GRM Experience at UTCC/HyperFest weekend

We're noodling around a new idea for our Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge/HyperFest weekend.

How about a GRM Experience, like we do at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, for the Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge and NASA's HyperFest. The difference would be we could offer a kickass experience for about $100. That would include VIP parking and viewing areas, free coffee and donuts each morning, a few meals, a party or two, and seminars with legendary builders like James Clay.

We're thinking of adding another level, too. For about $199, you'd get a Hyperdrive on VIR's Patriot course in your own car, a go-kart competition with fellow VIPs and GRM staffers, and an off-road thrill ride in something wild.

The dates are May 19-20th. The place is VIR. Any interest?

Yes. That said it is highly unlikely I'd be able to commit this year. I could, however, block out next year if I know 4 or 5 months in advance.

Thanks. One of the questions we have is is it too late for this year?

If my little sister weren't graduating from optometry school this year, I'd be so there. Next year for sure.

OK, anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Do you camp at the track or is there enough hotel space available?

There is hotel space on site BUT it may be booked up for the event. I'd call VIR and check on hotel res's to see what capacity is left. If you can't stay in the hotel you can check on the Villa's. They'll be more expensive but you can share them easily with people who don't mind being housemates for a weekend.

There are also quite a few hotels down the road in Danville. (about 10-20 minutes away depending on which hotel) A lot of people camp at the track, though.

At this point, I would bet on the Lodge (VIR's on-site hotel) being booked. But you never know.

I love VIR, it's such a good place to either drive or just spectate. And I love NASA folks.

Have they clamped down on the party scene since their time at SPMP in 2014, when drunk spectators were throwing full cans of soda or beer down on Spec Miata racers from the pit bridge on Main?

Because that's not my idea of a cool crowd to hang with.

Sounds like a fun time. I would be interested but can't this year.

The0retical wrote: Yes. That said it is highly unlikely I'd be able to commit this year. I could, however, block out next year if I know 4 or 5 months in advance.

Agreed. I am interested. May is already booked and hotels/airfare/entries are already booked.

Tim Suddard wrote: Thanks. One of the questions we have is is it too late for this year?

For us, yes, too late for a May, June or July addition. I can still add/drop events for August to October. As luck/coincidence would have it, the Drag Week guys have to sign up today (3/4) for the September event.

Tim Suddard wrote: OK, anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Challenge winner should get this or a Mitty package in the Challenge "winnings".

JBasham wrote: I love VIR, it's such a good place to either drive or just spectate. And I love NASA folks. Have they clamped down on the party scene since their time at SPMP in 2014, when drunk spectators were throwing full cans of soda or beer down on Spec Miata racers from the pit bridge on Main? Because that's not my idea of a cool crowd to hang with.

Yeah, the crowd has been better behaved down at VIR for sure. Not as close to Nova and WVa.

In reply to Xceler8x:

VIR lodging is sold out for this week-end but there is plenty of camping available on site.

wheels777 wrote:

Tim Suddard wrote: OK, anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Challenge winner should get this or a Mitty package in the Challenge "winnings".

Oooh, I like this idea!

Margie

I think in past years we have had $200X Challenge winners win a ticket to the UTCC to compete. We could certainly start doing that again. And welcome cnyholm to our board. That is Connie Nyholm, who owns VIR. Great lady and still my favorite track.

johndej wrote:

JBasham wrote: I love VIR, it's such a good place to either drive or just spectate. And I love NASA folks. Have they clamped down on the party scene since their time at SPMP in 2014, when drunk spectators were throwing full cans of soda or beer down on Spec Miata racers from the pit bridge on Main? Because that's not my idea of a cool crowd to hang with.

Yeah, the crowd has been better behaved down at VIR for sure. Not as close to Nova and WVa.

LOL, moving it down to Danville actually gets you much closer to MY friends and relations, many of whom have been walking upright for two generations now. Glad to hear they are minding their manners like we were taught. There are few asshats in NoVa, but the ones there make up for it with intensity, and they aren't of the beer-can throwing variety. If they were, the U.S. would be a much more rational place.

Lodging at VIR is crazy expensive anyway. The tent camping is pretty sweet. A bit of a line for showers on a big weekend, but the fried chicken biscuits for breakfast at the Pagoda always erase the preceding frustration.

VIR was my baptism into HPDE and NASA. The GRM Experience at UTCC would be something I'd definitely look into.

Tim Suddard wrote: I think in past years we have had $200X Challenge winners win a ticket to the UTCC to compete. We could certainly start doing that again. And welcome cnyholm to our board. That is Connie Nyholm, who owns VIR. Great lady and still my favorite track.

So what you're saying is: I not only need to get to the challenge but win it too...

Might be easier to just get a competition licence for when that time comes. UTCC in something insane is on my bucket list.