Hyperfest 2023: Our Weekend at “The Automotive Amusement Park”
Every year Hyperfest is one of the most exciting and busy track weekends that we love to attend. Taking place at Virginia International Raceway, or VIR, Hyperfest is packed with things to do from Friday to Sunday. Drifting, racing, and off-roading are just a few of the automotive themed experiences you can enjoy.
Before the sun had risen on Friday morning, we were up and on our way with our furry copilot Oscar. As the sun began to crest the horizon, we met up with our friends Kevin, Caiti, and their four-legged friend Toni. After fueling up the trucks and grabbing some extra large coffees, we hit the road.
Oscar, the furry copilot
Oscar watching as we fuel up the trucks for our drive To VIR.
Upon reaching VIR, we hit a slight roadblock as we encountered a lengthy line to get registered and enter the track. After nearly two hours, we made it through the line and quickly found a spot in the paddock. We unloaded the Parkhaus E46 M3 and ran through the tech shed. Now that the car was ready to rip, our next order of business was setting up our campsite for the weekend.
The Line
At this point we had been in line for about an hour. Little did we know we still had another hour to go…
Situated right by turn 17, or Hog Pen as it’s affectionately called, we quickly got our home away from home set up. After lunch our friend Bayley called to let us know she had arrived. The line had not gotten any better but we gave her some “pro tips” which got her registered and parked faster.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere shifted into full party mode across the whole track. We wandered, made some new friends, and had a “few” shots of Espolon to fuel our fun. Quickly though we found ourselves exhausted from the long day and knowing we had to be up early, we called it an early night.
Saturday morning arrived and after breakfast on the Blackstone griddle, it was time for the first classroom session of the day. Cool weather gave us ideal track conditions and each session was a hunt for a new personal record around the “Full Course” configuration of VIR.
VIR Full Course Configuration
3.27 miles, 17 turns, 130 feet of elevation, and countless smiles. VIR’s Full Course configuration is a fun, but challenging, road course located in Alton, VA.
After a solid day on track, it was time for one of the most hectic events of the weekend, the downhill Power Wheels race. This beloved event, infamous for its thrilling and sometimes precarious nature, never fails to provide hilarious and unforgettable moments.
Downhill Power Wheels carnage. Don’t worry, everyone walked away fine.
Eager to witness the burnout competition, we made our way to the burnout pit, only to find it crowded and lacking space to watch. Undeterred, we redirected our golf cart toward Club Hyperfest, where the combination of light rain and pulsating music kept the party going.
The crew enjoying Club Hyperfest
Sunday morning brought a sense of bittersweetness as the end of Hyperfest drew near. However, Caiti's homemade pancakes on the Blackstone provided a delightful start to the day. During the pre-track check I noticed the front brake pads were toast. I texted Patrick Grace from Bimmerworld, and within ten minutes, new PFC 08 brake pads were in my hands. Although it meant missing the first session, we got the E46 back on track after lunch, making the most of every opportunity to chase faster lap times. As the day drew to a close, we packed up the M3 and hit the road.
Quick Pad Swap
Thanks to Patrick Grace at Bimmerworld, we were able to salvage Sunday with a fresh set of front brake pads.
As we bid farewell to Hyperfest 2023, our minds were already thinking about the adventures that await us at our "home" track next year.
The Parkhaus E46 M3 entering the “Rollercoaster” section of VIR.
On track images courtesy of AJ Allen Photography
See you on the track!