Contact: Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations,
aturner@rir.com, 804-228-7645 (o),
804-513-0733 (c)
Sept. 3, 2008
STATEMENT FROM RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PRESIDENT DOUG FRITZ ON
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TROPICAL STORM HANNA
“Given the projected path of Tropical Storm Hanna, we are working closely with
NASCAR, as well as state and local government officials to monitor the path and
potential impact of the storm. As always, the safety of our fans, competitors
and the local community is of the utmost importance to Richmond International
Raceway. This weekend’s events are currently scheduled to run as planned but we
will provide updates at www.rir.com and
877-251-7223, as to their status at least twice daily, or as needed.
“Fans who have purchased ticket insurance and have questions specific to the
insurance can call World Access at 800-628-6188.”
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-513-0733 - Cell
804-329-5029 - Fax
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR "One Last Race to Make The Chase"
weekend, September 5-6. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
THIS TROPHY ROCKS: CHEVY ROCK & ROLL 400 AWARD TO FEATURE FULLY FUNCTIONAL
GUITAR FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Race at Richmond International Raceway is “One Last Race to Make The Chase”
Richmond, VA (September 2, 2008)—When Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400
winner visits Gatorade Victory Lane at Richmond International Raceway, he’ll not
only receive a fervent celebration with his team and owner, but he will also
accept a piece of hardware that took three months to construct and refine into
the piece of artwork that it truly is.
For the fourth consecutive year, collaboration among Chevrolet, Paul Reed Smith
Guitars and metal sculptor Karl Saar will result in a trophy valued at more than
$20,000. Since 2005, the award for winning the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race has been a four-foot tall trophy incorporating a custom,
fully functional PRS guitar engulfed in polished aluminum flames. The guitar,
which can be removed and played, sits atop a mahogany pedestal and is painted to
exactly match the color of the Official Pace Car.
The paint design is quite an elaborate process. The paint codes used for the
Pace Car are obtained from Chevy and directly applied to the trophy. There are
several colors, along with a urethane topcoat, just like that used on the car. A
meticulous process from start to finish, the paint design project takes about
two weeks to complete. The colors this year are Crystal Black, Volcanic Red, O’
So Sexy Red, Performance Yellow, Orange Glow and Sterling Silver.
The polished aluminum flames are manufactured by Baltimore metal sculptor Karl
Saar. Along with the flames, the 2007 and 2008 trophies include an aluminum
depiction of Richmond International Raceway’s D-shaped oval. Approximately 35
pounds of aluminum is used for this part of the project, which takes
approximately 230 hours to construct and polish.
“As soon as I jumped out of the car in Victory Lane, I noticed the trophy and
asked one of the race officials if that was the one I actually got to take
home,” said Kurt Busch, winner of the 2005 Chevy Rock & Roll 400. “I couldn’t
believe it. It’s just a really cool trophy—very unique. It stands out from all
the others.”
The trophy is going on a media tour this week before going on display Saturday,
September 6, prior to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400—“One Last Race to Make The
Chase.” The race sets the field for the top 12 drivers who will battle it out
over the final 10 races to determine the Sprint Cup Series champion. Tickets,
which start at $80, can be purchased by calling the ticket office at
866-455-7223 or logging on to www.rir.com.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
Contact: Richie Denzler, Manager of Community & Public Relations,
804-228-7507 (office), 804-513-0585 (mobile), rdenzler@rir.com
DEFENDING SERIES CHAMPION JIMMIE JOHNSON LOOKING FOR CHEVY ROCK & ROLL 400
REPEAT AT RICHMOND THIS WEEKEND
Richmond, VA (September 1, 2008)—Can Jimmie Johnson win consecutive Chevy Rock &
Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway? That
question will be answered on Saturday, September 6, when the series returns to
Richmond for “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” No driver has won consecutive
fall races at America’s Premier Short Track since Rusty Wallace did so at the
1992 and 1993 Miller Genuine Draft 400 races.
Johnson swept both Sprint Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway
last year en route to his second consecutive series championship. At the 2007
Chevy Rock & Roll 400, Johnson started from the pole and came out on top in a
race that featured 15 lead changes among 10 drivers. He took the lead for good
on Lap 340.
This year, Johnson is third in the driver point standings entering the Chevy
Rock & Roll 400 and has already clinched a spot in The Chase. With his three
wins ranking third best among Chase contenders, he will rank third to begin the
10-race, playoff-style format. However, just being locked in at third doesn’t
mean he can’t use an extra 10 bonus points which are awarded for each win in the
first 26 races.
Despite his season sweep last year, Johnson has room to improve after placing
30th at Richmond International Raceway in the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry
400 race earlier this season. With several drivers looking to race their way
into The Chase, and even more drivers looking to earn bonus points, Johnson will
need to race as if he’s on the outside looking in. With a win this past weekend
at Auto Club Speedway, Johnson is riding the momentum he needs going into The
Chase.
Jimmie Johnson will return to Richmond International Raceway this Saturday,
September 6, for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. This
race marks “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag drops, the
field will be set for the top 12 drivers who will compete for the series
championship over the final 10 races of the season. Tickets are on sale now by
calling 866-455-7223 or visiting www.rir.com.
The weekend begins this Friday, September 5, with the Emerson Radio 250
Nationwide Series race, preceded by practice and Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for
the Sprint Cup Series. Friday’s tickets are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general
admission) in advance. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed
adult in general admission sections on Friday only. Johnson will also make an
appearance at the Green Flag Zone fan hospitality on Saturday. Tickets for the
Green Flag Zone are $90 and include a pre-race pit pass, food and beverage. For
additional information, please visit www.rir.com
or call the ticket office at 866-455-7223.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
Contact: Richie Denzler, Manager of Community & Public Relations, 804-228-7507
(office), 804-513-0585 (mobile),
rdenzler@rir.com
CARL EDWARDS, KENNY WALLACE, BRAD KESELOWSKI AND LANDON CASSILL HEADLINE GUEST
APPEARANCES AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S PARTY ZONE
Richmond, VA (August 29, 2008)— NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards, Kenny Wallace, Brad
Keselowski and Landon Cassill will all make appearances in the Party Zone fan
hospitality area on Friday, September 5, prior to the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway.
In addition to those appearances, track president Doug Fritz will also make an
appearance in the Party Zone. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in
exclusive question and answer sessions with Edwards, Wallace, Keselowski,
Cassill and Fritz, as part of the Party Zone package.
Tickets for the Party Zone are $65* and include:
Exclusive pre-race pit pass** to see NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice from pit
road (weather permitting).
All-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Appetizers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Three (3) beer tickets for fans 21 years of age and older (valid identification
required).
Unlimited sodas and water.
Question and answer session with NASCAR personalities, including Carl Edwards,
Kenny Wallace, Brad Keselowski and Landon Cassill, as well as track president
Doug Fritz.
Live musical entertainment.
Prizes and games.
Edwards is making a serious run at the championship this year and is currently
second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings. On the season, Edwards
has six wins, 11 top-5s and 18 top-10 finishes. His only win at Richmond
International Raceway came in 2005 when he captured the checkered flag at the
FUNAI 250 Nationwide Series race.
Arguably the sport’s most outgoing personality, Kenny Wallace has been competing
in NASCAR since 1988, racing in hundreds of events in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup
and Nationwide Series. The veteran is no stranger to Richmond International
Raceway, where he has competed in 51 NASCAR races. Wallace has won three NASCAR
Nationwide Series races (9/96, 3/95, 9/94) and has nine top-fives and 17 top-10
finishes at America’s Premier Short Track.
Keselowski, who drives for JR Motorsports in the #88 U.S. NAVY Chevrolet,
recorded his first two career series wins this season. Additionally, Keselowski
has nine top-fives and 15 top-10 finishes, which has placed him second in the
Nationwide Series standings. His best finish at Richmond International Raceway
came earlier this year, when he finished 11th at the Lipton Tea 250.
Cassill, who also drives for JR Motorsports, pilots the #5 National Guard
Chevrolet. In 15 starts this season, Cassill has four top-10s. He made his
Nationwide Series debut last year and spent considerable time as a test driver
for the current car (formerly known as the Car of Tomorrow) used in the Sprint
Cup Series.
Tickets are still available for the Emerson Radio 250 race, set for Friday,
September 5 “under the lights.” Additionally, tickets are also on sale for the
Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For tickets and
information, please visit www.rir.com or
call the ticket office at 866-455-7223.
*Guests must have a ticket to Friday’s race to purchase a ticket to the Party
Zone.
**To take advantage of the pre-race pit pass, guests must be 18 years of age or
older. No shorts, sleeveless shirts or open-toed shoes are permitted on pit
road.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
HOMETOWN FAVORITE DENNY HAMLIN RETURNS TO RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S
VIRGINIA LOTTERY GREEN FLAG ZONE FAN HOSPITALITY AREA
Contact: Mark Hoskins (O) 804-228-7516 (M) 804-519-0437
Richmond, VA (August 28, 2008)— Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin will
visit Richmond International Raceway’s Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone fan
hospitality area on Saturday, September 6, prior to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Hamlin, who grew up racing in the Richmond area
in nearby Chesterfield, will participate in a question and answer session in the
Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone, joining defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion
Jimmie Johnson, television personality Larry McReynolds and track president Doug
Fritz.
Admission to the Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone, an exclusive and
all-inclusive VIP experience, includes:
Pre-race pit pass (valid 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., time and weather permitting).
Appetizers from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Six (6) beer tickets for fans 21 years of age and older (with valid
identification).
Unlimited sodas and water.
Question and answer session with NASCAR personalities!
Live musical entertainment.
Souvenir event program.
Prizes and games.
The Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone is available to all Chevy Rock & Roll 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket holders at $90 per person. Fans must have a
grandstand ticket to Saturday’s race to purchase Virginia Lottery Green Flag
Zone tickets. Tickets are still available by calling 866-455-RACE or visiting
www.rir.com.
Hamlin, competing in his third full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, is 11th in
the Sprint Cup Series point standings and on the bubble to make The Chase. The
Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is the final race before The Chase begins, making it “One
Last Race To Make The Chase.” Hamlin dominated the Crown Royal Presents The Dan
Lowry 400 in May, leading a race-record 381 laps at America’s Premier Short
Track, before a late tire problem ended his bid for a victory at his hometown
track.
In addition to Hamlin, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and defending
race winner Jimmie Johnson, television personality Larry McReynolds and Richmond
International Raceway president Doug Fritz and are all scheduled to visit the
Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone.
Tickets for the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race are available by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting
www.rir.com. All seats are reserved and
start at $80.
Tickets are also available for the Friday, September 5, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying
and practice for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. To purchase tickets contact the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or online at
www.rir.com. Friday’s reserved tickets
are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race day) and general admission tickets are $35
(in advance) and $40 (on race day). Children 12 and under are free when
accompanied by a paying adult in general admission sections on Friday only.
---
Mark Hoskins
Manager of Communications
Richmond International Raceway
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Office: 804-228-7516
Cell: 804-519-0437
Fax: 804-329-5029
mhoskins@rir.com
Contact: Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations,
aturner@rir.com, 804-228-7645 (o),,
804-513-0733 (c)
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY OFFERS TO HOST BUSCH/EDWARDS DEMOLITION DERBY
Earnhardt, Jr. Also Extended an Invitation to Participate
Richmond, VA (August 27, 2008) – On the heels of Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards’
on-track incident last weekend at Bristol, Richmond International Raceway
president Doug Fritz is offering to host a Busch/Edwards Demolition Derby prior
to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Fritz is even
offering each driver his own car.
“The cars are ready to go, all we need are the drivers,” explained Fritz. “We
want to help these drivers ease their frustrations. What better way than to beat
and bang in a Demolition Derby?”
Edwards cited an incident that took place in the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race in May at Richmond International Raceway for the reason
he used the bump-and-run maneuver last weekend.
"Earlier in the year we had a Nationwide race [at Richmond, Va.] and Kyle was a
lot faster than me,” explained Edwards. “He went ahead and got to my back
bumper, and just smoked the back bumper of my car, sent me up the racetrack.”
The Demolition Derby invitation is also being extended to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.,
who also had an on-track incident with Busch in May. While leading the Crown
Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 late in the race, Busch and Earnhardt made
contact, ending both of their chances at a win.
Fritz, a feature runner up in the 2006 State Fair of Virginia Demolition Derby,
will serve as the flagman for the event.
The proposed Derby would take place at America’s Premiere Short Track, prior to
any on-track activity for the weekend.
Fans can still purchase tickets for the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll
400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting
www.rir.com . All seats are reserved and start
at $80.
Tickets are also available for the Friday, September 5, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying
and practice for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. To purchase tickets contact the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or online at
www.rir.com . Friday’s reserved tickets are $45
(in advance) and $50 (on race day) and general admission tickets are $35 (in
advance) and $40 (on race day). Children 12 and under are free when accompanied
by a paying adult in general admission sections on Friday only.
-30-
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-513-0733 - Cell
804-329-5029 - Fax
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR "One Last Race to Make The Chase"
weekend, September 5-6. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
Contact: Aimee Turner,
Director of Public Relations,
804-228-7645 (o), 804-513-0733 (c)
SHAKE-UP IN THE SPRINT CUP SERIES STANDINGS FOLLOWS BRISTOL WITH JUST TWO RACES
REMAINING UNTIL “THE CHASE”
Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway Will Set The Chase Field
RICHMOND (8/27/08) – The Saturday night race at Bristol certainly proved a
driver’s playoff fortunes can change in a single race, as the cutoff line and
projected field for The Chase has a new look with the circuit heading to Auto
Club Speedway this weekend. There are now just two races, including “One Last
Race To Make The Chase” – the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International
Raceway – remaining in the Sprint Cup Series regular season, and still some of
the series’ biggest names find themselves on the bubble to make The Chase.
Following the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at America’s Premier Short Track on
September 6 only the top 12 drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings
will be eligible for NASCAR’s playoffs, The Chase. Heading into the night race
at Bristol, former champs Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth, fan favorite Kasey Kahne
and Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin were all in, with Clint Bowyer
and David Ragan knocking on the door just 82 points behind Hamlin.
Now, following Bristol, only 101 points separate positions 11-14 and just 56
separate 12th from 14th. Kahne’s late season slide continued at Bristol and his
Chase hopes suffered a major blow with a 40th place finish, dropping him three
spots in the standings to 14th. The No. 9 was collected in a big wreck on Lap
216, and Kahne never returned to the race track. With back-to-back 40th-place
finishes in tow, Kahne has dropped six spots in the standings over the past two
races, 56 points behind 12th-place Bowyer and 101 points behind 11th-place
Hamlin.
Hamlin delivered a clutch performance at Bristol in his bid to make The Chase,
earning a strong third-place finish to move up one spot in the standings. If
Hamlin can turn in another good finish in California, the odds of making The
Chase certainly will be in his favor heading to Richmond International Raceway,
where Hamlin dominated the Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400 in May before
a tire problem abruptly cost him a victory.
Bowyer was also involved in the incident on Lap 216 at Bristol, but unlike
Kahne’s machine, the No. 07 Chevrolet escaped major damage and Bowyer rallied to
finish seventh. Bowyer has four consecutive top-10 finishes at Bristol and more
importantly a spot in The Chase as it stands heading to California. Bowyer will
still need luck on his side though, as he sits just 12 points ahead of
13th-place David Ragan. Bowyer won the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 at
America’s Premier Short Track in May, so a good run at Auto Club Speedway before
Richmond will certainly keep his Chase hopes alive.
Ragan continues to hang around The Chase playoff picture, turning in another
solid 10th-place finish at Bristol. The second-year driver has come on of late
and a berth in The Chase field would be an impressive addition to his young
Sprint Cup Series career. Following a tough 40th place finish at New Hampshire
on June 29, Ragan has ripped off five top-10s in the last seven races to climb
into playoff contention.
Gordon appeared to be a lock for The Chase, cruising along in sixth place
following back-to-back top-10s at Indianapolis and Pocono. But, after a
29th-place finish at Watkins Glen and a 42nd-place finish at Michigan, Gordon
found himself in ninth place on the bubble as well, heading to Bristol. Gordon
posted a much-needed top-five at Bristol and now has a 108-point cushion on The
Chase cutoff line heading to California.
Kenseth had been outside the top 12 much of the season and was 22nd in the
standings following the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 on May 3. He
turned his fortunes around though, with six consecutive top-10s from Darlington
to Sonoma, including a pair of third-place showings at Daytona and Chicago. A
strong fifth-place effort at Michigan and another good run Saturday night at
Bristol have Kenseth’s playoff chances continuing to improve. Kenseth remains in
10th place, but his ninth-place effort at Bristol has increased his cushion on
The Chase cutoff to 88 points.
How will the standings look following Sunday’s race at Auto Club Speedway? Will
Hamlin and Bowyer hang on, or will Ragan race his way into the top-12 before the
“One Last Race To Make The Chase?”
Tickets for the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race are available by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting
www.rir.com. All seats are reserved and
start at $80.
Tickets are also available for the Friday, September 5, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying
and practice for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. To purchase tickets contact the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or online at
www.rir.com. Friday’s reserved tickets
are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race day) and general admission tickets are $35
(in advance) and $40 (on race day). Children 12 and under are free when
accompanied by a paying adult in general admission sections on Friday only.
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-513-0733 - Cell
804-329-5029 - Fax
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR "One Last Race to Make The Chase"
weekend, September 5-6. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
WILL RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY BE THE SITE OF KYLE BUSCH’S RIVALRY
REVEGE?
Contact: Mark Hoskins (O) 804-228-7516, (M) 804-519-0437
RICHMOND (8/25/08) – Following a bump-and-run past Kyle Busch with 30 laps
remaining at Bristol Saturday night, Carl Edwards picked up his sixth victory of
the season and may have ignited a high-profile rivalry in the process. The first
question on most minds is whether or not Busch will seek revenge, and the Chevy
Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, September 6
could be the perfect opportunity.
Saturday night racing “under the lights” at America’s Premier Short Track often
produces its own great side-by-side racing and heated moments, and with both
Busch and Edwards now locked into The Chase field, some additional fireworks
could be in store during the “One Last Race To Make The Chase.”
During Edwards’ post-race interviews, he specifically mentioned the rivalry may
have taken on life during the Lipton Tea 250 Nationwide Series race at Richmond
International Raceway back in May.
"Earlier in the year we had a Nationwide race [at Richmond, Va.] and Kyle was a
lot faster than me, and he went ahead and got to my back bumper, and just smoked
the back bumper of my car, sent me up the racetrack, and afterward said, 'Sorry,
man, my car was just faster.'
After the Bristol night race Saturday, Edwards continued, "So I had to ask
myself when I went down into the corner, 'Should I lift and brake early and do
the best I can, or should I give him a little tap and see what happens?'
"So that's the way it went, that's the decision I made, and I'd do it again."
Even after Busch expressed his displeasure for the move with a few side door
taps on the No. 99 during the cool down lap, Edwards still appeared to have the
upper hand Saturday night when he answered Busch’s late retaliation by spinning
the No. 18 as Busch attempted to drive away during the cool down lap.
Will Busch answer on September 6 at Richmond International Raceway where the
rivalry began? Busch has certainly enjoyed success at America’s Premier Short
Track, including a headline grabbing second-place finish in the Crown Royal
Presents the Dan Lowry 400 on May 3, but the brash star probably hasn’t won any
more fan support in Richmond. Busch finished second in May after a late-race
incident that sent leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. into the wall in Turn 4 and out of
contention for a victory. Comfortably in The Chase picture himself, could
Earnhardt Jr. already have the No. 18 marked for a little Richmond payback of
his own on September 6?
Tickets for the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race are available by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting www.rir.com.
All seats are reserved and start at $80.
Tickets are also available for the Friday, September 5, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying
and practice for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. To purchase tickets contact the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or online at
www.rir.com. Friday’s reserved tickets are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race
day) and general admission tickets are $35 (in advance) and $40 (on race day).
Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult in general
admission sections on Friday only.
---
Mark Hoskins
Manager of Communications
Richmond International Raceway
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Office: 804-228-7516
Cell: 804-519-0437
Fax: 804-329-5029
mhoskins@rir.com
"Richmond International Raceway ... Racing Perfection"
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FORMER CHAMPS, HOMETOWN HERO AND FAN FAVORITE ON CHASE BUBBLE HEADING TO
BRISTOL
CONTACT: Mark Hoskins (O) 804-228-7516
RICHMOND (8/20/08) – Last week’s race at Michigan produced a major shakeup in
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings, and now with just three races
remaining in the regular season, including “One Last Race To Make The Chase” –
the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway – some of the
series’ biggest names find themselves on the bubble to make The Chase.
Although the top of the standings appear to be set with points leader Kyle Busch
clinching a spot in The Chase and Carl Edwards all but securing his Chase berth
on the strength of his fifth victory of the season this past Sunday, the lower
half of the playoff hopefuls is anything but locked in.
Following the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at America’s Premier Short Track on
September 6 only the top 12 drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings
will be eligible for NASCAR’s playoffs, The Chase. Heading into Saturday night’s
race at Bristol, former champs Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth, fan favorite Kasey
Kahne and Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin are in, for now. But, only
82 points separate ninth place Gordon from Clint Bowyer and David Ragan, who are
tied for 13th place on the outside of The Chase field looking in.
Gordon appeared to be a lock for The Chase two weeks ago, cruising along in
sixth place following back-to-back top-10s at Indianapolis and Pocono. But,
after a 29th-place finish at Watkins Glen on August 10, Gordon had a tire
problem on Lap 97 Sunday at Michigan after making contact with teammate Jimmie
Johnson. The No. 24 Chevrolet slammed the outside wall, and Gordon was never a
factor, finishing 42nd. The result dropped Gordon three spaces in the standings
to ninth, just 82 points ahead of 13th.
Kenseth had been outside the top 12 much of the season and was 22nd in the
standings following the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond
International Raceway on May 3. He turned his fortunes around though, with six
consecutive top-10s from Darlington to Sonoma, including a pair of third-place
showings at Daytona and Chicago. A strong fifth-place effort Sunday at Michigan
moved Kenseth up in the standings two positions to 10th, 64 points ahead of
Bowyer and Ragan.
Kahne was also one of the biggest movers, in the wrong direction, on Sunday. A
blown engine on Lap 137 took Kahne out of contention at Michigan and resulted in
a 40th place finish, dropping him three spots in the standings to 11th. Kahne
also got off to a slow start in 2008 and was 14th in the standings before wins
at Charlotte and Pocono quickly vaulted him inside the top 10 in points.
Following a second-place finish at Chicago on July 12, Kahne was starting to
look like a title contender at seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings. And,
despite three more top-10s at Daytona, Indy and Pocono once again, finishes of
33rd at Sonoma, 30th at New Hampshire and 40th Sunday at Michigan have relegated
Kahne to The Chase bubble.
Hometown favorite Hamlin has also seen some ups and downs in 2008. A win at
Martinsville and consecutive third-place finishes at Phoenix and Talledega put
Hamlin fourth in points and among the early title contenders. Hamlin was still
fourth in the standings after Charlotte on May 25, but the next week he finished
dead last at Dover and has since posted an average finish of 21.3, a figure that
is somewhat inflated by two third-place finishes at Pocono and Indianapolis.
Hamlin had a promising finish in his sights Sunday at Michigan before a blown
engine late in the race left him in 39th at the end of the day. He dropped three
spots in the standings to 12th, just 26 points on the good side of The Chase
cutoff.
Bowyer’s run through the 2008 season has been similar to Hamlin’s. Bowyer’s win
in the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 on May 3 capped a string of seven
consecutive top-10s, putting the second-year driver fourth in the Sprint Cup
Series standings. But starting with Darlington on May 10, Bowyer’s average
finish over the next five races was 28.2, dropping him all the way to 12th in
the standings after the first Michigan race. Bowyer has hung around the 12th
spot though on the strength of three top-10s, including a fourth-place effort at
Sonoma. Consecutive finishes of 23rd at Watkins Glen and 20th at Michigan have
Bowyer outside of The Chase field at this point, tied with Ragan.
Ragan, another second-year driver, has come on of late and a berth in The Chase
field would be an impressive addition to his young Sprint Cup Series career.
Following a tough 40th place finish at New Hampshire on June 29, Ragan has
ripped off four top-10s in the last six races to climb into playoff contention.
Ragan was 17th following New Hampshire, but a fifth-place effort at Pocono and a
third-place showing Sunday at Michigan has pulled Ragan into a tie with Bowyer
for 13th. Bowyer, however, holds the tie-breaker over Ragan courtesy of his win
at Richmond International Raceway in May.
Michigan showed fortunes can quickly change over the course of a single race, so
there is plenty of drama yet to unfold before “One Last Race To Make The Chase”
at America’s Premier Short Track on September 6. This week, the circuit moves to
Bristol, and a trip to Auto Club Speedway in California on Labor Day Weekend
lies ahead as well, before the field for the 2008 Chase to NASCAR Sprint Cup is
set at Richmond International Raceway.
Bristol is certainly a track where a good run can be ruined instantly and
another major shake-up in the standings isn’t out of the question. Gordon has
won five times at Bristol, but the last victory came in 2002 and he has only
posted a pair of top-10s in his last five starts there. Kenseth is a two-time
winner at Bristol and has 10 top-10s in 17 career races. Kahne has three top 10s
at Bristol, including a second-place effort in last year’s night race, but an
average finishing position of 18.6 in nine career starts. Hamlin was sixth in
the spring race at Bristol in March, and he must improve upon his 43rd-place
finish in last year’s night race to maintain his spot in The Chase field because
Bowyer has posted three consecutive top-10s, including back-to-back third-place
finishes, at the ½-mile track. Ragan also has momentum on his side going to
Bristol, though he has finished no better than 21st in three career starts
there.
It remains to be seen how the standings will look following this weekend, and
the excitement and suspense over who will make The Chase will certainly continue
to build to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400.
Tickets for the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race are available by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting
www.rir.com. All seats are reserved and
start at $80.
Tickets are also available for the Friday, September 5, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying
and practice for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. To purchase tickets contact the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or online at
www.rir.com. Friday’s reserved tickets
are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race day) and general admission tickets are $35
(in advance) and $40 (on race day). Children 12 and under are free when
accompanied by a paying adult in general admission sections on Friday only.
---
Mark Hoskins
Manager of Communications
Richmond International Raceway
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Office: 804-228-7516
Cell: 804-519-0437
Fax: 804-329-5029
mhoskins@rir.com
THREE DAYS GRACE TO HEADLINE PRE-RACE CONCERT AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL
RACEWAY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Performance Will Precede the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
Richmond, VA (August 20, 2008)—Chevrolet will once again merge the
heart-pounding sounds of rock and roll with the breathtaking excitement of
NASCAR action at Richmond International Raceway, prior to the Saturday,
September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at America’s
Premier Short Track. Before the anticipation of “One Last Race to Make The
Chase,” modern rock band Three Days Grace will perform a pre-race concert at
5:45 p.m. EST on Richmond International Raceway’s frontstretch, near the
start-finish line.
“Over the past several years, we’ve been able to showcase a diverse collection
of unique acts at the Chevy Rock & Roll 400,” said Terry Dolan, Manager, Chevy
Racing. “Key to our selection process has been the band's authenticity within
its musical space and their connection to our brand—Three Days Grace certainly
fits that criterion. Authenticity is critical to Chevrolet—we build and sell
cars and trucks that work hard, provide our customers with fun to drive
satisfaction, provide great value, and offer fuel efficient alternatives that
fit the lifestyles and pocketbooks of Americans.”
“The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway is one of the most
dramatic and anticipated events on the entire NASCAR circuit,” said track
president Doug Fritz. “Having a rock and roll theme—for the sixth consecutive
year—along with this prestigious race, will make for one of the most memorable
events at America’s Premier Short Track.”
Three Days Grace, comprised of Adam Gontier, Brad Walst, Neil Sanderson and
Barry Stock, originated in 1997 in Ontario, Canada. The band debuted their
self-titled album on July 22, 2003, with their single “(I Hate) Everything About
You,” which garnered the number two spot on Billboard’s top modern rock tracks.
The album also includes singles “Just Like You” (number one modern rock track)
and “Home” (number seven modern rock track). Their sophomore album, One-X, was
released in June 2006 and hit number five on the Billboard Top 200. “Animal I
Have Become” became a number one modern rock hit. The album also features
singles “Pain,” “Never Too Late,” and their latest, “Riot.” For more information
on Three Days Grace, please visit their website at
www.threedaysgrace.com.
“We are thrilled to be playing this year’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 event,” said
Three Days Grace frontman Adam Gontier. “The band has always been a fan of
NASCAR racing and we can’t think of a better reason to take a break from writing
our new record than to play for our friends down in Richmond.”
Individuals with tickets to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
race at Richmond International Raceway can get an up-close view of the Three
Days Grace concert by visiting Chevy Fan Fest on the midway at Richmond
International Raceway on September 6. By participating in the Chevy Challenge,
each individual will receive two free passes (while supplies last) to watch the
Three Days Grace performance on the frontstretch of the track.
Race fans who don’t already have tickets to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway can see their favorite
Chevy drivers “under the lights” on Saturday, September 6 by purchasing tickets
today! Tickets can be purchased at www.rir.com
or by calling the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE
(7223).
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Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY TO HOST “ONE LAST RACE TO MAKE THE CHASE”
AGAIN IN 2009
America’s Premier Short Track Hosts Two NASCAR Doubleheader Weekends
Richmond, VA (August 19, 2008)— NASCAR officials announced the 2009 Sprint Cup
Series schedule today and Richmond International Raceway will once again host
two races in the country’s premier motorsports series, including the final race
before The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. For the sixth consecutive
year, the Chevy Rock & Roll 400—scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2009—will
set the field for next year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, making it “One
Last Race to Make The Chase.”
“We are thrilled to host the final race before The Chase for the sixth
consecutive season,” said track president Doug Fritz. “Richmond International
Raceway is a favorite among drivers, crew chiefs, teams, NASCAR insiders and
fans across the world. By hosting the prestigious 26th race again in 2009,
America’s Premier Short Track further maintains its position as one of the best
motorsports facilities in the world.”
NASCAR’s top national series will make its first visit to Richmond International
Raceway in 2009 on Saturday, May 2, when The Crown Royal Presents The Your Name
Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race runs “under the lights.”
NASCAR also announced the 2009 Nationwide Series schedule this afternoon, and
the racing season at America’s Premier Short Track will commence next year with
the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, May 1. The
Nationwide Series will return to Richmond International Raceway in September,
when the Emerson Radio 250 kicks off the second NASCAR doubleheader weekend at
America’s Premier Short Track on Friday, September 11.
While the news today was about next year’s slate, the excitement for the
upcoming 2008 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 continues to build. With limited
opportunities remaining for the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to race
their way into The Chase, the “One Last Race To Make The Chase” event will
certainly once again be one of the most entertaining races of the season.
Tickets are still available for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and start at $80. Log
on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE for ticket information.
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Below is the release from NASCAR:
2009 NASCAR NATIONAL SERIES SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED
* NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule Has Realignment Involving Atlanta, Auto Club,
Talladega Tracks
* NASCAR Nationwide Series Includes Date At Iowa Speedway
* NASCAR Truck Series Realigns Date To Chicago For Night Race
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2008) – NASCAR announced today its national series
schedules for the 2009 season, which features realigned dates for the NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Truck Series.
In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series there will be a three-way date swap between
Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) and
Talladega Superspeedway.
· Atlanta’s second 2009 race will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6, taking the Labor
Day weekend slot now held by Auto Club Speedway.
· Auto Club Speedway’s second race will be Sunday, Oct. 11 – the fourth week of
the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” a slot formerly held by Talladega.
· Talladega’s second event will move to Sunday, Nov. 1, making it the seventh
Chase event – the slot formerly held by Atlanta.
“The 2009 schedule reflects realigned dates that are good opportunities for
everyone involved in our sport – fans, sponsors, tracks and teams," said NASCAR
President Mike Helton.
The season begins with a tripleheader weekend at Daytona International Speedway
capped by the running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15.
In addition to that season-opening event for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the
NASCAR Truck Series starts its season on Friday night, Feb. 13, followed the
next afternoon by the NASCAR Nationwide Series opener.
For all three series, the season will conclude with another tripleheader
weekend, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20-22.
Other key NASCAR Sprint Cup dates in 2009:
· The 31st annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona – a non-points event – will be
held on Saturday, Feb. 7.
· On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 12, Richmond International Raceway will
again host the “Chase cut-off” race, affording the last opportunity for drivers
to qualify for NASCAR’s championship playoffs.
· New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the first races in both the “Race to
the Chase” (Sunday, June 28) and the Chase (Sunday, Sept. 20).
There also will be an additional off-week for NASCAR’s premier series in 2009,
prior to the Labor Day weekend event, giving teams a final break before a
12-week stretch that will end the season. Because of the way the calendar falls,
NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will have a total of four off-weeks during the 2009
season.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will have a 35-race schedule. Changes from this
year include a new event at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 1, replacing Mexico City; a
switch of the Atlanta Motor Speedway event from March to September; and moving
the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event in Montreal to Sunday, Aug. 30.
The NASCAR Truck Series in 2009 again will have 25 races, with one realigned
date: The series’ late-season race at Atlanta will be replaced by a night event
at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, Aug. 28.
(The 2009 schedules follow. Starting times and television information will be
announced at a later date.)
2009 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Site
Feb. 7 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, Daytona International Speedway*
Feb. 15 Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 22 Auto Club Speedway
March 1 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
March 8 Atlanta Motor Speedway
March 22 Bristol Motor Speedway
March 29 Martinsville Speedway
April 5 Texas Motor Speedway
April 18 Phoenix International Raceway
April 26 Talladega Superspeedway
May 2 Richmond International Raceway
May 9 Darlington Raceway
May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Lowe’s Motor Speedway*
May 24 Lowe’s Motor Speedway
May 31 Dover International Speedway
June 7 Pocono Raceway
June 14 Michigan International Speedway
June 21 Infineon Raceway
June 28 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 4 Daytona International Speedway
July 11 Chicagoland Speedway
July 26 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Aug. 2 Pocono Raceway
Aug. 9 Watkins Glen International
Aug. 16 Michigan International Speedway
Aug. 22 Bristol Motor Speedway
Sept. 6 Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sept. 12 Richmond International Raceway
Sept. 20 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 27 Dover International Speedway
Oct. 4 Kansas Speedway
Oct. 11 Auto Club Speedway
Oct. 17 Lowe’s Motor Speedway
Oct. 25 Martinsville Speedway
Nov. 1 Talladega Superspeedway
Nov. 8 Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 15 Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 22 Homestead-Miami Speedway
* – Denotes non-points event.
2009 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Site
Feb. 14 Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 21 Auto Club Speedway
Feb. 28 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
March 21 Bristol Motor Speedway
April 4 Texas Motor Speedway
April 11 Nashville Superspeedway
April 17 Phoenix International Raceway
April 25 Talladega Superspeedway
May 1 Richmond International Raceway
May 8 Darlington Raceway
May 23 Lowe’s Motor Speedway
May 30 Dover International Speedway
June 6 Nashville Superspeedway
June 13 Kentucky Speedway
June 20 Milwaukee Mile
June 27 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 3 Daytona International Speedway
July 10 Chicagoland Speedway
July 18 Gateway International Raceway
July 25 O’Reilly Raceway Park
Aug. 1 Iowa Speedway
Aug. 8 Watkins Glen International
Aug. 15 Michigan International Speedway
Aug. 21 Bristol Motor Speedway
Aug. 30 Circuit Gilles Villenueve
Sept. 5 Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sept. 11 Richmond International Raceway
Sept. 26 Dover International Speedway
Oct. 3 Kansas Speedway
Oct. 10 Auto Club Speedway
Oct. 16 Lowe’s Motor Speedway
Oct. 24 Memphis Motorsports Park
Nov. 7 Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 14 Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 21 Homestead-Miami Speedway
2009 NASCAR TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Site
Feb. 13 Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 21 Auto Club Speedway
March 7 Atlanta Motor Speedway
March 28 Martinsville Speedway
April 25 Kansas Speedway
May 15 Lowe’s Motor Speedway
May 23 Mansfield Motorsports Park
May 29 Dover International Speedway
June 5 Texas Motor Speedway
June 13 Michigan International Speedway
June 19 Milwaukee Mile
June 27 Memphis Motorsports Park
July 18 Kentucky Speedway
July 24 O’Reilly Raceway Park
Aug. 1 Nashville Superspeedway
Aug. 19 Bristol Motor Speedway
Aug. 28 Chicagoland Speedway
Sept. 12 Gateway International Raceway
Sept. 19 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 26 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Oct. 24 Martinsville Speedway
Oct. 31 Talladega Superspeedway
Nov. 6 Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 13 Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 20 Homestead-Miami Speedway
Note: All dates subject to change.
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-513-0733 - Cell
804-329-5029 - Fax
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR "One Last Race to Make The Chase"
weekend, September 5-6. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
Contact: Richie Denzler, Manager of Community & Public Relations –
(804) 228-7507 (office) / (804) 513-0585 (cell) /
rdenzle@rir.com
NASCAR DRIVER LANDON CASSILL VISITS RICHMOND IN ANTICIPATION OF THE EMERSON
RADIO 250 NATIONWIDE SERIES RACE
Richmond, VA (August 13, 2008)—NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Landon Cassill,
who pilots the #5 National Guard Chevy, was in Richmond yesterday to promote the
Emerson Radio 250 Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway, set
for Friday, September 5.
Cassill made a stop at G Force Karts, located just across the street from
America’s Premier Short Track, to race against media members, as well as fans
who made their way to the indoor karting facility.
“There were some pretty intense moments out there at G Force,” said Cassill, who
has four top-10 finishes in 14 starts this season. “Some of the guys I raced
against were really good, but I was able to hold them off.”
Cassill has two starts at Richmond International Raceway and will look to
improve upon his best finish of 22nd with a good run at America’s Premier Short
Track on Friday, September 5, “under the lights.”
“After running Richmond a couple of times, I have a better feel of what the
track is like and what line to take,” said Cassill. “Richmond is such a unique
track with its ¾-mile, D-shaped layout and it’s just a great track to race on.
It takes me back to my days running the short tracks growing up, which is a lot
of fun.”
Cassill and the rest of the NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers return to Richmond
International Raceway on September 5 for the Emerson Radio 250 race, which kicks
off an action-packed doubleheader weekend at America’s Premier Short Track.
Friday’s events also include practice and pole qualifying for the Emerson Radio
250 and practice and Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Saturday, September 6, features the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Sprint Cup Series
race, which marks “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag
drops, the field will be set for the top 12 drivers in the point standings to
battle it out over the final 10 races of the season for a chance at the
championship. Tickets for Saturday start at $80. Friday’s tickets are $45
(reserved) and $35 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free
in general admission sections with a ticketed adult on Friday only. For tickets
and information, please visit www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE (7223).
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Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
Contact: Richie Denzler, Manager of Community & Public Relations –
(804) 228-7507 (office) / (804) 513-0585 (cell) /
rdenzler@rir.com
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY TO HOST TRACK WALK ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6,
PRIOR TO CHEVY ROCK & ROLL 400
Richmond, VA (August 13, 2008)—Have you ever wanted to walk the historic
pavement that some of the most legendary NASCAR drivers have raced on in the
past 20 years? Well now is your chance, because Richmond International Raceway
will be hosting a NASCAR Foundation Track Walk on Saturday, September 6, prior
to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at America’s Premier
Short Track.
By making a tax-deductible donation—which will benefit the NASCAR Foundation and
Richmond International Raceway Cares—fans will have the opportunity to walk
around the ¾-mile D-shaped oval that has endured the speeds of Richard Petty,
Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Ricky
Rudd, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and many other drivers who
have driven in NASCAR.
Donations* for participating in the track walk are $30 online, in advance (sign
up at foundation.nascar.com) or $35 when signing up at Richmond International
Raceway on race weekend, September 5-6. Registration will be located at Gate 70,
on the outside of the track behind Turn 4. Children 14 and under may walk for
free with a paid adult. All walkers, including children, must have a grandstand
ticket to the Saturday, September 6, Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race in order to participate.
The walk is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6. All
participants must check in prior to 11:00 a.m. in order to participate in the
walk.** Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate.
NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway Friday, September 5 and
Saturday, September 6 for another doubleheader weekend. Saturday’s Chevy Rock &
Roll 400 Sprint Cup Series race marks “One Last Race To Make The Chase.” When
the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for the Chase for the NASCAR
Sprint Cup. Only the top 12 drivers in the point standings will be eligible for
a shot at the series championship. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 always features
fierce battles for those trying to race their way into The Chase, as well as
drivers who are locked in, but need the all-important wins to gain precious
bonus points. The weekend begins Friday, September 5, with a full day of
on-track activity, including practice and qualifying for the Nationwide Series,
practice and Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for the Sprint Cup Series and the Emerson
Radio 250 Nationwide Series race “under the lights.” For tickets and
information, please call 866-455-7223 or visit www.rir.com.
*Donation is non-refundable, including event cancellation due to inclement
weather or otherwise.
**All participants, including online registrants, must stop by the registration
booth, at Gate 70, on the outside of the track behind Turn 4, to sign waivers.
About Richmond International Raceway Cares:
Richmond International Raceway Cares is dedicated to assisting charities, causes
and events in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area that focus on—but are not
limited to—youth, education and recreation.
Through The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Richmond
International Raceway Cares donates racing-related items and offers financial
support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities.
Working with The NASCAR Foundation, Richmond International Raceway Cares was
started and is run by the Richmond International Raceway staff.
Richmond International Raceway Cares strives to help meet the needs of the local
area by bettering the community through fundraising opportunities, providing
donations and volunteering time and effort for local worthy causes. Richmond
International Raceway and Richmond International Raceway Cares aim to improve
the quality of life for the residents in and around the Greater Richmond
Metropolitan community.
About the NASCAR Foundation:
The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity that embodies the
compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The
Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core
values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of
the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it
most. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website:
www.foundation.nascar.com.
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Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S DRIVE FOR LIFE COLLECTS 122 UNITS OF BLOOD
AND ADDS 22 TO THE NATIONAL MARROW REGISTRY
Richmond, VA (August 6, 2008)—After a day of fun-filled festivities and a show
of community support at Richmond International Raceway, track officials
announced today the results of Richmond International Raceway’s Third Annual
Drive for Life. The event, which marked an opportunity to help with the 2008
NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive, resulted in 122 units of blood
collected and 22 names added to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry of
volunteer donors. With the contributions at Richmond International Raceway, The
NASCAR Foundation is that much closer to reaching its annual goal.
“We are very pleased with the great turnout for Richmond International Raceway’s
Drive for Life,” said track president Doug Fritz. “With this strong show of
support, we’ll be able to help those in need right here in our community.
Although our drive is complete, we encourage everyone to continue to donate
much-needed blood and sign up for the marrow registry throughout the year.”
Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life is a collaborative effort
between the track, Virginia Blood Services, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the
National Marrow Donor Program, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and The NASCAR
Foundation. Nearly all tracks on the NASCAR circuit will participate this year.
Every donor at Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life received souvenir
items, food and beverages and a pace car ride around Richmond International
Raceway’s ¾-mile track. Additionally, many prize drawings were conducted
throughout the day, including tickets to the September 5-6 NASCAR doubleheader
weekend at America’s Premier Short Track.
NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway on Friday, September 5 and
Saturday, September 6, for two days of beating and banging around the ¾-mile
oval. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, on Saturday,
September 6, marks the final race before the Chase for the Championship. Once
the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for the championship, rendering
the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Tickets are
available now and start at $80. The weekend begins on Friday, September 5, with
a full day of on-track activity, including practice and pole qualifying for the
Nationwide Series, practice and Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for the Sprint Cup
Series and the Emerson Radio 250 Nationwide Series race “under the lights.”
Tickets for Friday, September 5, are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission)
in advance. Children 12 add under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in
general admission sections on Friday night only. For tickets and information,
please call the ticket office at 866-455-7223 or visit
www.rir.com.
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Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
Contact: Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations,
aturner@rir.com, 804-228-7645 (o),
804-513-0733 (c).
Richmond International Raceway Hosts Record Crowd for SunTrust Indy Challenge
RICHMOND, VA (July 1, 2008) – A record paying crowd was on hand this past
weekend for the eighth annual SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race at
Richmond International Raceway, officials announced today.
This past Saturday’s race at America’s Premier Short Track provided extreme
speeds, plenty of wheel-to-wheel action, and tons of excitement for the whole
family, as a record number of fans watched Tony Kanaan battle veterans and
rookies on his way to his first victory at the shortest track the IndyCar Series
visits, as well as his first victory of 2008.
This year’s event, the first since the historic unification earlier this year of
the IndyCar Series and the Champ Car Series – the two premier open-wheel
sanctioning bodies in North America – included more drivers, cars and
excitement, as well as an additional 50 laps.
The SunTrust Indy Challenge also saw a 50% television ratings increase from
2007. The 300-lap event, broadcast live on ESPN, brought in the highest rating
of any other show on both ESPN and ESPN2 on Saturday night.
The next event at Richmond International Raceway is the NASCAR doubleheader
weekend, September 5-6 for the Emerson Radio 250 Nationwide Series race and the
Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Sprint Cup Series “One Last Race to Make The Chase” race.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at
www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223.
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-513-0733 - Cell
804-329-5029 - Fax
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the SunTrust IndyCar Series weekend, June 27-28.
Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit www.rir.com
today!
Contact: Mark Hoskins, 804-228-7516 (O), 804-519-0437 (M),
mhoskins@rir.com
Former SunTrust Indy Challenge Winner Dan Wheldon Returns To Richmond International Raceway Following Victory at Iowa
Richmond, Virginia (June 23, 2008) – Dan Wheldon, winner of the 2004 SunTrust
Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway, took the lead Sunday at Iowa
by staying out during a caution with 60 laps remaining and held on for his
second IndyCar Series win of the season. This Saturday “under the lights,”
Wheldon will go for back-to-back wins and his second career victory at America’s
Premier Short Track in the 2008 SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond
International Raceway.
Wheldon, who is now four wins shy of the IndyCar Series career record, held off
Andretti Green Racing teammates Hideki Mutoh and Marco Andretti Sunday for the
win at Iowa. For Mutoh, the second-place finish was a career best, while
Andretti matched his season best finish of third in the Indy 500. Prior to
Sunday’s race on the Iowa 7/8-mile oval, Mutoh and teammate Danica Patrick
tested at Richmond International Raceway last Monday.
Patrick, who headlines the Indy Paddock Zone fan hospitality area on Saturday,
finished sixth at Iowa and will look to keep the momentum building with three
career starts and the experience of her test session last week at America’s
Premier Short Track.
Another former SunTrust Indy Challenge winner, Helio Castroneves, was in
contention for his first win of the season Sunday, leading a race-high 92 laps,
but the “Dancing With the Stars” champion was foiled by Wheldon’s race strategy
and wound up in 14th. Tony Kanaan was also in the hunt early for his first win
of the season, battling Castroneves and leading 71 laps himself before finishing
18th.
The IndyCar Series points leader, Scott Dixon, finished fourth after starting on
the pole and extended his advantage over Castroneves in the standings to 48
points. Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Dixon and Wheldon have now combined
for five victories in nine races this season. Dixon is also a former winner at
Richmond International Raceway, taking the 2003 SunTrust Indy Challenge.
Will Castroneves or Kanaan reach Gatorade Victory Lane for the first time this
season at Richmond International Raceway? Or, will Dixon continue his impressive
season and grab his fourth win of the year and second of his career at America’s
Premier Short Track? Patrick will attempt to steal the show as well and claim
her second win of the season. Fans can see all of the exciting action at
Richmond International Raceway in the eighth annual SunTrust Indy Challenge
“under the lights” this Saturday night.
The SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race is the headlining event of an
exciting weekend of open-wheel racing at Richmond International Raceway June
27-28. The weekend starts with NBC12 Day Friday, June 27, featuring IndyCar
Series Pole Qualifying and the “Showdown at Sundown” USAC National Sprint Car
Series race. Friday’s ticket also includes admission to an autograph session
featuring all of the IndyCar Series drivers. On Saturday, June 28, the James
River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race precedes the SunTrust Indy
Challenge.
Tickets for the Saturday, June 28, SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race
are available by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting www.rir.com. Reserved
seats are $35 and general admission seats are $30. Children 12 and under are
admitted free in general admission sections with a ticketed adult. Saturday’s
ticket also includes a seat for the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown
Series race, which will precede the IndyCar Series event. All seats for Friday,
NBC 12 Day are general admission for $15 and children 12 and under are admitted
free with a paid adult. The NBC12 Day ticket includes an autograph session with
all IndyCar drivers, Pole Qualifying for the SunTrust Indy Challenge and the
USAC National Sprint Car Series race.
The Indy Paddock Zone Fan Hospitality package is the best way to experience the
thrills of open-wheel racing at Richmond International Raceway. For only $104,
fans will receive a general admission ticket for NBC 12 Day Friday, a reserved
seat for Saturday, featuring the SunTrust Indy Challenge, a weekend Pre-Race
Pit/Garage Pass (must be 18 and older) and admission to the climate-controlled
Indy Paddock Zone hospitality area on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, Friday’s ticket includes an autograph session with all of the
IndyCar Series drivers.
The Indy Paddock Zone hospitality area on Saturday includes appearances by
Patrick, Kanaan, Vitor Meira, other IndyCar Series personalities and track
president Doug Fritz, an all you can eat dinner buffet, unlimited sodas and
water, three beer tickets for guests 21 and older (with valid ID), music and
interactive games, prizes and more!
The Pre-Race Pit/Garage pass allows entry to the IndyCar Series garage area and
pit road area on both Friday and Saturday. The passes expire one hour before the
start of the USAC races. To take advantage of the Pre-Race Pit/Garage pass,
guests must be 18 years of age or older with a valid ID. Additionally, no
coolers are allowed in the Indy Paddock Zone hospitality area or on pit road.
To purchase the Indy Paddock Zone package, tickets to the SunTrust Indy
Challenge or for more information, call the Richmond International Raceway
ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or log on to
www.rir.com.
---
Mark Hoskins
Manager of Communications
Richmond International Raceway
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Office: 804-228-7516
Cell: 804-519-0437
Fax: 804-329-5029
mhoskins@rir.com
INDYCAR SERIES DRIVERS TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Richmond, VA (June 19, 2008)—Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, 2008
Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan, Graham Rahal and
the rest of the field of IndyCar Series drivers will sign autographs for fans on
Friday, June 27, at Richmond International Raceway. Fans will have the
opportunity to get up close and personal with all of the IndyCar Series stars
from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the Commonwealth Building, located next to the
Capital One Corporate Hospitality Pavilion near the midway.
This unique opportunity is an exclusive part of the $15 ticket to NBC12 Day,
featuring Pole Qualifying for the SunTrust Indy Challenge race and the USAC
National Sprint Car Series “Showdown at Sundown” race. Friday’s ticket also
includes practice for the IndyCar Series, as well as practice and Pole
Qualifying for the USAC National Sprint Car Series and Silver Crown Series.
The 2008 IndyCar Series event at Richmond International Raceway is the first
since the historic unification earlier this year of the IndyCar Series and the
Champ Car Series—the two premier open-wheel sanctioning bodies in North America.
The unification means even more drivers, cars and excitement in America’s top
open-wheel series, all competing on the same track at the same time.
Tickets for the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race at Richmond
International Raceway on Saturday, June 28, are on sale now. These cars reach
180 mph on the ¾-mile oval known as America’s Premier Short Track. Reserved
seats are $35 and general admission seats are $30. Tickets also include a seat
for the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race. Friday’s $15
tickets for NBC12 Day include IndyCar Series Pole Qualifying and the USAC
National Sprint Car Series race, as well as the autograph session with all of
the IndyCar Series drivers. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general
admission seating with a ticketed adult both nights. For more information,
please call the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-7223, or
visit www.rir.com.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Manager of Community & Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com