RIR Testing UPDATE: Cup drivers #18-Bobby Labonte, #5-Terry Labonte and #99-Jeff Burton, along with BGN drivers Jason Rudd and Brian Vickers are scheduled to test in preparation for the CUP and BGN races at Richmond on Sept 7-8th. The testing will be held on Monday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 21. Fans are invited to watch testing on both days. The gates will be open from 8:00am to 5:00pm/et(RIR PR)(8-19-2001) UPDATE: A recent resealing of the track surface at Richmond International Raceway caused some drivers to cancel test sessions at the .75-mile oval yesterday. The track was resealed prior to the open-wheel racing weekend in June. Apparently, the Featherlite Modified cars damaged the track surface, tearing up pieces of the sealer. Racetrack officials resealed parts of the track less than two weeks ago, but the new sealer combined with the hot weather has caused problems for some Winston Cup teams. Michael Waltrip tested at RIR last Tuesday, and track officials said he was not thrilled with the surface. Yesterday, BGN driver Brian Vickers went out and ran five or six laps before crashing. Cup drivers Bobby Labonte and Terry Labonte also showed up for a test yesterday morning but decided to cancel the session after examining the track. The brothers told track officials they did not want to burn one of the seven test dates allowed by NASCAR because conditions would change too much before they race here in three weeks(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-21-2001)
