VIRginia International Raceway Hosts Renowned Pirelli World Challenge April 27-29
Race Weekend Provides Family-Friendly Entertainment for Spectators Across the Country
DANVILLE, Virginia –VIRginia International Raceway is hosting Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) for the second straight year April 27-29, welcoming back thrilling multi-class racing with top drivers in the hottest production-based cars, such as Porsches, McLarens, Bentleys and more. Named one of the top six road courses in North America by Car and Driver Magazine, the iconic track will be buzzing with can’t-miss racing action and fun activities for the entire family throughout the weekend.
Featuring seven separate classes of competition, PWC is North America’s top GT production car-based championship. Weekend highlights at VIR include two 60-minute SprintX races featuring mandatory driver and tire changes, with the first race taking place Saturday, April 28 and the second Sunday, April 29. Reaching speeds of 130+ miles per hour, these drivers will take on VIR’s 3.27-mile historic full course, which has 17 turns and 130 feet of elevation changes that includes the “Climbing Esses,” a section of the course considered by many drivers as one of the most challenging and intimidating in North America.
“We are thrilled to have the excitement and adrenaline-pumping competition that PWC brings back at the track this year,” said Connie Nyholm, VIR owner and CEO. “It’s an incredible series that we’re honored to host for VIR fans, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for racers and spectators alike. The electrifying action of PWC is the first of our headlining events in 2018, and we couldn’t think of a better way to officially kick off VIR’s racing season with everyone this April.”
In addition to PWC racing, the weekend will feature support series, including Radical Cup North America and the F4 U.S. Championship season-opener. Also new this year, fans have the opportunity to experience the rush of these type of high-speed, open-cockpit racecars themselves. Formula Experiences is offering ride-alongs at speeds up to 140 miles per hour in real 2018 formula and prototype racecars, something previously only available in Europe, on all three days.
In addition to the fierce action on the track, the race weekend offers visitors the change to take advantage of VIR’s many onsite amenities, including karting, firing ranges, dining at the Oak Tree Tavern, spa treatments at the Oak Tree Spa and more. The three-day event will also include testing, qualifying, manufacturer displays, driver autograph sessions, bounce houses and more. Guests can come for a single day, multiple days throughout the weekend or even camp onsite on the expansive countryside property located at the border of Virginia and North Carolina.
Advanced discount tickets for PWC weekend are $20 for Friday-only, $30 for Saturday-only, $40 for Sunday-only, $50 for a two-day Saturday and Sunday ticket, and $60 for a three-day ticket. All tickets will be an additional $10 if purchased at the gate. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge with a paying adult and parking is also free. Active military are admitted free of charge and veterans receive a 50 percent discount with valid military ID. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.virnow.com or call (434) 822-TIKS.
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 and 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.
VIR offers amenities such as lodging, dining, a spa, an exclusive driver’s club, karting, off-road racing, shooting sports, skid pad and more. VIR’s hospitality features also make the property an unparalleled venue for corporate retreats, team building, special events and other group experiences. For more information, visit www.VIRnow.com, Facebook or Twitter.
About Pirelli World Challenge
Pirelli World Challenge is North America’s premier GT Production-based sports car sprint series and now enters its 29th consecutive season. The exciting series featured 26 different auto makes with 44 separate models in 2017.Pirelli World Challenge exhibits one of the most competitive racing series in the world with incredible wheel-to-wheel action between exotic cars such as Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan, Audi, Bentley, Acura, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz and Aston-Martin. Over 100 cars will be action with eight different categories in 2018 including GT, GTA, GT Cup, GTS, GTSA,TCR, TC and TCA. In 2018, PWC will host 10 weekends in North America including the picturesque VIRginia International Raceway on April 27-29. In addition to the on-track competition, racing fans and car enthusiasts can gain a close-up view of the most exotic racing sedans in the world in the “world class” paddock area. There is something for every racing fan.