Next week the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) will be coming to our region for the second straight, welcoming back thrilling multi-class racing with top drivers in the hottest production-based cars, such as Porsches, McLarens, Bentleys and more.
The race will take place at the VIRginia International Raceway, about one and a half hours North East of Charlotte, it was recently named one of the top six road courses in North America by Car and Driver Magazine.
Ryan Eversley, who will be racing Nissan’s new NSX GT3, noted that the race will draw a huge number of fans from the Charlotte region, given our unique car culture. “Charlotte has one of the strongest sportscar cultures among major cities. With massive commmuter community and a motorsports degree at UNCC, a sprawling metropolis, and a rich history of NASCAR and racing culture, Charlotte’s racing fanbase is huge.”
PWC is North America’s top GT production car-based championship and will feature seven separate classes of competition. Weekend highlights at VIR include two 60-minute SprintX races featuring mandatory driver and tire changes, with the first race taking place Saturday, April 28 and the second Sunday, April 29. Reaching speeds of 130+ miles per hour, these drivers will take on VIR’s 3.27-mile historic full course, which has 17 turns and 130 feet of elevation changes that includes the “Climbing Esses,” a section of the course considered by many drivers as one of the most challenging and intimidating in North America.
“We are thrilled to have the excitement and adrenaline-pumping competition that PWC brings back at the track this year,” said Connie Nyholm, VIR owner and CEO. “It’s an incredible series that we’re honored to host for VIR fans, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for racers and spectators alike. The electrifying action of PWC is the first of our headlining events in 2018, and we couldn’t think of a better way to officially kick off VIR’s racing season with everyone this April.”
In addition to PWC racing, the weekend will feature support series, including Radical Cup North America and the F4 U.S. Championship season-opener. Also new this year, fans have the opportunity to experience the rush of these type of high-speed, open-cockpit racecars themselves. Formula Experiences is offering ride-alongs at speeds up to 140 miles per hour in real 2018 formula and prototype racecars, something previously only available in Europe, on all three days.
Advanced discount tickets for PWC weekend are $20 for Friday-only, $30 for Saturday-only, $40 for Sunday-only, $50 for a two-day Saturday and Sunday ticket, and $60 for a three-day ticket. All tickets will be an additional $10 if purchased at the gate. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge with a paying adult and parking is also free. Active military are admitted free of charge and veterans receive a 50 percent discount with valid military ID.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.virnow.com or call (434) 822-TIKS.