TC America - Round 7 & 8

TC America brings production-based touring car racing to Virginia International Raceway for Round 7 & 8. This race weekend features two 25-minute sprint races on one of North America's most challenging road courses. The full course at VIR tests drivers with 17 turns, high-speed sections over blind crests, and significant elevation changes across 3.270 miles.

Virginia International Raceway Circuit Details

Virginia International Raceway sits in Alton, Virginia, and offers a technical challenge for touring car competitors. The circuit features a 4,000-foot back straight and a 3,000-foot front straight. The track width varies between 30 and 36 feet. Drivers navigate 130 feet of elevation change throughout the lap.

The circuit combines fast sweepers with technical sections. Turn 14, known as the "Roller Coaster," mirrors the famous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. The signature hairpin bend provides overtaking opportunities. Carroll Shelby once said that one lap at VIR equals a hundred at Watkins Glen, highlighting the physical and mental demands of this FIA Grade 2 facility.

TC America Series Structure

The 2025 season features a streamlined class structure. The TCX and TC classes merged into a single TC class. The TCA class was eliminated. This change creates a more unified field of production-based race cars.

Competing Manufacturers and Drivers

Multiple manufacturers compete in TC America at Virginia International Raceway. Acura, BMW, Hyundai, Mazda, MINI, and Toyota bring factory-built and factory-supported race cars to the grid. The Toyota GR Corolla TC joined the series in 2025 as a new entry.

Drivers like Jonathan Neudorf, Andre Castro, Jeff Ricken, and Eric Coons compete in the series. Each brings different skills and approaches to the challenging VIR layout.

Race Format at VIR

Round 7 & 8 consist of two separate 25-minute sprint races. This format creates intense competition as drivers push their production-based touring cars to the limit. The short race duration means every corner and every decision matters. Strategy plays a role in tire management and positioning on this demanding circuit.

Virginia International Raceway History

VIR opened in August 1957. A group of racing enthusiasts built the facility. Carroll Shelby won the feature race during the inaugural SCCA event. The track hosted the SCCA National Sports Car Championship from 1957 to 1964. The IMSA GT Championship visited in 1971 and 1972.

The track closed in 1974 and remained dormant for many years. VIR reopened in March 2000 after extensive renovations. Since then, major racing series have returned, including the AMA Superbike Championship, Rolex Sports Car Series, and American Le Mans Series. The facility evolved into a motorsport resort with lodging and dining options for visitors.

What Makes This Event Special

TC America at Virginia International Raceway combines close racing with a historic and challenging venue. The production-based nature of the cars means fans can see vehicles similar to street cars competing at high speeds. The technical layout of VIR rewards skilled drivers who can master the elevation changes and blind crests.

The two-race format provides multiple opportunities for different outcomes. A driver who struggles in Round 7 can redeem themselves in Round 8. The compact 25-minute race length keeps the action intense from start to finish. This event showcases touring car racing at a venue that demands respect and precision from every competitor.