Sunday 18th April 1971
Not only was it the first IMSA race held at Virginia International Raceway, it was the first race for IMSA’s Grand Touring class. It was hoped that the new subcompact Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega would make their road racing debuts in the event, but none entered. 24 cars and an estimated 10,000 spectators were on hand for the inaugural event of the new series.