mikahb

Headed to VIR this weekend to do my last double-regional SCCA race. After that, I will have my National license and can go get my butt kicked by the big boys.

I've been watching some good, recent video from a very fast T1 C5 driver at the track (we're running full course) but wondered if y'all had any tips about where to paddock, suggestions on turns that may not be obvious from video, etc.

AU N EGL

Late apexes

Dont turn in too early. Especially T1 and T4

Turn 10 ( blind left hander off camber ) Top of the esses.

If you get two right wheels off - TURN RIGHT and go down the grass, DO NOT attempt to come back on the track

Back straight is long and fast. No need to brake too soon. Brake at the dip ( Between Markers 3 and 2) as you start to go up and turn left.

VIR is a 3rd and 4th gear track. No need or seldom a need for 2nd or 5th.

Last turn complex T16-T17 or Hog Pen. Keep your foot into it.

On the front straight, ( really one long gentle bend) the Oak tree by the starters tower is the apex, stay almost on the white line on the right side. There is a small bump in the track if you are in the center of the track.

Have Fun. VIR is a Blast

False grid is up on the hill on the west side of the paddock. Bathrooms there too. and Bathrooms in the main building with cafe

Tech shed between the main building and Timing / class room building

East side of paddock.

waddisme

Here is a good video if you haven't seen it:

http://www.ecsracing.com/ecsracing/showthread.php?t=211

A couple of things I have learned so far at VIR, 1) you can go thru turn 1 quicker than you think, 2) if you don't get started thru the esses right, you cannot try to make the time up thru the rest of the esses (my instructor screamed that to me and it is burned in my brain), 3) pits are not paved, so bring a tarp or else dirt will cover everything. Cannot emphasize the late apex aspect of the track enough. Have fun.

AU N EGL

T1 Lap Record - Chris Ingle

Here we go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVES715qL0w

sothpaw2

With Oak tree, on the 2nd turn, using all the track by apexing almost on the curb right at the flag station really makes a big diff as does using all the track on exit.

With turn 3, this is a late apex turn (t3 and t4 very late), where you turn from the right side of the pavement the track juts out a little--that's another instance where you want to use the last mm of track to make it wider.

kenw

Prepare to fall in LOVE with this track.

Good Luck and be safe.

SouthernSon

Uh, watch the water puddles!??.... It was an entertaining video friend...

All that was mentioned by au n egl. Off camber at top of esses almost got me. Turn 4, nascar turn, DID get me. Try not to pass there!

J. O. went into ice mode and missed turn 1 a couple of weeks ago. Tore up his car. He had not been there for 3 years and sat the pole position. No doubt you will pick it up quickly, Mikah, as usual...

dvandentop

stay safe on that track!

mikahb

Thanks guys - we're all packed up and heading out tomorrow at noon. I have one or two decent sets of tires with me this time, but it looks like we'll get to play some in the rain.

Videos will be up next week - hopefully they're boring.