Virginia International Raceway - May 3-4, 1958
The Bee, Danville, Va - Saturday, May 3, 1958
Drivers competing in the VIR sports car races tomorrow were busy exchanging tips as safety inspections were held at the Coca-Cola plant here today.
In the left view, 'Doc' Thompson - "Mr. Corvette of of 1957" - who has switched to an Austin-Healey, gives "pure misinformation" to a likely candidate as his successor, Fred Windridge. The Washington dentist is tied for second place in D Production with 800 points this year while Windridge is tied for the lead in B Production with 1,000 points.
Evelyn Mull, seated in her AC Bristol in the righthand scene, listens to Gasten Andrey who is tied for the lead in E Modified with 1,000 points, driving a Ferrari. Mrs. Mull is considered a top competitor in the Bristol field.
Practice runs and time trials at the Virginia International Raceway today indicated that the winner in tomorrow's events will be the car that can stay on the track.
Rain or shine, the VIR spring Inaugural will be held and the recent wet weather may be a major factor. Cars which hit the soft shoulders will be in trouble the drivers warned.
Following safety inspections this morning, top drivers from throughout the country started practice rounds at the curving 3.2-mile course located 11 miles east of Danville.
Tomorrow's six races, starting at 10 a. m., thus stacked up as tests of ability rather than power and chance.
Here is Sunday's schedule:
At the end of the day's racing, several thousands of dollars worth of silver will be distributed among the top winners. The drivers also will be seeking to add to their points in national competitions.
Walt Hansgen, Charlie Wallace, Frank Baptista and other local favorites will be on hand for this first spring event at the VIR track.
While it appeared yesterday that the list of entries might be limited because of the weather, more cars and drivers were rolling in to Danville today and were being given safety inspections at the Coca-Cola plant this morning.
The Briggs Cunningham stable of Jaguars was on hand and busy early today, with Walt Hansgen serving notice he is out to repeat last fall's victory. He already has jumped into the lead in national point standings in his category.
Other entries in the field will include Ferraris, Maseratis, Chevrolet Corvettes, Austin Healey, A. C. Bristol, Porsches, Alfa-Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Astaris and a number of other slick-looking and powerful sports models.