ChampCar Event Guide and Supplemental Rules
The 2026 TireRack.com National Championship at VIR
Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
Alton, VA
Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 6, 2026
Version v1.0 • Updated Aug 24, 2026 3:12 PM
60 Cars Entered
Event Snapshot
At a GlanceDates
Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 6, 2026
Track
Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
Registration Times - Move-In Day
3:00 PM
Tech Inspection Times - Move-In Day
3:00 PM
New to Champ Meeting - Move-In Day
6:00 PM
Race 1 Drivers Meeting
7:45 AM
Green Flag
9:00 AM
Flagtronics Firmware
v.0.9.0.4.
Approved Media
Race Control Logs
View Tech Sheets
(Race Weekend Only!)
(Race Weekend Only!)
Garages / Pit Lane Assignments
Tire Declaration Form
Timing, Scoring & Live Stream
Quick Links
Weekend Schedule for The 2026 TireRack.com National Championship at VIR at Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
Important: Complete tech inspection before registration finalization and do not miss the mandatory drivers meeting.
Update your Flagtronics FT200 to firmware v.0.9.0.4.
Update your Flagtronics FT200 to firmware v.0.9.0.4.
Friday Event Schedule
10:00 AM
ChampCar Registration Opens
Location: Staging Lot (test day non-participants) & Under the garages (participants)
10:00 AM
ChampCar Tech Opens
Location: 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
Location: Under the garages - Paddock Classroom
Saturday Event Schedule
7:00 AM
Late tech and registration open
7:45 AM
Driver and Crew meeting - Podium
Location: Podium
8:15 AM
Cars to grid
Location: Tech
9:00 AM
Green flag 8-hour and Championship Race
Location: ChampCar Trailer
5:00 PM
Checkered flag 8-Hour race - Parc-Ferme NC Race - Pit Lane
5:05 PM to 5:35 PM
8-Hour Race Impound
5:45 PM
8-hour Race Awards
Sunday Event Schedule
7:00 AM
Registration Opens
7:45 AM
Driver and Crew Meeting
Location: Podium
8:15 AM
Cars to grid - NC Cars lead the pack
Location: Pit Lane
9:00 AM
Green Flag - 7 Hour Enduro / Nation Championship
Location: Track
4:00 PM
Checkered Flag
Location: Track
4:05 PM to 5:35 PM
Race Impound
Calculated: Race Impound begins 5 minutes after checkered and runs for 30 minutes.
Location: Impound
4:35 PM
Awards
Calculated: Awards begin 5 minutes after Race Impound ends.
Location: ChampCar Trailer
ChampCar Official Partners
Registration
Andrea Chisek
andrea.chisek@champcar.org
434.363.8166
Operations
Bill Strong
bill.strong@champcar.org
434.300.8202
Race Director
Jackie Sides / Andy Batts
Track Info
Address
1245 Pine Tree Road Alton, VA 24520
Directions
Length
3.270 mi (5.262 km)
Turns
17
Track Master Details for Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
Paddock
North Paddock
Paddock Electric
Limited. Pay at the front gate
Pit Lane Electric
Limited, Pay at the front gate
Fuel on Site
Credit Card Pumps, North Paddock
Restrooms / Showers
Yes / Yes
Concessions
North Paddock, open business hours
Garage Rentals
Yes, contact VIR
Gate
24-Hour Gate Coverage
Tire Penalty Laps
10
Penalty Lap Multiplier
1.0x for races 8 hours or less
Tire Declaration Form
Facility and Event Details for Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
Track Advantage will host. Email Christa for the details: christa@trackadvantage.com
https://virnow.com/lodging-3/garages/
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
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
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.
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.
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.
24-hr coverage
Until 7 p.m. on Friday; Open at 7 a.m. on Saturday & 8 a.m. on Sunday
Paddock Electric: Very limited, and it has not always worked in the past. Bring generators if power if needed. The paddock gets VERY dark.
Pit Lane Electric: Very limited. Generators are recommended. Must reserve and pay through VIR. $40 for the weekend.
Pit Lane Electric: Very limited. Generators are recommended. Must reserve and pay through VIR. $40 for the weekend.
The pit lane has very limited lighting with minimal pit/ paddock area lighting as well.
Be advised that ambient lighting may not be sufficient for fueling or mechanical repairs. Therefore, teams are advised to consider alternate power and lighting sources. The use of EZ-ups on the “cold” side of the pit wall is also recommended for keeping out the weather and hanging all lighting fixtures.
Be advised that ambient lighting may not be sufficient for fueling or mechanical repairs. Therefore, teams are advised to consider alternate power and lighting sources. The use of EZ-ups on the “cold” side of the pit wall is also recommended for keeping out the weather and hanging all lighting fixtures.
Pants and closed-toe shoes are required on pit lane and over the wall.
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.
No children under-18 allowed on pit road. All minor drivers and crew must complete the ChampCar and Venue minor waivers. All drivers under 18 must email michael.chisek@champcar.org for permission to drive.
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.
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/
Open Fires of any kind are not permitted in any of the Paddocks at any time. Unmodified production based and branded residential gas grills may be used in the paddock by participants for cooking meals. Large group feedings are not permitted without a catering buyout by the renter. Unmodified production-based and branded gas fire pits may be used when the track is cold. Operators of gas grills/fire pits are responsible for making sure all fuel and other sources of ignition are secured and stored away from any flame.
Yes / Yes
Yes. Open 7-2 Fri, Sat, Sun
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)
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)
We’re racing, regardless of the weather.
Unmanned aircraft systems and drones are prohibited at ChampCar Endurance events at all times.
An invoice will be sent to the team captain. Payment plans can be worked out if needed. Unpaid track damage invoices could result in a membership hold until paid. Based on 2024 fees. Subject to change.
Damage to paddock pit lane asphalt by jack stands - $500 Guard Rail Each 12-foot Section -$ 275; Each 24-foot Section - $ 550
Damaged Uprights - $ 135
End Caps - $ 45
Jersey Barrier: Each Section - $ 400
Tire Belting - Each 25’ Section - $150
Tire Bundles - per bundle - $175
Brake Markers - $25
Apex Cones - $10 each
Oil Dry - Dry Track p/Bag $30; Wet track (Tide) p/Box $50
Fire Extinguishers:
Dry Chemical – per 5 Lb. Extinguisher $ 30
2-1/2 Gallon Water Extinguisher $ 35
3 Gallon Unit $ 50
10 Gallon Unit $ 100
60 Gallon Unit $ 250
125 Lb. Dry Chemical $ 400
Purple K Extinguisher Recharge $ 700
Tow Straps - Standard Tow Strap $ 35
Retied Tow Strap $ 20 (driver may keep damaged tow straps) Repairs to the Race Course Proper’s surface and Paddock will be based upon determinations made by VIR Management
Damage to paddock pit lane asphalt by jack stands - $500 Guard Rail Each 12-foot Section -$ 275; Each 24-foot Section - $ 550
Damaged Uprights - $ 135
End Caps - $ 45
Jersey Barrier: Each Section - $ 400
Tire Belting - Each 25’ Section - $150
Tire Bundles - per bundle - $175
Brake Markers - $25
Apex Cones - $10 each
Oil Dry - Dry Track p/Bag $30; Wet track (Tide) p/Box $50
Fire Extinguishers:
Dry Chemical – per 5 Lb. Extinguisher $ 30
2-1/2 Gallon Water Extinguisher $ 35
3 Gallon Unit $ 50
10 Gallon Unit $ 100
60 Gallon Unit $ 250
125 Lb. Dry Chemical $ 400
Purple K Extinguisher Recharge $ 700
Tow Straps - Standard Tow Strap $ 35
Retied Tow Strap $ 20 (driver may keep damaged tow straps) Repairs to the Race Course Proper’s surface and Paddock will be based upon determinations made by VIR Management
Trailer Storage:
Participants/guests may store trailers at VIR for short, specified times. Any trailer stored will be in the designated area of the RacePlex, and all must be registered with Security and display the registration sticker. Storage fees are $2 per foot for an enclosed trailer and $25 for an open trailer per month. Trailers left over the time frame with no owner contact are considered abandoned and will be towed at the owner’s expense to Brann’s Towing, Roxboro, NC 336-599-1910. Trailers/vehicles stored at VIR may be moved at the discretion of VIR staff as needed for operations. VIR is not responsible for any damage to any trailer/ vehicle that is stored on VIR property.
Trailer Drops:
On the day before ChampCar's event, trailer drops may be provided as a courtesy, at VIR’s discretion. Trailer drops are typically allowed from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., but there are occasions when this is not possible, due to that day’s track rental. It is the Renter’s responsibility to inform its Participants of these restrictions. Participants will not be admitted if they arrive early.
Pavement and Wastes:
Per Virginia International Raceway policy: Do not drive stakes into the pavement. Always use wood blocks or metal plates to prevent pavement damage from jacks and jack stands. Do not spill oil, coolant, or fuel onto pavement or ground. Receptacles for waste oil and for coolant are available in the tech shed. Please make provision for removing from the premises any used tires, fuel, brake fluid, solvents, hazardous waste products, and batteries. If you do have an accidental spill, please contact any ChampCar official.
Participants/guests may store trailers at VIR for short, specified times. Any trailer stored will be in the designated area of the RacePlex, and all must be registered with Security and display the registration sticker. Storage fees are $2 per foot for an enclosed trailer and $25 for an open trailer per month. Trailers left over the time frame with no owner contact are considered abandoned and will be towed at the owner’s expense to Brann’s Towing, Roxboro, NC 336-599-1910. Trailers/vehicles stored at VIR may be moved at the discretion of VIR staff as needed for operations. VIR is not responsible for any damage to any trailer/ vehicle that is stored on VIR property.
Trailer Drops:
On the day before ChampCar's event, trailer drops may be provided as a courtesy, at VIR’s discretion. Trailer drops are typically allowed from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., but there are occasions when this is not possible, due to that day’s track rental. It is the Renter’s responsibility to inform its Participants of these restrictions. Participants will not be admitted if they arrive early.
Pavement and Wastes:
Per Virginia International Raceway policy: Do not drive stakes into the pavement. Always use wood blocks or metal plates to prevent pavement damage from jacks and jack stands. Do not spill oil, coolant, or fuel onto pavement or ground. Receptacles for waste oil and for coolant are available in the tech shed. Please make provision for removing from the premises any used tires, fuel, brake fluid, solvents, hazardous waste products, and batteries. If you do have an accidental spill, please contact any ChampCar official.
Bicycles:
Children are not permitted to ride bikes, rollerblades, skates, or scooters in the Paddock during hot track hours. Children may be permitted to ride them at the end of the day if they do so safely. Hoverboards, skateboards or single-wheeled vehicles are not permitted for use at VIR at any time.
Children are not permitted to ride bikes, rollerblades, skates, or scooters in the Paddock during hot track hours. Children may be permitted to ride them at the end of the day if they do so safely. Hoverboards, skateboards or single-wheeled vehicles are not permitted for use at VIR at any time.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Charging: The Electric Vehicle charging station in the Raceplex is the designated EV charging area. EVs are not permitted to charge at power poles or outlets located anywhere else on the property. Electric Bikes and scooters are not permitted inside lodge rooms or other VIR buildings at any time and are not permitted to be charged from a building outlet.
Firearms:
VIR is a privately owned facility and as such firearms and weapons of any type are not permitted on the facility regardless of any permit an individual may possess.
Firearms:
VIR is a privately owned facility and as such firearms and weapons of any type are not permitted on the facility regardless of any permit an individual may possess.
Standard ChampCar Rules
ATTENTION: All vehicles, drivers, and crew must meet the safety and equipment requirements of the 2026 BCCR. Stint maximum of 2 hours per driver with a minimum of 1 hour between stints.
NOTE: Testing, tuning, brake bedding, high speed accelerations or braking will be limited to the track, and not allowed in the paddock or surrounding public roadways. Doing so could result in event expulsion with no fees returned.
All fueling is to be completed on pitlane race day. Do not store fuel in the garages.
Race Car Tech Inspection: All teams will be required to do the Online Tech Form. The team captain will log in at https://champcar.org/register/login.php to complete the race car online tech form. The Team Captain will find a button link on the main login page. Three months before the race, the tab Submit a Tech Form will take you to an electronic form that looks just like the paper Tech Inspection form. Fill in the boxes at the top, then fill in or click on the listed point value items on your car. Save the form and you are done. At the track the Tech staff will simply check the required safety items on the car. Once the Tech staff clicks save on the safety portion of your online form, you will get your annual tech sticker and head to ChampCar registration.
Please verify your timing and scoring transponder and Flagtronics FT-200 serial numbers, and make certain to add your car class to the tech form.
Flagtronics FT200 Wireless Flagging Display: Limited quantities of units may be available to rent, with preference going to teams who request a rental online. Rental fee is $50 for the event. You may purchase your own FT200 unit at https://flagtronics.com/champcar. Firmware Required: v.0.9.0.4.
Code35 will be in use at all ChampCar events. It is imperative that your FT200 unit and the GPS is mounted within the rules and that the unit is working.
Sound: Sound readings will take place throughout the weekend. All ChampCars are required to have mufflers, and not exceed 96dBa at 50ft.
Alcohol: Absolutely no alcohol may be consumed in the paddock during the day’s racing events. Alcohol may be consumed 30 minutes following the completion of on-track activity for the day.
Photo/Media Credentials: There will be a limit as to how many credentials are issued. Cut-off for event credentials is 2 weeks before event start. Please visit https://champcar.org/web/media.php.
Tech Line Requirements
- Have all decals installed as per the BCCR. Get sponsor decal at tech.
- Owned Flagtronics installed per BCCR and working. ChampCar will test at tech. Teams responsibility to have the correct firmware installed.
- Owned Transponder installed and working. ChampCar will test at tech.
- Flagtronics and Transponder rentals will be issued to teams at Tech.
- All lights for night racing installed and working. They will be tested.
- Electronic tech form completed.
Things To Do Around The Area near Virginia International Raceway - Full Course
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.