VIR - Virginia International Raceway

[dwh43scale]

Good planning means that I should be able to call in on TransAm at VIR on the way to Petit Le Mans in 2023.
Hints, tips, etc re spectator photography appreciated. Looks like a long lens will be needed but are there spectator fences ? Can you walk round the track ?
Thanks

[BRANDON102287]

God willing I'll be there camping behind the pond so any questions feel free to swing by normally get there friday morning. Now as for details if you look at the track map there is a north course that motorcycles run and other smaller things and inside that including the paddock is open to spectators the infield outside of it is not but if you have a vehicle/bike or golf kart you can get down to the south and with hog pen. The infield parking atleast in years past has been free unless you want to tent camp and thats gone from like 50 to 90 even for the trans am. Im not a photographer so cant comment on the lense but just the north end have a relatively close area from turn 3 to the bridge and also from the roller coaster threw hog pen. I live just under two hours away so any question feel free to private message me

[BRANDON102287]

Would send a picture that I have takin but cant figure out how to on here

[dwh43scale]

Thanks - that's helpful.

[BRANDON102287]

Wish I could have been more helpful the track is really in the middle of no where if your doing a hotel i reccomend south boston or danville and coming from over seas and wanting to take in some local history and good restaurants definitely recommend danville. The track though is beautiful and great people the only downside is the track concessions use to be great but since covid they have leased it out (they use to do it themself) and now food quality has dropped and prices have gone up on trans am weekend very few food trucks for a alternative

[jrc3]

Brandon asked me to reply about pictures at VIR I have 2 Nikons on is a D5300 and a D7200 I use 2 lenses. the primary is an 18-300 mm which I use in turn 3 and 4 and going into the pits and general walking around. the other is a 200-500mm I use for cars in the merry go round. the major problem is the fencing forget about going into turn 1 and 2 you are below the track and really can't see anything.
The best place to watch in my opinion is turn 3 4 I sit there most of the time.
Oak tree has fencing around it so I don't take pictures there and always have lines in it

Other thing as Brandon mentioned is stay in South or Danville, I like Danville over mSouth Boston more places to stay and eat. I also suggest that you make your reservation now. The hotels fill up quickly.
I also recommend / suggest bring summer clothes since it is usually very hot a chair to sit in suntan lotion since you will be sitting most likely in the sun
As for track food I bring mine in for the day(s) recently the food service has been terrible and have complained to the owner numerous times
Any way I will be at VIR this yr and hopefully many years to come it's my home track
I hope this helps

[jrc3]

getting ready to head south for the daytona 24hrs yea I know it's called the Rolex24

[dwh43scale]

Thank you; useful information. We are looking to stay at South Boston, where I see there is a 0.4 mile oval. Enjoy Daytona - will be watching from over here.

[jrc3]

FYI South Boston is 30 miles from Danville be sure to check the track schedule. I went to the speedway but after being in the sun and heat all day at VIR I was too exhausted to see the main race.