Das Borgen Posted July 2, 2013 Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 I'm not sure there is a more famous tree in motor racing this tour of the track in 1998 shows it at 0:45 when they get to the turn, and Connie says "yes we are definitely leaving the Oak Tree" at 0:53 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151669229567488&set=a.119788432487.100894.40483792487&type=1 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.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg1647545532 Posted July 2, 2013 Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 It's a real shame. If they cut it up and sell off chunks, I'm buying one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Borgen Posted July 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 here's a pic of our race TL at work at Oak Tree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourString Posted July 3, 2013 Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 Wow what a shame. I was just there a few years ago and I'm amazed at how much different the track looks now compared to the video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg1647545532 Posted July 3, 2013 Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 http://steronz.com/gallery/albums/cars/itr%20expo%208/IMG_0742.jpg Me and the Oak Tree at my first track day ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Apex Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Me at Oak Tree, what a shame as that tree was the corner there, you come within 3 feet of it on the track!! http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=316&pictureid=4510 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Apex Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Found a pic of it without the tree........... http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/03/virs-famed-oak-tree-falls/ Thanx for the links Rich, very cool seeing the track before the rebuild, looks like an abandoned ghost town. The layout is virtually unchanged it seems like, I wonder how long the track had been left to nature? 20-30 years?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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