VIRginia International Raceway to Host the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron

The Oak Tree Grand Prix Featuring the American Le Mans Series Will Be Held at VIRginia International Raceway Oct. 2-5. End Quote

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC (1888PressRelease) September 12, 2013 - VIRginia International Raceway will host the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón on Saturday, Oct. 5. The race, dubbed the Oak Tree Grand Prix, is the culmination of four days of racing activities all hosted at VIR. The American Le Mans Series is one of the world's premier sports car racing series featuring some of the most technologically advanced racing cars in the world.

VIR will be the ninth stop in the 10-race ALMS championship series. The race will take place on VIR's historic full course, which is 3.27 miles with 17 turns and 130 feet of elevation changes, with drivers topping speeds of 190 miles per hour. The two hours and 45 minute race includes the "climbing esses," a section of the course considered by many race drivers as one of the most challenging and intimidating in North America.

"VIR is one of the most challenging road courses in the country and these drivers are going to have a lot of fun with the elevation changes and turns," said Connie Nyholm, owner of VIR. "The Oak Tree Grand Prix is going to feature some of the fastest, most advanced cars in racing driven by the best drivers. We're looking forward to a great few days of racing here at the North Carolina-Virginia border."

The four day event kicks off Oct. 2 with testing, qualifying, car corrals, driver autograph sessions, team chats, tech talks, and more. In addition to the ALMS Oak Tree Grand Prix, the event will include races from four other series: the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series, the Spec Race Atom, the NARRA US GT Championship, and the Intercontinental Trophy Cup. Each of these will race once Friday and once Saturday with the entire event culminating in the ALMS race on Saturday, Oct. 5 beginning at 2:15 p.m. A detailed schedule with daily events can be found here.

The ALMS race was named the Oak Tree Grand Prix in honor of VIR's iconic oak tree that fell at the track earlier this year. The more than 200-year-old tree was a fixture at the track and provided shade and fond memories for many visitors. All fans who purchase advanced event tickets (one-, two- or four-day packages) by midnight Sunday, Sept. 29 will receive a limited edition key chain featuring a token made of the oak tree's wood, engraved with the track's name and the date it fell. Additional announcements about future commemorative projects surrounding the oak tree will be announced during the race weekend.

Race tickets purchased by Sunday, Sept. 29 are $90 for a four-day ticket, $80 for a two-day ticket or $70 for a ticket to Saturday only. After that date, tickets are $10 more. They are available online at http://virnow.com or onsite at the VIR box office.

About ALMS
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is based on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ALMS holds events annually throughout North America on top permanent natural terrain road courses and premier urban street circuits. It features multiple classes of purpose-built prototypes and production-based GT cars that race on the same track at the same time piloted by the sport's most respected drivers and teams. The multi-class format gives fans non-stop action on track while also providing manufacturers with a real-life laboratory to push the limits of automotive innovation and technology. The ALMS has a leadership role in motorsports for the furthering of the use of alternative fuels and automotive technologies. ALMS was the first motorsports body in the world to embrace an entire suite of alternative energy sources - E10 and E85 cellulosic ethanols, isobutanol, clean diesel and hybrid technologies. For additional information, please visit www.alms.com. For more information, visit www.alms.com.

About VIRginia International Raceway
VIRginia International Raceway is one of America's premier road courses, offering professional and amateur racing for modern and vintage classes while providing contemporary resort amenities. A prominent test facility for the automotive industry, VIR has the distinction of being named one of the top six courses in North America by Car & Driver Magazine, and southern roots and hospitality make it one of the friendliest. Conveniently located at the Virginia/North Carolina border, VIR is just a short two hour trip from Richmond and about an hour and 15 minutes from both the Piedmont-Triad and Raleigh-Durham International Airports.

Recognized as the country club of racing, VIR offers complementary amenities such as lodging, dining, a spa, an exclusive driver's club, karting, off-road racing, skeet shooting, skid pad and more. The grounds also offer a unique setting and specialized facilities for corporate retreats, group activities and conference space. Onsite parcels are available for sale/lease to motorsports industry tenants. For more information, visit www.VIRnow.com, Facebook or Twitter.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases