Jayski's® Silly Season Site - OLD Richmond International Raceway News

PAST RICHMOND INTERNATINAL RACEWAY NEWS/RUMORS

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www.rir.com

NASCAR donates $160,000 to Virginia Tech memorial fund: For the last three weeks, NASCAR's Nextel Cup cars have all displayed a Virginia Tech logo with a black background in a show of support for the victims and families of the massacre that left 33 dead in Blacksburg on April 16. On Saturday night the decals were just a symbol, and the support was something more tangible: money. In prerace introductions, Virginia drivers Jeff and Ward Burton, Elliott Sadler and Denny Hamlin presented Hokies football coach Frank Beamer with a check for $120,000 for the Hokies Spirit Memorial Fund. And Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz presented him with a check for $40,000, also for the memorial fund, that he said was given by RIR and some sister tracks also owned by International Speedway Corp.(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-6-2007)
Richmond Race Postponed: The Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 Nextel Cup Series race scheduled for this evening has been postponed due to inclement weather. The sold out race is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow and be broadcast live on FOX. All tickets for the race will be honored at the gate tomorrow. The grandstand gates, along with suites and the TORQUE Club, will open at 10:00 a.m. The parking lots will open at 6:30 a.m. Fans who held pre-race pit passes will be able to take pit tours from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. The track credential office, NASCAR registration, media center and press box all will open at 9:00 a.m. The Nextel Cup Series garage will open at 10:00 a.m.(RIR PR)(5-6-2007)
Richmond Will Prosecute Fans Who Throw Objects: In lieu of incidents involving race fans last week at Talladega Superspeedway, Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz is reminding fans today that anyone throwing or attempting to throw any object on the track will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. "Behavior of this type displayed by any individual will not be tolerated at Richmond International Raceway. Those 14 fans from Talladega will not be permitted to ever purchase our tickets. While we do not expect that type of behavior at Richmond International Raceway, we are prepared as always with track security and Henrico County police officers positioned throughout the grandstands. We also have added security surveillance measures throughout the facility as another way to help ensure the safety of our fans, the drivers and NASCAR officials."(RIR PR)(5-5-2007)
Cup race at RIR is sold out, 31st consecutive: After adding nearly 8,000 additional seats to Richmond International Raceway's frontstretch during the off-season, track President Doug Fritz announced today all grandstand seats for the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 set for Saturday, May 5 "under the lights" have been sold. During the sellout streak, more than 2.4 million fans from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have attended Nextel Cup Series events at RIR. The sellout marks the 31st straight Nextel Cup Series race that the grandstands will be full. The sellout streak at Richmond International Raceway reaches back 16 seasons to March 8, 1992 when Bill Elliott edged Alan Kulwicki for the win. Tickets for Friday night's Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI Busch Series race are available at www.rir.com or by calling the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223).(RIR PR)(5-3-2007)
RIR offers another parking option: Following the successful launch of the "Park and Ride" program from downtown Richmond at the Richmond Coliseum parking lot, fans attending Nextel Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway will now have another off-site option to park their cars and RVs. Starting with the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 on Saturday, May 5, fans can also park their cars and RV's at The Showplace and take a free shuttle ride to Richmond International Raceway. The Showplace is conveniently located less than three miles from Richmond International Raceway at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike and is just Ľ-mile off of I-64 at exit 192. The cost for parking at The Showplace on Saturday, May 5 is just $5 per car and $25 per RV. The Showplace parking lot will open at 11:00 a.m. and offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the track beginning at Noon until after the checkered flag. The shuttle will operate continuously on Saturday with pick-up at the Showplace lot and drop-off at the main entrance to Richmond International Raceway at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. Throughout the day and after the checkered flag, the shuttle service will have pick-up service back at the main entrance of Richmond International Raceway at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. The Richmond Coliseum parking area at North 7th Street in downtown Richmond will also continue to be open and offer free shuttle rides to fans on Nextel Cup Series race days. The shuttle service back to the Coliseum parking area resumes immediately after the conclusion of the Saturday, May 5 race from the track's main entrance. The shuttle is free but a $6 parking fee applies at the Coliseum lot. For a detailed map of the area, fans can visit www.richmondcoliseum.net/visitor_parking.asp.(RIR)(5-1-2007)
New Club and Grandstand at RIR Ready for Grand Opening: The new state-of-the-art TORQUE Club, part of the new Commonwealth Grandstand at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), is ready for business. With an incredible view of RIR and a breathtaking view of downtown Richmond, TORQUE and the new Commonwealth Grandstand will open to the public for the May 4-5 NASCAR doubleheader. The TORQUE Club, seats 700 people outside as part of the new Commonwealth Grandstand, while the inside of TORQUE has two full-service bars, buffet stations, a carving station, private restrooms and more than 60 FUNAI TV's as part of its 16,000-square feet of indoor, climate-controlled space. TORQUE is located on the middle level of RIR's new Commonwealth Grandstand, which is the cornerstone of the track's latest expansion project. The Commonwealth Grandstand is a 7,843-person, three-tiered structure that is two feet higher than the tower at Richmond International Airport, making it the tallest structure in Henrico County at 180-feet. In addition to the new Commonwealth Grandstand, construction crews removed 2,911 low-row seats in turns three and four. The net gain for 2007 is 4,932 seats, bringing the track's new capacity for 2007 to 112,029. A limited number of grandstand tickets are still available for the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 Nextel Cup Series race (Saturday, May 5). Tickets are also still available for the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI Busch Series race (Friday, May 4). Additionally, fan hospitality passes are available for Saturday's Green Flag Zone and Friday's Party Zone. Tickets and information are available by calling the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 1-866-455-7223 or visiting www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(4-27-2007)
RIR to remain an impound race: Nextel Cup teams better make good use of their car of tomorrow test April 3-4 at Richmond International Raceway because they won't get separate qualifying and race practice when they go there for the May 4-5 race weekend. Richmond remains an impound race, just as it was for both races last year, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said Friday. The Friday-Saturday schedule of the Richmond weekend allows for the impound procedure - where there is no practice between qualifying and the race - to make the schedule a little less hectic. While Richmond remains an impound race, when the teams go the following week to Darlington Raceway, they will not have their cars impounded. Darlington was not an impound race last year. Darlington also will be a COT race, and that will be the first COT race at a track longer than a mile [1.36miles].(SceneDaily.com)(3-25-2007)
COT Test at Richmond open to public: Fans will have an opportunity to catch virtually all of the Busch and Nextel Cup Series drivers at Richmond International Raceway March 27-28 and April 3-4 during official test sessions-which are free and open to the public-in preparation for the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI (Friday, May 4) and The Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 (Saturday, May 5) at America's Premier Short Track. For Busch Series fans, their favorite drivers from America's number two motorsports series will test on Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday, March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The following week, Nextel Cup Series drivers will test the Car of Tomorrow [by then it will be the Car of Today] on Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Nextel Cup Series test will be the drivers' first official opportunity to drive the Car of Tomorrow (COT) at Richmond International Raceway. Both 2007 Nextel Cup Series races at America's Premier Short Track-the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 and Chevy Rock & Roll 400-will feature the Car of Tomorrow. The Grandstands will be open all four days from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and there is no charge for admission. While these test sessions are open and free to the public, tickets are still available for both NASCAR races at Richmond International Raceway May 4-5. A limited amount of tickets remain for the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 Nextel Cup Series race (Saturday, May 5) and the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI NASCAR Busch Series race (Friday, May 4)-both "under the lights." For tickets and information, please call 1-866-455-7223 or visit www.rir.com(RIR PR)(3-15-2007)
Crown Royal Presents the Jim Stewart 400 at RIR: For the first time in history, a major sporting event will depict the name of a fan. As part of a ceremony held today, Fri., Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway, Crown Royal awarded Jim Stewart from Houma, La., the naming rights to the spring Nextel Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), which will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007. As part of the Crown Royal "Your Name Here 400" promotion, Stewart's name will shine "under the lights" at RIR and will forever be engraved into the archives of sports history as the race's official title - "Crown Royal presents the Jim Stewart 400." Much like other race entitlement sponsorships, Stewart's name will be recognized by broadcast and media partners as the race's official title. As guest of honor, Stewart will wave the green flag to start the race, as well as participate in the check and trophy presentations to the race winner in Victory Lane. Crown Royal judged the finalists based on written and video submissions chronicling consumers' favorite "Crown-Worthy" moments, which is defined as a memorable moment or occasion deemed "worthy" of toasting with a Crown Royal cocktail in a responsible manner (i.e., big promotion at work, bowling the perfect game, etc.). Stewart's winning entry chronicled his moments growing up fishing with his father and later christening his own fishing boat with a toast to his father. Much like other race entitlement sponsorships, Stewart's name will be recognized by NASCAR's broadcast and media partners as the race's official title. As guest of honor at RIR, Stewart will take part in pre-race festivities, as well as participate in the check and trophy presentations to the race winner in Gatorade Victory Lane. During race weekend he will also receive VIP accommodations for himself and a guest. In total, Crown Royal received nearly 15,000 entries to the "Your Name Here 400" contest between May 6 and November 23, 2006, and the nine finalists were selected by a panel of judges on the basis of originality, relevance, appeal and clarity of their submissions. Each finalist received a prize package that included: race tickets, infield access, pre-race row tour of the garage, air travel and hotel accommodations to the 2007 Daytona 500. In its continuous efforts to utilize national platforms to promote responsible drinking, Crown Royal also made a donation of $50,000 to RADD (Recording Artists, Actors & Athletes Against Drunk Driving) - based on total submissions received - to help the organization's fight against drunk driving. Furthermore, Crown Royal announced that the "Your Name Here 400" contest will continue in 2007, where the official name of the spring 2008 Nextel Cup Series race at Richmond will be awarded to another adult fan.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-16-2007)
Crown Royal to announce winner of RIR named race at Daytona: Crown Royal Championship Racing will fill in the blanks next month during a unique, first-of-its-kind ceremony at Daytona International Speedway. Currently, Richmond International Raceway's spring Nextel Cup Series race is dubbed the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400. During the week leading up to the Daytona 500, which is set for Sunday, February 18, one of 10 lucky finalists will put his or her name in the "Your Name" slot. Crown Royal announced the "Your Name Here 400" promotion at last year's Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Since then, Crown Royal has judged written and video submissions chronicling consumers' favorite "Crown-Worthy" moments. A "Crown-Worthy" moment is defined as a memorable moment or occasion deemed "worthy" of toasting with a Crown Royal cocktail in a responsible manner. The grand prize winner's name will be recognized by broadcast and media partners as the race's official title (i.e., Crown Royal Presents The Joe Smith 400). As guest of honor at Richmond International Raceway, the winner will participate in several raceday activities and receive VIP accommodations. In total, more than 30,000 entries were submitted to the "Your Name Here 400" contest between May 6 and November 23, 2006, and the 10 finalists were selected by a panel of judges on the basis of originality, relevance, appeal and clarity of their submissions. Each finalist receives a prize package which includes race tickets, infield access, pre-race tour of the garage, air travel and hotel accommodations to this year's Daytona 500.(RIR PR)(1-31-2007)
Nextel Cup Series Tickets on Sale this Saturday at Richmond: Nextel Cup Series Tickets on Sale this Saturday: For those fans who don't already have tickets to the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Saturday, May 5 at Richmond International Raceway, their opportunity to purchase tickets is just around the corner! What few tickets may remain for the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 at Richmond International Raceway will go on sale to the general public this Saturday, January 27 at 8:00am/et. Tickets can be purchased on www.rir.com or by calling 1-866-455-7223 or 1-888-472-2849 or in person at the Richmond International Raceway ticket office. Also, children 12 years of age and under are admitted free in general admission sections only with a ticketed adult for RIR's Busch Series races.(RIR PR)(1-25-2007)
Richmond's new tower 75% complete: With Richmond International Raceway's Commonwealth Grandstand approximately 75% complete, local media members recently received a sneak preview of the ongoing construction project that will add nearly 5,000 seats for the 2007 season. The tour included a visit to the highest level of the new grandstand, the Commonwealth Tower, which provides an incredible birds-eye view of the track and a breathtaking, panoramic view of downtown Richmond and the surrounding counties. The Commonwealth Grandstand, which is on schedule to be completed in time for the May 4-5 NASCAR doubleheader at Richmond International Raceway, will feature three new levels: the Lower Mezzanine, the 700-person TORQUE club and the Commonwealth Tower. Over the past 45 days, construction crews have installed all of the seats in the Commonwealth Tower and Lower Mezzanine levels and extensive progress has been made in TORQUE, including the installation of electrical, plumbing and HVAC equipment. The project team will begin to hang dry wall in TORQUE by February 5 and begin interior work by March 1. The 180-foot grandstand is the tallest structure in Henrico County and is approximately two feet higher than the tower at Richmond International Airport. Towns and landmarks more than 30 miles away are visible from the top of the grandstand. Once completed, the new capacity of Richmond International Raceway will rise from 107,097 to 112,029. Included in the project will be 7,843 seats in the new Commonwealth Grandstand and the removal of 2,911 seats in turns three and four. Although seats in the new Commonwealth Grandstand are already sold out, there is good news for fans who have been on the waiting list for Richmond International Raceway tickets. Because existing season ticket holders upgraded to the now sold-out Commonwealth Grandstand, other seats have been vacated, which means many fans on the waiting list will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to see the non-stop excitement at America's Premier Short Track. Those fans who are already on the waiting list can expect notification of how to purchase tickets by next week. Fans who missed the waiting list deadline can still register for future events by calling 1-866-455-7223 or logging on to www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(1-13-2007)
Work Completed for Fuel Change at Richmond: With NASCAR switching to unleaded fuel for the 2007 season, workers drained and cleaned the fuel tanks in the Richmond International Raceway infield last week. After the Daytona 500, all teams will switch to an unleaded fuel with a 98 octane rating. Several Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series races in 2006 successfully used the unleaded fuel. The leaded fuel used in past seasons had a 112 octane rating. In addition, the IndyCar Series will switch to 100% fuel-grade ethanol for the 2007 season. Last year, the series used fuel enriched with 10% ethanol. Ethanol, which is made from renewable agricultural products such as corn, is environmentally friendly while maintaining superior performance.(RIR PR)(12-22-2006)
Richmond's New Grandstand one step closer to completion: The construction of Richmond International Raceway's (RIR) Commonwealth Grandstand-a three-tiered, 18-story grandstand addition-reached a new milestone this week, as the final beam of the framework was installed at the top of the tower's elevator shaft. The occasion was marked with a celebration known in the construction world as a "Topping Out" ceremony. RIR's staff, representatives from Henrico County, construction crew members and media members all signed the final beam before it was hoisted more than 180 feet atop the grandstand. Construction of the Commonwealth Grandstand at RIR is on schedule to be finished in time for the 2007 season. Once construction is complete, the new grandstand addition will feature three new levels, including a state-of-the-art 16,000-square foot Club Level. Nearly 5,000 seats will be added (approximately 7,800 seats in the new grandstand minus approximately 3,000 lower row seats which are being removed in turns three and four) to bring RIR's total capacity to 112,029. Now that the final beam is in place, construction crews will begin work on framing in the grandstand and working on the interior. All seats in the Commonwealth Grandstand addition will include seatbacks and cup holders. The highest seat will be twice as high as the current highest seat at RIR. The Club Level includes access to the indoor, air-conditioned lounge; multiple buffets and fully-stocked bars; outdoor, reserved stadium seating with in-seat service; reserved parking; private elevator and restroom access; a pre-race pit pass; a souvenir event program and a limited edition appreciation gift. For more information on the Club Level, please call 804-228-7636. Tickets for the 2007 season at Richmond International Raceway are available now, call 1-866-455-7223 log on to www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(11-30-2006)
Construction for New RIR Grandstands Right On Track: Construction of the new Commonwealth Mezzanine, Club and Commonwealth Tower is right on track, as crews completed the first half of the concrete pour for all three levels. More than 60% of the steel for the nearly 8,000-seat grandstand expansion is complete. By the beginning of December, construction crews hope to have all the steel completed and finalize the other half of the concrete pour. The next step in the massive construction effort on Richmond International Raceway's frontstretch includes the completion of an elevator shaft and roughed in plumbing and electricity. Seats will begin to be installed in early December. The project is right on track to be completed prior to the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI and Crown Royal presents The Your Name Here 400 race weekend May 4-5, 2007.(RIR PR)(11-7-2006)
Congrats: Richmond International Raceway is proud to announce its latest addition to the family. Gavin David Green, son of Keith Green, Director of Public Relations and wife Donna, joined the Richmond International Raceway family Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 8:27 p.m. Gavin weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. Mom, dad and baby are all doing well. Well-wishes can be sent to Richmond International Raceway at 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222.(RIR PR)(10-21-2006)
Richmond Construction Update - New Grandstand Taking Shape: Construction crews are hard at work adding to Richmond's skyline, as nearly 1/3 of the framework for Richmond International Raceway's new 7,800-seat, 18-story frontstretch grandstand is now complete. Beams for the lower mezzanine seats and for the stairs leading to the lower mezzanine and club levels are also in place. Workers have also poured the concrete for the elevator shaft and kitchen floors. According to David Wright of Taylor and Parrish, Inc., the lead construction and design company for the project, close to 40 workers are working full-time during this phase. As the work intensifies and the framework nears completion, the workforce will double to nearly 80, as contractors for specialties like electricity and plumbing will be needed.
Some upcoming key milestones and their approximate completion dates include:
November 25: Begin framework of elevator shaft.
November 30: Framework for entire grandstand completed.
December 15: New light poles erected.
The project will be finished in time for the track's NASCAR doubleheader weekend May 4-5, which will include the Crown Royal presents Your Name Here 400 Nextel Cup Series race and the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI NASCAR Busch Series race. More updates will be provided in the coming weeks.(RIR PR)(10-17-2006)
PRS Guitars Builds Custom Trophy for Chevy Rock & Roll 400: Richmond International Raceway and Chevrolet officials announced that Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ltd. has built a custom guitar trophy for the winner of the 2006 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday, September 9 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway. Saturday night's Nextel Cup Series Chevy Rock & Roll 400 marks the second year that Richmond International Raceway and Chevrolet have partnered with PRS Guitars to offer a unique, highly appointed trophy featuring a fully functional PRS guitar. Last year, PRS Guitars enlivened the Rock & Roll theme of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Nextel Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway as they enthusiastically handcrafted a race trophy, unlike any other. The 2006 Chevy Rock & Roll trophy is even more appointed than last year's, taking more than three months to complete. Designed and painted to match this year's pace car, the trophy measures over four feet tall and incorporates a custom PRS Chevy guitar engulfed in polished aluminum flames, seated atop a mahogany and maple pedestal. In collaboration with Baltimore metal sculptor Karl Saar, the PRS design team (Paul Miles, Bill Oertel and Don Close) have put forth countless hours to bring the trophy to life. Its estimated retail value is $20,000. Richmond International Raceway, PRS Guitars and Chevrolet will unveil the trophy on Friday, September 8 in the Kenneth Campbell Infield Media Center.(RIR PR)(9-8-2006)
Richmond RV Parking Update: For the upcoming NASCAR races September 8-9 at Richmond International Raceway, all races fans should be aware that there will be no RV parking or parking of any kind in the warehouse parking lots and IRS building along Carolina Avenue, near the race track. Carolina Avenue is a short road on the northeast side of the race track that connects Meadowbridge Road to Laburnum Avenue. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any fans who do not hold a reserved space for their RVs, or who are accustomed to parking their cars in one of these lots, please access the Richmond International Raceway property via Meadowbridge Road to park their vehicles.(RIR PR)(9-7-2006)
Kahne to help sell tickets at RIR: On Wednesday, August 16 #9-Kasey Kahne will visit the Richmond International Raceway ticket office to lend a helping hand as the ticket office prepares for one of the busiest and most popular weekends on the NASCAR schedule: the September 8-9 Busch Series and Nextel Cup Series doubleheader at America's Premier Short Track. Although the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Nextel Cup Series race is sold out, Kahne will help the staff of the Richmond International Raceway ticket office sell tickets for Friday's activities, which include FasMart Pole Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the Emerson Radio 250 Busch Series race. Kahne will be front and center in the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike from 8:30am to 9:45am to help sell tickets to Friday's events. He will personally sign each ticket he sells on Wednesday and all fans who purchase a ticket that day (either in person or over the phone) will receive a limited edition "One Last Race to Make the Chase" poster. Kahne will then meet the Richmond area media at 9:45am/et to help preview the race weekend. He will then fly to Washington D.C. to meet the media at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Washington D.C. at 12:30pm/et. Tickets for Friday, Sept 8th are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) in advance and $50 (reserved) and $40 (general admission) on race day. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admission sections with a ticketed adult. For tickets visit www.rir.com or call 1-866-455-7223.(RIR)(8-15-2006)
RIR: Taking Racing To A 'New Level': Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz announced the details of a wide-ranging, fan-friendly seat expansion project that will help keep pace for the demand of one of the most coveted tickets in all of sports. The highlight of the multi-million dollar capital improvement project is the addition of 7,843 seats in a new, state-of-the-art, 18-story structure located in Turn One behind the current Commonwealth Grandstand. The new, three-tiered grandstand will also include a luxurious 700-person, members-only Club for individual fans looking to enjoy a race weekend in style or businesses seeking to entertain clients. The Club will also serve as a unique and trendy place for special events on non-race weekends throughout the year. The project, which will be completed in time for the track's Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series doubleheader weekend in May 2007, also has a fan-friendly flavor to it, as each seat in the new grandstand will be an individual chair with arm rests. Additionally, in response to the thousands of requests by fans over the years, workers will remove a total of 2,911 obstructed view seats in two different grandstands: the first eight rows of obstructed view seats in each section of the Old Dominion grandstand (Turn three) and the first ten rows of the "A" and "B" sections of the Colonial grandstand (Turn four). Those seats were originally built during the 1988 expansion and track reconfiguration project. In total the project will net 4,932 additional seats, raising the capacity to 112,029: [107,097 (current capacity) + 7,843 (new grandstand seats) minus 2,911 (removal of obstructed view seats) = 112,029]. The new grandstand will be comprised of three separate levels, the Commonwealth Mezzanine, the Club Level and the Commonwealth Tower. The 180-foot structure will be twice as high as the current grandstand and will become one of the tallest structures in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area. Construction on the new grandstand has begun. Amenities will include six new, ADA-compliant restrooms and five new concession stands. Key construction milestones include the completion of footings and foundation, (August 31) structure erected (December 31) and seats installed (March 31). The dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions. Current ticket holders will begin to receive information in the mail about how to upgrade into the new grandstand. In addition, fans who have been waiting patiently on the track's extensive waiting list will receive information about how to purchase tickets once the upgrade process is completed. Fans who would like to be added to the waiting list can visit rir.com or call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) for details.(RIR PR/Site)(8-10-2006)
RIR to add more seats 5000..not 1400: Richmond International Raceway officials will announce that the track's capacity will expand by 1,400 seats. A news conference is scheduled for Wednesday. The added seats, which will be located in Turn 1, are part of a long-term expansion plan. Current capacity is 107,097. Henrico County officials have given track owner, Daytona Beach, Fla.-based International Speedway Corp. permission to add as many as 43,000 seats. That allows for a capacity of about 150,000. "We don't want to add that many in one season," said Keith Green, RIR's director of public relations. "You have to understand what your market is going to dictate. "It's the first in what we hope will be several expansion projects." Green added that the expansion is necessary because of a long waiting list of fans vying for tickets to attend one of the track's Cup races in May and September. Both races have been sold out the past 15 years, a streak of 30 races. "There are some incredible sight lines associated with this process," said Green, who added that this will be the first expansion since the start of the 2004 season.(Richmond Times Dispatch)
AND Richmond International Raceway will make a formal announcement Wednesday, August 9 that the track will expand its seating capacity for the 2007 season, adding nearly 5,000 seats. The Commonwealth Tower will feature three new levels—the Lower Mezzanine, a Club Level and an Upper Mezzanine. The capital improvement project, which is already underway, will mark the first seating expansion the track has undergone since 2004, when 1,400 seats were added. The expanded Commonwealth Tower will rise 180 feet, which is twice as high as the current highest seat at Richmond International Raceway. With the new configuration, America's Premier Short Track will increase from 107,097 seats to more than 112,000. Current season ticket holders will receive information in the mail on how to upgrade to the new Commonwealth Tower. Fans on the waiting list will receive information in the coming weeks.(RIR Site)(8-8-2006)
Barenaked Ladies to perform at Richmond in Sept: Chevrolet and Richmond International Raceway announced that Barenaked Ladies [a huge Jayski fave] will perform a pre-race concert prior to the sold-out Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Nextel Cup Series race at America's Premier Short Track, set for Saturday, September 9 "under the lights." Additionally, NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy will feature a special paint scheme depicting images of the band. Barenaked Ladies will showcase a mix of new and classic hits on the frontstretch at Richmond International Raceway, moments before the final race before the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Once the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for who is in and who is out for a chance at the championship. Barenaked Ladies, who is no stranger to sell out crowds, will release its first original album in three years-Barenaked Ladies Are Me-on September 12 on their own imprint label, Desperation Records. The concert will be simulcast on XM Satellite Radio. "We're really excited about being involved," said Barenaked Ladies lead vocalist Ed Robertson. "It's an exciting time for us. We have a new record coming out just a few days later. We'll be performing at the start/finish line, playing some new material and some old material. We know that we and NASCAR share a lot of fans and it will be a great day, and we hope we bring Kevin Harvick some good luck." Additional musical/artist-themed Chevrolets that will be participating in the event will be announced later.(RIR PR)(7-15-2006)
Richmond Sept. Cup race sold out: Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz announced the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 race on Saturday night, September 9 will mark the 30th consecutive Nextel Cup Series sellout at the track, a streak that has now lasted 15 years. That means all 107,097 seats will once again be filled. The sellout streak started with the Pontiac Excitement 400 on March 8, 1992 and has continued through each Nextel Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway for the last 15 years. The track has hosted two Nextel Cup Series races each year since 1959. Nearly 2.5 million fans from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have attended Nextel Cup Series events at Richmond International Raceway during that time. In addition to hosting the 30th consecutive sellout and the final race that will set the field for the Chase for the Nextel Cup, the entire race weekend will again have a Rock & Roll theme. Chevrolet and track officials will also announce this week a Rock & Roll concert and driver/band partnerships that will be part of race weekend. Tickets for the Busch Series Emerson Radio 250 on Friday, September 8 are available online at www.rir.com or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223).(RIR PR)(7-12-2006)
Richmond Pre-Race Ceremonies: Two of Virginia's most notable leaders will participate in pre-race ceremonies prior to the Crown Royal 400 Nextel Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 6. Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer will each serve in honorary capacities at America's Premier Short Track. Gov. Kaine has attended races at Richmond International Raceway previously, but this will be his first race serving in an honorary capacity. Gov. Kaine, who was inaugurated as the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 14, will serve as Grand Marshal and will deliver the most famous words in racing: "Gentleman, start your engines!" The Governor also is continuing efforts to leverage Virginia's rich motorsports legacy into increased tourism, economic development and employment.
Virginia Tech's biggest man on campus will drop the whistle and pick up the Green Flag to start the Crown Royal 400 as the Honorary Starter. Beamer is entering his 20th season as the Hokies' head coach. Also adding a Virginia flavor to the festivities will be the soldiers from the U.S. Army Quartermaster Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Fort Lee, VA, who will proudly carry the nation's colors. Additionally, the Virginia Air National Guard 192d Fighter Wing will bring four F-16 jets for a flyby at the conclusion of the National Anthem, performed by "The Commandant's Own" The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. The Green Flag is scheduled to drop at 7:30pm/et.(RIR PR)(5-2-2006)
May Cup race at Richmond sold out; Race #100: Richmond International Raceway officials announced its 29th straight Nextel Cup Series race sellout on Wednesday. Track President Doug Fritz announced all 107,097 seats for the newly named Crown Royal 400 set for Saturday, May 6 "under the lights" have been sold. During the sellout streak, more than 2.2 million fans from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have attended Nextel Cup Series events at Richmond International Raceway.
When NASCAR’s top drivers return to Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 6, the track will reach a milestone shared by only three other facilities in NASCAR’s long and storied history. The Crown Royal 400 will be Richmond International Raceway’s 100th Nextel Cup Series race. Heading into this weekend’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, only Daytona International Speedway, (118) Martinsville Speedway, (115) and Darlington Raceway (104) have hosted more series races.
Fans who missed out on the popular Crown Royal 400 tickets can still see great short-track racing when their favorite NEXTEL Cup Series drivers compete in the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday night, May 5. Friday's ticket includes NBC 12 Pole Qualifying for the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI, as well as WaWa Pole Qualifying for the sold out Crown Royal 400 and Nextel Cup Series practice.(RIR PR)(4-20-2006)
New sponsor for May Richmond race: Fewer than three weeks before its May 6 race, Richmond International Raceway has inked a deal with a new sponsor for naming rights to the event. The race will be called the Crown Royal 400 after Crown Royal Championship Racing reached a multi-year agreement for the spring race. An official announcement is expected to come today. RIR President Doug Fritz declined to say how long the deal will run. Pontiac had sponsored the spring race from 1988 to 2003 before leaving the sport. Chevrolet sponsored the race the past two years. Fritz said while the race is right around the corner, the timing of the deal is misleading. Because of the state's liquor laws, working out an agreement with a whiskey brand made things more complex. The Crown Royal 400 will be the 100th Nextel Cup race at RIR, which has sold out 28 consecutive Cup races. Only three tracks have hosted more races than RIR: Daytona, Martinsville and Darlington.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-17-2006)
Richmond Testing Speeds/Notes Page.(4-14-2006)
Richmond NEXTEL Cup Series Testing, April 11-13: the Nextel Cup Series drivers will take their turn for three consecutive days of testing starting Tuesday, April 11. Below is the tentative schedule of when the drivers expect to test at Richmond International Raceway. Testing each day will run from 9:00am to 9:00pm/et and the grandstands will be open for fans each day. Admission and parking are free and concessions will be available from 9:00am to 8:30pm/et each day.
Scheduled to test April 11-12:
#01-Joe Nemechek, #09-Mike Wallace, #1-Martin Truex, Jr., #2-Kurt Busch, #6-Mark Martin, #7-Robby Gordon, #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #9-Kasey Kahne, #11-Denny Hamlin, #12-Ryan Newman, #14-Sterling Marlin, #16-Greg Biffle, #17-Matt Kenseth, #18-J.J. Yeley, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #20-Tony Stewart, #21-Ken Schrader, #22-Dave Blaney, #24-Jeff Gordon, #26-Jamie McMurray, #40-David Stremme, #41-Reed Sorenson, #42-Casey Mears, #45-Kyle Petty, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #66-Jeff Green, #89-Morgan Shepherd, #96-Tony Raines, #99-Carl Edwards;
Scheduled to test April 12-13:
#07-Clint Bowyer, #4-Scott Wimmer, #5-Kyle Busch, #10-Scott Riggs, #25-Brian Vickers, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton, #38-Elliott Sadler, #43-Bobby Labonte, #49-Brent Sherman, #51-Mike Garvey, #61-Kevin Lepage, #78-Kenny Wallace, #88-Dale Jarrett, #92-Chad Blount.(RIR PR)(4-10-2006)
Memorial Service for Campbell at RIR Today: The family of Kenneth Campbell will hold a memorial service for him today, Friday, March 31 at 5:00 p.m. The service for the longtime VP of Public Relations at Richmond International Raceway who passed away last Friday will be open to friends, family and business associates of Mr. Campbell and his family, and not the general public. The service will take place in the media center in the Richmond International Raceway infield. Upon Mr. Campbell's retirement in 2001, the building was renamed the Kenneth Campbell Media Center in his honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Victory Junction Gang Camp at 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317.(Richmond International Raceway PR)(3-31-2006)
Sad News - Kenneth Campbell Sr.: Former Richmond International Raceway Vice President of Public Relations Robert "Kenneth" Campbell Sr., who helped promote racing for nearly 60 years in Richmond, passed away late last night. He was 83 and resided in Chesterfield County, Virginia at the time of his passing. Known as "Kenneth" to his friends and co-workers, Mr. Campbell helped promote races in Richmond starting in 1948 when Nelson Royall built the facility that is now know as Southside Speedway. Fourteen years later, he joined former Richmond International Raceway owner Paul Sawyer as a partner to help promote races at the ˝-mile dirt track known at the Virginia State Fairgrounds. That track, of course, was later reconfigured into a ľ-mile paved oval and today is known as Richmond International Raceway. Before retiring in 2001, Mr. Campbell was known for being a tireless and innovative promoter. Decades ago, he organized a group of fans, government officials and civic leaders from Richmond to take a train to Darlington to help them understand how big NASCAR was becoming in other cities throughout the south. The plan worked, as the fares were sold out and fans were left at the platform.
He also helped start the big business of sponsorships in NASCAR. Before decals on cars were commonplace, he once brokered a deal to put a logo from a Richmond car dealer on Richard Petty's car. Long before NASCAR was a mainstream sport, he helped bring ABC's "Wide World of Sports" to Richmond to tape a race segment. Mr. Campbell also drove the NASCAR pace car at most major tracks throughout the country and he worked for CBS at NASCAR races at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Gronlund Campbell; daughter, Deborah "Dodie" Campbell Ortland; son, Robert Kenneth Campbell, Jr.; sister Wanda Campbell Brinkley and brother Garland Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents John Harding Campbell and Era Atkins Campbell. The family will hold a private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Victory Junction Gang Camp at 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Upon Mr. Campbell's retirement, the Richmond International Raceway media center was named after him. A memorial service will be held at the Kenneth Campbell Media Center located in the Richmond International Raceway infield on Friday, March 31 at 5:00pm/et.(RIR)(3-25-2006)
Busch testing open to the fans: Race fans in the Richmond area are in for a special treat as more than 40 NASCAR Busch Series drivers are expected to test for three consecutive days staring next Tuesday, March 28 in preparation for the Circuit City 250 presented by FUNAI on Friday, May 5. The test sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day, giving fans the unique opportunity to watch testing "under the lights." Admission and parking are free and concession stands will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. The ľ-mile facility will also host a Nextel Cup Series test April 11-13. For more information on purchasing tickets for either the Circuit City 250 presented by FUNAI or the Richmond 400 Nextel Cup race on Saturday, May 6 fans can visit www.rir.com or call 1-888-472-2849. Both races, like all events at Richmond International Raceway, will be held "under the lights."(RIR)(3-26-2006)
Richmond Testing dates set: Nearly all Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup Series drivers are expected to participate in important test sessions leading into the May 5-6 doubleheader weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Busch Series drivers will visit Richmond’s 3/4-mile oval on March 28-30, while NEXTEL Cup Series drivers will test on April 11-13. Under NASCAR’s new testing guidelines set for this season, Richmond is the only short track where NEXTEL Cup Series and Busch Series drivers are permitted to test. Overall, only six NEXEL Cup Series tracks and four Busch Series venues will host official test sessions. Teams are still permitted to test at tracks that are not part of their respective series schedules. The tests will be crucial for the teams, especially since Richmond International Raceway hosts two NASCAR weekends each season, including the 26th race of the NEXTEL Cup Series season, the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. After that race on Saturday, September 9, only the top 10 drivers and those within 400 points of the series leader will be eligible to win the NEXTEL Cup Series championship. Those drivers will battle it out against a full field each week over the last 10 races in the “Chase for the Nextel Cup.” Details regarding the grandstand hours for fans will be announced shortly.(RIR PR)(2-7-2006)
RIR, Race Fans Give to Community: With the holiday season in full swing, Richmond International Raceway is proud to announce the results of its successful campaign to benefit two area charities and ultimately, citizens in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area. Starting Monday, November 14, and ending this past Friday, December 16, the Richmond International Raceway ticket office served as a drop-off point to donate new, unwrapped toys for the Marines Toys for Tots program and canned goods to help the Central Virginia Foodbank. With track president Doug Fritz pledging to supplement the toy numbers with a shopping spree by staff members and with a monetary donation to the Foodbank, area residents and race fans responded with incredible generosity. All told, 1,123 new, unwrapped toys will find their way into the hands of area children through the Marines Toys for Tots program and 711 pounds of canned food will help Richmond-area residents during a time of need. Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America's needy children at Christmas through their Toys for Tots program.(RIR PR)(12-23-2005)
Tree Lighting at Richmond tonight: Due to inclement weather in Henrico County [VA], the Community Tree Lighting at Richmond International Raceway, originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, will now take place Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00pm/et and is open to the public. By rescheduling, the Laburnum Elementary School students will be able to participate with the scheduled events, providing tree decorations and musical entertainment. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. The tree will remain lit through Christmas Day. Community members are encouraged to donate to the Marine's Toys for Tots and Central Virginia Foodbank. There will be drop-off boxes at the event and at the track's ticket office from now until December 16. For every new, unwrapped toy or five food items contributed at the track, donors receive a free Richmond International Raceway souvenir. In addition, Richmond International Raceway will also match each toy and canned food item donated by the general public.(RIR PR)(12-14-2005)
No IROC at Richmond in 2006: International Race of Champions [IROC] officials said yesterday the series won't return to Richmond International Raceway next season. The all-star circuit raced in tandem with the Craftsman Truck Series on Thursdays the past two Septembers. RIR is cutting Thursday from its fall weekend and squeezing an IROC event into a two-day Busch-Cup schedule isn't feasible. Richmond was the shortest track to hold an IROC race in the series' 31-year history.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-28-2005)
Richmond Traffic Update: Repairs are still being made to the damage on the Laburnum Avenue bridge caused by Tropical Storm Gaston last summer. As a result, traffic will be limited to two lanes heading westbound and one lane heading eastbound on Laburnum Avenue, near the intersection of Carolina and Laburnum Avenues prior to the start of each race, starting with Thursday night's Crown Royal IROC/Cheerios Betty Crocker 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. Please remember that only two lanes will be open heading eastbound, towards route 360 (Mechanicsville Turnpike) after Friday night's Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race and three lanes will be open heading eastbound after Saturday night's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Track officials are encouraging fans to leave extra time if they plan to drive to the races heading westbound towards Richmond International Raceway.(RIR PR)(9-8-2005)
RIR Hosts Weddings: On Friday, Sept 9th, Richmond International Raceway will take on a new persona, serving as a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, prior to the Emersion Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race. Three couples will tie the knot, along with another couple renewing their vows in Victory Lane. One couple will make their way from Ridgeley, West Virginia. Ed Murray met his bride-to-be at a NASCAR race, so it is only fitting they join in marriage at a NASCAR track. Jennifer Fezekas and her soon-to-be husband are heading south from Illinois to get hitched at Richmond International Raceway. And don't forget about Richard Phillips and Mary Ann Saltisiak. Mary Ann is coming from Pennsylvania to join Richard in Chesapeake, Virginia.(RIR)(9-8-2005)
2006 RIR Sched out, no trucks: Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz announced the track's race lineup for 2006. The season begins with a doubleheader that includes a Busch Series race on Friday, May 5 and a NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, May 6. The IRL IndyCar Series returns for its sixth annual race on Saturday, June 24. Also part of that all open-wheel weekend will be a USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series race on Friday, June 23 and a USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series race on Saturday prior to the SunTrust Indy Challenge.
The season concludes with a new look for the track's September weekend. The schedule will mirror the track's May schedule of events, as the Busch Series will race on Friday, September 8 and NEXTEL Cup Series will conclude the season schedule on Saturday, September 9.
The track will not host a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in 2006, as the traditional Thursday night event will move to Saturday, October 7 at Talladega Superspeedway-also part of International Speedway Corporation's portfolio of tracks. The inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway will be part of tripleheader weekend at that track, including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and ARCA races.
Once again, all races at Richmond International Raceway will be held at night "Under the Lights." Fans who hold permanent, renewable tickets for the May weekend will receive their invoices starting next week. In addition, those fans who would like to add their names to the waiting list for Richmond International Raceway NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series tickets should visit www.rir.com or call 1-866-455-RACE (7223). The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race set for Saturday, September 10 will mark the track's 28th straight series sellout.(RIR PR)
and see my 2006 UNOFFICIAL Tentative Nextel Cup Series Schedule page for what 2006 is likely to be.(9-3-2005)
Richmond Cup Race Sold Out: Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz announced today that all 107,097 seats will once again be filled for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, set for Saturday, September 10 "under the lights." The race marks the final opportunity for drivers to gain a spot in the second "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup." Last year, Jeremy Mayfield made history when he won at Richmond and earned a berth in "The Chase." The track's sellout streak of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events is now at 28, spanning 14 years. Nearly 2.5 million fans from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have attended NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events at Richmond International Raceway during that time. In addition to hosting the final race that will set the field for the second "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup," the entire race weekend will again have a Rock & Roll theme, with artists like legendary rockers KISS, Green Day, Three Doors Down, Nickelback, Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich appearing on specially designed Chevy racecars. Chevrolet and track officials will also announce in the coming weeks a Rock & Roll concert that will be part of race weekend. Although tickets for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 are no longer available, fans still have the opportunity to catch the always-exciting NASCAR Busch Series Emerson Radio 250, set for Friday, September 9. Fans won't want to miss the doubleheader Thursday, September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. First, the Crown Royal IROC Series takes to the track for the third of its four races this season. The night continues with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200. Tickets are on sale now for the action-packed Crown Royal IROC Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200 doubleheader on Thursday, September 8. All seats are general admission and are only $30. Tickets for the thrilling NASCAR Busch Series Emerson Radio 250, which includes FasMart Pole Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Friday, September 9 are also available. Reserved seats are just $45 and general admission seating is $35. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admission seating with a ticketed adult Thursday and Friday nights. Tickets are available online at www.rir.com or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223).(Richmond International Raceway)(8-2-2005)
Richmond a week earlier in 2006: Richmond International Raceway apparently will be welcoming the Nextel Cup Series a week early next spring. RIR officials have had discussions with NASCAR about the 2006 schedule, and all indications are Richmond's first Busch-Cup weekend will fall on May 5-6. The Chevy American Revolution 400 at RIR has been held the second weekend in May the past two years. Richmond will swap spots with Darlington Raceway, which will retain the Mother's Day weekend date after a 75,000-seat sellout on May 7 in its first Saturday night race the day before the holiday. Darlington recently was approved by parent company International Speedway Corp. to begin selling tickets for May 13, 2006. NASCAR won't release its full '06 schedule until later this summer, but no major changes (such as tracks losing races) are expected.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-9-2005)
Traffic at Richmond: As you begin to gather your favorite driver’s paraphernalia and pack your coolers for the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series and Chevy American Revolution 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races on Friday and Saturday nights, May 13-14, remember to head out to Richmond International Raceway a little earlier than you may have in the past. Please be aware that repairs are still being made to the damage on the Laburnum Avenue bridge caused by Tropical Storm Gaston. As a result, traffic will be limited to two lanes heading westbound and one lane heading eastbound on Laburnum Avenue, near the intersection of Carolina and Laburnum Avenues prior to the start of each race. Please remember that only two lanes will be open heading eastbound, towards route 360, after Friday night’s FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race and three lanes will be open heading eastbound after Saturday night’s Chevy American Revolution 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.
Henrico County officers will be on hand to direct traffic in and out of Richmond International Raceway. Also, please be aware that the IRS building on Carolina Avenue will not be available for parking throughout the entire race weekend. So, be sure to leave early to avoid heavy traffic prior to the start of the race. We have lots of exciting events going on in the Midway, Chevy Fan Fest and on the track to keep you busy from 9:00 a.m. until the checkered flag waves both Friday and Saturday nights.
Below are routes that the Henrico Division of Police recommend motorists follow when heading to Richmond International Raceway on Friday, May 13 or Saturday, May 14:
From the East (Hampton Roads area) - Follow Interstate 64 west to Interstate 295 north (Exit 200). Follow Interstate 295 south and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
From the East (Route 360) - Approach Richmond on Route 360 west (Mechanicsville Turnpike), cross Interstate 295, and continue west to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
From the East (Local Traffic) - Follow Interstate 64 west and take the Laburnum Avenue Exit (Exit 195). Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
From the North - Follow Interstate 95 south to the Interstate 295 east interchange (marked To Norfolk – Williamsburg). Follow Interstate 295 east and exit onto Chamberlayne Road South/Route 301 (Exit 41B). Follow Chamberlayne Road south to Azalea Avenue. Turn left onto Azalea Avenue and proceed to the raceway.
From the North (Local Traffic) - Use Route 1 (Brook Road) to Azalea Avenue.
From the West - Follow Interstate 64 east to the Powhite Parkway/Laburnum Avenue exit. Take the Laburnum Avenue exit (Exit 186), turn left and proceed to the raceway.
From the South - Follow Interstate 95 north to the Chamberlayne Road/Route 301 exit (Exit 82). Follow Chamberlayne Road south to Azalea Avenue. Turn left onto Azalea Avenue and proceed to the raceway.(RIR)(5-13-2005)
Richmond May Cup Race Sold Out, 27th Time: Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz announced that every seat-all 107,097 of them-will be filled for the Chevy American Revolution 400, set for Saturday, May 14 "under the lights." The track's sellout streak of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events is now at 27, spanning nearly 14 years. Nearly 2.5 million fans from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have attended NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events at Richmond International Raceway during that time. Although tickets for the Chevy American Revolution 400 are no longer available, fans still have the opportunity to catch the always-exciting NASCAR Busch Series FUNAI 250, set for Friday, May 13th. Those who attend Friday night's FUNAI 250 can also see Wawa Pole Qualifying for the Chevy American Revolution 400, as well as NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice. Tickets are on sale now for the action-packed NASCAR Busch Series FUNAI 250 and Wawa Pole Qualifying for the Chevy American Revolution 400 on Friday, May 13 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway. Tickets are available online or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223).(Richmond International Raceway)(4-15-2005)
"Ukrop's Richmond Race Fest" . is coming in May! The Inaugural "Ukrop's Richmond Race Fest" is scheduled for Thursday, May 12th. The event will be held in downtown Richmond, VA in the "Shockoe Slip" area on Cary Street, between 9th and 14th streets from 6:30 to 8:30pm/et. Ukrop's Super Markets is sponsoring the event, which is a fund-raiser for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a facility for critically ill children, and a proud charity of NASCAR. The event is also being supported by Kleenex, Duke's, and Kellogg's brands, along with a number of other vendors that have made donations to Victory Junction Gang in exchange for rights to pass out product samples to the patrons attending the event. The Race Fest is being structured as a family friendly street party, and best of all it is FREE! It will incorporate live music and entertainment on 3 separate stages. Bands scheduled include. "The Taters" and "Vanishing Point", along with the "Whitlock's" of Radio Disney. Cary Street will be full of vendor sampling booths; show cars from some of your favorite Nextel Cup and Busch Series Teams; racing simulators; interactive displays and games. A NASCAR driver autograph session will also be held in the lobby of the James Center during this time, along with a silent auction benefiting the kids of Victory Junction Gang.(SMC 500)(4-13-2005)
RIR's Fritz up for Award: Doug Fritz, president of Richmond International Raceway, has been nominated for the 2005 Henrico Business Council Business Leader of the Year award. A business leader is nominated based on his contributions to the Henrico County community. Fritz has spent the last five years working to improve the quality of life not only for the neighborhoods surrounding Richmond International Raceway, but also the entire Henrico County community. With the help of the Neighborhood Committee, Fritz has worked to plan the Neighborhood Picnic, which takes place on National Night Out; the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which involves local school children who provide musical entertainment and tree decorations; and has provided financial assistance to local schools and organizations. All nominees will be honored at a gala awards celebration on Wednesday, April 27th at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. There, the Henrico Business Council will announce the winner of the 2005 Henrico Business Council Business Leader of the Year.(NASCAR PR)(4-9-2005)
Richmond, Homestead, Phoenix expansion? An International Speedway Corp. official said during a conference call with investor analysts this week that Richmond International Raceway might add more seats soon. Susan Schandel, senior vice president and chief financial officer of ISC, said the company will consider seating expansion at some tracks. "I know we've got quite a bit of demand at Miami, Richmond and Phoenix, so those would be tentative for next year," she said. Richmond seats 107,097.(Roanoke Times)(4-8-2005)
NASCAR.com survey vote Richmond #1: Which track is the favorite among NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series insiders according to a NASCAR.com survey? It's America's Premiere Short Track, Richmond International Raceway. A groundswell of support has steadily grown among many drivers, fans and industry insiders who say that the best track is Richmond International Raceway. The ľ-mile, semi-banked layout features the perfect blend of short track "beating and banging" to go along with speeds and passing normally seen at some larger tracks. Richmond International Raceway received 26% of the vote for the "What is your favorite track" question, followed by Daytona International Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway, all of which received 13%.(RIR PR)(3-11-2004)
Sad News: Former Richmond International Raceway owner Paul C. Sawyer, whose vision for a unique motorsports facility helped make the track into one of the most popular stops on the NASCAR circuit, passed away late yesterday. He was 88. Mr. Sawyer, who promoted NASCAR races in Richmond since 1955, helped modernize Richmond International Raceway with several visionary projects, beginning with paving the once-dirt facility in 1968. As the sport continued to grow and competition increased, Mr. Sawyer rebuilt the .542-mile track into a modern, ľ-mile facility during the middle of the 1988 season. Three years later, lights were added to the facility and today, Richmond International Raceway holds two key distinctions that set it apart from any other major motorsports facility in the country that hosts all three major NASCAR touring series and the IRL IndyCar Series: it is the only ľ-mile track and it is also the only facility to hold all of its events "under the lights." Mr. Sawyer was born June 26, 1916 in Norfolk, VA, where he later worked at the Naval Air Station from 1939 until his early retirement in 1965. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Along with racetracks in Wilson, NC and Virginia Beach, VA, Mr. Sawyer invested in Richmond International Raceway-then known as "Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds"- with Virginia native and legendary racer Joe Weatherly in 1955. Mr. Sawyer bought Weatherly out of his interest in the tracks and took control of the facility in Richmond in 1956. After the Wilson, NC facility burned down on Easter Sunday in 1958, Mr. Sawyer turned his attention solely to promoting races in Richmond.
Mr. Sawyer ran Richmond International Raceway until he sold the track, along with the surrounding property, to International Speedway Corporation in 1999. He remained the track's Chairman of the Board until his death. Mr. Sawyer received many accolades for his contribution to motorsports. He is a member of the 2003 class of the Virginia Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2002 class of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. He was honored with the NASCAR Founder's Award as part of NASCAR's 50th anniversary celebration in Hollywood, CA in 1998 and in 1997, he received both the Pocono Raceway Bill France Award of Excellence and the Buddy Shuman Award, which has been presented annually since 1957 to the person or persons who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to NASCAR's top series. He also received the Meyers Brothers Award from the National Motorsports Press Association in 1996. In addition, Mr. Sawyer received an honorary doctorate in commercial science from the University of Richmond in 2001.
Mr. Sawyer is survived by his two sons, Wayne and Billy, three grandsons, one granddaughter and four great grandchildren. Mr. Sawyer was married in 1939 to the former Virginia Weaver of Norfolk, who passed away in 2003. Funeral arrangements are pending.(RIR PR)
NASCAR Statement: NASCAR Vice Chairman Bill France issued the following statement regarding the passing of Paul Sawyer, Chairman of the Board at Richmond International Raceway. Sawyer passed away Saturday night (Feb. 26). "As NASCAR continues to grow in popularity and potential, all of us are continually reminded of our sport's roots, and the many people who were so important to laying the foundation for what we enjoy today. Paul Sawyer was one of those people. He was most certainly an important part of NASCAR's history. Paul took Richmond's race track and created one of the most modern facilities in all of NASCAR. Richmond International Raceway today is considered one of our fans' favorite facilities. Paul made his mark, without a doubt. The racing world, starting with NASCAR, will miss him."(NASCAR PR)(2-27-2005)
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAUL SAWYER
Arrangements for Paul C. Sawyer, former owner of Richmond International Raceway who passed away yesterday at the age of 88 are as follows:
Visitation will be Monday, February 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bennett's Funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia, 804-746-8665.
A service will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, Virginia, 804-740-7101. The family is planning a private burial.(RIR PR)(2-27-2005)
UPDATE: The family of Paul C. Sawyer announced today that donations in Mr. Sawyer's memory may be made to one of two organizations:
Victory Junction Gang Camp
4500 Adam's Way
Randleman, NC 27317
-and-
American Cancer Society
4240 Park Place Ct.
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
(RIR 3-1-2005)
Richmond May cuts down to 2-days for May races: In a cost-cutting measure for Busch Series teams, Richmond International Raceway is shortening the NASCAR schedule for its May weekend from three days to two. Both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series will practice and qualify Friday, May 13, followed by the FUNAI 250 Busch Series race that night. Under new NASCAR rules, each series will be limited to one practice. Busch and Cup cars will be impounded after qualifying to prevent teams from spending extra money and effort on special setups. Busch practice and qualifying previously was held Thursdays during RIR's May race weekend. The schedule for RIR's second race weekend, which will feature the IROC, Craftsman Truck, Busch and Nextel Cup series Sept 8-10, will remain unchanged.(Richmond Times-Dispatch)(12-22-2004)
Richmond International Raceway Lights Up the Night: Richmond International Raceway lit up the night Tuesday night, with the first annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. Members of the community, as well as students from Laburnum Elementary School attended the event, which proved to be a great success. WRIC-TV 8's meteorologist Matt DiNardo served as the master of ceremonies and NASCAR Busch Series driver and Virginia native, Ashton Lewis, Jr. and Vice Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors Fairfield District, Frank Thornton were the honored speakers for the night. Lewis assisted track president Doug Fritz in the countdown and grand illumination. He also encouraged everyone who attended to assist Richmond International Raceway in the Toys for Tots toy drive spearheaded by the U.S. Marine Corps. Lewis, who finished eighth in the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series championship, will drive the No. 25 U.S. Marine Corps. NASCAR Busch Series car in 2005. Laburnum Elementary School students provided ornaments to decorate the 30-foot tree and the fifth grade choir provided musical entertainment for the night. The track collected more than 200 toys Tuesday night and will continue to be a Toys for Tots drop location until Friday, December 17. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Richmond International Raceway ticket office from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The tree, located at the main entrance to Richmond International Raceway at the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, will remain lit each night through the Christmas holiday for all of the community to enjoy.(RIR PR)(12-16-2004)
Richmond Lights up the Tree tonight: On Tuesday December 14, Richmond International Raceway will host the Henrico and Richmond communities to light its inaugural Community Tree. NASCAR Busch Series driver and Chesapeake, Virginia native, Ashton Lewis, Jr. will help Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz light the Community Tree at the end of the night. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by WRIC-TV 8 Meteorologist Matt DiNardo. Students from Laburnum Elementary School will provide ornaments for the tree and the fifth grade choir will provide musical entertainment. Lewis, who will sign free autographs for fans at the event, will drive the #25 U.S. Marine Corp car in the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series. Richmond International Raceway is a Toys for Tot's partner with the Marines and WRIC-TV 8 and will be a drop location for the program through December 17. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Richmond International Raceway ticket office from 8:30am -4:30pm Monday through Friday and at the tree lighting tomorrow evening.(RIR PR)(12-14-2004)
Poles at RIR: There have been ten different Bud Pole winners in the last ten races at Richmond.
Rusty Wallace and Jeff Burton in 2000; Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon in 2001; Ward Burton and Jimmie Johnson in 2002; Terry Labonte and Mike Skinner in 2003 and Brian Vickers and Ryan Newman in May 2004.(9-11-2004)
RIR Kicks off holiday season on Sat: Richmond International Raceway will kick-off the holiday season this weekend, as the Official Pace Car of Richmond International Raceway leads the way for the 21st annual Richmond Christmas Parade in downtown Richmond on Saturday, December 4. This year's parade will be broadcast live on CBS through the Richmond, Hampton and Roanoke markets and rebroadcast in Richmond on Christmas morning. The parade starts at 10:15 a.m. at the Department of Motor Vehicles on West Broad Street, with the route continuing east and ending on Seventh Street. More than 250,000 spectators are expected to attend the parade. Then, on Sunday, December 5, the Official Pace Car of Richmond International Raceway will take another parade route, as it hits the streets in the Mechanicsville Rotary/Ruritan Christmas Parade. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Hanover Green Drive, circle through to Atlee Road and Mechanicsville Turnpike, ending at Elm Drive with a tree lighting ceremony.
Richmond International Raceway will team up with Hermie and Elliott Sadler and the Henrico County Economic Development Authority on Sunday, December 12 for a day of racing and bowling to benefit The Faison School for Autism and the Henrico County Christmas Mother. The full day of excitement runs from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at G-Force Karts (behind Richmond International Raceway) and 2:00-5:00 p.m. at AMF Hanover Lanes (in Mechanicsville). Both Hermie and Elliott Sadler will be on hand for the events and plan to sign autographs at each location. To register for the event, visit the Richmond International Raceway website at www.rir.com or the Sadler Fan Club website at www.sadlerfanclub.com or contact Leigh Herring at Richmond International Raceway at 804-228-7507. The holiday spirit continues on Tuesday night, December 14, when the track will host the Henrico and Richmond communities to light its inaugural Community Tree. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. and WRIC-TV 8 will be on hand to broadcast the lighting of the tree. Students from Laburnum Elementary School will provide ornaments for the tree and the fifth grade choir will provide musical entertainment. NASCAR Busch Series driver and Virginia native, Ashton Lewis, Jr. will help Richmond International Raceway track president Doug Fritz light the Community Tree at the end of the night. Lewis will be sponsored by the U.S. Marines in 2005 and is encouraging the community to participate in the Toy's for Tot's program by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to Richmond International Raceway Tuesday night for the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. Richmond International Raceway is a Toy's for Tot's partner with the Marines and WRIC-TV 8 and will be a drop location for the program through December 17. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Richmond International Raceway ticket office from 8:30am - 4:30pm/et Monday through Friday.(RIR PR)(12-3-2004)
Richmond Needs a Christmas Tree: Richmond International Raceway will hold a Christmas lighting ceremony Dec. 14, and the track is seeking someone to donate a tree 25 feet or higher for the community event. The winner will help RIR President Doug Fritz light the tree and be interviewed on Channel 8. Those interested can e-mail a photo of the tree, its approximate height and the owner's daytime phone number to RIR Holiday Tree Lighting, P.O. Box 9257, Richmond 23227 or see RIR.com. The deadline is Nov. 22.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-6-2004)
Traffic Alert for Richmond: Although traffic is moving in both directions on Laburnum Avenue between Carolina Avenue and Vawter Avenue near Richmond International Raceway, Henrico County officials are encouraging fans to allow for extra time when attending thisweekend's NASCAR races at the track.
Henrico County crews have been working constantly to repair the damage on Laburnum Avenue since Tropical Storm Gaston hit last week. The right lane in each direction is still closed, leaving only two lanes for vehicles to pass. Henrico County officials are hoping to have a third lane open by Saturday's sold out Chevy Rock & Roll 400, where more than 107,000 fans are expected for the race.
"Since we have so many access routes to and from the track, Laburnum Avenue is generally one of the areas that we ask people to avoid anyway since the majority of our parking is on the north side of our property and not on the east side near where we have these challenges with the roadways" said track president Doug Fritz. "We are asking fans who must come in or leave the track via Laburnum Avenue to allow for extra time."
Fans are encouraged to take other routes to the track, including Richmond-Henrico Turnpike (Meadowbridge Road) and Chamberlayne Avenue (Rt. 301). Additional updates will be provided throughout the weekend at www.rir.com.(9-9-2004)
Concerts at RIR: Officials from Richmond International Raceway, General Motors and Action Performance Companies announced recently that race fans attending the upcoming Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend September 9-11 will be treated to two free concerts surrounding the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. Fans who hold race tickets for the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, September 10 will be able to see rising country music artist Big & Rich, while Collective Soul-holder of eight number one rock hits- will perform a track side show prior to the sold out Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday, September 11.(RIR PR)(9-9-2004)
Rumsfeld will attend RIR Cup race: Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will be attending the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Nextel Cup event and participating in prerace ceremonies at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night. RIR officials confirmed a formal announcement will be made today concerning the race, which is being held on the third anniversary of Sept. 11. Rumsfeld, who is attending his first NASCAR race, will become the second member of the Bush administration welcomed at a Cup race this year. President Bush gave the command to start engines at the season-opening Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-8-2004)
Four Major Races in Three Nights at RIR: One of the most anticipated weekends of NASCAR racing is quickly approaching Richmond International Raceway. A quadruple header of Racing Perfection "under the lights" kicks off on Thursday, September 9, with the inaugural Crown Royal IROC Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200. The NASCAR Busch Series cars drop the green flag Friday night for part three of this exciting weekend. And the moment fans across the country have been waiting for-the final race to determine which ten drivers make the cut for the "Chase for the NEXTEL Cup"-will be decided in Saturday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400.(more at the RIR site)(9-7-2004)
RIR Truck Race gets a sponsor: Kroger, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, announced it will be the title sponsor of the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond International Raceway. The Kroger 200 will run Thursday night, September 9 as part of a double header with the inaugural Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) Series. Kroger, which sponsored the 2000 and 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events at Richmond International Raceway, is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kroger, which has more than 65 retail stores in the commonwealth of Virginia, partners with Richmond International Raceway as the track celebrates the running of their 10th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The Kroger 200 is set to run "under the lights" with the green flag drop scheduled for 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. Race tickets, which are only $30, include the inaugural short track event for the Crown Royal IROC Series, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, fans can call 1-866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(9-7-2004)
President Bush at RIR? UPDATE - No?: hearing President Bush will attend the Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway on 9/11/2004 and that security for the race will be heightened even more since the race falls on 9/11, the three year anniversary of the attacks.(7-5-2004)
UPDATE - No? Denied: Rumors persist inside the NASCAR traveling show that President George W. Bush will be at Richmond for the 9/11 race, going there straight from Ground Zero in New York. Officials keep denying it or hedging, but the grapevine has it that the denials are all to keep the Secret Service happy by stifling advance notice.(Orlando Sentinel)
AND Flat out No: Contrary to previous reports from other news outlets, President George Bush will not visit the Richmond International Speedway next weekend on September 11th.(Motorsport.com)(9-4-2004)
Richmond dries out/Daytona getting ready UPDATE 2 on RIR: As work crews deal with flooding at and around Richmond International Raceway in the wake of Tropical Storm Gaston, crews at Daytona International Speedway are "battening down the hatches" as Hurricane Frances approaches. Gaston dumped a foot of rain on Richmond, Va., on Monday, forcing local officials to condemn several blocks of the downtown area. At the speedway, there was flooding and a loss of power for about a day. "We're surviving," said Keith Green, the track's director of public relations. "We had no power and there was some flooding. Those pictures you saw of cars floating in the flooding was less than six blocks from here. We were lucky, track-wise. But it's still an absolute mess, an absolute mess." Green said many of the roadways leading into the speedway were still closed Wednesday as the raceway continued to prepare for next week's Busch and Nextel Cup series races. Also, many of the buildings in the infield of the three-quarter-mile speedway were flooded during the storm. While the speedway was without power Tuesday, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett and Terry Labonte still managed to complete a test session for the Chevy Rock N Roll 400 on Sept. 11. Daytona International Speedway was spared major damage from Hurricane Charley three weeks ago, but the racetrack wasn't dropping its guard as Frances looms. If the storm continues on its current track, it should make landfall in Florida between Vero Beach and Jacksonville on Saturday morning. That puts Daytona Beach in the middle of the projected path.(Augusta Chronicle)
AND an update frpm RIR's PR folks - the cars floating down the street happened six blocks from the PR person's house, not the track. RIR did have minor flooding in their office, but not in the track infield. Lastly, in addition to the Busch and Cup races at RIR are hosting next week. they are also hosting a Truck race and the first ever IROC race on a short track. More info on these races can be found at www.rir.com.(9-2-2004)
UPDATE 2; The Richmond International Raceway property survived Tropical Storm Gaston's devastating, intense rainfall that dumped as much as 14 inches of rain in some areas of Richmond this past Monday night. The track's administrative offices and a few other buildings on the property sustained minor water damage and the entire facility lost power for the majority of the day on Tuesday. Several NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series teams still managed to test on Tuesday, as back-up generator power supplied the electricity for the gas pumps. The other damage to the property was part of a tram road that was washed out by the storm and some fencing that was knocked down. Those repairs will be completed before on-track activity starts on Thursday, September 9. "If we had to race tomorrow, we would be ready," said track president Doug Fritz. "We do not anticipate any disruption in our race events due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston. After assessing our entire property, including our parking lots, over the last couple of days and again this morning, we have held up very, very well. It's been a challenging few days for the entire Richmond community, but Richmond International Raceway will be ready for the biggest race weekend in our history. Honestly, we were lucky," Fritz continued. "There are other individuals and businesses in Richmond that are not as fortunate, including one of our own employees, who had extensive damage to his home and lost just about everything in it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family members who lost loved ones or those who have lost their homes or other property."
Tropical Storm Gaston is responsible for at least five deaths, has caused an estimated $15 million in damage and has forced more than 100 sections of roads to close. Portions of two moderately-traveled roads leading to the track are currently closed, including U.S. Highway 301 (in nearby Hanover County at Kersey Creek) and Creighton Road (between Dabbs House Road and Gordon Lane). Both of those roads are northeast of Richmond International Raceway and while they are not part of the normal race-day traffic pattern, race fans should remember that these roads will probably not be passable in those areas and they should seek alternate routes.
"We do not anticipate significant changes to our traffic pattern related to these weather issues, but we do want our fans to be as prepared as possible when they leave their homes for the races," Fritz continued. "Right now, these road closures are a minor inconvenience and we are hoping there is no further damage to these or other roads. But if we have more storms or road conditions deteriorate for some reason, it may make things more challenging for people driving to the track. So we are asking our fans to please double check our website before they leave home and to tune into the traffic reports on the radio as they reach the Richmond area."
NOTE Next week, before they leave home, fans should continue to check www.rir.com and the Richmond Times-Dispatch for the latest updates on road conditions and any potential changes to the track's traffic pattern. Once fans arrive in the Richmond area for the races, they can tune into the following Clear Channel radio stations for the latest traffic updates:
For Thursday, September 9 and Friday, September 10 only:
Radio Station Traffic ReportTimes
98.1 FM Lite 98 4:17 p.m. to 5:47 p.m. 910 AM WRNL 3:18 p.m. to 6:18 p.m.
1140 AM WRVA 12:05 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For Saturday, September 11 only:
Radio Station Traffic Report Times
102.1 FM The X Noon-7:00 p.m., :20 and :50 minutes past the hour
910 AM WRNL Noon-7:00 p.m., :20 and :50 minutes past the hour
For tickets and information, fans can call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or log onto www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(9-3-2004)
RIR Tix up for sale today: What few tickets remain for the most anticipated race in the history of Richmond International Raceway will go on sale Saturday, July 17 at 8:30am/et. The race will also be the final event that will set the field in NASCAR's new "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup." After the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, the top 10 drivers and any other drivers within 400 points of the series leader will compete for the inaugural NASCAR NEXTEL Cup over the final 10 events of the season. Tickets are also now available to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series/Crown Royal IROC doubleheader on Thursday, September 9 and the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, September 10. Friday's ticket also includes FasMart Pole Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. For tickets, fans can call starting at 8:30am/et to 1-866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com. (RIR Site)(7-17-2004)
Air Force Activities at Richmond: Air Force involvement at the Richmond International Raceway on 15 May includes:
1) Flyover by four F-16's from the 192 Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, Richmond, VA.
2) Senior Air Force representative will be Lt Gen Steven Polk, Inspector General of the Air Force. He oversees Air Force inspection policy, criminal investigations, counterintelligence operations, intelligence oversight, complaints, and fraud, waste and abuse programs.
3) Air Force recruiting booth includes the Cross Into The Blue display featuring an actual F-16 aircraft. Recruiters at the display are from the 367th Recruiting squadron, Richmond, VA.(PR)(5-13-2004)
Fans to wins prizes at RIR: For 58 years, fans have come to Richmond International Raceway to watch their favorite NASCAR heroes. Since 1992- a span of 25 races- every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event has been a sell out, representing more than 2.3 million fans that have attended races during that time at Richmond International Raceway. Prior to the sold out Chevy American Revolution 400 race "under the lights" on Saturday, May 15, Richmond International Raceway will give out some fantastic prizes to its loyal fans. The special pre-race ceremony is being held to celebrate the track's 25th straight "silver anniversary" sellout. "This promotion is a great way for us to say 'thank you' to the best fans in motorsports," said track president Doug Fritz. "We will give away some really cool prizes and the grand prize that the track is giving away, while I'm not going to reveal it just yet, is one that will make millions of race fans very jealous." Among the prizes are Funai DVD recorders, a year's supply of Pepsi, box sets from Warner Music Group and Rhino Records, a trip to the Chevy American Revolution 400 victory lane, hotel room night stays, Richmond International Raceway merchandise gift packs, gift certificates from Fas Mart and much, much more. The grand prize will be given away to the lucky winner during the pre-race ceremonies, while the other prizes will be revealed on the Nextel Vision during pre-race. The winners announced on the Nextel Vision will be contacted by phone or mail, while the grand prize winner will receive his or her prize from Fritz at pre-race stage.(RIR PR)(5-12-2004)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation named Grand Marshal at RIR: Norman Mineta, United States Secretary of Transportation, will utter the most famous words in racing-"Gentleman, start your engines!"-as Grand Marshal of the sold out NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Chevy American Revolution 400 Saturday, May 15 at Richmond International Raceway. "I'm very excited to give the command to start the Chevy American Revolution 400," Secretary Mineta said. "Richmond International Raceway is the 'home' track for all of the race fans in the Washington D.C. area, so there is no better place for me to see a NASCAR race. I have heard there is nothing like watching a Richmond night race under the lights, so I am really looking forward to the experience." The 14th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Mineta administers an agency comprised of 60,000 employees and a $56.3 billion budget. The U.S. transportation system includes 3.9 million miles of public roads and 2 million miles of oil and natural gas pipelines. Mineta oversees more than 5,000 public airports, 25,000 miles of waterways and 120,000 miles of major railroads, as well as 300 ports on the coasts, Great Lakes and inland waterways. Mineta previously served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton, becoming the first Asian Pacific American to serve in the cabinet. He represented the heart of Silicon Valley in California as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years and co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The Chevy American Revolution 400 is sold out but tickets are still available for the NASCAR Busch Series FUNAI 250 Friday, May 14. Both races will be held "under the lights." Reserved tickets for the FUNAI 250, which also include Wawa Pole Qualifying for the Chevy American Revolution 400, are just $40 and general admission seats are only $35. All tickets for NBC12 NASCAR Busch Series Pole Qualifying Day on Thursday, May 13 are only $5. Children 12 and under are admitted free Thursday and Friday in the general admission sections with a paying adult. Fans can call 1-866-455-RACE or log on to www.rir.com for more information.(RIR PR)(5-7-2004)
Tire concerns? Goodyear's decision to use its Las Vegas-Bristol-Nashville tire for the upcoming Richmond race is being criticized as too conservative a choice by some NASCAR crews who want softer, more aggressive tires for the just-repaved track. Others say that Goodyear's original choice turned out to be too soft. Teams say that this season's tires in general aren't nearly as soft as they had originally expected, and they point to this week's Sears Point test as one example: "The last laps were faster than the first laps," one crew chief said. "How can that be a softer tire?"(Winston Salem Journal)
HOWEVER: Nextel Cup Director John Darby said the reviews were positive from Goodyear's test of Richmond International Raceway's repaved surface. "It's got a tremendous amount of grip, a lot like we saw at Homestead last year," Darby said. "Typically, it takes a couple of years for the asphalt to get to where we [get what] we want out of it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-1-2004)
IROC Test at Richmond, may have to shorten the race: The International Race of Champions will hold a critical test at Richmond International Raceway on May 17-19 to determine car setups and a race length for the all-star circuit's first event on a short track. IROC events, which match drivers from the IRL, NASCAR and World of Outlaws in identically prepared stock cars, typically are 100 miles. Series President Jay Signore expects the Sept. 9 race at RIR probably won't top 75 miles, or about 100 laps around the 0.75-mile oval. "We've got a one-hour TV program," Signore said. "We can't go more than 45 minutes of racing, so we probably can't go 100 miles. We'll factor in the fuel mileage, tire life and TV time and see how it all works out." Richmond is the third of four stops on the IROC schedule. The series will hold its second race of 2004 - and its first at Texas Motor Speedway - at 9 p.m. today. SPEED will telecast the race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-2-2004)
2nd Texas Race for All-Star Race Trade? Bruton Smith is reported to be on the verge of getting NASCAR to agree to grant him a long-awaited second Nextel Cup date at Texas Motor Speedway, through the purchase of North Carolina Speedway, according to sources. But then it gets complicated, according to those sources. In turn NASCAR wants Smith to let Richmond International Raceway take the May all-star race from Smith's Lowe's Motor Speedway. For that, Smith wants a second Cup date for his Las Vegas track. If all that happens, Darlington Raceway could lose one of its two Cup races. Smith has considerable support at the moment, from teams and sponsors and TV networks, for his Las Vegas pitch.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-26-2004)
Richmond May Race = Sold Out: Richmond International Raceway announced all of its 107,097 grandstand seats have been sold for the Chevy American Revolution 400 on May 15. The sellout is the track's 25th consecutive - dating to the March 1992 race when the capacity of the 0.75-mile oval was 64,000. During the streak, more than 2.2 million fans from every state and dozens of countries have attended Cup races at RIR. The track is planning a special fan appreciation to mark its "silver anniversary" sellout with race-day prizes for ticket holders. Tickets still are available for Nextel Cup qualifying and the FUNAI 250 Busch Series race May 14 and Busch qualifying May 13. For more information, call (866) 455-7223 or visit www.rir.com.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-5-2004)
Special Airline Packages to RIR: Richmond International Airport has started a promotional partnership with Richmond International Raceway, a unique pact designed to jack up local air travel on big race weekends. Early this year, the airport's marketing department delivered about 34,000 promotional fliers to RIR, including airline discount offers. The raceway plans to include the airline offers and airport information in its ticket packages. Airport spokesman Troy Bell said five out of six of the major airlines serving Richmond now offer group discounts to race fans. Fans can get discounts of 5 percent to 15 percent from published fares. The best deals will likely go to fans who book flights at least two months in advance of coming to Richmond, Bell said.(more at the Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-1-2004)
Cup tickets on sale today at RIR: Tickets remaining for the Chevy American Revolution 400 Nextel Cup race May 15 at Richmond International Raceway will go on sale today [Sat, Feb 28th] at 8:30am/et. Tickets can be purchased at the track ticket office, online at www.rir.com or by calling (866) 455-7223. Tickets also are on sale for pole qualifying and the Funai 250 Busch Series race May 14. Tickets for the Sept. 11 Cup race at RIR will go on sale July 17. Fans who register at www.rir.com will be allowed to purchase tickets a few days early.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-28-2004)
Richmond for the All-Star Challenge? NASCAR announced yesterday [see story below] the format of its all-star race likely won't be overhauled, but its location could change. In a news conference to promote the May 22 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer George Pyne said the future of the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge will be considered on a year-to-year basis. "There are a lot of tracks and a lot of cities that want this race," Pyne said. A prime candidate would seem to be Richmond International Raceway because of NASCAR's new title sponsor, Nextel. When the all-star event was known as The Winston, Lowe's was a natural host because the Concord, N.C., track is located 60 miles from previous title sponsor R.J. Reynolds' headquarters in Winston-Salem. RIR is the closest Cup track to Nextel's headquarters in Reston, Va., about 100 miles north of Richmond. Michael Robichaud, Nextel's director of sports marketing, said the wireless communications company would be interested in considering other locations for the showcase race. RIR spokesman Keith Green said his track would be very interested in the event, which has been held at the 1.5-mile oval north of Charlotte for 18 of the past 19 years. "If the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge is moved and Richmond is considered, it would be an incredible event here," Green said. "Drivers have long considered Richmond to be the ideal racetrack, and we would love nothing more than to bring this event here. It would be an electric atmosphere with no-holds-barred, short-track racing on a Saturday night under the lights." Pyne praised Lowe's Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler yesterday for promoting the event, which drew a record crowd of more than 140,000 last year. But Pyne also said the continued support of the Charlotte, N.C., area would be a major factor in its future. "Other sports have facilities that were funded by taxpayers," Pyne said. "Our sport has never been treated the same way. What Humpy and NASCAR would like to see is our sport treated in an equivalent fashion when we place an all-star event in a community, the same way it would if Charlotte had an opportunity to host an NBA All-Star Game or an NCAA Final Four."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-25-2004)
New Name for RIR May race: Richmond International Raceway's May 15 race has been renamed the Chevy American Revolution 400 to highlight a new advertising campaign by the manufacturer. "The campaign is a product renaissance bringing 10 all-new brands to the showroom that will arrive in a 20-month period," said Terry Dolan, Chevrolet's NASCAR marketing manager. "The theme is founded in an American car company revitalizing our product showroom." The Sept. 11 race at RIR, which also is sponsored by Chevrolet, likely will retain its rock and roll theme from 2003 and again will feature a lineup of bands playing before and after the races.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-15-2004)
RIR to expand parking: Keeping pace with its grandstand expansion, RIR is developing 55 acres of additional parking. The new lot will be located on the north side of Azalea Avenue and will be connected to Lot H through a tunnel underneath Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. A driver-owner RV lot outside the backstretch also is scheduled for completion for the May 13-15 NASCAR weekend.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(see above in this story why Vickers won't be in it.(1-16-2004)
RIR Exposed: The Joyce Julius Sponsors Report, considered an auto racing standard for measuring sponsorship value, calculated that Virginia, Richmond and Henrico County received nearly two hours of exposure during 21 hours of broadcasts at Richmond International Raceway in 2003. The report estimated an exposure value of more than $9 million for the state, city and county from the seven NASCAR, IRL and USAC races that were televised nationally. The figures are derived from graphics, mentions and in-focus camera shots on signs at RIR.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(1-11-2004)
RIR Gift certificates available: Richmond International Raceway has a creative alternative to the sweater and tie of year's past. Gift certificates are currently on sale and can be used for Richmond International Raceway racing events, merchandise and fan hospitality packages that include the popular Party Zone and All American Indy Bar-B-Que. The Richmond International Raceway Ticket Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm/et, through Tuesday, December 23. Their Raceway "elves" will be more than happy to assist in making your Action Track holiday gift the perfect present for the race fans in your life.
NASCAR racing returns to Richmond for The Action Track's season opening weekend featuring the NASCAR Busch Series 250 on Friday, May 14 and the Chevy Racing 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Saturday, May 15. The Extreme Speed, Extreme Excitement Weekend returns to Richmond International Raceway on June 25 and 26 with the USAC National Sprint Car Series, the Dominic's of New York 100 USAC Silver Crown Championship Series and the 4th annual SunTrust Indy Challenge. The season concludes with a NASCAR triple-header weekend featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200 on Thursday, September 9, the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, September 10 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in the Chevy Racing 400 on Saturday, September 11. To purchase Richmond International Raceway gift certificates by phone, please call the Ticket Office at (804) 345-RACE (7223).(RIR PR)(12-19-2003)
New On Line Feature Allows Fans A 3D View of Richmond: Richmond International Raceway has added a new on line, 3D virtual tour of the race track from the grandstands and luxury suites. Fans who purchase tickets to races at Richmond International Raceway via the internet at www.rir.com will now be able to observe the view from all grandstand sections and rows from the convenience of their own home or office. Tickets are currently on sale for the NASCAR Busch Series 250 on Friday, May 14 and the SunTrust Indy Challenge on Saturday, June 26. Tickets to the always sold-out Chevy Racing 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, May 15 will go on sale February 28, 2004. Fans who visit www.rir.com and register for a free membership on the "Members Only" section of the track's website will have the chance to purchase NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series tickets starting on February 25, three days prior to the on sale date to the general public.(RIR PR)(12-18-2003)
Fundraiser Results: Richmond International Raceway and Henrico County [VA] joined forces with the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation on Saturday, November 22 for a fundraising event to benefit The Faison School for Autism and the Henrico County Christmas Mother program. More than $35,000 was raised from the all-day event that featured go-kart racing, bowling, a silent auction and a raffle. Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz and Fred Agostino, Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority of Henrico County presented Renea Johnston, the 2003 Henrico County Christmas Mother with a portion of the proceeds at the December 9 Henrico County Board of Supervisors meeting. The Henrico County Christmas Mother program was initiated in 1942 by a local schoolteacher who encouraged her students to bring in a canned good for needy families in the County. Currently, the program provides food, clothing, toys, books and household goods to deserving families, the elderly and disabled during the holiday season. Each year, hundreds of volunteers share their time, money and materials to bring the warmth and wonder of Christmas to more than 4,000 Henrico County residents.
The Faison School for Autism is located in Richmond and is committed to the individual progress of the children it serves. Autism is a developmental, neurological disability that affects one out of every 250 children. The Faison School relies solely on donations and grants and its goal is to be able to accommodate up to 40 children from the age of 18 months to five years.
The event was also sponsored by local Clear Channel stations WRVQ 94.5 FM, WBTJ 106.5 FM, WRXL 102.1 FM The X, WRNL Sports Radio 910, WRVA 1140 AM Newsradio and WTVR Lite 98. Each station provided live mentions, conducted on air interviews with Hermie and Angie Sadler to help promote the event and was on-site for the bowling portion of the fundraiser.(RIR PR)(12-16-2003)
RIR Re-paving Update: The repaving of Richmond International Raceway is one step from completion. For the first time in the 15-year history of the 0.75-mile oval, the surface was demolished in October to install a new drainage system and new asphalt. The bulk of the work is finished, but the last layer of pavement will be applied when the temperatures increase. The asphalt will cure better with warmer weather. RIR President Doug Fritz said there was no timetable for finishing the job. "There's no need to risk putting the asphalt down with the cold temperatures, so we'll just wait until the first good stretch of warm days and warm nights in the spring," he said.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(12-14-2003)
Richmond and Pontiac: GM Racing officials announced that the company will focus its future NASCAR resources exclusively on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, effectively eliminating support for the Pontiac Grand Prix race car. General Motors has sponsored Richmond International Raceway's spring NASCAR Winston Cup Series race through its Pontiac brand since 1988 and the track's fall NASCAR Winston Cup Series race through its Chevy brand since 2000. In addition, Pontiac has served as the official car and official pace car and Chevrolet as the official truck and official pace truck for the track. Earlier this season, General Motors and Richmond International Raceway agreed to a three-year contract extension through 2005 for the General Motors to continue those official entitlements and sponsorships. GM's decision will end Pontiac's 16 year relationship with Richmond International Raceway and one of the longest continually sponsored events in NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing. However, the General Motors Chevy brand, in addition to sponsoring the track's September event, will now also sponsor the track's spring NASCAR Winston Cup Series event (to be known as the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2004). General Motors and Richmond International Raceway officials will determine a new name and logo for the event in the near future. Richmond International Raceway has sold out 24 consecutive NASCAR Winston Cup Series races. Included in that sell out streak is every General Motors entitled event since 1992, spanning 16 races.(RIR PR)(10-29-2003)
RIR to Expand: Richmond International Raceway is embarking on another round of expansion and upgrades as part of its ongoing commitment to fans who visit "The Action Track" three times each season for some of the best side by side racing in all of motor sports. More than 1,400 seats will be added for the 2004 season, bringing the track's capacity to 107,097. The project includes new seats in the Veranda Grandstand in turn one, development of 55 new acres of parking on the north side of the track's property and the addition of a second spectator care center outside of turn two next to the amphitheater. The amphitheater, which is used for Speed Channel and QVC shows on race weekends as well as concerts and special events on non-race weekends, is being remodeled. Gravel roads are also being added to several parking lots which will help with traffic ingress and egress, especially during inclement weather. Including this round of projects, the track has spent more than $40 million on improving the facility over the last few seasons. Priority will be given to fans on the waiting list who wish to purchase a full-season ticket package. Fans who would like to be added to the waiting list can visit www.rir.com for details. All races at "The Action Track" are "Under the Lights." For more information, contact the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 804-345-RACE (7223).(Richmond International Raceway PR)(10-10-2003)
Richmond Repaving Project Underway: Richmond International Raceway will undergo a facelift for 2004 with the first repaving of the 0.75-mile track since its 1988 reconfiguration. The multimillion-dollar project, which began this week with the demolition of the existing asphalt, also will include the installation of a state-of-the-art sub-surface underdrain system. The new surface should be completed in about six weeks. The asphalt will need about three to four months to cure, allowing cars on the track by April - when teams normally begin spring testing. RIR will play host to its first NASCAR weekend next season May 13-15.
RIR President Doug Frtiz said the new drainage system was the impetus for tearing up the asphalt. In May, Busch Series qualifying was delayed for several hours because of "weepers," accumulated water beneath the track seeping through cracks in Turns 1 and 2. Several grooves were cut into the asphalt to help drain the water as a short-term fix. Engineers will survey the project to ensure the D-shaped oval's banking - 14 degrees in the turns, 8 degrees on the frontstretch and 2 degrees on the backstretch - isn't altered during construction. RIR also is constructing a 170-space motorhome lot behind the backstretch for NASCAR drivers and car owners. The SAFER wall, which made its RIR debut in all four turns for the NASCAR tripleheader Sept. 4-6, has been removed temporarily for repaving. Fritz said repaving hasn't ruled out a possible expansion of the track's 105,000-seat capacity for next year. RIR added a few thousand seats in the fall of 2002.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-3-2003)
RIR Distributes 2200 Bags of Ice to Folks Devestated by Hurricane and Tornado: Last week, Hurricane Isabel devastated many residents near Richmond International Raceway and many more were affected by a severe tornado that touched down less than a mile from the track on Tuesday. Many homes near the track were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people are still without power in Virginia as a result of the two natural disasters. On Friday, 15 Richmond International Raceway employees distributed 2,200 20 lb. bags of ice to area residents. Here, track president Doug Fritz loads bags of ice into a car of a local resident. Henrico County officials determined after the disasters that ice was one of the biggest needs of area residents, so the track worked quickly to help its neighbors.
"We hope in some small way this helps our neighbors get back on their feet," Fritz said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people who have lost loved ones, had their homes or property destroyed or are still struggling to live normally with no electricity."(Richmond International Raceway PR)(9-28-2003)
Richmond OK: Richmond International Raceway sustained only minor damage in Thursday's storm. Track spokesman Keith Green said there was a small amount of flooding in RIR's main office and a few trees down around the property. "There was cosmetic damage to a few of our buildings, but not that much," Green said.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-20-2003)
Richmond Shorter Now? The SAFER barriers might force NASCAR to re-measure Richmond International Raceway. A track's distance is measured five feet [actually been told it is 15 feet, not 5, per my Racing FAQ page] from the outside wall and Richmond is advertised to be three-quarters of a mile in distance. The SAFER barriers, however, extend two-and-a-half feet into the turns. That should make Richmond a little shorter in distance.(Augusta Chroncile)(9-7-2003)
RIR to honor RJR: As R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. prepares to end a 33-year relationship with NASCAR's premier circuit, Richmond International Raceway officials have decided to honor the longtime supporter in a prerace ceremony before tonight's Winston Cup Chevy Rock & Roll 400. The tribute will include a photo presentation by track President Doug Fritz to Ned Leary, the president of sports marketing for RJR. "They really helped bring a lot to the sport, and they continued to do so even though they were hindered by certain laws," RIR spokesman Keith Green said. "I think it will take awhile for people to stop saying Winston Cup." But for some garage dwellers, the company's impact has been about more than name recognition. In 1971, the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based cigarette provider, which was looking for national exposure, entered the union after former Winston Cup/Grand National driver Junior Johnson recommended the company to NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. The venture paid huge dividends. Over the next 30 years, NASCAR's popularity reached new heights after the high-speed organization reached speedways in California, Texas, Kansas, Illinois, New Hampshire and Arizona, and programs such as the Winston Million and No Bull 5 made Sunday drives worth watching, as well. In the end, it wasn't enough to save RJR from hitting a dead end. Nextel, the Reston-based maker of cellular phones, will take over as the sanctioning body's official backer in 2004, but only small alterations to logos and decals are expected. Roush Racing driver Mark Martin said change isn't a bad thing.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-6-2003)
Concerts at RIR: Richmond International Raceway will feature two post-race concerts after Friday's FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race (Sugar Ray and Franky Perez) and three pre-race concerts before Saturday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race (Trapt, Uncle Kracker and Hootie & the Blowfish). The program is an unprecedented collaboration among Chevy, Richmond International Raceway, Warner Music Group, Action Performance Companies, AOL/Time.(Check out the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 Mini Site on the RIR site)
RIR News: Warner Music Group, Chevrolet and Action Performance Companies Inc. announced a series of concerts to be featured during the NASCAR triple-header weekend, September 4-6 at Richmond International Raceway. The weekend will be highlighted by the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Winston Cup event on Saturday, September 6 that will include pre-race, trackside musical performances by Hootie & The Blowfish, Uncle Kracker and Trapt. On Friday, September 5, Sugar Ray and Franky Perez will kick things off with a trackside concert as part of the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race. Both Richmond concerts are free for fans who purchase tickets to the respective races. In addition to the concerts, seven Chevrolet Monte Carlo race cars will carry special paint schemes featuring different WMG artists. These paint schemes will sparkle under the lights on Richmond's famous three-quarter mile "Action Track." The artist and driver paint scheme pairings for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend can be seen on my Paint Schemes Gallery. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend begins with the Virginia is for Lovers 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Thursday, September 4, followed by the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, September 5. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, September 6 is the final race of the season at Richmond International Raceway. All races are under the lights. For tickets and information, call the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 804-345-RACE.(RIR PR)(9-2-2003)
SAFER done at RIR: Richmond International Raceway completed installation yesterday of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier, which is expected to reduce the forces absorbed by drivers in crashes at the 0.75-mile oval. Mounting the system, which consists of 20-foot modules of rectangular steel tubing backed by foam blocks, on the outside walls in all four turns was done Monday, a week after construction began. The 2,394-foot addition then was painted white to match the concrete walls. The last coat was applied yesterday. The project was finished in 10 days, which was right on schedule for RIR President Doug Fritz. RIR will become the first short track to have the SAFER barrier in place for an event when it plays host to a NASCAR tripleheader of the Craftsman Truck, Busch and Winston Cup series Sept. 4-6. A staff member from the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, which created the barrier, found no flaws during its implementation at RIR. The Richmond barrier has been modified slightly from the original version that made its debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2002. The improved design was tested two weeks ago at the facility's headquarters in Lincoln, Neb.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-28-2003)
SAFER Halfway done at RIR: After starting the project Monday, Richmond International Raceway is near the halfway mark of installation of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers [SAFER]. More than 1,000 feet of rectangular steel tubing had been attached to the walls in Turns 3 and 4 by yesterday afternoon, and workers were preparing Turns 1 and 2. Once the tubes are mounted on the wall, foam blocks will be placed at roughly 10-foot intervals between the 28-foot sections of the barrier and the outside wall. RIR President Doug Fritz said the system would be finished by the end of the month. Once installed, the barrier will be painted white to match the exterior walls and will be adorned by sponsor logos. "The completion date is next week, and they're on target," Fritz said. "We started exactly the day we expected, and we've already got [Turns] 3 and 4 done. Some time next week, they'll be complete. Then we'll just paint the walls and be ready for racing." RIR's tripleheader NASCAR weekend will begin Sept. 4 with the Virginia is for Lovers 200 Craftsman Truck Series race, followed by the FUNAI 250 Busch Series event Sept.5 and the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 Winston Cup race Sept.6.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-22-2003)
The Virginia Motorsports Initiative: Gov. Mark R. Warner announced Wenesday, a program to transform the state's NASCAR venues and other motor sport centers into engines for job creation and tourism, especially in economically depressed Southside and southwest Virginia. Standing in the pit of the 88,000-seat Martinsville Speedway, Warner (D) announced the launch of the Virginia Motorsports Initiative, a public-private partnership that he said will help "grow" jobs from the state's far southwestern tip to its midsection, a region where recent unemployment rates have climbed as high as 14 percent. Warner said several state agencies will help promote popular racing locales such as Bristol, Martinsville and Richmond as magnets for engine builders, component makers, race car teams and other sectors of an industry that has grown dramatically as a spectator sport -- and even boosted the Democrat's own 2001 campaign for governor. (see full story at the Washington Post)(8-14-2003)
Richmond Cup race sold out: The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 scheduled for Saturday, September 6 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway history is sold out, announced track president Doug Fritz today. The race will feature pre-race concerts and special driver/artist paint schemes in an unprecedented collaboration of two of America's favorite pastimes. Prior to the race, Warner Music Group artists Hootie & the Blowfish, Uncle Kracker and Trapt will each perform trackside to a sold out crowd of 105,000 fans. The Rock & Roll theme will begin on Friday night after the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Busch Series race when Sugar Ray and Franky Perez will each perform trackside. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 will be the 24th consecutive sellout of a NASCAR Winston Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. Chevrolet drivers Ron Hornaday of the NASCAR Busch Series, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Michael Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Joe Nemechek and Steve Park of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, will each carry a special paint scheme featuring a different Warner Music Group artist. There still tickets avaialble for the Virginia is for Lovers 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Thursday, September 4 and FUNAI 250 Busch Series race. more info at www.rir.com. In addition, kids 12 and under are free in the general admission sections on Thursday and Friday when accompanied by a paying adult and all military personnel receive $5 off with a valid military I.D.(RIR PR)(8-13-2003)
Richmond Busch/Truck Series Sponsors Renew: RIR also announced sponsorship extensions yest