VIR - August 1957 "Inaugural Grand Prix Sports Car Races"
August 3-4, 1957

(originally scheduled for May, but delayed due to weather holding up construction)

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This first race at VIR had entrants including Carroll Shelby, Carl Haas, Bob Holbert, Augie Pabst, Bob Grossman, John Yenko, Dr. Dick Thompson, Walt Hansgen, Bruce Jennings, and many others.

11x14 Poster

NEW - Film from Ed Esser on YouTube

Official Entry List

Race Program

• Cover Page            Schedule                     Track under construction
• Nifty Hillman Ad     Original Track Map    July time trial photos

Complete Results

 

Carroll Shelby in Maserati 450S - winner of feature race  (from Joel Finn's book, "Maserati: the postwar sportsracing cars")

Official's Metal Badge (thanks to George Arnold)

Photos by Rev Raymond E. Oliver, Newport News VA - thanks to Bill Oliver
60- Walt Hansgen - D Jaguar 91- Rich Lyeth - Ferrari 275MM PF Spyder	60- Walt Hansgen - D Jaguar	98- Caroll Shelby - Maserati 450S 91- Rich Lyeth - Ferrari 275MM PF Spyder	30- Paul O'Shea - Mercedes 300SLS
AC Bristols ready to race	44-Gene Greenspun - Ferrari 857 Sport Monza	150? - Ray Heppinstall - Jomar Mk II	211- Dick Thompson - Corvette

Photos by Leon Townsend (click here for more)	Photos by Watts Hill, Jr.  (click here for more)	Photos by George Arnold (click here for more)
Photos by Bill King  (click here for more)	Photos by Harlan Hadley  (click here for many more) Harlan Hadley Photos Page 2 Harlan Hadley Photos Page 3	Photos from Oct 1957 program (click here for more)
10/57 Autocourse	10/57 Autocourse	10/57 Autocourse

Photos (from May 1959 program) - click on images for larger versions

38 - Maserati 300S - Duncan? 98 - Carroll Shelby - Maserati 450S 54 - John Manting - Porsche 150 - Ray Heppinstll - Jomar	99 - Fred Windridge - Corvette	Dick Thompson Shelby's Maserati 450S
	Lister-Jag?	15 - James Johnston - Ferrari

Newspaper Articles

• Pre-Race Press - Local Newspaper Gossip Column
• Pre-Race Press - "These Racing Cars Expensive -- And Can Go"
• Pre-Race Press- "VIR Registration Set Thursday For Grand Prix"
• Pre-race Press - "D.C. Drivers Head for V.I.R."
• Pre-race Press - "Races Slated This Weekend"
• Friday - Tech Inspection - "Safety Inspection For Weekend Races Here"
• Qualifying Report  - "D. C. Driver Sets Pace in Auto Trials"
• Saturday - Race Report, Class Winners, Photos - "Inauguration Day at VIR Roaring Success; Big Races Today"
• Saturday - Race Report, Photos - "Big Events Open Virginia International Raceway"
• Sunday - Class winners - "Sunday Results On VIR Program"
• Photos - "Casualties" - two wrecked cars
• Race Report & Photos - "Shelby's Maserati Runs Away With Feature Event"
• Race Report - "Shelby Wins Sports Race At Danville"
• Race Report - "...a day filled with surprises"
• Race Report - "About Autos…Thompson Cinch for Title"
• Race Report - "Sports Car Drivers Hail Danville Layout"
• Race Report & Photos - "Texan Outruns Jaguars; 10,000 Watch Opener"
• Race Report - "Shelby Wins in Big Maserati"
• Race Report - Team Owner's Newspaper Column
• Post-race Press - "At The VIR, Speed And $$$ Signs!"

Carroll Shelby's win - article from May 1958 Program

Race Report - by Dave Allen in September-October 1957 SCCA Sports Car magazine

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Car Histories - See Ferrari At VIR

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• Back to main VIR history page
• please send me e-mail with any additional info on this or any other VIR History subject