The 2026 TireRack.com National Championship at VIR Race Center

One event. Every important link.

Race Weekend Overview

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Track activity and race movement

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Weekend Schedule

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Day 1

Friday Event Schedule

Dec 4, 2026

10:00 AM

Next ChampCar Registration Opens Staging Lot (test day non-participants) & Under the garages (participants)

10:00 AM

ChampCar Tech Opens Staging Lot (test day non-participants) & roving paddock (participants)

4:00 PM

Test day non-participants load in to North paddock/Staging Lot closes

5:00 PM

Tech and Registration close in all locations

5:15 PM

New to ChampCar Driver and Crew Meeting Under the garages - Paddock Classroom

Day 2

Saturday Event Schedule

Dec 5, 2026

7:00 AM

Late tech and registration open

7:45 AM

Driver and Crew meeting - Podium Podium

8:15 AM

Cars to grid Tech

9:00 AM

Green flag 8-hour and Championship Race ChampCar Trailer

5:00 PM

Checkered flag 8-Hour race - Parc-Ferme NC Race - Pit Lane

5:05 PMto 5:35 PM

8-Hour Race Impound

5:45 PM

8-hour Race Awards

Day 3

Sunday Event Schedule

Dec 6, 2026

7:00 AM

Registration Opens

7:45 AM

Driver and Crew Meeting Podium

8:15 AM

Cars to grid - NC Cars lead the pack Pit Lane

9:00 AM

Green Flag - 7 Hour Enduro / Nation Championship Track

4:00 PM

Checkered Flag Track

4:05 PMto 5:35 PM

Race Impound Impound

Calculated: Race Impound begins 5 minutes after checkered and runs for 30 minutes.

4:35 PM

Awards ChampCar Trailer

Calculated: Awards begin 5 minutes after Race Impound ends.

For team captains, drivers and crew

Race Weekend Team Tools

Registration Login Tire Declaration View Tech Sheets Approved Media Print Schedule

Need the complete rules and facility details?The Event Guide remains the official source for supplemental rules, schedules, policies, contacts, and track requirements.

Open Event Guide

Know before you go

Virginia International Raceway - Full Course

Directions

Track Address1245 Pine Tree Road Alton, VA 24520

Circuit Length3.270 mi (5.262 km)

Turns17

Fuel On-SiteCredit Card Pumps, North Paddock

Restrooms / ShowersYes / Yes

ConcessionsNorth Paddock, open business hours

Garage RentalsYes, contact VIR

Track Access

Pedestrian Gates open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday
False Grid Gates open at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday
STAGING FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: All championship contenders will be staged Saturday morning in the False Grid using cones (need 30); At 8:35 a.m. ChampCar staff will move all championship contenders down to line up at Pit Out. After contenders are in place, all remaining competitors will be allowed to move their cars into their pit boxes and will be released behind championship contenders
STAGING FOR NON-CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: All pit road access gates open by 8:35 a.m. for those cars to move onto pit road

Load-In Instructions

Test day participants: Follow Track Advantage times/locations
Non-participants: If arriving Thursday night or Friday morning, please stage in the Staging Lot (turn right on Raceplex Rd just before the guard house). Load in to the North paddock will begin at 4 p.m.

Gate Information

24-hr coverage

Paddock

ChampCar will be using the North Paddock. Drivers of any non-racing vehicle will yield the right of way to any Race Vehicle at all times. Due to the constraints of safety equipment and vehicle design, drivers of racing vehicles may have limited visibility or mobility while operating their vehicle. Operators of racing vehicles will obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices including instructions from VIR Security Staff.

Guest and Pit Passes

All people that go over the pit wall must be full ChampCar Club Members. Guests may purchase a weekend membership to ChampCar at the registration area under the garages for $20. This will give anyone paddock/garage access and those 18+ cold pit lane access. 16 and under free with parent or guardian. Children under 18 are not allowed on the cold or hot pit lane.

Camping / RV Hookups

Premium RV spots, reserve through VIR. Camping Rates (Camping Fee does not include power): Tent - $40 weekend (This includes car trailers without any type of living facility) RV’s (driven or towed) - $70 weekend (This includes car trailers with any type of living facility) Premium RV - $80 per night. Call (434) 822-7700 ext. 101. *An RV used as a “tow” vehicle will be charged the RV camping fee. Self-contained tent and RV camping is allowed Friday & Saturday night. Must be out by 6pm Sunday. Camping and or vehicle maintenance are not allowed at the False Grid, The Pagoda Concession or Pavilion at any time. More information and forms https://virnow.com/lodging/ camping/

Fuel Information

VIR has an exclusive relationship with Sunoco Race Fuel. Track Renters and their participants shall not bring any other fuels into VIR for sale without prior written permission from VIR. Track Renters shall ensure their Participants do not bring 55- gallon drums or other fuel containers on the VIR Property unless they are empty and used at the Property for filling with fuel purchased at VIR. The only exception is that participants are permitted to bring up to 20 gallons of fuel in acceptable containers to the track without penalty.

Credits cards are the only form of payment accepted at the fuel pumps in the North Paddock.

VIR WILL NOT ENFORCE ANY RESTRICTIONS AGAINST FUEL GRADES WE DO NOT CARRY.

The following Sunoco fuels are available at the North Paddock fuel island for credit card purchase only:
93-octane unleaded which may contain up to 10% Ethanol.
98-octane (260 GTX) unleaded, which is ethanol-free. (off-road and racing applications only)
100-octane unleaded, which may contain up to 10% Ethanol.
110-octane leaded, which is ethanol-free. (off-road and racing applications only)
112 IS NO LONGER OFFERED AT VIR. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH 98-OCTANE (260 GTX)

Weather Information

We’re racing, regardless of the weather.

Pets

VIR discourages bringing pets to the track. If pets are brought to the track, they must be on a leash at all times controlled by the Owner/Handler. The Owner/Handler is responsible for providing their own waste-handling supplies and to clean up behind the pet at ALL times. Owners/Handlers who do not comply with this policy may be removed from the premises. Pets are not permitted in the False Grid, Pit Road, Restricted Areas or any of VIR’s buildings, concession, or lodging facilities. If pets are found in lodging buildings, guests are subject to a cleaning fee of $200 for The Lodge at VIR and the Pit Lane Rooms and $400 at The Villas at South Bend. Please do not leave pets in vehicles unattended. Service Animals are permitted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Food, lodging and local services

Around Town

Around Town - Virginia International Raceway / Alton, Virginia

Welcome to Virginia International Raceway, one of the most beautiful and historic road courses in North America. VIR is tucked into the rolling countryside of southern Virginia, so while the track itself offers a fantastic race weekend atmosphere, nearby services require a little more planning than some urban venues.

Track Address: 1245 Pine Tree Road, Alton, VA 24520
Closest Towns: Alton, Danville, and South Boston, Virginia
Fuel & Supplies: Basic fuel and convenience stops are available in the surrounding area, but major grocery stores, hardware stores, and larger supply runs are best handled in Danville.
Auto Parts: Danville has AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA, O’Reilly, and other automotive supply options within about 25–35 minutes of the track.
Food: VIR offers on-site food service during many events, but hours can vary. Danville has fast food, casual dining, grocery stores, coffee shops, and local restaurants if your team wants to get off property.
Hotels: Most teams staying off-site book in Danville, which offers the largest concentration of hotel options within reasonable driving distance.
Airport Access: Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Greensboro (GSO), and Richmond (RIC) are all possible airport options depending on your travel plans.
Entertainment: VIR is more about race weekend immersion than nightlife. Bring your grill, camp chairs, and enjoy one of the best paddock environments in endurance racing.
Travel Tip: Cell service can be spotty in some areas around VIR. Download maps, directions, and any important event info before arriving.

Local Note: VIR is a destination track. Plan ahead for parts, groceries, and supplies before arriving if possible. Once you're settled in, most teams prefer to stay at the facility and enjoy the full race weekend atmosphere.

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