served as the official tire and title sponsor of the Michelin GT Challenge at VIRginia International since 2017. VIR is a unique setting that serves a broad region of enthusiasts and is often a signature location for tire and vehicle testing. Take a picture with the Michelin Man statue to let everyone know what they’re missing!
One of the key factors that make Michelin a dominant force in motorsports is their relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. Michelin’s engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries of tire technology, developing new compounds, constructions, and tread designs to improve performance, durability, and safety.
Fans can get a glimpse of the latest technology this weekend within the GT class, which launched the new Michelin Pilot Sport Pro tire. This tire has been built with sustainability and performance in mind, with IMSA and Michelin set to reduce tire allocations by 17 percent in the 2024 season. This marks the first time a Michelin has introduced a new tire into an existing class since 2019.
Speaking to sustainability, Michelin has set itself a huge challenge. By 2050 all Michelin tires, which include motorsports, will be made solely from recycled or renewable biobased materials. During its in-use phase, an “all sustainable” tire is safer, more economical and longer lasting. In GTP and GTD classes, that means extending the time between fuel runs (stints) through the extended performance life of the tire. Michelin has reduced the tire allocation in
successive years in classes run within IMSA to accelerate its performance and sustainability goals. By designing tires to multi-stint and reducing tire allocations across the board, it shows our commitment of innovating in sustainability by reducing waste and materials each IMSA race weekend in 2024.
Overall, Michelin’s involvement in IMSA has been a game-changer for sports car racing in North America. Their tire technology, innovation, and commitment to excellence have raised the bar for performance in the series, while also helping to drive forward the development of more sustainable racing solutions. As IMSA continues to grow in popularity and prestige, Michelin will undoubtedly remain a key partner, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in motorsports.
ROXY THE PORSCHE 911 GT3 RAWR RETURNS TO VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY!
Roxy, the fierce but adorable T-Rexthemed Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr, has returned to race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship! From August 23-25, the GT-only race event will feature intense competition with only the GTD Pro and GTD classes on the track. This time, Roxy will roar into the spotlight, racing in the GTD Pro class.
AO Racing, the parents of Roxy are no strangers to victory. Having already clinched wins with Rexy, her brother, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Detroit Grand Prix. With these wins and a consistent performance on track, AO Racing has been a formidable championship contender, running at the front for the majority of the season. Rexy, the green GT3 R has already earned a gold tooth for each win. Maybe this weekend, it will be Roxy’s turn!
The pre-historic pink Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr made her debut at VIR last year and couldn’t wait to come back and munch on all the beautiful greenery around the area!
How did all of our fun liveries begin?
It all started last year, when Team Owner PJ Hyett and Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette were trying to think of a fun livery for our Porsche 911 GT3 R. They wanted something fun that got people excited to watch racing. PJ’s helmet already had a dinosaur on one side for his son, and a pink unicorn on the other side for his daughter. PJ had the idea to try a dinosaur livery and Gunnar worked with the dino DNA scientists to bring Rexy to life! Rexy made his debut at Sebring last year and immediately captured hearts all over the world with his little dino arms and wide-toothed grin. Next came Roxy, and then Spike the Dragon!
Adding to the team’s ability to have fun, AO Racing also fields Spike, the Oreca in the LMP2 class. While Spike won’t be racing this weekend, his presence and support are always felt within the team. AO Racing has become known for their fun and engaging mascots, which delight fans of all ages. Be sure to visit Roxy and AO Racing’s garage this weekend to see the car up close, and even participate in the Roxy Roundup, a tour with the Rexy mascot and the team’s Team Principal, Gunnar Jeannette!
For those looking to show their support for Roxy, Rexy, Spike, and the entire AO Racing team, a wide array of merchandise is available at their official store: aoracing.com/store. From T-shirts to collectibles, there’s something for every racing enthusiast. Shop onsite at VIR in the vendor area as well! You can find all the team gear under the Styled Aesthetic tent. Thanks for coming out to see Roxy this weekend!
Then VIR Club is for you! Enjoy 18 exclusive driving days each year to take your love for VIR to the next level. For more information scan the QR code below.
• Free entrance and parking to select spectator events (with Club Member Hard Card)
• Free general camping
• Free paddock electrical (when available)
• Free off-road vehicle pass (1 per year, application required)
• Free use of gun ranges for members and guests
• Ability to attend New Jersey MotorsportsPark and Road Atlanta Driving Club events 4 times a year (with restrictions)
• And MUCH more!
Corporate Retreats & More
Schedule your next corporate retreat or team building activity at one of the most unique locations in Southern Virginia. Choose from a variety of activities to suit your group and come ready for thrills, collaboration, and most importantly: FUN!
Build Your Own Experience Host Your Event With Us
Coming to a race? We have several options to elevate your spectator experience including hospitality, camping or lodging, our very own Kids Club, on site food options, and MORE! Let us know how we can make your Unique Experience even better!
Let us give you the unique venue of your dreams. We guarantee to give you an experience with memories to last a lifetime. From weddings, to reunions, to bachelor parties and more, we have you covered.
WIN THE WEEKEND IS BACK FOR SEASON 2
The highly popular YouTube docuseries taking fans inside the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is returning for a second season in 2024 and will be available for the first time this year on Facebook.
This year’s eight episodes will delve into the action of the Grand Touring classes, GTD PRO and GTD. Season 2 will capture all of the drama, excitement and competition of the GT3-spec classes featuring 11 of the world’s top auto manufacturers.
Cicero / Pound Ridge,
TOMMY MILNER’S KEYS TO SUCCESS AT VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
THE CHALLENGE: Ask Corvette Racing factory driver and Virginia’s own Tommy Milner the most important couple of corners that are key to a good lap and good result at Virginia International Raceway.
After a few minutes, it’s obvious that that are WAY more than a couple that fit the bill!
“This is a reason for a lot of drivers why VIR ends up being one of their favorite tracks – because there are so many sequences of corners and sections of the track that are all unique in their own way,” Milner explained. “They all present their own challenges, and it all culminates in the
challenge of driving these cars and getting the most out of them. VIR is a playground for these racecars to do that for the whole lap.”
Since nailing down specific corners was nearly impossible, here are Milner’s top sequences for fans and also prospective drivers around VIR:
TURNS FOUR THROUGH SIX
Out of NASCAR Bend, a very technical but still flowing run of corners awaits on the run toward the Uphill Esses. It’s a place where car balance is mega-important, Milner advises, with compliance over the curbs and power-down have to work together.
“It’s a place where if the car isn’t just right, you can have big moments,” he said. “Then you have the ability to pounce on somebody. It’s a fun sequence. The car is doing a lot of work. The tires are screaming for help. You’re using all the curbs there. It’s just a fun sequence of corners for a driver. And it’s a good viewing area with a good passing opportunity going into Turn Four at that first left.”
TURN 10
Experienced drivers around VIR will know the pure thrill that comes with getting the Uphill Esses just right. Changing directions
CONTINUED. . .
while going nearly or full-throttle is a daunting task in itself. But the job isn’t done out of Turn Nine, Milner believes. There’s still the matter of handling Turn 10 and the plunge down and to the left after the high-speed run toward the south end of the circuit.
“That might be my favorite sequence of corners in all of racing. It’s a lot of fun there,” Milner said. “You’re asking a lot out of the car there at 10. You’re going up over the hill just before the left, and the front of the car oftentimes can get light. You have to brake and turn it back the other way. Having chassis control through there is everything. If the car is right, it’s a lot of fun. And if the car’s not right, it’s a handful. That’s a common theme with VIR. It typically rewards a brave driver and car balance.”
ROLLER COASTER AND HOG PEN
A lap at VIR ends with the thrill ride of
turns 15 through 17 – Roller Coaster and Hog Pen. With the track dropping away –as well as camber at the final corner – the
end of the lap is the biggest setup for the next time around.
MOST OF OUR MAIN ROADS ARE
BACK ROADS!
We have fun roads that take you to spectaular views. Picnics at a covered bridge, local wineries, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and huge music festivals are just some of the experiences you can have here. From the rugged outdoors to 5-Star luxury, there is so much to discover. visitpatrickcounty.org
Visit the Patrick County Visitors Center at 126 N. Main St, Stuart, VA
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CORVETTE RACING GOES GLOBAL
WITH EIGHT Z06 GT3.R ENTRIES IN 2024
A very different Corvette Racing program will roll into Virginia International Raceway this summer. Or should we say program-S!
This year is the first for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R – the first racing Corvette designed to FIA GT3 rules for customer drivers and teams. After two years of the Corvette Racing factory team fielding two entries per year, there are a whopping eight competing on racetracks around the world in 2024. Five of them will race at VIR in the coming months:
• World Challenge America: DXDT Racing – Bryan Sellers, Scott Smithson (No. 08 in Pro Am); Tommy Milner, Alec Udell (No. 63 in Pro)
• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD PRO: Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims (No. 3); Tommy
Milner, Nicky Catsburg (No. 4)
• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD: AWA – Orey Fidani, Matt Bell (No. 13)
Each Corvette Z06 GT3.R entrant will fall under the umbrella of Corvette Racing, leveraging more than two decades of championship-winning experience and excellence
“I’m very excited about this new era of Corvette Racing with the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R and all that brings – customers and more Corvettes racing on the track,” said Milner, a Virginia native and resident. “It’s an exciting time for us as drivers and an exciting time for Corvette fans. As this team has shown for 25 years, what the Corvette Racing name means to sports car racing, to see more examples of Corvettes racing around the world is really exciting
and something we are looking forward to.”
Chassis engineering support will come from constructor Pratt Miller Engineering as well as GM’s Performance and Racing Center, which oversees the engine program for the Corvette GT3 car. Pratt Miller also will manage the Corvette Customer Support program for all Z06 GT3.R teams with full-service parts and engineering availability across all series.
The goal of the Z06 GT3.R is to continue the legacy of Corvette Racing across the United States and around the world. The program owns one of sports car racing’s top pedigrees with victories in the biggest events and at the most famous tracks around the world.
From 1999 through 2023, Corvette Racing – operated by Pratt Miller Engineering – scored 127 race wins including nine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and four in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Those victory led to 14 Manufacturers titles, 15 Drivers championships and 16 Team titles. No team in IMSA history has won more races or championships than Corvette Racing in that span.
Another impact of Corvette Racing is the one it continues to have on Corvette production models. The transfer of technology between racing and Chevrolet showrooms has grown closer with each generation of racing Corvette since the late 1990s and the start of the factory race program. The relationship between the road-going Corvette Z06 and its road-going counterpart takes the transfer of learnings to a new level.
The Z06 GT3.R begins its life as an aluminum chassis frame from Chevrolet’s Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky. The frame provides a lightweight yet strong and durable underpinning for both Z06 and Z06 GT3.R. An aggressive aero package on the GT3.R borrows cues from production as the two vehicles share multiple surface elements including side air ducts behind the doors that help to cool the engine, transaxle and rear brakes.
The Z06 GT3.R engine is another masterpiece of tech transfer. The LT6 engine for the GT3.R originates from the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, the same line on which all production Corvette Z06 engines are built. The naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-
plane crankshaft V8 powerplant shares more than 80 percent of its parts with the production Z06 engine, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, coils, gaskets and a variety of other sensors.
“The Corvette Z06 GT3.R breaks new ground for Chevrolet and the Corvette
Racing program,” said Mark Stielow, director, GM Motorsports Engineering Competition. “This customer-focused racecar leverages learnings from throughout Corvette Racing’s lengthy and successful history, plus the expertise of our Corvette production design, engineering and powertrain teams.”
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