Made my first ever visit to VIR yesterday to see a test session for the ALMS cars prior to their race weekend in September. Small turnout of cars (just 10) and spectators (maybe 200), but my primary goal was to get a feel for the facility. I wanted to find my way around, evaluate the spectating views, and plan for race weekend. My only other experience with a road course is from Mid-Ohio so all my opinions will be based on that as a comparison.
I’ll come right out with the big item… I couldn’t find even one spectator location that I think will give a good view of overtaking. The combination of track layout, trees, and elevation changes take away viewing of the major braking zones. I have to say I’m basing this on some extrapolation. There were never more than six cars on the track and since it was just a test they weren’t in a competitive environment. In other words, there wasn’t any actual overtaking to be seen. I went to every viewing area and the best case seems to be at the Oak Tree. Even then, the cars go into a small dip at the top of the hill just before the turn. I think the Mid-Ohio esses, carousel, and keyhole all provide better viewing of overtaking than any spot at VIR will.
There’s more infrastructure at Mid-Ohio, but the facilities at VIR are better. Newer, cleaner, and in better condition. Both venues have walkways across the top level of the garages, but Mid-Ohio gives you visibility into the garage from there. The garages at VIR are located at pit in, so they don’t block viewing of the pits themselves. This is one aspect of the spectating experience that is preferable at VIR. Those who are in the paddock but without pit access are only three feet and a chain link fence away from the pits. In comparison, most of the pits at Mid-Ohio are blocked by the garages or behind the 50 feet of Winner’s Circle grass. The pit wall at VIR is also shorter, so more of the car is visible when it is in it’s pit box. Aesthetically, VIR wins easily. It’s like you’re in a well maintained state park. Mid-Ohio has more of a pasture or farm feel to it.
One other minor item that could be a logistical challenge. What is probably my preferred viewing location, the Oak Tree, isn’t accessible from the other viewing areas. If you’re anywhere near the paddock, you have to pack up and drive to get to the Oak Tree. Plus it is quite small, so you probably have to get there early and stay if you want a spot.