DANVILLE, Va. (Aug 12, 2025) – VIRginia International Raceway is revving up for the
IMSA Michelin GT Challenge & Virginia is for Racing Lovers Grand Prix, to be held from
Friday, August 22, 2025, to Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Beginning Friday, August 22, 2025, fans from around the globe will once again rally at the
historic track in Alton, VA to witness high-performance drivers battling for this year’s
championship title. Five challenges will culminate with the flagship race, the Michelin GT
Challenge, rocking the nation as everyone’s eyes will be focused on the fastest-growing
series in motorsports.
This adrenaline-fueled weekend starts with practice laps and qualifying rounds early
Friday morning and will continue throughout the weekend. The featured race of the will be
the Michelin GT Challenge, which will take place on Sunday, August 24, from 2:10 p.m. to
4:50 p.m. and will be live broadcast on three national networks: USA, NBC, and Peacock.
This is a live event and all race times are approximate and subject to shift based on
evolving conditions and considerations.
Other weekend events will include:
• Virginia is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix – part of the IMSA Michelin Pilot
Challenge series
• Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin – a signature spec for Mazda
motorsports, where cars are deconstructed and transformed into racecars
• Mustang Challenge – a race where drivers up to FIA silver ratings compete on a
level playing field against other Mustang Dark Horse R cars
• VP Racing SportsCar Challenge – a multi-class sprint racing series including P3
prototypes and GT3 and GT4 production car racing
• Guest Karting on the VIR Track
• Live Musical Performances at the Oak Tree Tavern
• The Coca Cola Camping Contest – with $2,000 in participant prizes
Fans will enjoy exclusive, up-close experiences with both cars and drivers all weekend
long—no extra passes required! The North Paddock will be open to foot traffic, giving
attendees an insider’s look at the iconic machines and the teams that run them. Fan walks
on Pit Road will be happening Saturday and Sunday, and autograph sessions are scheduled
for Saturday from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
The National Anthem will once again be performed by Tazewell County native, Noah
Spencer (Season 24 of NBC’s The Voice), and The Hitachi Energy Fireworks Extravaganza
will take place Saturday evening. Spencer will also perform at Oak Tree Tavern throughout
the weekend. Participants in the overnight Coca Cola Camping Contest must camp on-site
from August 22-24 and fill out an entrance form to qualify. Participants can choose a theme
or “make it random.”
“The momentum of IMSA and the excitement surrounding this event during our 25th
anniversary year is really evident,” Connie Nyholm, VIR Co-Founder and CEO said. “IMSA is
bringing in top teams and drawing spectators from around the globe to help us celebrate. It
looks like we are going to have a really impressive turn out with lots of first-time
spectators. I have no doubt it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.”
All tickets for the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge and Virginia is for Racing Lovers weekend at
VIRginia International Raceway are available now at www.virnow.com
Car enthusiasts who want to gain access to special parking, parade laps, and shaded seating
are invited to purchase advanced Car Corrals tickets, on sale now. (Tickets are limited to
Corvette, BMW, Mustang, and Porsche Cars).
Limited tickets for the Oak Tree VIP Club Package are also available for purchase, which
include top-tier amenities, an unobstructed view of the course, VIP private parking, and a
catered lunch and open bar on Saturday and Sunday.
