HISTORY

An iconic event 50+ years in the making

The Virginia City Grand Prix was first run in 1971, founded by Western State Racing Association (WSRA) as an AMA sanctioned event.  The race quickly gained notoriety within the racing community, with its challenging course and the unique setting in the historic landmark town that flourished in the mid-1800’s as mining exploded across the Comstock Load, one of the richest silver and gold resources ever discovered.

For 30 years WSRA hosted the event and welcomed many legendary competitors, including Larry Roeseler, Ty Davis, Danny Hamel, Carl Cranke and Shane Esposito.  In the year 2000, WSRA hosted it’s 30th and final VCGP, complete with “RIP” tombstone-shaped finishers awards to mark the end of their run.

In 2001, the tourism and special events-driven town quickly felt the loss of a major annual event and sought to address the void.  In 2002, the Virginia City Motorcycle Club was formed and the VCGP was once again in action on the Comstock, this time as part of the desert racing series MRANN (Motorcycle Racing Association of Norther Nevada). After 3 years as a MRANN event, the VCGP went “outlaw” and has since been unaffiliated with any sanctioning race organization, contributing further to the event’s unique character and its dedicated following by racers and fans throughout the years.

Today, the Virginia City Motorsports Club is proud to continue the tradition by hosting the VCGP.  Racers and fans find that nothing compares to this challenging race through the rugged terrain surrounding Virginia City, with the unique setting of an authentic old west mining town and the amazing energy generated by this multi-day event.