Two weeks. The state of Virginia is on the eve of two solid weeks of racing and it is as diverse as it is tense. NASCAR closes in on Richmond International Raceway for September 7-8 and the checkered flag will determine the championship “Chase” field.

The following weekend should be just as tense as points are close for the contenders in the American Le Mans Series which is making a first appearance at Virginia International Raceway. Following VIR, they will close the season at Road Atlanta so time is short to gain points for championships which sums up to good racing.

This is two weeks in Virginia which could make or break season hopes for both NASCAR and ALMS. Race fans could, and should, take a look at both events.

Season parallels don’t stop at the green, white and checkers. The schedules are ironic in a mirrored fashion as well. NASCAR rolls through Atlanta Motor Speedway with the “AdvoCare 500” before hitting Richmond to finalize the “Chase”. Ten races follow Richmond to close the championship, including another run through Virginia at Martinsville Speedway at the end of October.

American Le Mans takes the racing from Virginia International Raceway to close at Road Atlanta for the championship. Georgia has the same NASCAR / ALMS excitement but is spread over several more weeks. Virginia gets it back to back!

Both RIR and VIR have “International” in their names. However, Virginia International Raceway gets a bit more from the designation as the track is often filled with Porsches, BMWs, Ferraris and other European manufacturers. The ALMS will bring these and more with Aston-Martin, AUDI, Lotus along with Dodge Vipers and Chevrolet Corvettes. Richmond gets Toyota thrown in with the Ford, Chevy and Dodge. Dodge won’t even be there next year.

The cars, however, are only the vehicles for the drivers. And it is the drivers that make the drama. Both Richmond and VIR should have a full stock of drama and excitement as tensions are high with so much on the line.

Richmond has a full schedule of fan activities scheduled with driver Q&A, hospitality and Pit Passes and a midway full of activities. Throw in the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races as high speed icing on the cake with the “Chase” on the line as the sprinkles!

VIR and American Le Mans also has plenty for the fans. There are races to fill the schedule leading up to the main event with the Playboy MX-5 Cup, IMSA Porsche GT3 and Indy support open-wheel racing. The Prototypes and GT series run the ALMS main event. The paddock is open to the fans with driver autograph sessions and open access to watch the teams while they prep for the racing.

September 7-8 is NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway.

September 12-15 is ALMS at Virginia International Raceway.

NASCAR returns in late October to Martinsville Speedway with the “Chase” championship in full swing. The week before, late model stocks run for the “Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300”.

Virginia is definately the hot spot for racing. Fans have an opportunity to see big variety and big runs. Speed and tension are on the ticket. This weekend, NASCAR is in Atlanta and American Le Mans is paired with IndyCar in the streets of Baltimore. NASCAR is on ESPN and ALMS is on ABC. Find the races and watch and prepare for the visit to the Old Dominion.

Forget politics. There is no need to vote for one or the other. Check it all, pull the lever and go racing!