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The smell of race fuel in the air, the controlled chaos of the deafening pits and the screeching tires of GT cup cars soaring past the timing tower all but overwhelmed the senses when one arrived at Virginia International Raceway this past weekend. GT Live and the Grand-American Cup Series descended on the prestigious Virginia racetrack and gave the fans their money?s worth.
?The level of competition has grown so much over the last couple of years that it is almost impossible for an amateur to win a race in this series,? said Dean Martin, Ford Engineer and driver of the No. 59 Mustang Cup Car in the GS class. ?Amateurs can compete, but when factory teams bring in dedicated drivers, an amateur has no chance. The top 10 guys in this series are probably the 10 best drivers in the country, which is great for the sport, but also makes it harder on us,? he said.
While drivers like Martin prepped for the six-hour GS Enduro, the other major event of the weekend was well underway. GT Live made its first appearance on the east coast and came with the promise of feeding frenzied fans with all the interactive racing action they could get their hands on.
Those brave enough to test VIR?s Patriot Course could enter their car into the USDrift Shootout, the Tarzan Time Attack Lap Battle or the Rally-X competition. Those more inclined to take their seat on the spectator side enjoyed watching the U.S. Stunt Riding Championship series, the professional level GT Track Attack or checking out some of the hottest imports around at numerous car shows.
This was three days of pulse pounding racing action, and with most spectators camping on the in-field of the race track, the experience of 8 a.m. wake up calls of GT Cup cars practicing will be something they?ll never forget. However, the most memorable moment for a few lucky fans was the chance to ride along in a GT car at full speed around the entire 3.27 mile full-course.
?I?m into auto-crossing, but nothing compares to being strapped into a full-on race car, making those sharp turns, swerving through the chicanes, and feeling the engine at full made it one the most amazing experiences ever,? said Dan Rappucci, senior finance major and legendary car guru.
As the GT Live events were winding down, the Grand-Am Cup drivers were suiting up. After walking through the pits, it was mind boggling to see all the work being done on these cars. Dean Martin described the process of building their racecar.
?It starts as a regular car, a shell; we have to use the stock suspension and rear axle, but we can upgrade the differential. We purchased a ford racing crate engine, built to our specs. We built the roll cage. Improved Touring rules allow us to upgrade shocks, bushings, springs and front brakes, with the exception that we use the stock rears, and that all upgrades must bolt up to the stock mounts. The tires are Hoosier; they are specific Grand-Am tires,? he said.
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