Oak Tree Fell Down
#2
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OMG. Was there some horrible weather????
#3
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We have had a LOT of rain.
Chapel Hill got 4" in about an hour Sunday.
Wasn't very windy at least in the last hour or two.
Chapel Hill got 4" in about an hour Sunday.
Wasn't very windy at least in the last hour or two.
#4
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Just got an email from VIR about it:
Oak Tree Down
Alton, VA, July 2, 2113 – There is no easy way to say this – The Oak Tree is down. The iconic landmark that has come to symbolize VIRginia International Raceway has fallen, broken at the base.
“We are in shock and mourning,” said track owner Connie Nyholm. “We’re too busy right now trying to get the racetrack cleared of debris. We are grateful no one was at the corner station or on track when she fell and that there is no damage to the track surface. Tomorrow we’ll begin to get our arms around what this really means, but I can tell you that it means more than any of us want to think about today.”
The massive oak stood sentinel at the south end of the racetrack, looking out from the highest point on the property at the sprawling facility and its 3.27 miles of serpentine asphalt that has come to be regarded as the most challenging in North America, if not the world.
Its branches shaded the apex of the legendary Oak Tree Turn, looking down on the likes of Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, Tom Kristensen and Richard Petty as well as a host of race drivers from the brilliant to the not so.
“I can tell you this,” Nyholm said, “The Oak Tree will live on in our minds and hearts, and we will give it an appropriate send-off. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to oaktree@VIRnow.com for proper ways to honor this old friend.”
VIRginia International Raceway
1245 Pine Tree Road • Alton, Virginia 24520 • 434.822.7700 * www.VIRnow.com
Oak Tree Down
Alton, VA, July 2, 2113 – There is no easy way to say this – The Oak Tree is down. The iconic landmark that has come to symbolize VIRginia International Raceway has fallen, broken at the base.
“We are in shock and mourning,” said track owner Connie Nyholm. “We’re too busy right now trying to get the racetrack cleared of debris. We are grateful no one was at the corner station or on track when she fell and that there is no damage to the track surface. Tomorrow we’ll begin to get our arms around what this really means, but I can tell you that it means more than any of us want to think about today.”
The massive oak stood sentinel at the south end of the racetrack, looking out from the highest point on the property at the sprawling facility and its 3.27 miles of serpentine asphalt that has come to be regarded as the most challenging in North America, if not the world.
Its branches shaded the apex of the legendary Oak Tree Turn, looking down on the likes of Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, Tom Kristensen and Richard Petty as well as a host of race drivers from the brilliant to the not so.
“I can tell you this,” Nyholm said, “The Oak Tree will live on in our minds and hearts, and we will give it an appropriate send-off. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to oaktree@VIRnow.com for proper ways to honor this old friend.”
VIRginia International Raceway
1245 Pine Tree Road • Alton, Virginia 24520 • 434.822.7700 * www.VIRnow.com
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#6
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I hope the corner worker was OK. Their station looks like its right against the tree.
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#8
On temporary vacation
....he was pushed....
#11
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Glad I decided to go to the race this year. That was a cool turn with the tree right there.
Sad when a big old tree like that goes down.
I still miss the bridge at Road America.
Sad when a big old tree like that goes down.
I still miss the bridge at Road America.
#14
Burning Brakes
Oh wow! I was at VIR for the first time just a few weeks ago and driving around that turn was my favorite part of the track.
I'm so glad I got to do that before this happened, and that I have some GoPro video.
They should plant a new tree just as soon as they get the stump out.
I'm so glad I got to do that before this happened, and that I have some GoPro video.
They should plant a new tree just as soon as they get the stump out.
#15
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Cut it up into small pieces and sell them! Limerock sold and gave away tons of it's original asphalt when they tore it up to repave. "Own a piece of VIR's Oak Tree", I can see the ad now! They should also make furniture, maybe an oak grandstand out of it!