Virginia International Raceway - Alton, Virginia
Virginia International Raceway VIRginia International Raceway offers 5 configurations, two of which can be run simultaneously. You can run Full Course and Patriot course simultaneously, and North Course and South Course simultaneously. Other facilities include three separate paddocks with timing towers, a separate skid pad, covered tech bays in the North Paddock, classrooms, full service restaurant, tavern, grill, self-serve race fuel, pro shop, restrooms with showers, several lodging options and much, much more.
Virginia International Raceway Track Facts:
- Grand Course: 4.20 miles / 6.76 km
- Full Course: 3.27 miles / 5.26 km
- North Course: 2.25 miles / 3.62 km
- South Course: 1.65 miles / 2.66 km
- Patriot Course: 1.10 miles / 1.77 km
- Front Straightaway: 3000 feet / 914.5 m
- Back Straightaway: 4000 feet / 1219.2 m
- Elevation Change: 130 feet / 40 m
- Skid Pad Paved Area: 290 feet by 290 feet / 88.4 m by 88.4 m
- Skid Pad Diameter: 190 feet / 58 m
VIR was recently chosen as one of Car & Driver’s Top 6 tracks in the nation, VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia in Alton, Va. VIR hosts a wide range of professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing and track events, such as the Tudor United Sportcars Series and is well established as “America’s Motorsport Resort.”
From Local Passion to International Legend
VIR is much more than just a racetrack. What was once a working farm and plantation dating back to the early 1800s opened in 1957 as one of the country’s first permanent road racing circuits.
VIR hosted automobile and motorcycle racing through 1974, when the track was shuttered due to economic hardships. It lay fallow until 1998, when we discovered it and saw through the shadows of the weed-infested, overgrown facility, envisioning a racing venue that would provide entertainment and recreation for the entire family.
What we saw in the 1,500-acre site was the possibility to create America’s first true “motorsports resort,” a vacation destination centered around road racing. VIR reopened in 2000 and has received international rave reviews since. Read more about the history of VIR and Road Racing.
Veteran motorsports journalist and old VIR hand Bill King is compiling the track’s official history to be published in serial format beginning with The Early Years. Click here for information on purchasing your copy of this exciting new book.
World-Class Racing at a World-Class Resort
Today, VIR’s 3.27-mile circuit is exactly like it was in 1957, only widened just a bit with lots of safe run-off room and world-class facilities and amenities. The track has two cross-overs that allow simultaneous events on the North (2.25-mile) and South (1.65-mile) courses.
In 2003, the 1.1-mile Patriot Course was constructed by combining the two cross-overs and can be used as a stand-alone circuit or combined with the full circuit to create a myriad of configurations, the longest of which is 4.2 miles. An 1840s-era house where the plantation owner’s family once lived has been restored for use as the Oak Tree Tavern featuring and Connie’s Pub. The track is booked nearly year-round for racing, testing, schools, television productions and corporate events.
THE LODGE
Everyone relaxes comfortably in beautifully appointed rooms at the Lodge, complete with resort amenities, hardwood floors and a premier front porch view of the racetrack.
THE VILLAS
Overlooking the fast uphill esses, one of the most celebrated points of the track, the Villas at South Bend provide an exciting escape from the ordinary. Meticulous construction with handsome details define their upscale quality as executive luxury accommodations. The two-story Villas may be rented as one whole unit or individually as one upstairs or one downstairs unit with our flexible floor plan. Features include master and junior suites, a full kitchen, living room, and an upstairs balcony and downstairs patio, both with stunning views of the track.
PIT LANE ROOMS
These accommodations overlook the excitement of our Pit Lane and the start/finish line.
PIT LANE GARAGE RENTALS
Conveniently located directly below the Paddock Suites in our North Paddock. A great way to keep you and your car or bike out of the elements during your event.
VIR offers not one, but two, delicious onsite dining options. Head to the Pagoda Grill for a quick snack or race day lunch, or enjoy a gourmet dinner at Oak Tree Tavern and Connie's Pub.
Oak Tree Tavern and Connie's Pub
Make your trip to VIR complete with dinner at Oak Tree Tavern, located in a beautiful restored 1800s plantation house. Enjoy a steak, seafood or pasta dish in the dining room or relax with a drink and appetizer in Connie's Pub. When the weather is warm, seating is available on the deck with a stunning view of the rolling countrysite. For more information about the Oak Tree Tavern or to make reservations, call (434) 822-7700.
You need not go far after a hard day at the track. VIR Resort offers many dining, lodging and recreational options.
We hope you will explore VIR and take advantage of our unmatched amenities, of which we are very proud. The Oak Tree Tavern featuring Connie’s Pub provides the best track food in the business at the Pagoda restaurant in the paddock, which also serves our own private-label beer, Oak Tree Pale Ale. The VIR Shop and VIR Pro Shop offers sportswear and acing gear, books and collectibles and much more for the racing enthusiasts.
Pagoda Grill
The Pagoda Grill located in the North Paddock, with beautiful views of the north end of the track, serves breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, candy and more. A covered seating area with televisions, an expansive tree-shaded viewing area and a raised deck overlooking turn three provide the perfect place to refuel without missing a minute of the action. For more information about the Pagoda Grill, call (434) 822-3103.
Additional Onsite Vendors For Spectator Events
During race days and other events, VIR hosts a variety of food vendors for even more delicious dining options. For more information on vendors, click here.
Long Mountain Lodge
Long Mountain Lodge Website
144 Bull Creek Road
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
Hotel (706) 864-2337
Click here for reservations
More Lodging ideas can be found here: Explore Dawsonville Georgia Website
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum 415 HWY 53 E, Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 10-2 Holidays vary. Near town center Dawsonville, Ga.
Dawsonville Antiques (770) 883-1785 Located on Highway 9 North, Dawsonville, GA. 3,000 sq. ft. of treasures!
Also, see us on Facebook...
Bowen Center for the Arts(706) 216-ARTSDawson County Arts Council
The Old Jail: Located just off the square in Downtown Dawsonville, this historic building houses the local Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce. Visitors are welcome to come and tour the old prison cells and former living quarters of the county sheriff. For information call: (706) 265-6278
The Old Courthouse: Located on the square in Downtown Dawsonville, built in 1859. This is the oldest working courthouse in the state, and houses 5 offices and a courtroom.
Dawsonville Pool Room (706)265-2792Made famous by owner Gordon Pirkle, the Pool Room offers a family atmosphere containing an interesting collection of history and memorabilia on Bill Elliott's NASCAR career and early moonshine runners. The menu includes: the famous made from scratch Bully Burgers & fresh-cut fries.
Gold Creek Golf Club (706)265-2700A 27-Hole golf course. (Temporarily Closed) Located just north of town, this community offers homes with golf course, lake and mountain views, and swimming & tennis. The club house is also home to some of the best pieces from local artists.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge A Georgia State Park that contains the tallest water falls East of the Mississippi River.
North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall 140 outlet shops located at GA 400 & Dawson Forest Road.
Lake Lanier A 38,000 acre lake controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers open to fishing & recreation.
Burt's Pumpkin Farm (706)265-3701 Pumpkins that range from 150 lbs. to 1 lb. We grow thousands of pumpkins, so the selection is vast and the quantity is never ending. Burt’s farm has an impressive selection of every type of pumpkin, winter squash, gourds and fall decoration. Indian corn, cornstalks and hay bales. We offer hayrides and fieldtrips pulled by our John Deere tractor that take you through a winding trail filled with nature and beauty. And check the "barn" store for Burt's fresh baked pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, candied popcorn and a whole assortment of other goodies.
Uncle Shucks Corn Maze - Sep. through Nov.
Buck's Corn Maze (706)344-8834 Opens the beginning of Labor Day Weekend thru Nov.10th
Bradley's Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Trees Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday - Sunday Pumpkins, Gourds, Indian Corn, Ellijay Apples, Honey, Special Order Fresh Boxed Fruit and More... Starting Thanksgiving Weekend we also have: Frasier Fir Christmas Trees & Live Wreaths.
Kangaroo Conservation Center (706)265-6100 Reservations required (ages 8 +). The Largest Kangaroo Collection outside Australia, 2-hour Guided Group Wildlife Tours, from the Spring thru the Fall .
Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas (706)216-1622 189 N. 400 Center Lane in Dawsonville, GA
Holly Theatre (706) 864-3759 A year round season of classic plays & musicals as well as dinner theatre productions on stage at the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega.
Lakeview Center (706) 216-1022 2057 Dawson Forest Rd. in Dawsonville, GA
The Fun House 139 Hightower Pkwy Dawsonville, Ga 60,000 square feet of amusement space indoors. Test your driving skills in our top-of-the-line electric go-karts, enjoy a game of Putt-Putt, improve your bowling score or simply have a blast playing dozens of the hottest arcade games.