A fast lap around VIR -- then and now
"It was a late Saturday night in October 1964. Ed Lowther was sitting on his bed in a room at the old Howard Johnson's in Danville, Virginia, talking about Virginia International Raceway. Visions of the circuit had him still wired, when he should have been cutting Zs. Lowther was there with his C-Modified Genie Ford for the Northeast Division finale. He would clinch the championship Sunday."
A great article @ motorsport.com
http://www.motorsport.com/news...99895
A great article @ motorsport.com
http://www.motorsport.com/news...99895
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Article »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The current cars Dyson is running actually were doing over 175mph at the top of the hill...</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
</TD></TR></TABLE>
You can say that again
</TD></TR></TABLE>You can say that again
great read....
still gives me goosebumps everytime i think of VIR....
seriously....i was so spoiled....4 of my first 6 events were at VIR FULL....4 times in 3.5 months i was at vir full.....simply amazing.
i was so spoiled!
how could any other track compare to those 4 events at vir. heck i only had a 70 minute drive from my door step to the gates of vir. could it get any better? i actually watch a video last night from my second event at vir full. what you think is fast then has since changed. addition of a roll cage, real suspension....real rubber to put the power down. wow...i once thought i was the chiz...didn't need to give the pass signal for a whole session.
i have since learned it isn't just the track that makes my weekend.
it is the people that are there, that i'm racing against. the beauty of the morning sun glistening off the grass blades on the infield of cmp. the clouds rolling in over road atlanta while raining at 7 but dry on the front section. the animals that eat out of your hand while over looking t1-t5 while camping at laguna.
it isn't just one reason why i call this my hobby. it's everything. the prep work, the 14 hours tows, the familiar friendships developed over the years, knowing that in less than a year your now fiance will be your wife cheering for you at each race. the 150 mphs to 60 mph stops without locking up the tires. the pass signal from the slower cars giving you room to battle....the smell of brake pads....the high from the race gas as the breeze blows across the track as AI and AIx at the start of the race....
it isn't just one thing that makes this hobby....it is the above and much much more....even ht has something to do with it....it is my place to vent....my place to tell giles how slow he really is
....to tell franza he won't win h1 with a bone stock c5 in an itr....
it all goes hand in hand....and with it all comes the glory and satisfaction of a race weekend....
still gives me goosebumps everytime i think of VIR....
seriously....i was so spoiled....4 of my first 6 events were at VIR FULL....4 times in 3.5 months i was at vir full.....simply amazing.
i was so spoiled!
how could any other track compare to those 4 events at vir. heck i only had a 70 minute drive from my door step to the gates of vir. could it get any better? i actually watch a video last night from my second event at vir full. what you think is fast then has since changed. addition of a roll cage, real suspension....real rubber to put the power down. wow...i once thought i was the chiz...didn't need to give the pass signal for a whole session.
i have since learned it isn't just the track that makes my weekend.
it is the people that are there, that i'm racing against. the beauty of the morning sun glistening off the grass blades on the infield of cmp. the clouds rolling in over road atlanta while raining at 7 but dry on the front section. the animals that eat out of your hand while over looking t1-t5 while camping at laguna.
it isn't just one reason why i call this my hobby. it's everything. the prep work, the 14 hours tows, the familiar friendships developed over the years, knowing that in less than a year your now fiance will be your wife cheering for you at each race. the 150 mphs to 60 mph stops without locking up the tires. the pass signal from the slower cars giving you room to battle....the smell of brake pads....the high from the race gas as the breeze blows across the track as AI and AIx at the start of the race....
it isn't just one thing that makes this hobby....it is the above and much much more....even ht has something to do with it....it is my place to vent....my place to tell giles how slow he really is
....to tell franza he won't win h1 with a bone stock c5 in an itr....it all goes hand in hand....and with it all comes the glory and satisfaction of a race weekend....
WOW!
A name from the past. Ed Lowther was our co-driver on our IMSA GT Corvette that I crewed for in the mid 1970's. A great driver and quite a character. He taught me many a trick about crewing for an endurance racer.
A name from the past. Ed Lowther was our co-driver on our IMSA GT Corvette that I crewed for in the mid 1970's. A great driver and quite a character. He taught me many a trick about crewing for an endurance racer.
Great article
The esse's give my goose bumps every time I think of them. VIR is my favorite tracks. I can not wait to go back there in February.
The esse's give my goose bumps every time I think of them. VIR is my favorite tracks. I can not wait to go back there in February.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">great read....
still gives me goosebumps everytime i think of VIR....
seriously....i was so spoiled....4 of my first 6 events were at VIR FULL....4 times in 3.5 months i was at vir full.....simply amazing.
i was so spoiled!
how could any other track compare to those 4 events at vir. heck i only had a 70 minute drive from my door step to the gates of vir. could it get any better? i actually watch a video last night from my second event at vir full. what you think is fast then has since changed. addition of a roll cage, real suspension....real rubber to put the power down. wow...i once thought i was the chiz...didn't need to give the pass signal for a whole session.
i have since learned it isn't just the track that makes my weekend.
it is the people that are there, that i'm racing against. the beauty of the morning sun glistening off the grass blades on the infield of cmp. the clouds rolling in over road atlanta while raining at 7 but dry on the front section. the animals that eat out of your hand while over looking t1-t5 while camping at laguna.
it isn't just one reason why i call this my hobby. it's everything. the prep work, the 14 hours tows, the familiar friendships developed over the years, knowing that in less than a year your now fiance will be your wife cheering for you at each race. the 150 mphs to 60 mph stops without locking up the tires. the pass signal from the slower cars giving you room to battle....the smell of brake pads....the high from the race gas as the breeze blows across the track as AI and AIx at the start of the race....
it isn't just one thing that makes this hobby....it is the above and much much more....even ht has something to do with it....it is my place to vent....my place to tell giles how slow he really is
....to tell franza he won't win h1 with a bone stock c5 in an itr....
it all goes hand in hand....and with it all comes the glory and satisfaction of a race weekend....</TD></TR></TABLE>
I have drove
VIR
several times while I lived in Norfolk, VA. I recently moved to Jacksonville, FL. Your short story brings back good memories. I met some awesome people there. Can't wait to go back!!
still gives me goosebumps everytime i think of VIR....
seriously....i was so spoiled....4 of my first 6 events were at VIR FULL....4 times in 3.5 months i was at vir full.....simply amazing.
i was so spoiled!
how could any other track compare to those 4 events at vir. heck i only had a 70 minute drive from my door step to the gates of vir. could it get any better? i actually watch a video last night from my second event at vir full. what you think is fast then has since changed. addition of a roll cage, real suspension....real rubber to put the power down. wow...i once thought i was the chiz...didn't need to give the pass signal for a whole session.
i have since learned it isn't just the track that makes my weekend.
it is the people that are there, that i'm racing against. the beauty of the morning sun glistening off the grass blades on the infield of cmp. the clouds rolling in over road atlanta while raining at 7 but dry on the front section. the animals that eat out of your hand while over looking t1-t5 while camping at laguna.
it isn't just one reason why i call this my hobby. it's everything. the prep work, the 14 hours tows, the familiar friendships developed over the years, knowing that in less than a year your now fiance will be your wife cheering for you at each race. the 150 mphs to 60 mph stops without locking up the tires. the pass signal from the slower cars giving you room to battle....the smell of brake pads....the high from the race gas as the breeze blows across the track as AI and AIx at the start of the race....
it isn't just one thing that makes this hobby....it is the above and much much more....even ht has something to do with it....it is my place to vent....my place to tell giles how slow he really is
....to tell franza he won't win h1 with a bone stock c5 in an itr....it all goes hand in hand....and with it all comes the glory and satisfaction of a race weekend....</TD></TR></TABLE>
I have drove
VIR
several times while I lived in Norfolk, VA. I recently moved to Jacksonville, FL. Your short story brings back good memories. I met some awesome people there. Can't wait to go back!!
Trending Topics
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?</TD></TR></TABLE>
There weren't nearly enought exclamation points.
There weren't nearly enought exclamation points.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?</TD></TR></TABLE>
So deep, so poetic, so insightful.....so NOT Chad
Olivia wrote it.
So deep, so poetic, so insightful.....so NOT Chad
Olivia wrote it.
I was really hoping to get to VIR this year but it just hasn't happened. It's been #1 on my "to do" list for the last two years now. This will actually be the first year since I started in '98 that I haven't been to a new track.
Well, +1 to the favorite racing quotes thread:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Elliott Forbes-Robinson »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"It's just such a tough course to get right that I struggle with it. And then there's the straightaway. Now there I'm very good and I get it right almost every lap."</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Elliott Forbes-Robinson »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"It's just such a tough course to get right that I struggle with it. And then there's the straightaway. Now there I'm very good and I get it right almost every lap."</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Two :thuds: from me
One about the article, one about chad's anti-chad post
Two :thuds: from me

One about the article, one about chad's anti-chad post
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?</TD></TR></TABLE>
yes...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Track rat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
So deep, so poetic, so insightful.....so NOT Chad
Olivia wrote it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
no, i, chad, wrote it
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was really hoping to get to VIR this year but it just hasn't happened. It's been #1 on my "to do" list for the last two years now. This will actually be the first year since I started in '98 that I haven't been to a new track. </TD></TR></TABLE>
how can you miss it? you can't....it is one of those tracks that it doesn't matter what happens....you go! period. i think you are just making up excuses
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
one about chad's anti-chad post </TD></TR></TABLE>
i am educated, and at time, few and far between, actually put my engrish skillz to work. most of the time it is just easier to be a bump, but alas, it is needed for me not to be a bump anymore.
yes...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Track rat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
So deep, so poetic, so insightful.....so NOT Chad
Olivia wrote it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
no, i, chad, wrote it
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was really hoping to get to VIR this year but it just hasn't happened. It's been #1 on my "to do" list for the last two years now. This will actually be the first year since I started in '98 that I haven't been to a new track. </TD></TR></TABLE>
how can you miss it? you can't....it is one of those tracks that it doesn't matter what happens....you go! period. i think you are just making up excuses

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
one about chad's anti-chad post </TD></TR></TABLE>
i am educated, and at time, few and far between, actually put my engrish skillz to work. most of the time it is just easier to be a bump, but alas, it is needed for me not to be a bump anymore.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
how can you miss it? you can't....it is one of those tracks that it doesn't matter what happens....you go! period. i think you are just making up excuses
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I could say the same thing about Mid Ohio, but since you've actually been here recently, I won't.
It's mainly the haul that's the problem. Remember the drive you made out to Mid Ohio? That's the same drive I'd have out there.
how can you miss it? you can't....it is one of those tracks that it doesn't matter what happens....you go! period. i think you are just making up excuses

</TD></TR></TABLE>
I could say the same thing about Mid Ohio, but since you've actually been here recently, I won't.
It's mainly the haul that's the problem. Remember the drive you made out to Mid Ohio? That's the same drive I'd have out there.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I could say the same thing about Mid Ohio, but since you've actually been here recently, I won't.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Mid Ohio and VIR are my two favorite tracks. Their technical challenges are very similar, VIR is just bigger and faster...and closer to me
...only 70 miles
.
I could say the same thing about Mid Ohio, but since you've actually been here recently, I won't.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Mid Ohio and VIR are my two favorite tracks. Their technical challenges are very similar, VIR is just bigger and faster...and closer to me
...only 70 miles
.
After doing Road Atlanta last year, it became a close second to Mid Ohio on my "favorite tracks" list. The fact that my front door is about 41.5 miles from the registration window at Mid Ohio gives it that extra edge though.
Alright, I'm doing VIR in '06 - you've heard it here first!
Alright, I'm doing VIR in '06 - you've heard it here first!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Alright, I'm doing VIR in '06 - you've heard it here first!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Print this and put it under you pillow
http://www.virclub.com/cms/ind...d=106
Print this and put it under you pillow
http://www.virclub.com/cms/ind...d=106
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the beauty of the morning sun glistening off the grass blades on the infield of cmp. the clouds rolling in over road atlanta while raining at 7 but dry on the front section. the animals that eat out of your hand while over looking t1-t5 while camping at laguna.</TD></TR></TABLE>
are you sure you've lapped the beaver?
are you sure you've lapped the beaver?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Track rat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's 175 mph just before braking for T # 10...right?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
that's how i read it, but wasn't 100% certain, either...
</TD></TR></TABLE>that's how i read it, but wasn't 100% certain, either...
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