At the Runoffs, everyone works hard and races hard. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t time to play hard, too! The SCCA team, along with our awesome partners, have put together nearly a full week of social events during the Runoffs at VIR for drivers, workers, friends and family.

First up is the annual Monday night Welcome Party. That begins at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Danville Community Market, 629 Craghead St., in Danville. Then on Tuesday night there’s a Worker Party, starting at 6 p.m., at VIR’s Oak Tree Tavern. It’s a chance to show our appreciation to all the incredible people whose talent and expertise make this week possible!

Wednesday night is traditionally when a series of block parties are conducted throughout the paddock, including a cookout with our friends from Hagerty. All are welcome to come enjoy food, drinks, fun and games as they make their way from one gathering to the next.

The All Participant Party & Dinner is Thursday evening, starting at 6 p.m., in VIR’s Gallery. This is the night we’ll be naming SCCA Worker of the Year Presented by Mazda award winners, and the much-anticipated Tire Rack Pole Award winners.

The celebration continues Friday night with Goodyear Racing Fan Night! Starting at 6 p.m. in VIR’s Gallery, come join Goodyear Racing Brand Ambassador, NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time NASCAR Cup Champion Crew Chief Ray Evernham for an evening celebrating fans of American motorsports. And in attendance will be Evernham’s famous, custom-built racecar nicknamed “The Ghost.”

Also keep in mind that the folks at Mazda Motorsports will be hosting people all week at their new Mazda Lounge. Mazda drivers, their teams and families are welcome at the Lounge for lunch Tuesday-Sunday. Other than during lunch, the Lounge is otherwise open to all racers, teams, family and friends to enjoy the Runoffs in comfort!

To close things out, a final Worker Party takes place beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday in VIR’s Oak Tree Tavern. So, it’s easy to see why the 56th annual SCCA National Championship Runoffs at VIRginia International Raceway will certainly be an event to remember, and one heck of a party!

Next Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in VIR’s Gallery, is Goodyear Racing Fan Night! Come join Goodyear Racing Brand Ambassador, NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time NASCAR Cup Champion Crew Chief, Ray Evernham, for an evening celebrating fans of American motorsports. Also in attendance will be Evernham’s famous, custom-built race car, “The Ghost.” Evernham used his over 40 years worth of experience to put together a formidable racer that resembles the modified cars he grew up watching, but has all the advantages of modern technology.

With Evernham behind the wheel, “The Ghost” tackled the historic Pikes Peak International Hillclimb for the first time in 2018, finishing first in the Exhibition Class and 18th overall. In addition to Pikes Peak, Evernham and “The Ghost” have also competed in historic road course races at some of SCCA’s favorite tracks, including: Road Atlanta, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and VIRginia International Raceway.  The one-of-a-kind car recently topped out at an impressive 196mph at Pocono Raceway.

While Evernham’s accomplishments on the track and in the garage are certainly impressive, arguably his most significant contribution to the sport has been through his work as a Crew Chief, most notably of Jeff Gordon’s “Rainbow Warriors.” It was during this time Evernham developed and perfected the four-tire pit stop. His unique approach that connected athletic training to crew development led to a five-second reduction in time to execute a successful stop. Luckily, his stop at Friday’s Goodyear Racing Fan Night won’t be on a timer! He’ll be meeting and greeting all evening.

So, everyone is invited to stop by VIR’s Gallery Friday night to enjoy some great food and cold drinks, courtesy of Goodyear Racing. Come one and all to celebrate American motorsports with fellow race fans!