Virginia International Raceway is a proper driver’s circuit,” says Tom Kristensen. “It’s old-school and has a great rhythm because of its dirt track history. I never actually raced there – it can’t host the biggest races – but in my book I said I consider it one of the best circuits in the world. It takes a few laps to get your head around it. You feel like you’re near but you’re always looking for the perfect lap. And it bites…”
I don’t mind admitting I wasn’t completely aware of the challenge of VIR, but when Kristensen is so keen to sing the track’s praises, you sit up and take notice. My ignorance was – in my opinion – understandable because my focus had been less on the track itself and more on the car I was going to get to grips with.
Motor sport is not a cheap pastime at any level, but karting provides a relatively achievable way of getting started. For many, it’s the only way of ever going racing, with group activities from stag and hen parties to corporate getaways sometimes providing the opportunity to unleash your driving talent on a racetrack.
For those who take it a bit more seriously, years in karting can then lead to a
