Car and Driver’s annual Lightning Lap event is a unique tradition: a three-day, no-holds-barred test of performance vehicles at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Each year, the magazine assembles the most compelling cars to compete for the fastest lap time on VIR’s 4.1-mile Grand Course. This track is considered one of the most demanding in North America, comparable to Germany’s legendary Nürburgring.
The Challenge of Absolute Speed
The event isn’t just about the cars; it’s about pushing both machines and drivers to their limits. Drivers spend hours analyzing and practicing each lap, obsessing over fractions of a second. VIR’s 24 corners leave little room for error, and even minor mistakes can ruin an entire run. The track is unforgiving, rewarding precision and punishing carelessness.
Beyond the Track: The Production Behind the Speed
Lightning Lap isn’t just a driving event; it’s a massive logistical operation. The magazine’s photo and video teams work tirelessly to capture every moment, knowing their footage will be scrutinized by enthusiasts online. The selection process for cars is rigorous, with the magazine attempting to include every high-performance model currently available. Manufacturers often cite production delays or vehicle damage as reasons for absence, sometimes even requesting competitor lineups.
A Personal Touch: Drivers and Their Machines
This year marks a shift in approach. For the first time, the editor participated in the event with a personal vehicle: a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera. This move underscores the event’s core principle – firsthand experience is crucial. Each editor typically drives four vehicles, providing authentic feedback.
The Future of Fast Cars: Inviting Leadership
Recognizing that the fate of performance vehicles often rests in the hands of corporate decision-makers, Car and Driver is extending an invitation to automotive executives. The goal is to demonstrate the value of high-performance cars by letting those who shape the industry experience them firsthand.
“A day or two at VIR is a lot more fun than endless board meetings.”
The magazine encourages CEOs like Jim Farley (Ford), Akio Toyoda (Toyota), and Mark Reuss (GM) to participate in a new “LLC-Suite” category, where they can drive both their own vehicles and those of competitors. The event will test not only the cars but also the executives’ driving skills – with the potential for mishaps like off-track excursions.
The Ultimate Test: Can You Beat the Times?
Car and Driver challenges enthusiasts and executives alike to compete. The magazine is open to setting up participation for anyone willing to push a car to its absolute limit, providing an opportunity to learn, compare, and potentially crash. Ultimately, the event reinforces one simple truth: there’s no better way to understand a car than to drive it as fast as it will go.
