On the Road Again

A July 31 research-gathering mission took Red Bull Racing across the North Carolina state line to the tiny southern Virginia town called Alton. There, Red Bull Racing puts is road-course package to the test at Virginia International Raceway. The scenic 2.27-mile circuit is not on the Nextel Cup schedule, but it becomes a hotbed for stock cars when events roll around like this weekend’s at Watkins Glen International.

Brian Vickers’ No. 83 Red Bull Toyota completed 85 laps (193 miles) during the test. AJ Allmendinger’s No. 84 traversed VIR 72 times (165 miles). Should the testing pay off in qualifying, they’ll be required to turn 90 laps in Sunday’s Centurion Boats at The Glen.

Seven of Watkins Glen’s 11 turns are classified as right-handers. Heck, even the entrance to pit road is a right-hand turn — an art AJ perfected in his road- and street-circuit days driving open-wheel single seaters. BV, who grew up knowing nothing but ovals, is no slouch on a road course, either. In 2005 at Watkins Glen, he finished third in the Busch Series race and a day later ran eighth in the Cup car.