The ‘Drive to End Hunger’ pre-race will kick off the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway this Saturday. In addition to the fan-favorite driver introductions, fans will be treated to:
Recognition of United States Olympians and Virginians: LaShawn Merritt (two-time gold medalist), Kellie Wells (bronze medalist), Francena McCorory (gold medalist), Terrence Jennings (bronze medalist), and T ‘erea Brown
Flyover by VAW-124 E-2 Hawkeyes from Naval Station Norfolk
Patriotic music and National Anthem performed by the 29th Division Band with the Virginia Army National Guard
‘God Bless America’ sung by ‘The Singing Policeman,’ Danny Rodriguez
Pledge of Allegiance led by U.S. Marine Sgt. John Peck and aforementioned Olympians
Parachute team with American flag
American flag unfurled on the frontstretch by Virginia Army National Guard
Henrico County Fire Department truck displaying an American flag on the frontstretch
All of this precedes one of the most anticipated races of the season, the Federated Auto Parts 400, which is ‘One Last Race to Make The Chase.’ Once the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. ‘We ‘re proud to be a sponsor of this exciting race at Richmond International Raceway as we cheer on Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports; while at the same time engage fans across NASCAR nation in the fight against older adult hunger, an issue that impacts nearly 9 million people age 50 and older,’ said Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Foundation president.
Since AARP and AARP Foundation launched Drive to End Hunger, the initiative has donated nearly 13 million meals and driven corporate and individual donor commitments with an expected value of $17 million.
NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway this weekend for the ‘One Last Race to Make The Chase’ weekend, featuring the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. This is the final event before the field is set for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. You can experience the excitement with tickets starting at $50, which can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.(RIR)(9-8-2012)
