Road Racing / Autocross & Time Attack Road Racing / AUTOX, HPDE, Time Attack

A fast lap around VIR -- then and now

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 01:01 PM
  #1  
Flux's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO, USA
Default 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
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 01:15 PM
  #2  
Willard's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,967
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Flux)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Article &raquo;</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>
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 01:29 PM
  #3  
Stinkycheezmonky's Avatar
Suspetise...
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,287
Likes: 1
From: Burninating the peasants yo
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Willard)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> </TD></TR></TABLE>

You can say that again
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 01:54 PM
  #4  
chad's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12,232
Likes: 5
From: Browns Summit, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Flux)

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....
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 02:00 PM
  #5  
Grumpy's Avatar
New User
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke, VA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Flux)

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.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 03:09 PM
  #6  
canuckr's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 0
From: The Mitten State..
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Grumpy)

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.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 04:52 PM
  #7  
Audi RS4's Avatar
Lover
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL, United States
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (chad)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</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!!
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2005 | 07:24 PM
  #8  
Track rat's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: HP, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Carparts-Auction.com)

That's 175 mph just before braking for T # 10...right?

Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 04:09 AM
  #9  
Honda318dx's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,126
Likes: 1
From: Culpeper, VA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Track rat)

Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 04:30 AM
  #10  
RacerBowie's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 0
From: Snellville, Ga, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Honda318dx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even more amazing, did Chad just post that?</TD></TR></TABLE>

There weren't nearly enought exclamation points.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 04:56 AM
  #11  
Track rat's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: HP, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Honda318dx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</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.

Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 05:03 AM
  #12  
krbobcat's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Track rat)

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.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 06:02 AM
  #13  
Shmeek's Avatar
Trial User
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (krbobcat)

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 &raquo;</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>
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 10:41 AM
  #14  
Chris N's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,274
Likes: 0
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Honda318dx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</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
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 10:54 AM
  #15  
chad's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12,232
Likes: 5
From: Browns Summit, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Honda318dx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</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 &raquo;</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 &raquo;</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 &raquo;</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.

Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 11:11 AM
  #16  
RR98ITR's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,049
Likes: 2
From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (chad)

Chad....your so ghey!...

Scott, who doesn't know when he'll ever make it to VIR...or the Nurburgring...
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 12:24 PM
  #17  
krbobcat's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (chad)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</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.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2005 | 01:19 PM
  #18  
Track rat's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: HP, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (krbobcat)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat &raquo;</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 .
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2005 | 05:04 AM
  #19  
krbobcat's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Track rat)

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!
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2005 | 05:56 AM
  #20  
Track rat's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: HP, NC, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (krbobcat)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krbobcat &raquo;</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
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2005 | 06:22 AM
  #21  
Hunter's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (chad)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</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?
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2005 | 07:36 AM
  #22  
Dancing is Forbidden's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 0
From: Chucktown, SC
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Hunter)

Chad has never lapped the beaver, just ask...
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2005 | 04:20 PM
  #23  
e36s52's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Southern Chester Co, PA, USA
Default Re: A fast lap around VIR -- then and now (Track rat)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Track rat &raquo;</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...

Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
marmaladedad
Honda Motorcycles
10
Oct 23, 2007 06:58 PM
speedracer33
Road Racing / Autocross & Time Attack
30
Feb 22, 2006 08:27 AM
Catch 22
Road Racing / Autocross & Time Attack
20
Feb 18, 2006 06:02 AM
DaveF
Forced Induction
6
Nov 29, 2005 08:45 AM
Doctor CorteZ
Acura Integra Type-R
25
Sep 5, 2003 01:41 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:24 AM.