Tree falls in VIRginia

This is posted on the VIR Website http://virnow.com and on Facebook.


OAK TREE DOWN


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 [email protected] for proper ways to honor this old friend.”

If a tree falls in Virginia...all the racers hear it.

Sad news.

tGA, agreed.

Liars tree (a shady spot across from Turn 8 where drivers congregated after their races) at Summit Point gave it up many years back. Bill Scott planted a new one surrounded by a memorial fence. Not the same. :(

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Originally Posted by tac911t

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.
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A Sad time indeed........... The landmark is as Iconic to me as the Statue of Liberty is to New York City........

I would suggest cutting the tree into lumber and use the boards to build Furniture. Something useful for at the track that could also be considered a permanent fixture. That way she could still serve as a remembrance of times gone by.........