Friday, June 9, 2006

 

Land Use Assessment: A Plan For County’s Future?

Many In Agricultural Community Believe Move Could Save The County’s Oldest Industry
Agricultural advocates are encouraging the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to consider implementing land use assessment, a tax deferment program that could ease the burden on the county’s beleaguered farming industry.
If passed, land use assessment, or land use taxation, will allow the county’s farmers to be taxed on the use value of the land as opposed to the fair market value of the land, according to Agricultural Development Director Linda Wallace.
Under the plan, farmers would have the additional taxes deferred until the property is no longer being used for agricultural purposes, Wallace said.
Farmers who sell the property or begin using the land for purposes other than agricultural production would be responsible for any taxes deferred during their inclusion in the program.
The agricultural development director said the program also helps to protect the county’s open spaces.
“What if I want to stay and farm and you come up and offer me $5,000 an acre for my 100-acre farm?” she asked. “You’re a developer and take my farm and chop it into 20 lots. Now you’re going to turn around and sell that farm for $10,000 an acre. You’ve just turned my farm into a developer’s paradise.
“I wanted to stay and farm,” she added, “but when the cost of land here – and it will happen – gets to $5,000 an acre, how can I afford to farm if I’m being taxed at that level?
“We need to incentivize the agriculture industry the same way we do other industries. And farms are industries.
“This isn’t a tax break, it’s a deferment,” Wallace added. “The taxes aren’t forgiven.”
Currently, the Board of Supervisors has the authority to implement the program, determine classifications of property to be included, establish an application fee and determine specific criteria for qualifying property owners to be included. Supervisors also have the authority to establish a penalty for withdrawing from the program.
Supervisors can set the criteria for inclusion into the program, but the criteria cannot be more restrictive than state law, Wallace said.
Under the Code of Virginia property owners with five acres or more can qualify for land use assessment.
“The state defines a farm as an endeavor that generates a minimum of $1,000 a year of revenue as a result of direct agricultural production,” Wallace said. “To be included in the program applicants must demonstrate that they have bona fide agricultural production.”
Supervisors can also ensure that only qualified applicants participate via the application fee.
“The fee may be cost-prohibitive for smaller landowners to benefit or realize any tax savings due to their small acreage,” Wallace said. “That should ensure that only appropriate, deserving individuals benefit.”
A main question in the implementation of the program is what amount of savings landowners could see in the deferment.
“It’s up to the Commissioner of Revenue to work with the local leadership to set the value of the land,” Wallace said.
Commissioner of Revenue Danny Jackson said that based on the most recent assessment, an estimated 4,800 parcels on 113,600 acres of land are eligible for agricultural land use assessment. An additional 4,600 parcels encompassing 295,900 acres of land are eligible for forest land assessment.
The average assessed value of agricultural land is $1,331 per acre and the average assessed value of forest land is $952 per acre.
If an assessed value for property included in the program is set at $600 per acre and 50 percent of those eligible sign up for the program the county stands to have $383,961 in revenue deferred, Jackson said.
“In 2004, supervisors estimated that assessing every two years would generate around $400,000, with $335,000 coming from public service corporations – like the Clover power plant – located in the county,” Board of Supervisors member and Finance Committee Chairman Doug Bowman said yesterday. “The remainder would have to come from the tax base.”
But Wallace said the benefits go far beyond fiscal issues.
“Are we worried about matching dollar for dollar, or are we concerned about the future of the county?” she asked. “In everything we do, from capital improvement projects to economic development projects, when we decide something is important for the future of the county we find a way to fund it.
“When people decide that they value the way this county looks and the way we live, they’ll decide this is worth doing.”
Wallace said the proposal is consistent with the Vision 2020 plan.
“I’m sorry this has turned into a money issue rather than an issue centering on our way of life,” she added. “But if we had an industry employing 400 people and generating $38 million a year in revenue we’d fall all over ourselves to help them if they were struggling.
“Our farmers are struggling.”

Higher Education Center Awarded DOE Grant
The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center has been awarded a $45,750 grant from the state Department of Education.
The funding is to be used for the professional development of K-12 teachers through workshops and conferences.
The first workshop, a half-day mathematics seminar to be taught by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, president and professor of mathematics education of Cambridge College, Mass., is scheduled July 12 at The Prizery.
Dr. Sharma has conducted mathematics workshops worldwide..
“Virginia teachers can attend the workshop free of charge because of this grant, and can receive certification points toward licensure,” said Amy Lammerts, director of HEC program development/marketing.
Since HEC is now a state agency and can market itself independently, the institution has been able to bring more opportunities to the center within the last six months, explained Lammerts.
On August 3-4, the Higher Education Center will hold a Principal’s Workshop, “Emerging Leader’s Institute in the Age of Accountability.” The workshop will be taught by ODU Professor and retired school superintendent Dr. William Owens, Dr. Dorothea Shannon, a retired school superintendent, Betsy Gregory, a retired elementary school principal, and Dr. Sue Davis, superintendent of Danville City Schools.
Virginia teachers and principals may also attend this workshop free of charge due to the grant. The normal registration fee is $250.
Two additional workshops are planned for fall through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Topics are “Transitioning Through Middle School” and “Training the Trainer in the Use of Thinking Maps.”
“With the increased funding the Center received last July from the state and the designation as a stand alone state supported agency, coupled with a new executive director, opportunities to reach out to other colleges and universities in Virginia and nationwide have moved the Center to a new level,” said Lammerts yesterday.
The marketing director said that a visit to the SREB in Atlanta in February opened additional doors for professional development, especially to regional K-12 teachers,
“The Center views our region not only as Halifax County, but also areas to the west towards Martinsville, to the east to Emporia and north to Charlotte and Lunenburg counties,” added.the director.

School Board To Address Senior Class Pictures
Trustees Will Meet At 3 P.M. On Monday

Trustees will hear from at least two concerned citizens regarding senior class photos removed from the middle school during their June meeting.
The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. in the public meeting room at the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
Cecile Ford and Dot Carr have asked to address the Board at the meeting regarding the pictures removed from the middle school during the renovation process.
The speakers want the pictures returned to the middle school once the construction is completed.
Also on the agenda, trustees will receive an update of the school system’s improvement projects, a special late-June meeting and a maintenance report.
The Board will also get a financial report from Chief Financial Officer Bill Covington III.
Under new business, trustees are expected to select a delegate and alternate to the 2006 VSBA annual convention, approve the 2006-07 code of student conduct and approve the school system’s wellness policy.
The Board will also recognize retirement honorees for their service.
Lastly, the Board will go into closed session to address personnel and student disciplinary matters.

Obituaries

William Jones Abbitt Jr.
A graveside service for William Jones Abbitt Jr., of Clover, will be held today, June 9, at 11 a.m. at the Clover Cemetery, with the Rev. Richard Cooke officiating.
Abbitt died Tuesday at Danville Regional Hospital at the age of 88.
William Abbitt Jr. was born in Charlotte County on February 15, 1918, the son of the late William J. Abbitt and the late Olive G. Abbitt.
He was a member of Clover Baptist Church, the Clover Lions Club and was a retired secretary-treasurer for the Town of Clover.
He is survived by one nephew, William H. Smith, and one great-niece, Jane Abbitt Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clover Baptist Church, Clover, Va., 24534.
Catherine Elizabeth Mahaffey Mills
Funeral services for Catherine Elizabeth Mahaffey Mills, of Chalmers St. in South Boston, will be held today at 4:30 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Huffman conducting the service.
Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the home of Jacinda Barnes, 103 Kemper Ct., Danville.
Mrs. Mills died Wednesday at Beverly Healthcare, and was 83 years of age at the time of her death.
She was born in Halifax County June 5, 1923, the daughter of the late John Coot Mahaffey and the late Annie Mahaffey, and was married to the late Robert Lee Mills.
Mrs. Mills was a retired employee of Halifax Cotton Mill and was of the Methodist faith.
Catherine Elizabeth Mahaffey Mills is survived by one daughter, Tina M. Coleman of Anderson, S.C.; one sister, Bea Clark of South Boston; one granddaughter, Jacinda Barnes and husband Jamie of Danville; one grandson, James Guthrie and wife Laura of Benton, S.C.; and five great-grandchildren.
Anyone wishing to give memorials please consider the Patrick Henry Boys & Girls Plantations, PO Box 1398, Brookneal, Va., 24528.
Condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net.
Van Pleasant Sr.
Funeral services for Mr. Van Pleasant Sr. will be held Saturday, June10, at 3 p.m. at the Crawford House Chapel in Halifax.
Burial will follow in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel tonight from 6 – 7 and all other times at the residence, 2132 North Main Street, South Boston.
Mr. Pleasant, 78, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and formerly of South Boston, died Monday, June 5, at Calvary Hospital in Brooklyn.
He was born February 29,1928 in Halifax County, the son of the late Luther Pleasant and Nora Pleasant and was married to Gladys L. Pleasant.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Pleasant is survived by a daughter, Joyce Pleasant Crews of Clover; two sons, Van Pleasant Jr. of Clover and Larry Pleasant of Bloomfield, Conn.; a brother, Freddie Pleasant of Drakes Branch; a sister, Irene Snead of South Boston; a son-in-law William Crews of Clover; a daughter-in-law, Jean Pleasant of Bloomfield; 18 grandchildren, a great-grandson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by eight siblings and a grandson, Van Pleasant III.
Rossie Edgeworth Thompson
Funeral services for Mr. Rossie Edgeworth Thompson will be held at 2 p.m. today, Friday, June 9 at the Brooks Funeral Home Chapel.
The Rev. Bill LaWall will officiate.
Burial will follow in the North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson died Tuesday, June 6 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 69.
Mr. Thompson, of Hite Lane in South Boston, was born in Halifax County on August 17, 1936, the son of the late Ethelyn Pink Wilson Thompson and the late Lewis Osbey Thompson. He was a member of North Fork Baptist Church and was a retired employee of ABB.
Survivors include three sons, Carl E. Thompson, Steve A. Thompson and Bernard “Benny” Thompson, all of South Boston; three daughters, Linda T. Mills, Janice T. Spencer and Shelia T. Wilson, all of South Boston; 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his fiance, Elizabeth Franklin of Chase City.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Eldridge Thompson.
Online condolences may be sent to brooksfh@earthlink.net.
Parthenia Toombs Watson
Mrs. Parthenia Toombs Watson died Monday, June 5, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was 93.
Mrs. Watson was born in Charlotte County on June 3, 1913, the daughter of the late William Jeffress and the late Ola Toombs Jeffress. She was married to the late John Henry Watson and was a member of Salem Baptist Church.
Mrs. Watson is survived by three daughters, Laura Watson of Red Oak, Millie McRae of Bullock, N.C., and Mattie Walton of Roxboro; three sons, John Watson of Red Oak, Clem Watson of Georgia and Daniel Watson of Clarksville; two sisters, Hattie McCargo of Red Oak and Elvirea Boyd of Wylliesburg; one step-daughter, Channie Watson; one step-son, Fred Watson; 18 grandchildren; two sons-in-law, the Rev Curtis McRae and Deacon Wayne Walton; one daughter-in-law, Lizzie Watson of Clarksville; two brothers-in-law, Howard McCargo and Clyde Boyd; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Mae Mayo and Estelle Watson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Parthenia Toombs Watson will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 11, with services at Salem Baptist Church.
The Rev. Harry Williams will officiate.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The remains may be viewed Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Laura Watson, 372 Atkins Road in Red Oak.
Randy Lenn Waller
Mr. Randy Lenn Waller, of Arthur Ware Trail in South Boston, died Wednesday, June 7, at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 49.
Mr. Waller was born in Halifax County on May 20, 1957, the son of Dorothy Holt Waller and the late DeRoy Evan Waller and was married to Sandy Newton Waller.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Millstone and was actively involved with Dixie Youth South baseball and stock car racing.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Ashley Brooke Waller of South Boston; two sons, Ryan Lenn Waller and Brent Averette Waller, all of South Boston; his mother; one sister, Linda Waller Reaves and husband Ray of Alton; and brothers Mike T. Waller and wife Valerie and Mark E. Waller and wife Tina, all of Nathalie.
Funeral services for Mr. Waller will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, with services at the First Baptist Church of Millstone.
The Revs. Bill LaWall, Ron Rhew and Bob Watts will officiate.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends tonight, June 9, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home and other times at the home, 1062 Arthur Ware Trail.
For memorials, please consider a charity of your choice.
Minnie Garland Webb
Mrs. Minnie Garland Webb, 96, of Nathalie, died June 6 in Brookneal.
She was born in Halifax County, the daughter of the late Algie Garland and Priscilla Garland and was married to the late Tilman Webb.
Survivors include five nieces, Mary Petty of Nathalie, Deloris Brown of Ohio, Eunice Thomas of Baltimore, Gazelle Black of Oxon Hill, MD., and Nancy Canada of Brookneal; eight nephews, Stacy LaPrade and James Black of Nathalie, Paul LaPrade of Oakland, Ca., Leslie LaPrade of Rock Hill, S.C., Robert LaPrade of New York, James Jackson of Baltimore, Ernest Black of Lynchburg and McKinley Jordan of Altavista; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Webb will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, with services at the Second Buffalo Church in Nathalie.
Burial will follow in the New Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.
Condolences may be e-mailed to Jeffressfh@aol.com.
Paula Jean Shoup
A memorial service for Mrs. Paula Jean Shoup will be held at 6:30 on Friday, June 9, at the Brooks Funeral Home Chapel.
The Rev. Jim Luedtke will officiate.
Mrs. Shoup, of Third Street in South Boston, died Friday, June 2, at her home at the age of 37.
She was born in Japan on June 30, 1968, the daughter of the late Arthur Hamm and Lois G. Hamm and was a homemaker.
Mrs. Shoup is survived by her husband, Cliff Hertzog of South Boston; her mother; one daughter, Audrey Powell and husband Stacy, both of Vernon Hill; her mother-in-law, Lorraine Lewis of Alexandria; one sister, Lesley Jadus of Idaho and a number of nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by grandchildren Chase and Paige Powell.
Mrs. Shoup was preceded in death by one son, Jeff Polk, and a sister, Charlotte Williams.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Danville Humane Society, P.O. Box 3352, Danville, Virginia, 24543.
Stella Frances Rogers Baird
Funeral services for Mrs. Stella Frances Rogers Baird will be held Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Seventh Day Adventist Church on Parker Avenue in South Boston.
Viewing will be at Dunn and Sons Funeral Home on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and all other times at the home of Corlys Ballou, 236 Greenfield Road, South Boston.
Mrs. Baird, widow of the late Rev. W.J. Baird, died Wednesday, June 7, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was 101.
Mrs. Baird was born on May 3, 1905 in South Boston, the daughter of the late Lazarus Rogers and the late Sallie Faulkner Rogers.
She was a retired schoolteacher.
Mrs. Baird is survived by two sons, Dr. W. Edwyn Baird and Eldridge A. Baird, and a daughter, Corlys Ballou.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Elbert Reginald Rogers and Alvin Rogers, a son-in-law, Frederick L. Ballou Sr., a brother, two sisters and two grandsons, Darryl Baird and Derrick Ballou.

Jeffress Likely Headed To Arizona Rookie League
Jeremy Jeffress And His Family Are Headed To Milwaukee Today To Complete Negotiations With Milwaukee Brewers Officials
After having taken a day off on Wednesday to relax, it was quickly back to business for Halifax County High School pitcher Jeremy Jeffress.
Jeffress, who was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers as the 16th overall draft pick in Tuesday’s opening round of the Major League Baseball 2006 First-Year Player Draft, has signed a document noting his intent to play for the Brewers and is expected to officially sign this weekend, possibly today.
“He has signed a document saying he intends to play for the Brewers,” his father, Fred Jeffress said yesterday morning.
“He can’t go anywhere else. He’s under their control.”
The elder Jeffress did not divulge how much money his son is expected to receive from the Brewers except to say“he’s well over a million dollars.”
Jeffress’ father did note, however, that there is a provision in his son’s contract for his son to receive $20,000 a year for education.
“That is something that is important to Jeremy and is important to us,” he said.
“He will have an opportunity to take classes during the off-season. That (having a stipend for education) is something that is very common now.”
Brewers scout Tim McIlvaine arrived in South Boston Tuesday night to meet with Jeffress and his family to begin the negotiating and signing process.
“We’re satisfied with what we’re talking about at this point,” Jeffress’ father noted.
The hard-throwing Comets right-hander and his family are flying to Milwaukee this morning to meet with Brewers officials.
“If everything goes well this weekend, Jeremy will leave Milwaukee and go straight to (Phoenix) Arizona,” noted Jeffress’ father.
In Phoenix, Jeffress will report to the Rookie Arizona Summer League which is scheduled to open Tuesday.
McIlvaine said Tuesday night he is very pleased the Brewers had been able to land Jeffress. There had been some early speculation that the Washington Nationals, which had the pick immediately in front of the Brewers would select Jeffress.
“I said a couple of extra prayers last night (Monday night) and everything fell into place this morning,” McIlvaine said.
“I was worried. There was a lot of talk about different teams taking him. I was as excited as I could be that he got to 16.”
McIlvaine said he saw the majority of the games Jeffress pitched this past season for Halifax County High School and was impressed.
When asked what it is about Jeffress that has impressed him the most McIlvaine replied, “the fluidity of his delivery, just how easy he would run it up there with an above-average fastball. It’s an almost effortless delivery that really projects well.”
McIlvaine said Jeffress is demonstrating a good deal of ability.
“When you look at him, you see an above-average fastball right off the bat,” McIlvaine pointed out.
“That grabs your attention because he already has one pitch. Then, you watch the curve ball and the changeup that he’s developed throughout the season and you watch as they get better and better every game.
“Then,” McIlvaine continued, “you say here is a kid that has an above-average fastball and a kid that can really spin a breaking ball. He has a lot of revolutions per minute which translates into a projectable curve ball. It seems he’s got a feel for a changeup now, too, so now you’re looking at a high school kid that has a handle on three pitches.
“He’s showing a feel for three pitches right now, which is very good for a high school pitcher. The more he works on it and develops and the more he will grow into that projection, the more success he is going to have.”
In playing in the national League, Jeffress is going to have bat for himself in the games that he is on the mound. If past records are any indication, he should be able to swing the bat.
Jeffress batted .413 in 2005 and batted .200 this spring. He has a total of nine home runs in the past two seasons and a total of 37 RBIs in that span.
“Whenever he’s pitching, he’ll get to swing the bat,” McIlvaine said.
“ I’m sure he’s excited about that.”
McIlvaine said there are other factors that make him and Brewers officials excited about having Jeffress in the fold.
“You don’t just select somebody in the first round solely based on what they do on the field,” said McIlvaine.
“There are a lot of other things that go into it. Jeremy comes from a great family. He’s got a great support system coming up behind him. That really speaks volumes for Jeremy’s character.
“Jeremy is going to be an asset to the Milwaukee Brewers organization,” added McIlvaine.
“That’s what we want. That’s what we look for and that’s what he is.”

 

Power Lifting Reaps Rewards For Holland, Newcomb
Duo Take Wins In AAU Triple Crown Classic
Tommy Holland and Doug Newcomb continue to reap rewards from the sport of power lifting, each winning their age group at the AAU Triple Crown Power Lifting Championships in Richmond earlier this month.
Each competed in the Liftetime Masters Division, Holland in the 45-49 year age group in 220-pound weight class and Newcomb in the 50-54 year age group in the 198-pound weight class.
Both Holland and Newcomb had already qualified for the World Championship meet this October after winning world titles last year, and both said they used the Triple Crown Meet as a way of gauging their progress.
“We competed against people from all over the country,” said Holland, who sees the sport of power lifting as growing in popularity.
“There were a lot of teenagers who competed at the meet, from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, etc., “ the veteran lifter added, noting that the world championships scheduled for Disney World in 2007 will be carried live by ESPN 2.
But, first up are the world championships this October, the time and place yet to be announced, but, judging by their performances at the Triple Crown, both Holland and Newcomb are ready to take on all comers.
Competition consists of three basic lifts, the squat, followed by the bench press and finally the dead lift, with total poundages determining the winner in each class.
Holland started with 501 pounds in the squat, before going to 545, then 556 pounds, and started at 356 pounds on the bench press.
He moved up to 380 pounds and topped out at 391 pounds for the bench press.
Holland’s dead lift poundages were identical to his squat totals, giving him a combined score of 1,504 pounds.
Newcomb started at 385 pounds for squats and moved to 419 pounds, before missing at 440. He benched 265 pounds to start, and he followed that effort with a lift of 292 pounds, before missing at 313.
Newcomb opened at 385 for the dead lift, hit 425 pounds but missed at 440 to give him a combined total of 1,136 pounds.
Holland and Newcomb said that they enjoy their sport, and have come about their titles with good old-fashioned hard work and dedication, not through steroids or other illegal growth-enhancing drugs.
“We’re randomly tested at these meets, and you’re banned from competition for two years if you test positive for drugs,” said Newcomb.
“The second time you test positive, you’re banned for life, and you’re even posted on the Internet.”
“It isn’t worth it,” agreed Holland. “You can only get full satisfaction from the sport if you compete drug free.
“The rewards will come if you do it the right way, but you can’t use short cuts,” he added.
Technique is also important, as important as pure strength, and the judges are very strict during the meets, according to Newcomb.
“It’s not worth it to take steroids,” said Newcomb. To me, technique is just as important as strength.”
With the world championships coming in October, the pair is lifting with coach Robbie Lloyd and trainer Kenny Conner, working with squat and bench press workouts two days a week and one day with dead lifts.
Both have set definite goals for the world meet. Holland’s is to set new marks in a heavier weight class, while Newcomb hopes to at least duplicate his American record for the squat for his weight and age class.
Based on past performances, don’t bet against it happening.

 

Gold Cup Historic Races On Tap This Weekend At VIR
By The 2006 edition of VIRginia International Raceway’s signature vintage racing event, the Gold Cup Historic Races, honoring the Cars of Germany, will take place this weekend, June 9-11.
As the third permanent road racing circuit built in the eastern United States, VIR has been an important part of America’s motorsports history since 1957. Each June, the track takes the opportunity to honor its legacy and turn back the clock to the “glory days” of sports car racing.
The field of cars that will be racing this weekend reads like a “Who’s Who” of the world’s greatest manufacturers, including Lotus, MG, Triumph, Morgan, Austin-Healey, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lola, Elva, Allard, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, Shelby, Chevrolet, Ford, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, among others.
The action will get underway today with two 25-minute practice sessions for each of the six racing groups. Practice will continue on Saturday morning, with seven-lap qualifying races scheduled for Saturday afternoon that will set the grids for Sunday’s feature races.
Pre-race warm-ups for each group will take place Sunday morning, and the feature races will begin at 12:30 pm on Sunday afternoon, starting with a special All-German-Car race that will precede the six eight-lap group races.
The paddock will be open at no charge, and fans are welcome to get up close and personal with the cars and their owners, who are happy to share the individual histories of their machines.
Off-track activities will include the Gold Cup Car Show presented by Corsa Rossa, which will take place on Saturday at the VIR Gallery. Those who wish to enter the Gold Cup Car Show can enter their cars at no charge, and each car show entrant will be eligible for a free on-track parade lap on the Patriot Course during lunchtime on Saturday.
Judging will be informal, with spectators voting for their favorite cars. Also on tap for Saturday will be a dance party featuring Big John and the Rhythm Brothers Band, which will take place at the Pagoda starting at 5:30 pm. Food and beverages will be available at the event.
Fans who wish to drive on VIR’s historic 3.27-mile circuit can do so during lunchtime on Saturday and Sunday by making a $20 donation to the Halifax County Red Cross. Fans will be permitted to drive the track behind a pace car and see what the track is like from the other side of the fences while donating to a good cause.
There will also be an automotive art show, presented by Freck’s Auto Art of Gainesville, Fla., in the paddock throughout the weekend. Works by some of the world’s most renowned automotive artists will be on display and available for purchase.
In addition, fans can visit the Oak Tree Pro Shop for event t-shirts, books, VIR-logo merchandise and other collectibles, drive karts at VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track and have dinner at the Oak Tree Tavern, located at VIR’s restored antebellum Plantation Clubhouse.
“We look forward to the Gold Cup Historic Races more than any other event of the year,” said VIR managing partner Connie Nyholm, who will be racing this weekend herself.
“We certainly love the modern racing cars and motorcycles, but there is something special about being able to recreate the golden era of sports car racing on this historic racetrack. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy these great cars at our beautiful facility.”
Tickets for the Gold Cup Invitational Historic Races will be available at the gate. Three-day Super Tickets will be priced at $40, with single-day tickets available for Friday ($10), Saturday ($20) and Sunday ($20). VIR is a family-friendly facility, where children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Spectator camping is available.
For more information on VIR or the Gold Cup Historic Races, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or telephone 434-822-7700.