A circuit very much with a split history, the Virginia International Raceway, in Virginia (naturally, but just 1 km from the border with North Carolina) opened in 1957 after a two-year construction period, having been formed by a group of local enthusiasts who were looking for somewhere to race.

Land was leased to an organisation set up to run the circuit called Sports Car Enterprises, but after just two years the lease was handed back after the organisation struggled to make money from the venture.

The first events were run by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) but, following a change in management, Trans-Am and IMSA began visiting by the 1970s.

Alas, the 1973 oil crisis added to financial difficulties, and the circuit closed in 1974, remaining silent for over 25 years as the track surface continued to decay.

In 1998, investors Connie Nyholm and Harvey Siegel stepped up to resurrect the circuit, whilst also creating a ‘country club’ business model, where members can combine track time with also enjoying major events at the facility.

After the circuit was cleared, widened and resurfaced, the circuit formally reopened in 2000. Two new links were added to create two additional short courses. In 2003, these link roads were themselves linked together, creating a ‘Patriot Course’ which can be run entirely within the original circuit.

Top level motorsport soon returned, with the American Le Mans Series visiting in 2002, along with Trans-Am and the SCCA’s ‘World Challenge’ series.

The 3.27-mile circuit is relatively unique in that its main layout has remained entirely unchanged throughout its history.