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VIRginia International Raceway: Virginia v. North Carolina

Danville, Virginia – Aug. 21, 2015 – VIRginia International Raceway, one of America’s premier road courses, is poised to host the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship this weekend and the two bordering Governors have joined the competition. VIR sits a few feet away from the VA/NC border.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory have decided to place a friendly wager this weekend on two drivers who call their states home. The battle will take place in the two-hour and 30-minute IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race on Saturday afternoon. Gov. McAuliffe has James Clay – who hails from Blacksburg – and the No. 84 BMW to represent Virginia, while Gov. McCrory has selected Matthews, North Carolina-native Tyler Cooke and the No. 81 BMW to represent the Tar Heel State.

The rules are simple: whichever car finishes higher, the No. 81 or 84 BMW, in Sunday’s race will determine the winner, giving bragging rights for its respective state. North Carolina or “Virginia’s Finest” agriculture products will then be handed over.

“I look forward to our Virginia champion roaring to victory as his home-state fans cheer him on. In the unlikely event of a North Carolina win, I would still have the satisfaction of knowing that Governor McCrory will soon be hooked on ‘Virginia’s Finest’ agricultural products. We are always looking for opportunities to move Virginia toward its goal of being the East Coast capital for agricultural and forestry products, even when we’re just sharing our delicious ham, peanuts and craft beer with our next-door neighbors,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.

“Everyone knows that North Carolina is the birth place of NASCAR and home to great teams and tracks across the spectrum of auto racing. I look forward to the meal Governor McAuliffe will be providing after North Carolina’s victory this weekend, but will be happy to put some of our finest BBQ on the line on the slim chance that doesn’t happen,” said Governor McCrory. “Regardless of who wins, we can all agree that this race is a great victory for both Virginia and North Carolina and we look forward to this event continuing to grow and succeed in the future.”

“We know the Governors are busy and we appreciate them taking time to have some fun with us,” said Connie Nyholm, owner and CEO of VIR. “Being located on the border, we have an economic impact on both states and have great relationships throughout.”

This weekend’s GT-only event at VIR features the TUDOR Championship GT classes, the top GT racing category in the United States. Only 12 racetracks in North America host IMSA’s premier series, and the racing activities – featuring a total of 10 races culminating with a two-hour and 40-minute TUDOR Championship race – take place at VIR Aug. 21 through 23. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit virnow.com/.

About VIRginia International Raceway

VIRginia International Raceway is one of America’s premier road courses, offering professional and amateur racing for modern and vintage classes while providing contemporary resort amenities. A prominent test facility for the automotive industry, VIR has the distinction of being named one of the top six courses in North America by Car & Driver Magazine, and southern roots and hospitality make it one of the friendliest. Conveniently located at the Virginia/North Carolina border, VIR is just a short two hour trip from Richmond and about an hour and 15 minutes from both the Piedmont-Triad and Raleigh-Durham International Airports.

VIR offers complementary amenities such as lodging, dining, a spa, an exclusive driver’s club, karting, off-road racing, shooting sports, skid pad and more. The grounds also offer a unique setting and specialized facilities for corporate retreats, group activities and conference space. Onsite parcels are available for sale/lease to motorsports industry tenants. For more information, visit www.VIRnow.com, Facebook or Twitter.

Nicole Kypraios
(919) 274-6370
nkypraios@boltpr.com