VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) continues to rev up the summer racing season with another major spectator event. The SRO Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS will take place July 19-21 at VIRginia International Raceway, showcasing the high-performance drivers of GT sports car racing. With more than 100 competitors, this event provides fans with access to some of the best GT racing in America. Spectators will be treated to two practice rounds on July 19, two qualifying rounds, and an exclusive driver autograph session on July 20, followed by the two-round finals on July 21.
“We love how this event allows new and experienced fans to cheer on world-class racing between elite brands hosted right here at VIRginia International Raceway,” Connie Nyholm, Co-owner and CEO of VIR said. “Personally, I really enjoy cheering on the local teams as many of these racers are from VIR.”
Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS is an international championship organized by SRO Motorsports Group. Leading manufacturers such as Porche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG compete through their continental customer racing programs. This unique championship is decided by combined race results from events held in Europe, Asia, America, and Australia, with the best manufacturer across the four continents taking home the title. The 2024 season consists of sprint and endurance races at world-famous venues, including VIR.
Recently named the top attraction in Virginia for 2023, by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association (VRLTA), VIR encourages visitors to pack up friends and family, park the RV or find a spot to pitch a tent on VIR’s nearly 1,300-acre historic property, and then plan to stay for the whole weekend. Onsite Karting, Kids Club, dining, and entertainment are sure to make it an action-packed weekend.
This event comes on the heels of the announcement of three tourism grants awarded to VIR to support marketing and asset development in Southern Virginia. VIR will receive $22,500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program (MLP), $18,000 from the Virginia Special Events & Festivals Program, and $10,000 from the inaugural Visit SoSi Regional tourism grant program.
“VIR expects to bring more than a quarter million visitors to the Visit Sosi region this summer,” Marketing Director Mike Rose said. “These grants will help us promote VIR, our racing events, and corporate and leadership retreats to entice even more visitors to stay and play in Danville and Pittsylvania County.”
Tickets for SRO Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS from July 19-21 and VIR’s next summer event IMSA Michelin GT Challenge and Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix from Aug 23-Aug 25, are on sale now at www.virnow.com.