Runoffs Driver/Prep Shop Report for Monday, Sept. 26

As testing winds down and we prepare to qualify, here is the news you need to know on Monday…

On-Track Notes

The majority of actions throughout testing have come from flag violations. As we enter qualifying, please remember the penalty guidelines stipulate a loss of session times for a failure to slow significantly for a yellow (GCR 6.1.1.B), pass under yellow and/or blowing a black, checker or red flag. The Runoffs penalty guidelines are here: https://www.scca.com/downloads/63941-2022-runoffs-penalty-guidelines-v9-083122 and linked from the Runoffs page menu under “Driver/Prep Shops.”

We will be using three safety cars during qualifying if the situation arises to go full course yellow. When the safety cars turn off their lights and exit the circuit, please remember that the yellow flags may still be out, as we can’t drop them until ALL safety cars are off course. Please do not pass until you see that the yellow flags have been dropped.

Cars leaving the course have created some pretty big holes just off the racing surface. VIR will work on filling those prior to qualifying, but they aren’t going to continually fill them just to have them re-appear the next day. Please keep your car on the racing surface.

Paddock

As you’ve noticed, the paddock has filled up! With so many vehicles in the paddock, we need to make sure we keep the fire lanes clear. Also, please slow down! Paddock speed limit is 15 mph, and on facility roads outside of the paddock is 25 mph. If you have a green Infield parking pass on your car, it should not be parked in the Main Paddock.  Please park in the designated grass event parking area.  If you have a red Paddock parking pass on your car, you may only park in your assigned paddock space in the Main Paddock.

Track Walk

The track walk this evening will begin approximately 15 minutes after the last checkered flag, beginning at pit out. Golf carts, team tuggers, bicycles (pedal only) and ADA Mobility Devices may be used at a normal walking speed. ATVs, side-by-side vehicles, scooters or 2-wheeled motorized vehicles are not permitted. Excessive speed will not be tolerated and subject to disciplinary action. This is for safety reasons as there will not be onsite medical support.

We will do a course sweep as we approach the end to help any stragglers make the finish.

Party Time!

Kick-Off Party at the Gallery with the C.C. Coates Band

Everyone is invited to join us in The Gallery at VIR tonight to kick off a great week of friends, fun and racing!  Come by for dinner and drinks and listen to some live music, courtesy of the C.C. Coates Band. The band and food starts at 6:30 pm.

 

3^rd Annual Charity Golf Cart Parade

This will mark the 3rd annual charity golf cart parade on Wednesday, September 28 and lead into another favorite, the SCCA Block Party. This year, proceeds from the Golf Cart Parade will benefit Lemons of Love, an organization with deep motorsports ties that provides care packages to people affected by cancer.  The parade will step-off from grid at approximately 6:15 pm.  We will make a pass by victory circle where our expert cart announcers will make the parade call.  We will then make our way around the paddock ending up at a block party stop.  So, it’s time to start planning, get out those arts and crafts supplies and let those creative juices flow!  Your goal is to raise money for your cart.  Drivers, workers, crews, friends and family will “vote” with their dollars and the cart that raises the most money will be crowned the 2022 Golf Cart National Champion and win a major award!  Teams can register early online at www.scca.com/cartparade.  Once you arrive at the track, swing by the SCCA Staff Office on the 2^nd floor of the Pagoda to pick up your cart number.

Block Party

The Block Party returns on Wednesday, September 28!   It’s the opportunity to chill amongst race cars with hundreds of your closest SCCA friends. Not being “official,” start times will vary, but these parties are likely to kick off shortly after Wednesday’s final checkered flag. Who’s throwing the parties? We’re estimating five to 10 parties spread across the Runoffs paddock, with separate gatherings hosted by Hagerty, SCCA Women on Track, New England Region, the Prod racers and more!

 

The best part of the Runoffs Block Party is there’s no obligation to stay put – cruise the paddock and chat with drivers, teams, workers and fans. From party-to-party, you’ll meet up with old friends and make new ones.

Runoffs Report Archive
An archive of previous Runoffs Reports is available in the Event Page menu under “Event Information” or directly here: https://www.scca.com/pages/2022-runoffs-report-archive

 

Thanks for being here!
The Runoffs Team