Virginia International Raceway
©Steve Francis - Last updated on June 18th.,2 008

 


The Gold Cup Historic is Virginia International Raceway’s “crown jewel” in its race calendar. Lee Holman of Holman Moody fame served as Grand Marshall for the event this year. Lee brought one of his new Holman MK II’s as well as his 1964 Fairlane 427 roar race car which is a continuation of that H/M built back in the 1960s. In addition to the traditional MKII Lee plans to build a roadster version as well.

Other weekend highlights were the “Wings & Wheels” combined air show and car show complete with a fly-by from a P51 Mustang warbird of the main straight of the circuit. Members of the AACA (Antique Auto Club of America) brought over 100 cars and were able to parade around the 3.27 mile long race circuit during the Friday lunch break.

Dale Phelon brought his ex-Roush Trans Am Mustang which set the weekends best lap time of 1minute 55 seconds compared to a GT350 qualifying time of 2 minutes 11 seconds.

The Gold Cup hosted parties are always a good time, this year was no different. Thursday’s Heacock Classic Sunset Party on the false grid provided BBQ, Oak Tree Ale and music from a local bluegrass band. Friday night’s Black & White party provided plenty of grilled salmon, brisket and a wide variety of music A good time was had by all.

Thirteen cars signed up for our race group but by race day only ten started the race. As in previous years Doug Richmond dominated our race in his ‘66 GT350.

Not only is the Gold Cup VIR’s crown jewel, it’s at the top of our “must do” events!
Steve Francis




A Mustang P-51 and a heart "painted" by a stuntplane



1951 Ford

1957 Mercury


Steve's team at the BBQ
All pictures Steve Francis 

Virginia International Raceway (called VIR from now) has a long history and there is a bunch of enthusiasts, that keeps the memories alive on the web and on the track itself of course. Steve Francis enjoyed early in June 2008 the VIR GOLD CUP Historic 2008 with his teammates. Read his report on left:

VIR main street and pit

Pre-Grid

1965 Falcon

Dale Phelon's Roush T/A Mustang

Talking to Lee Holman and having Steves own race car pic signed. Steve got tons of information on his car.

Steve visited the new shop recently, where the GT40 MKII continuation chassis are stored.

AACA Members queuing up

1957 Ford

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