Most liked posts in thread: VIR: Oak Tree Down, Etc.

Means this is the best picture I'll ever get of me and Zippy rounding the oak tree.

 

I don't know what they did with the tree but I sense some haste in the clean up given their comment about being busy trying to clear the track of "debris". There was no damage to the track, by the way.

Here's hoping they thought about doing useful things with the wood but I'm especially hopeful they thought to get someone on trying to take a bunch of clippings to try to start a new tree from the original.

It's still Oak Tree Corner, they need to plant another oak there.

 

To me the best news here is the plan to plant another tree.

VIR to Offer Commemorative Oak Tree Medallions (virnow.com)

 

Got it and WOW you weren't kidding!

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kwF5mg1Vg"]Virginia International Raceway - 1998 before renovation - YouTube[/ame]

 

Before:


After:

 

There's a nice article here: R.I.P. Oak Tree.

Be sure to click the pics.

 

VIRginia International Raceway Announces Plans for Honoring the Oak Tree, Off Season Repaving

Alton, Va. – Oct. 5, 2013 – VIRginia International Raceway, one of America’s premier road courses, is moving forward with plans to improve its facilities, including repaving the 3.27 mile historic road course and widening it in several places, as well as paving in the north paddock this off season. In addition, the raceway will further memorialize its iconic oak tree, which fell this summer after serving as a prominent feature and welcome shade provider to the track’s south end for more than 200 years.

Honoring the fallen oak tree, VIR is working with the Virginia Tech University Institute for Advanced Learning and Research to actually clone the tree. The IALR is located in Danville and focuses on using research, education and conferencing to create economic development. Once its work is complete, the cloned saplings will be offered to VIR fans so they can replant them in their own communities and celebrate the iconic old oak tree for years to come. VIR will announce more on timing and purchase opportunities once details are confirmed.

“To be able to honor the grand old oak tree in such a historic and innovative way is really special for us,†said Connie Nyholm, owner and CEO of VIR. “We’re so grateful to the IALR for helping us with this and we’re excited to be able to share the cloned tree with VIR fans. Nothing will replace the old tree, but this will serve as a great tribute to it.â€

The announcements come at the fourth day of racing at VIR, leading up to today’s appropriately named Oak Tree Grand Prix featuring the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron. Fans who bought advanced tickets to the race will receive a limited edition key chain featuring a token made from the original oak tree. Additional memorabilia made from the tree’s wood is planned and will be announced in the weeks and months to follow. As a final nod to the original, VIR will plant a new oak tree near the spot of the fallen one.

The repaving of the track’s full course, widening of several locations, and paving of the north paddock will be done this off season. Once completed, both will create a smoother ride for drivers and a more comfortable viewing experience for fans. To stay up to date on oak tree plans and track improvements, visit Home | VIRginia International Raceway. Interviews and images available upon request to [email protected].

 

Progress.

 

New catch fencing completed at Turn 3.

 

It's almost painful to read this. I think I've been bothered less by the death of relatives...well, some of them anyway.