DANVILLE, VA. - ShiftIntoGear, the driver coaching and training firm founded by racer/instructor Chris Cook and his business partner Chris Evans, is moving to the Virginia Motorsport Technology Park campus at VIRginia International Raceway.

Offering a wide variety of driver training programs, from advanced road race technique coaching to performance car skills and movie stunt work, ShiftIntoGear is in the process of moving its entire operation to the scenic south Virginia road course. "Chris and I are thrilled that we're going to be at VIR," said Cook recently. "It's going to be a real plus for us to be located at a first-class, turnkey, exclusive facility like this.

"VIR completes what we offer, from the track to the Lodge [VIR's on-site 45-unit hotel unit] to the entire facility." The Virginia Motorsports Technology Park is located adjacent to the main entrance to the 3.27-mile track. VMTP is also host to VIPER, the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research. VIPER is centered around an advanced vehicle dynamics lab with one of the most advanced chassis setup instruments available.

The track first opened in 1957 with Carroll Shelby winning the first feature race held at the venue. After over 20 years of racing, the track closed at the end of the 1974 season and lay dormant until resurrected at the start of the 2000 season by developers Harvey Siegel and Connie Nyholm.

"I think what's key is that we also totally believe that everything we do has to be mutually beneficial [to the track, to ShiftIntoGear and its clients,] added Cook. "We strive to make things beneficial to everyone involved."

"We are thrilled that ShiftIntoGear is moving to VIR, and it is another great addition to the fine team of VIR team members," said VIR Managing Partner Connie Nyholm.

ShiftIntoGear offers all forms of driver development, from coaching professional racers to teaching counter-terrorism driving techniques. When not teaching, Cook is actively involved in the "Drifting" scene, driving a factory Dodge Viper in the tire-shredding competition and providing stunt and commercial driving services to the entertainment industry.

VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia.  Reopened in 2000, VIR hosts a wide range of professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing and track events, and is well established as America's Motorsport Resort. In addition to its historic 3.27 mile natural-terrain road racing circuit, VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America's first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park and Motorsports Technology Park, which includes the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research ("VIPER"); the Plantation Valley Kart Track, a 5/8 mile paved natural terrain karting circuit; an expanding variety of on-site lodging (including 45 hotel rooms and the Villas which are for sale); Camp Motorsport for enthusiasts of all ages; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse.

VIR's next major event is the August 17-19 Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals AMA Superbike races. The racing is only a small part of the weekend's planned festivities, so make arrangements now to attend. Tickets are available online at the promoter's web site, www.moto1usa.com  www.virclub.com , or by calling the promoter's ticket sales at
770-965-4565 or 770-965-4566.