March has been a month of fluctuating temperatures and weather in Virginia. An unusual number of snowfalls followed by unseasonably warm temperatures has been the weather pattern so far.

That pattern held true for the Zone 2 Driver Education, held March 14-16 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The event saw cool, windy temperatures Friday followed by temperatures in the 70s Saturday, then back to cool Sunday with rain in the afternoon. The changing weather conditions and variable track conditions were a challenge for the drivers.

Over the winter, Virginia International Raceway underwent several track changes. The biggest two were the repavement of the track and the widening of some track areas. The widening allows better passing areas and more exciting track action.

Also added were some new alligator curbs and paved runoff areas. These previously-unpaved runoff areas had allowed debris to be thrown and carried onto the track, making some turns slippery.

Another big improvement was the paving of the paddock, allowing race teams a cleaner work area and a level place to work on cars. The paddock area is still awaiting its top paving layer, making navigation there rough and requiring a slow speed. The unusually high number of snowfalls has delayed the pavement work.

The general vibe among the drivers at the Zone 2 DE was that the track was faster this year and much smoother. The wider track made turns easier to navigate but required learning a different line. Shenandoah Region member Jim Condon liked the changes, adding they made the DE faster and more challenging, but safer at the same time.

In addition, there was a video presentation for drivers to review what the changes did to racing lines and curve navigation. The action on the track showed how the changes affected the drivers. Cars were smoother around the turns with visibly less bouncing.

As cars accelerated through turns and along straight stretches, the engine sounds were constant, not erratic from a bumpy track as in the past. Of course, the improved traction increased track speeds — especially around the curves — and more cornering speed equals more straight-line speed

Everyone enjoyed their track time and the new track changes. Fortunately, there were few off-track excursions with little damage to cars. Most issues were easily-repairable mechanical failures. Safety is in the forefront at these events, and it shows.

Racers running on the newly-paved Virginia International Raceway track.