ALL SMILES - Gary Carter enjoyed his ride with Dave Handy in the McLaren M6B during VIR's annual Holiday Laps event. (VIR Photo)

Rain Fails To Dampen Holiday Laps Spirit At VIR
By John Davison
VIR Public Relations
VIRginia International Raceway’s annual Holiday Laps charity event was another successful venture.
Holiday Laps, which was held November 14, benefits local charities including the Salvation Army in the Danville region and kicks off the WAKG/WBTM seasonal fund raising effort.
Car clubs and individual enthusiasts gathered from a radius of over 100 miles to drive their own vehicles on the famed race track for $25 donations, raising thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army’s service works.
Holiday Laps is just the first part of the seasonal effort by WAKG/WBTM and VIR to raise funds for those who need help this holiday season. WAKG and WBTM hold on-air auctions of prizes and services to raise funds, with VIR one of many area businesses contributing to the cause.
“We are so pleased to be able to host holiday laps each year as a small way to give back to the community,” said VIR Managing Partner Connie Nyholm.  General Manager Josh Lief, who drove one VIR’s VW R32 pace cars for the morning and most of the afternoon sessions commented, “it is so much fun to see those who’ve never driven our track before get to sample it in a controlled and safe environment.”
There was a great turnout for holiday laps, particularly considering the miserable rainy weather, and some drivers drove in session after session, contributing another $25 each time. 
“It amazes me to see how people are willing to help us out,” said Captain Allen Tanner of the Salvation Army as he accepted an additional check from Steve Fitzpatrick, president of the Heart of Carolina Mustang Club in Raleigh, N.C. “The funds raised allow us to save having to purchase items for children who don’t get adopted on ‘Angel Trees’ and get additional things for families in the area.”
Mike Bort, a retired fireman in the region, had never been to VIR before and was given the first session as a birthday gift by his son. He is already planning on future trips, in spite of driving his MazdaSpeed Miata off the track in the tricky “Roller Coaster” downhill section. “I can see how it’s an addiction,” he enthused. “Once I let the car just roll through the turns instead of trying to drive it hard, it got to be a LOT of fun. I can’t wait for the next time I can come back.”
Gary Carter, of Reidsville, NC, is a long-time VIR spectator, attending vintage events and admittedly getting weak-kneed over Can-Am cars like the McLaren M6B that Dave Handy drives. Handy’s SASCO Motorsports, located in VIR’s RacePlex, offered rides in the McLaren to a pair of lucky raffle winners and Carter won the lunchtime ride in a car he has watched win numerous races at VIR. 
“Oh wow!” exclaimed Carter as he exited the car after several thrilling laps. “I want one for Christmas! That was incredible.” Carter and his wife have been attending Holiday Laps for several years, but he never expected to be able to ride in one of his dream cars. “I’m just over the moon. What great fun,” Carter exclaimed. “That is truly the fastest I’ve ever been.”
Nate Kern, champion motorcycle racer and VIR fan, brought his team’s BMWs from Morton’s BMW of Fredericksburg, planning on allowing a lucky raffle winner to ride “two-up” with Nate on his championship bike. The weather prevented that, but the winner received a rain check for any future event Kern attends. Business donors included the Pagoda Restaurant operated by A Moveable Feast, VIR’s official caterer, who donated their net proceeds from the day’s sales as well. A steady stream of customers kept the kitchen busy most of the day.
The final tally is not yet in, as matching donations and other funds need to be counted, but while the weather possibly reduced the numbers participating, those who did attend Holiday Laps generously opened their wallets and the total is close to last year’s record, if not exceeding it.
For information on the track and other event schedules, call 434-822-7700 or check our web site at www.virclub.com.