Guys,

Here's your chance--maybe your only chance this year--to run the full course (all 3.27 miles of it!) at Virginia International Raceway. Just about the only full-course events at VIR this year are expensive driving schools or Porsche Club days that are probably already full.

But Viper Days is running a three-day HPDE, July 18-20. I got in touch with them and asked if they'd allow a non-Viper to run with them, and they said sure. I asked if I could tell all of my 350Z friends, and they said sure.

So come on out and run with me and the Vipers!

Saturday and Sunday look like standard HPDEs: classroom sessions and multiple run groups divided by experience. Four half-hour sessions each day, totalling two hours track time.

But if you can get there Friday, they have something I've never done before: long hot-track sessions. Go out and drive as long as two hours at a stretch. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon. Four hours of track time in one day. Wow! (This is for advanced drivers only.)

So here's the fine print and the downside. Because of the power difference between the Vipers and the Zs, they said we'll have to run in the rookie groups on Saturday and Sunday, regardless of experience level. (However, they did say that I have enough experience--three years of HPDEs, a Skip Barber--to run in the Friday sessions.)

The downside is the price: it's a bit more expensive than other events I've run (except Skippy B): $175 for a half day on Friday, $250 for all day, $300 for Saturday or Sunday, $615 for both Sat. and Sun. But on the upside, the price includes meals: Friday night catered reception, Saturday night sit-down catered dinner, two catered lunches at the track and trophies!

I'm really pumped, because I've never been to VIR and everybody keeps saying how great it is. I've signed up for Friday and Saturday. I hope a bunch of you will come out too, so we can show these Viper guys a thing or two about the 350Z.

Use this link to get more information, and this one to register. Don't wait too long! It looks like some of the local hotels are beginning to fill up.

See you there!

 

Hmmmm that sounds like a lot of fun; I'd love to run full-course!!!! I don't think I have enough experience to qualify, though, I've only run VIR South once, no other track experience.

I may very well show up to watch, though, and I will spread this around, especially to Flyingscot who also owns a Track model and is an instructor at Tarheel Sports Car Club track events.

Thanks!

 

bhobson:

I'm pretty sure you'd be okay to run on Saturday and Sunday. It's just Friday's open track session that's limited to experienced drivers. Call the Viper folks and ask.

And please do tell Flyingscot and everyone else. I told the organizers that I could probably get several more Zers, but most of my buddies from the Mid-Ohio NASA event don't seem to be able to make it.

See you there!

 

Guys, I just got back from a totally awesome 8 day trip to Mosport, Mont Tremblant and Shannonville in Canada. I had a great time and my credit card statement is all the proof I need. I'm going to have to sit this one out due to lack of funds. Have a great time!

Fly

 

Flyingscot,

Did you drive the Z all the way from NC to QC? What events did you run at those tracks?

I have a reason to be near Mont Tremblant this summer and am toying with possibly running a couple of lapping days with Skip Barber. What's the track like? Do you know of other HPDEs there this summer? I didn't see any listed on the track's Web site.

 

Yep,

I drove the Z a total of 3,300 miles (including on-track miles) and
spent a total of 4 hours driving Mosport, 4 hours driving Mont-Tremblant and 2 hours driving Shannonville.

I'm working on a full report for later in the week and will try and answer all your questions. Stay tuned!

Fly