Say it ain't so!!! Not the iconic oak tree!!

[pe2unia]

This is sad news for VIR.


http://jalopnik.com/r-i-p-the-most-...ource=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kwF5mg1Vg&feature=player_embedded

 

[dbk]

When I got that email yesterday, my first thought was, what the hell could have knocked that thing over? That thing looked like you couldn't pull it down with a dozen F-250s. Bummer. On the plus side, that corner should have a lot less debris.

 

[Wwabbit]

Such is life for big fellows like that. It likely also shaded Union and Confederate soldiers. Sad times for sure. We've got a few monsters like that on our farm, but they will go someday to rot, disease or lightening (we've installed lightening protection). We've already planted their replacements along side.

 

[GTdrummer]

A lawyer here was manager of VIR for years and one of his duties was caring for the tree. It was believed to be 400 years old.

I remember the first year the track reopened and driving Vipers there--the tree got my attention.

Yesterday i contacted my friend Ricky Rudd , who is a former NASCAR driver and former national go kart track to tell him about the tree. He tells great stories of driving go karts at the old track in the 60s and breaking down near the tree, etc.

 

[fjpikul]

Bummer

 

[Ed Sims]

Such is life for big fellows like that. It likely also shaded Union and Confederate soldiers. Sad times for sure. We've got a few monsters like that on our farm, but they will go someday to rot, disease or lightening (we've installed lightening protection). We've already planted their replacements along side.

I'm not really sure Federal soldiers were near that tree. Most of Halifax County was Yankee free until the War ended. It may have indeed seen Confederate soldiers & citizens that were around Alton aka Warrens Shop though.

Ed

 

[pe2unia]

Here is the latest update and boy doesn't that turn look different now.

http://virnow.com/files/2013/08/Changes-to-Oak-Tree-Turn-08-01-13-2.pdf

 

[PeakCompletions]

man.. bummer.

i have some pics of my Matech GT1 under that tree from the rally... have to drum them up in memoriam

 

[RALPHIE]

Nice to see you posting, Ray! Been gone too long!

:cheers

 

[pe2unia]

Get your very own piece of VIR's Oak Tree!

http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.c...ad-racing/vir-to-repave-clone-famed-oak-tree/

 

[RALPHIE]

John - :thumbsup

I have a "Certified" piece of the Turn 9 block wall from Riverside International Raceway, from when it was being dismantled. That's enough for me.

Ralphie