Early last week while reading a Virginia International Raceway email, I noticed in the upcoming events there was a small listing "US Legend Cars Road Course World Finals Come To VIR. Be sure to come out for your chance to see some unique Legend cars on VIR's Patriot Course November 15-17." I was pleased to see this, as for years I have had an interest in the special built race cars, which are 5/8-scale versions of early NASCAR Modifieds.
I thought to myself that the event would be a worthwhile to attend, but since I needed to mulch some leaves in the front yard, I put my laptop down, did some yard work and took a hot bath, forgetting about the little cars for a couple of days.
Eventually I made a phone call to the VIR track to see if that event was open to the public, as it was not billed as a spectator event. I did not want to spend the $40 a day pit pass fee the organizers were selling online. I was told a gate pass to the track would cost $15. I was scheduled to work the PA sound for a gospel music concert at my church on Saturday afternoon and streaming a Worship Service on Sunday morning, so I thought I would just go Friday and could learn something about the series and enjoy a few hours of practice.
By Thursday I had an impressive case of poison ivy on my chest and shoulders, so I visited my primary care doctor and got a prescription cream and pills for it. By the time I got to the VIR gate Friday morning the rash had spread to my arms and legs. As it turned out I only had to pay $10 to get in and was told the bracelet on my wrist would also get me in on Saturday and Sunday! This changed everything!
For the entire weekend I juggled my schedule to get to the track every day and maintain my responsibilities at the church. I also had to wash clothing and bedsheets multiple times to get all the poison ivy oils out and wash and apply cream several times a day to my skin.
I found out from a nice lady whose son and husband were racing in their respective classes that the Legend Cars Road Course World Finals had to be rescheduled to run at VIR this year as the road course at the Charlotte Motor Speedway was being worked on. Imagine that!
I also noticed a couple of video cameras on an elevated deck near the paddock. I asked them what they were doing. They were streaming the event and I could access the recording on their web site USLegendCars.tv I didn’t want to pay the $25 to access that site so I looked for a YouTube upload and found the one I have put below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/XYogjOZIaOc?si=QXj6zG486z6QDuKL&t=1881
One of the most significant revelations that came came to me over the last few days, after I saw the video coverage above of the Masters Class heat race, is that I ran these Legend Cars at the VIR Patriot course virtually in the online simulator iRacing, when I was still working for Wintergreen. I thought they would be perfect for the course. It is also interesting to note that the US Legend Cars are manufactured down in North Carolina and are now raced all over the world.
In the fall, while the weather was good, I did a lot of bike riding and explored several bike trails in and around Halifax County, Virginia.
I have also been on the mountain bike trails at Staunton River State Park. Riding their single track hiking trails requires a bit of skill, especially with leaves, fallen limbs, roots, erosion, equestrian tracks, creek crossings, and loose rocks as challenges to staying on the bike! According to the trail map the park has about 18 miles of trails accessible to bicyclists. I will be returning to explore more of their network when I get the chance. - Nick