Stock Car Tests Coming to VIR May 26

Danville, VA (May 12, 2009) - VIRginia International Raceway's popular open Stock Car test day is coming, May 26. The day after Memorial Day will see some of America's favorite stock car racers testing and tuning their cars in preparation for the races at Sonoma and Watkins Glen. Michael McDowell, while testing a Sprint Cup stock car at VIR said: "it's awesome in stock cars.... It's a lot of fun." He continued, describing driving a car on the course: "these things have a lot of horsepower so it's hard to put down to the ground - you're slipping and sliding quite a bit, but I love coming to VIR. It's one of my favorite road courses... it's a place I've had success too. I've won some DP (Daytona Prototype) races here, so I love coming to VIR."

Crews and drivers alike enjoy the calm atmosphere of testing at VIR. "Bootie" Barker, crew chief for Michael Waltrip this year, says: "It's a very nice facility, nice accommodations. You have a place to stay (with the Lodge.)"

"We appreciate the opportunity to open the track to this group of racers," says track general manager Josh Lief. "They are fun to work with and to watch on the track. Race fans don't get to see these stock cars on road courses in the Southeast, so this is a great chance for them to see that spectacle as well."

Fans are admitted to the infield, all day, for only $10 in advance or $20 at the gate. Tickets can be bought on the track's web site, at www.virclub.com/buy-tickets.html. As always this year, fans ages fifteen and under are admitted free with a paid adult guest.

Fans are welcome to watch from any of the many scenic spots around the track, with favorites including "NASCAR Bend" - named for the stars who failed to negotiate the turn in a race in the 60s; the approach to Turn Seven and the bridge and the top of the downhill "Rollercoaster."

Coming here is a great release. It's like a vacation.

- Patrick Dempsey

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