Posted by VIR Today on Facebook - The Oak Tree is Down :(
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Posted by VIR Today on Facebook - The Oak Tree is Down :(
Alton, VA, July 2, 2113 – There is no easy way to say this – The Oak Tree is down. The iconic landmark that has come to symbolize VIRginia International Raceway has fallen, broken at the base.
“We are in shock and mourning,” said track owner Connie Nyholm. “We’re too busy right now trying to get the racetrack cleared of debris. We are grateful no one was at the corner station or on track when she fell and that there is no damage to the track surface. Tomorrow we’ll begin to get our arms around what this really means, but I can tell you that it means more than any of us want to think about today.”
The massive oak stood sentinel at the south end of the racetrack, looking out from the highest point on the property at the sprawling facility and its 3.27 miles of serpentine asphalt that has come to be regarded as the most challenging in North America, if not the world.
Its branches shaded the apex of the legendary Oak Tree Turn, looking down on the likes of Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, Tom Kristensen and Richard Petty as well as a host of race drivers from the brilliant to the not so.
“I can tell you this,” Nyholm said, “The Oak Tree will live on in our minds and hearts, and we will give it an appropriate send-off. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to oaktree@VIRnow.com for proper ways to honor this old friend.”
“We are in shock and mourning,” said track owner Connie Nyholm. “We’re too busy right now trying to get the racetrack cleared of debris. We are grateful no one was at the corner station or on track when she fell and that there is no damage to the track surface. Tomorrow we’ll begin to get our arms around what this really means, but I can tell you that it means more than any of us want to think about today.”
The massive oak stood sentinel at the south end of the racetrack, looking out from the highest point on the property at the sprawling facility and its 3.27 miles of serpentine asphalt that has come to be regarded as the most challenging in North America, if not the world.
Its branches shaded the apex of the legendary Oak Tree Turn, looking down on the likes of Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, Tom Kristensen and Richard Petty as well as a host of race drivers from the brilliant to the not so.
“I can tell you this,” Nyholm said, “The Oak Tree will live on in our minds and hearts, and we will give it an appropriate send-off. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to oaktree@VIRnow.com for proper ways to honor this old friend.”
I'm so glad we all got a chance to run under her branches one more time. Iconic is the least of the words I can come up with and while it seems odd to mourn a tree, I'll miss this one for sure.
Last edited by TheKomoman; 07-02-2013 at 12:53 PM.
#7
Burning Brakes
Heard about it via VIR email...same text as the FB post as detailed in the OP. I'm going to miss that tree on that corner of the course. Sad day for motorsport and arbor history. Anyone know what caused the break at the base?
#11
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Wow that's a bummer, just a tree, but a very famous tree that's for sure. I think it would be cool if they milled it up and made a covered area for the corner worker there because it's going to get hot there now for sure!
#12
Team Owner
If they are smart, offer up Oak Tree souvenirs.
#14
Le Mans Master
#18
Burning Brakes
First seen as part of a reply at http://jalopnik.com/r-i-p-the-most-f...cing-647971287...
Video: Virginia International Raceway - 1998 before renovation
"Yes, we are definitely leavin' the oak tree".
Video: Virginia International Raceway - 1998 before renovation
"Yes, we are definitely leavin' the oak tree".
Last edited by kedvesh; 07-02-2013 at 03:49 PM.