Exactly. I've read comments elsewhere that without the oak tree it's just another corner. Not even close, the tree just gave it unusual character and made it a landmark.
Funny, wonder who said that.....fantastic turn with or without the tree. Very much like the keyhole at Mid-Ohio...no better feeling than to maintenance throttle through the turn, then hammer it just before the apex, and slingshot onto the straight, all the way to the edge using all the track...it's amazing how short the straight seems when you hit the oak tree turn perfectly. completely agree with you...it added character, but certainly had nothing to do with the quality of the corner.
Seems to me it will make more of a difference to the corner workers who now will not be in that trees wonderful shade. Yes the turn remains the same, the scenery has changed. I always feel sad when a fine old tree dies. Hope they plant another in its place.
Lifted from VIR's Facebook page: So, apparently there will be an Oak Tree Grand Prix? Must have missed that part.
You think that's ^ "just not the same" (you're right, of course), check out the latest changes detailed in this notice from VIR: Changes to Oak Tree Turn None of which, IMO, should stop them planting a new oak tree...
Alas it is said that you cannot go back, the Oak Tree Turn is now assigned to the memories of those that have raced under it, to those fans that loved watching the racing beneath it's out stretched branches, and to the countless corner workers who stood in it's shade through the years....
What a bummer... They could always do like they did at Pebble Beach on #18 and transplant another tree in its place.
Link for T-shirt Sale has ended I believe but may become available again. Place for you to sign up if so.. Big Oak, VIR, Oak Tree at VIR | blipshift
To me the best news here is the plan to plant another tree. VIR to Offer Commemorative Oak Tree Medallions (virnow.com)
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.†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].
Wow. I can't believe this is the first I've heard of this. It's inexcusable since I live about 20 minutes from the track. For one reason or another I have not visited in the last two years. This is a sad thing. I remember going to races there when I was in High school and then finding out it had been closed when I retired from the USAF. I was there when it was re-openened and have been around Oak Tree several times in my Vette. Now that I have this Mini, I guess I will have to make sure I get out there more often.