The Virginia International Raceway opened in 1957 and was one of the USA’s first permanent road racing circuits. Its present owners’ vision was to provide not just a racetrack, but a resort for motorsport enthusiasts that would cater to the entire family. Available accommodation includes a trackside hotel with balconies overlooking the track together with garden Jacuzzi tubs and a wide choice of bars and dining facilities. In the words of actor Paul Newman, who has raced in both amateur and professional competition since the 1970s, ‘If there’s a heaven on Earth, it’s VIR’.

After meeting Bob Gelles and his team and preliminary work on seat fitting etc, Ross used much of the first day to shake down two of the cars after their rebuilds. He then spent further time on the second morning in one of them, developing a set up to his liking and finishing quickest of the three drivers attending the test.

‘I’ve really enjoyed this experience - it’s been a great opportunity to start to work with the guys and I’m impressed with the facilities here’, said Ross afterwards. ‘The car feels good on this circuit but we have to be realistic about Valencia. It will be the first time that the team has raced in Europe and we will be up against drivers who have the benefit of racing with their teams for a full season or more. It will be a tough challenge, therefore, but I’m looking forward to it.’

Ross and the rest of the 38 drivers are due to arrive in Valencia on Wednesday 22nd November with free practice and qualifying taking place on Friday 24th, heats on Saturday 25th and the morning of Sunday 26th and the Final on the Sunday afternoon. A Dell Formula BMW World Final guide was distributed with Autosport last month and recorded highlights are to be broadcast on Motors TV. For more details go to www.worldfinalvalencia.com.