Brief History
Some four or five
years ago the Sports Car Club of America, North Carolina Regional, began
thinking in terms of a road course for its own activities, mainly week end fun
and practice. Aerial surveys of the Piedmont area discovered the present site,
and work was begun. In the course of planning, Ed Kemm, then a newcomer to
Greensboro and the SCCA circles, became interested. With his financial backing
Kemm completed the course and became the first president of VIR, which is
officially called Sports Car Enterprises Inc.
The $500,000 plant
was scheduled for its opening in May but heavy spring rains in 1957 prevented
this inaugural of National Championship races, and the VIR Inaugural was held in
the hot sun on August 3-4.
It is the finest
road racing course in America and the only one in the Southeast. The road course
was designed by Strickland Brothers to suit the terrain which rises high above
the Dan River banks.
Location
VIR uses a Danville,
Va., dateline for news purposes although President Kemm's office is in
Greensboro (234 Commerce Place, telephone BRoadway 2-4717). The track itself is
actually 11 miles east of Danville, just two miles north of Milton, N.C., a few
hundred yards over the North Carolina line in the state of Virginia,
Statistics
The road course is
3.2 miles in length (17,040 feet). It has a 27-foot wide asphalt road which is
wider on the turns. There are 12 distinct turns (the "Dangerous
Dozen") on the course, no two alike, and two fine straightaways.
One is at the home stretch in front of the Pagoda, measuring 3,400 feet in length. The other
comes off the V-like South turn, with gradual incline and dips, measuring 3,738
feet. Speeds in excess of 160 m.p.h. may be attained on these stretches. Speeds
must be braked as low as 25 m.p.h. on several of the turns. The pit area runs
parallel to the home stretch on a separate level for safety reasons. It is 1,800
feet in length and has a 50-foot paved width.
The infield of the
course, which will include a lake and
recreation area in the near future, is 200 acres, the over-all plant
1,200 acres. The Dan River bends around the home stretch, lies about
500 yards north of the Pagoda. Infield spectator vantage spots have been
increased since the first race, providing VIR with more and better spectator
vantage yardage than any road course in America,
VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
P. O. Box 3211
Greensboro ,
North Carolina
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION FOR OCTOBER 26 & 27
SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONAL EVENT # 57-20
The Sports Car Club
of America has announced that it is returning the President's Cup to competition
on October 27 , 1957 at the National Championship
Race to be held at Virginia International Raceway . The President's Cap
was inaugurated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. President Eisenhower
presented Bill Spear the first trophy at the White House in Washington D.C. The
second trophy was won in 1955 by Sherwood Johnston . The President's Cup was not
put in competition in 1956. The race a
VIR in October will mark the first time that the President's Cap has been
competed for on a road circuit especially
constructed for sports car racing . With the announcement that the Oct. 27th
event will feature a run for the President's Cup , it is expected
that the top drivers from all over the United States will be on hand to
vie for this honor.
**
( a portion of the news release from the National Headquarters of the
Sports Car Club of America SATURDAY , OCTOBER 26, 1957
SUNDAY , OCTOBER 27
, 1957
VIR ( Virginia
International Raceway ) is located approximately 12 mi. East of Danville, Va.
off of Super Highway # 58 on rt. # 62. Danville Va. is headquarters for VIR and
is readily accessible by rail, plane, bus
It is advisable to
make advanced reservations for rooms and this should be done by writing to the
South Boston Chanbor of Commerce, South Boston, Va. or to the Danville Chamber
of Commerce, Danville, Va.
Quite a few
improvements have been made since the last races held in August. Fences have
been moved forward to give the spectator the best viewing possible , There will
be a limited number of bleachers to add to the spectators pleasure . Concession
stands will be strategically located and a resourant serving hot meals will be
there .
We recommend that
you bring a portable radio with you so that you may enjoy the live broadcast of
the activities takin place. As in the past an excellent sound systen will keep
you posted. It must be realized that there are certain limitations to sound,
especially when covering some 500 acres. It is for that reason we recommend for
your own interest to bring a portable along .
The prices for this
event are as follows
We strongly urge you
to attend this great race to be held on what experts call the finest Racing
Course in this country and one of the tops in the world. Remember, the
President's Cup is the most coveted trophy of Sports Car Racing in this country.
Virginia
International Raceway Festival
South Boston, Virginia October 25, 26, 27, 1957
Dear Friend:
This is your
invitation to attend the events planned for the first VIR Festival in
conjunction with the October 27 VIR Race.
The people of
Halifax County, Virginia, in which the Virginia International Raceway is
located, are anxious to extend to you and your family true Southern hospitality
and make the entire weekend of the race one that
On Friday night,
October 25, you are invited to the VIR Festival Football Bowl Game at Halifax
County High School stadium. During the half time, the Festival Queen will be
crownwd by Mr. Ed Kemm, with a court of Princesses in attendance. You will be
able to drive your sports car right onto the field, and to parade it at half
time if you desire.
After the time
trials on Saturday, we contemplate a reception for the members of the Sports Car
Club of America and their wives. In order to plan for your pleasure, we must
know how many guests to expect, and will appreciate your using the form below
so we may send you a reception card. Please note the date by which we need to
receive your acceptance.
Also arranged for
Saturday night, and open to the general public, will be the Festival Ball, with
music by Ted Weems and his Orchestra. This will be held in the great Independent
Warehouse, one of our many tobacco auction warehouses. During the Ball, a new,
red MGA will be given away, in keeping with the sports car theme.
All these events
have been planned so they will not conflict with activity at the track and in
the anticipation that they will enhance your weekend in Halifax County.
Due to the limited
number of rooms available in hotels and motor courts, we are arranging for
facilities in private homes so there will be adequate accommodations for all.
These will be available through the information booth on Main Street in the
center of town, as will any other service we can
make available to you. Trailer and camping facilities will be available in the
Fairgrounds Park, which is located in town
Most cordially we
say, "Y'ALL COME", for we liked those of you who came for the
inaugural race and are looking forward to having more of you with us this time.
Sincerely yours,
VIR FESTIVAL
Thomas Spencer Earp, President