Half-mile dirt 1953-68
From its inaugural season until its first race in 1968, Richmond ‘Â then known as Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds, Atlantic Rural Exposition, and Virginia State Fairgrounds ‘Â was a half-mile dirt track. Victory Lane during these early years was a place for legends. David Pearson won five races during this period; Richard Petty and Joe Weatherly won three; and Speedy Thomas, Lee Petty and Cotton Owens won two.
.625-mile paved 1968 (second race)
Richard Petty won the first race on a paved Richmond surface. Only two drivers finished on the lead lap in the 300-lap event: Petty and David Pearson.
Half-mile paved 1969 (first race)
The track was re-measured to a half-mile for the first race of 1969. Pearson won the event.
.5625-mile paved 1969 (second race)
The track was once again re-measured, this time to a 9/16th-mile. Bobby Allison won.
.542-mile paved 1970-1988
Yet again, the track was re-measured ‘Â but this one lasted for more than one event. There were a couple name changes, too. During this 19-year period, Richmond was known as Virginia State Fairgrounds, Richmond Fairgrounds Speedway and Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. Petty was The King during this era, with nine of his 13 Richmond wins coming during this period.
.75-mile paved 1988-Present
The track was reconfigured to its current shape and length for the second race of 1988, won by Davey Allison. The track also changed its name to Richmond International Raceway for that second event of 88. Rusty Wallace is the wins leader on the 3/4-mile layout, with six victories. This era truly mirrors the evolution of the sport, itself. For one, the first season with both races under lights was 1999. Secondly, starting in 2004, race #26, held annually at Richmond, is the final race of the ‘regular’Â season. The top-12 drivers who will race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will be decided in that event.(NASCAR)(5-1-2010)
