“Where else will you see a Honda Civic beat out a Porsche on the way to an overall race win?” asked Regional Executive Glenn Long, of the host NC Region. Last year, the winning team of Mark Hein, John Schmitt and Peter Venn drove their Honda Civic Type R around VIR’s 3.27-mile ‘Full Course’ for 319 laps, edging out second place finishers Peter Collins and Mitch Pagerey in their Porsche 911. In 2006, the Mazda RX7 driven by Chris Brubaker, Mike Fitzgerald and Ron Zitza beat out the BMW 330 at the hands of Spencer Trenery, Manny Matz, Don Knowles and Jeff Lucas, then in 2005, a BMW won, so there’s something here for everyone.

Factory-backed teams sometimes bring in cars with future production equipment, along with test engineers to drive them, testing the new products’ endurance under the harsh conditions of a race track. Proving the stamina of engine, brakes, transmission, crew and driver, the “Charge of the Headlight Brigade” brings the entire team together with one mission in mind: victory.Hondas, BMWs, Mazdas, Porsches and more, all contesting the overall and class honors, for thirteen hours, makes this a race to attend. The ‘Headlight Brigade’ has attracted drivers as diverse as Trans-Am champions, reigning SCCA national champions and novices just out of their driver’s schools. Established pro racers can team up with a near-novice in the same car. “A race like this is a great one to get seat time and to work on your technique,” explains local favorite and multiple national champion Don Knowles. “Most club races are short sprints, so this format allows drivers to work on their skills and hone them, instead of the thrash of a short race.

A lot of drivers I’ve worked with keep getting better and better as the race goes on, because they can practice a turn until they get it, instead of having to rush at the entire track.”The race begins in full daylight, but ends with headlights blazing into the night, as teams fight the stresses of fatigue and competition. If a stock car race doesn’t last long enough to satisfy your need for speed, this race surely will.Just two weeks later, on Friday, November 14, Holiday Laps brings the opportunity for fans to support the community and have the thrill of driving on VIR’s famed 3.27-mile historic road course. For a donation of $25 in cash, new toys or non-perishable foods, guests can drive their own cars around the track, behind a pace car.

One of the most popular non-racing events at VIR every year, Holiday Laps supports the local Salvation Army, raising funds for their charitable efforts in the holiday season. “It’s just amazing to know they’re willing to help us out,” said Captain Allen Tanner of the Salvation Army last year. “This allows us to take what we saved from not having to purchase items for those who don’t get adopted on ‘Angel Trees’ and get additional things for families in the area.”