Homecoming Triumph: Silver Hare Racing's Triumphant Return to VIR

For Silver Hare Racing, VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) holds a special place in the team's history. As the closest track to their North Carolina race shop and the home of team owners Maurice and Laura Hull's Waukegan Farms, VIR has become the heart and soul of the successful multi-car CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series team. This weekend, the team and their star driver Connor Zilisch are poised to make a triumphant homecoming at the iconic circuit.

Homecoming Heroics: Silver Hare Racing's Unbreakable Bond with VIR

A Homecoming Like No Other

VIR is more than just a racetrack for Silver Hare Racing – it's a second home. Team owners Maurice and Laura Hull have deep roots in the region, with Laura having grown up just 30 miles south of the circuit in Union Ridge, North Carolina. It was at VIR where Laura and Maurice first met, setting in motion the events that would lead to the creation of their successful TA2 team. Laura's previous experience as the PR and marketing director at VIR from 2002-2004 only strengthened the team's connection to the iconic facility."When I think about VIR, I would have to say there's no place like home, especially racing at home," said Laura Hull. "Every year at this time, we really want to extend our warmest welcome to the racing community by saying, 'Welcome to our home.' We couldn't be more excited for this weekend. Not only is it such a unique track and a beautiful part of the country, my personal experience at VIR was completely life changing. Between my work experience there and my love for racing, it's where I truly met the love of my life, not to sound cliché. It was in the paddock there that Maurice and I were introduced by a mutual friend way back in 2002, and meeting him completely changed my life. It led to the creation of Silver Hare Racing, which Maurice and I are so terribly proud of."

A Homecoming for a Rising Star

VIR holds a special significance for Silver Hare Racing's star driver, Connor Zilisch. The young talent made his Trans Am debut at the circuit in 2021, earning the pole position in his first weekend behind the wheel of a TA2 car. Last year, Zilisch made history at VIR, becoming the first driver to win both a TA and TA2 race in a single weekend, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport."Obviously, VIR is special to me because that's where it all started for me with Silver Hare Racing," said Zilisch. "I had my first test with them back in 2021. Then going there and winning in the TA2 race last year and winning the TA race on the same weekend, becoming the first person to sweep a weekend, it makes it a special track for me and one that I really enjoy, too."Zilisch's success at VIR has only strengthened his bond with the team and the circuit. As he returns to the Trans Am Series this weekend, he is eager to build on his previous accomplishments and continue his rise through the ranks of motorsports.

A Homecoming Filled with Opportunity

This weekend's event at VIR presents a unique challenge for Zilisch, as he will be competing in the NASCAR Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday night, leaving him without the benefit of practice or qualifying for the TA2 race on Saturday. However, the young driver is undaunted by the task at hand, confident in the team's preparation and his own abilities."I'm really excited for this weekend back at VIR. I've got the NASCAR Truck Series race at Talladega on Friday and it's going to be a busy day on Saturday getting back up to VIR to run the TA2 race," said Zilisch. "We tested a little bit at VIR and felt really comfortable with the car. We're just building off the speed we had there last year; we were really fast and it was probably one of our best races last year."Zilisch will be joined by his Silver Hare Racing teammates, Jake Drew and Boris Said Jr., as they look to continue the team's success at their home track. With the support of regional partners Bankers Insurance Group, Guy M Turner Company, and Clark Outdoor, as well as the backing of Chevrolet Driver Development, the stage is set for a thrilling homecoming at VIR."It means a lot to be able to race with Silver Hare Racing again and be back with Maurice and Laura Hull, Gil Martin and Jeff Holley, and everybody who I've learned from over the years," Zilisch added. "Hopefully we can pick up where we left off last time. We won the race at Sebring and just want to build on that success and the success we had the last half of last season. I'm looking forward to it and I'm ready for the opportunity and ready to make the most of it."