Tomorrow morning begins the first of three qualifying days at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) during the 60th running of SCCA’s National Championship Runoffs® taking place Sept. 23-Oct. 1, 2023, along the central border of Virginia and North Carolina.
Each of the 24 car classes competing at this year’s SCCA® Runoffs will have 20-minute sessions on track Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to set race grids and discover Tire Rack Pole Award winners.
VIR’s 18-turn, 3.27-mile circuit in Alton, VA, is the playing field once again this year. Developments can be followed online at the Runoffs Live Timing/Scoring webpage where you’ll find an audio-only qualifying broadcast, as well as current and archived Timing/Scoring data from all on-track sessions.
Results, an event schedule, facility map, and much more can be found at the VIR Runoffs Event webpage button linked below.
Sunoco 260 Tuesday Ahead
For a fourth year, the opening day of qualifying at the Runoffs is Sunoco 260 Tuesday. The driver in each of the 24 classes whose best qualifying time comes closest to including .260 will receive 15 gallons of Sunoco race fuel free for their car.
Sunoco’s 260 race fuel has been highly regarded for many years. Sunoco’s 260 GT is a street-legal (in most states), oxygenated, unleaded gasoline designed for high performance street cars, muscle cars, classics, street rods, motorcycles, and the like.
With a 100-octane rating, Sunoco 260 GT allows increased boost levels in supercharged or turbocharged applications as compared to lower octane “pump” gas. It’s engineered to not harm catalytic converters or oxygen sensors and contains a comprehensive additive package for greater engine protection and reduced fuel system deposits – it’s also compatible with two-stroke synthetic and mineral-based engine oils, and safe for carbureted and fuel injected engines.
Sunoco has been powering victories on and off the track for more than 100 years, which is why Sunoco is trusted to fuel more than 50 series of racing, driving, and winning – including the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, SCCA Pro Racing, Trans Am, NHRA, and NASCAR. Sunoco will also help keep Tuesday’s event running by fueling volunteers and event staff with food and beverages at lunch.
Since 2001, Sunoco has also been the Official Fuel of SCCA. Visit SunocoRaceFuels.com to learn more.
It’s Super Easy to Be Here
“Wish I was there.” “Sad to be missing the Runoffs.” “I need to do the Runoffs next year.”
These and similar sentiments always fill social media posts during SCCA Runoffs coverage. But you don’t need to be a race car driver to be part of the Runoffs. Frankly, the number of SCCA members helping to make the Runoffs happen this week at VIR comes close to the number of competitors involved – and that’s a lot.
A cadre of SCCA members flow in from all over the United States each year to help with the Runoffs, and they have one of the best seats at the event. They’ll not only see the action; they’ll hear it, smell it, feel it, and be part of the experience in a way no online broadcast can match.
The Sports Car Club of America® is made up of 115 Regions that fuel a safe, fun, and exciting motorsports experience for enthusiasts while delivering the best customer experience for drivers and volunteers alike. A giant portion of the membership consists of people who love being around cars, and love being around friends – just like any other social club.
Since 1944, the SCCA has provided a place for motorsport fans to come together and enjoy a shared passion. The Club conducts thousands of events throughout the U.S. each year, and there are a countless number of helpers who make these events a reality. Folks on grid, in registration, corner marshals, timing/scoring, tech, and so much more form the backbone of the Club’s funhouse.
Contrary to some long-held beliefs, it’s not difficult to find your place and join the Club. You don’t need a race car, just a desire to have #funwithcars. If you’re confused about how to volunteer with the Club, head over to the SCCA Trackside webpage at SCCA.com, and fill out the short form at the bottom of that page. From there, Sydney Davis Yagel – unofficially referred to as the “Motorsport Dreams to Reality Liaison” – will do some work behind the scenes, then put you in touch with a local contact to get the ball rolling. That way next year you won’t have to “wish” you were at Road America for the 2024 Funoffs … er, we mean Runoffs.
Still Time to Get to VIR for the Runoffs
The Runoffs is possibly the greatest three days of road racing in North America. Around 450 SCCA drivers worked all season to meet SCCA Runoffs qualification criteria in order to compete at VIR. Luckily, spectators don’t have to do the same.
Spectator ticket prices are really reasonable for a motorsports event of this size. An all-event pass, which is good Sept. 22-Oct. 1, is only $70 at the entry gate, and includes parking and paddock access. If you’re an SCCA member, go to your Member Account Portal (MAP) at my.scca.com and purchase an all-event pass online through member benefits that includes a 20-percent discount.
Single-day admission is only $20 for qualifying on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as Thursday’s Tire Rack Pole Day. Hagerty Race Day tickets start at $35 per day, and military veterans receive a 50-percent discount. Active members of the military will receive free entry with valid documentation, and children 12-years old or younger are also admitted free with a paying adult. Learn more at the VIR Runoffs ticket webpage.
Being at VIR in person for the Runoffs is an experience not to be missed. But if you simply can’t be on the premises, follow along online during qualifying at the Runoffs Live Timing/Scoring webpage where you’ll find an audio-only qualifying broadcast, as well as current and archived Timing/Scoring data from all on-track sessions. That’s the same audio broadcast that will be heard around VIR on the public address system.
During race days, you can watch the action live for free online via SCCA’s official Facebook page and on SCCA’s YouTube channel. Check out the Runoffs event schedule, then grab some popcorn and tune in.
Photo: Sports Car Club of America® and its members welcome everyone out to the 2023 Runoffs at VIRginia International Raceway.
Photo by Jon Krolewicz/SCCA Staff
