VIR Track
 

Has anyone ever been to this track? There is a Carolinas PCS DE coming up there and was curious.

I do know that they require the added roll bar protection for Boxsters.

VIR is a fantastic track! Lots of elevation and, depending on the configuration, lots of speed. VIR requires all boxsters (986) have a BK Extension bar installed. I have only been there once but really like it.

So you have the Brey Krause extension? I saw on their site they wanted $637 plus shipping.....ouch. Do you leave it in or remove it when not in use?

How would VIR be on a first timer? Details to follow, story still developing but I did not make my first DE at CMP last weekend.

That sucks. Sorry to hear that. Curious to know more.

And as for tracks to learn on, any track is great provided the event is run correctly (and every PCA event I've attended was well run).

For details on VIR (and other tracks), check out www.trackpedia.com.

VIR Full is a fantastic track, my favorite. I've run there several times before and may be attending the Carolinas PCA event you mention. VIR does seem to enforce the rollbar rules pretty agressively.....more so than many tracks.

I'd say VIR is a mediocre track for a beginner.

On the plus side - it's got quite a bit of run-off, the track is typically very well run and in good shape, and it has some long straights for a beginner to "catch his or her breath" between the twisties, and there is plenty of space between the hard braking zones (unlike CMP).
On the down side - those same long straights cause some pretty high speeds, much more so than at CMP for example and this, along with some fast turn areas cause the track to be a relatively "fast track". Although the hard braking zones are spaced out, most have to brake from well over 100mph down to some pretty slow speeds at least 3 times per lap.

Carolina's PCA runs a nice a event so overall I wouldn't be too concerned with the track. You'll get good instruction.

New they are about $700, including the padding. I bought mine used,sans padding for $350. I think there is one for sale right now on the board.
http://www.986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13628

You need to remove the windscreens within the rollhoops (assuming you have them), and remove the soft padding on the "front" of the rollbar. This can be done using a wide blade puddy knife to gently pry off the padding without scratching the paint too bad. Then you have two anchor points at the top of the factory bar plus it attaches to the shoulder mount of the seat belt. The longest part of the install is the removal of the factory trim.

I left mine on for a while, but grew distracted with the horizontal part of the bar above the windscreen. Sort of "chopped" my rearward view.

A first timer ANYWHERE will have a great time. Do not be intimidated. Every new track is exciting. I had driven about 6-7 tracks before getting to VIR for the first time. As I said, learning a new track is always fun, regardless of your present skill level.

Thanks for the info on VIR Racer-d and MTS! I will contact Steve on the rollbar, I got a car cover from him today.

Jared, yeah I'll tell the story here in a day or so, when I have the ending. I'm still pretty down about missing the event, haven't quite gotten over it!

Thanks again guys!!