March 7, 2012

Richmond International Raceway Partner Receives Recognition by White House

Blue Ox Recognized for Manufacturing Success



Richmond International Raceway partner, Blue Ox, was recently recognized by the White House’s U.S. Department of Agriculture for successfully establishing and growing their manufacturing company in a rural region.

Blue Ox owner Jay Hesse participated in the event along with representatives from the First National Bank of Omaha and the USDA Rural Development. The First National Bank of Omaha and the USDA Rural Development worked together on a loan that helped Blue Ox restructure their financial plan. This restructuring led to the retention of 110 jobs in Pender, Neb., where Blue Ox’s manufacturing facility is located.

At the event, owner Jay Hesse said, “It’s an honor to receive this recognition and on behalf of the employees, supplies and professional partners of Blue Ox, we are proud to be an integral part of keeping our small town of Pender a viable community.”

Blue Ox has been an official partner of Richmond International Raceway since 2008 as the sponsor of two reserved RV parking areas. Blue Ox also sponsors the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race each April at Richmond.

For tickets and information, click here  or call 866-455-7223. You can also Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter  to stay up to date.

About Blue Ox:
Blue Ox is the market leader in steering, towing, hitching and braking products. Manufactured in their Pender, Nebraska facility, Blue Ox provides unparalleled quality products and exemplary customer care.

Virginia Boys Dominate at Phoenix International Raceway

Elliott Sadler and Denny Hamlin Sweep the Weekend



Richmond, VA (March 5, 2012)— Emporia, Va. native Elliott Sadler and Chesterfield, Va.’s Denny Hamlin both brought home victories for the Commonwealth this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.

Elliott Sadler captured his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory since 1998 on Saturday afternoon in the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200. The win marked Sadler’s first career win at PIR and ended a 13-season winless drought. The win gave Sadler a 10 point lead in the Nationwide Series points standings over second-place Austin Dillon.

Sadler also announced this weekend that he will drive the No. 55 car for Michael Waltrip Racing in five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this season.

Denny Hamlin, with Floyd, Va. native crew chief Darian Grubb atop the pit box, found redemption at the track that crushed his championship hopes in 2010. Hamlin’s win Sunday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Subway Fresh Fit 500 propelled him into the series points lead by six points over Greg Biffle.

The victory for the Virginia team of Hamlin and Grubb came after only two races together. After the win on Sunday, Hamlin tweeted, “It’s going to be a good year I feel it.”

Grubb, who led Tony Stewart to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship, has 6 wins in the last 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, making him one of the top crew chiefs of the series.

The Virginia boys will return to Richmond International Raceway April 26-28 for three nights of racing on the ¾ mile short-track that Sadler and Hamlin call home. The weekend features the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race “under the lights” on Saturday, April 28. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race kick off the weekend Thursday, April 26. All tickets for Thursday are general admission and $25. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

To purchase tickets for the April 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and Pre-Race Pit Passes, click here and be sure to “add race day activities” or call 866-455-7223. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance and children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission.

RIR PRESIDENT DENNIS BICKMEIER (@RIRprez) JOINS THE TWITTERVERSE



Richmond, VA (February 16, 2012)—Although it’s not exactly one giant “tweet” for mankind, it is one small step for Dennis Bickmeier to become the fan-friendliest track president in all of motorsports. This week, Richmond International Raceway’s president joined the Twitterverse, where he is known as @RIRprez.

Launching his Twitterdom with a simple but playful, “A little birdie told me this Twitter thing is catching on. Now what? Help me out RIR Fans!,” Bickmeier wants to have one-on-one dialogue with @NASCAR fans, drivers and media about #NASCAR, as well as sports, current events and whatever happens to be #trending.

“Even before I became president at Richmond International Raceway, one of my favorite things about working at other racing facilities was the opportunity to talk with fans on a personal level,” said Bickmeier. “This will serve as another platform for me to interact with everyone outside of race weekend. I can maintain a dialogue throughout the entire year with our awesome fans and hopefully plenty of followers.”

Bickmeier, with the help of @RIRInsider, garnered nearly 100 followers on his first day and is excited to grow that number exponentially.

Stay up to date with Dennis (@RIRprez) and Richmond International Raceway (@RIRInsider) for all the latest and greatest news, events and what Bickmeier had for lunch.

Tickets are on sale now for the April 26-28 weekend, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race “under the lights” on Saturday, April 28. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

To purchase tickets for the April 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and Pre-Race Pit Passes, click here and be sure to “add race day activities” or call 866-455-7223. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance and children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission.

The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race kick off the weekend Thursday, April 26. All tickets for Thursday are general admission and $25. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. For tickets and information, click here or call 866-455-7223.

EXPERIENCE FRIDAY’S ON-TRACK ACTIVITY FROM PIT ROAD WITH RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S PRE-RACE PIT PASSES

Fans Can Experience Unforgettable Sights & Sounds Up Close on NASCAR Race Day



Richmond, VA (February 15, 2012)—Richmond International Raceway is bringing you closer to the action than ever before with Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes for the upcoming Spring NASCAR Weekend. You can watch NASCAR pole qualifying and practice from the perspective of a NASCAR crew member and see the stock cars from just a few feet away as they rumble down pit road, giving you an unforgettable experience of the sights and sounds that only NASCAR can produce.

Individual Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes, $50 per person, are the only way fans can gain access to pit road. Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes are available online by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

Friday’s events include Wawa Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as NBC12 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. In order to purchase the Friday Pre-Race Pit Pass, you must have a ticket for the April 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race. Pre-Race Pit Passes are limited to guests 16 years of age and older. Parent or guardian must sign waivers for and accompany children under 18 who are utilizing Pre-Race Pit Passes.

Again this year, shorts, short-sleeve or sleeveless shirts and blouses and open-toed shoes are permitted. Shoes, shirts and pants or shorts, dresses and/or skirts and blouses are required. No alcohol or coolers are permitted in the infield.

To purchase tickets for the April 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and Pre-Race Pit Passes, click here and be sure to “add race day activities” or call 866-455-7223. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance and children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission.

The headlining event of the Spring Weekend features the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race “under the lights” on Saturday, April 28. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race kick off the Spring Weekend on Thursday, April 26. All tickets for Thursday are general admission and $25. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. For tickets and information, click here or call 866-455-7223.

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S FAN ADVISORY BOARD BEGINS FIRST FULL TERM REPRESENTING THE BEST FANS IN MOTORSPORTS



Richmond, VA (February 9, 2012)—Last season, Richmond International Raceway assembled its inaugural Fan Advisory Board, compiled of 21 guests who expressed an interest in representing the best fans in all of motorsports. After earning their rookie stripe in the 2011 season, the Fan Advisory Board is back in 2012 for its first full season to assist Richmond International Raceway officials by providing input, advice and feedback on a wide range of topics.

With conference calls and meetings throughout the year, the Fan Advisory Board serves as a sounding board for RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. But the communication goes both ways, as the fans are the eyes and ears, relaying information to further enhance Richmond International Raceway’s operations. The committee has been busy over the past few months, providing feedback topics including the Fan Guide, parking, concessions and the Midway experience.

“One of the first things I wanted to do upon my arrival last year was get to know our Fan Advisory Board,” said Bickmeier. “There is no better way to improve the fan experience than to speak directly with the fans who visit us, whether they’ve been here one, five or 30 years. I look forward to our continued dialogue and know this core group will help us make the fan experience at RIR even better.”

“It’s refreshing to hear you’re committed to addressing the fan experience at Richmond International Raceway,” said Fan Advisory Board member Brian Johnson. “You have a wonderful track and a proud history, but even the best venues need to retool from time to time in order to maximize the experience.”

Fan Advisory Board members will be active throughout race weekends at RIR, talking with fellow fans and taking notes about their experience to relay back to track officials.

Each member accepted their role because they have a passion for Richmond International Raceway – a place they call home twice a year on NASCAR weekends. Here is a quick snapshot of the Fan Advisory Board members:

Joshua Grim

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 8
Favorite driver: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fun fact: Attended races since 1992



John Moon

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite drivers: Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin
Fun fact: Professional skydiver



Robert Rightmyer

Hometown: Prince George, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 19
Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, A.J. Allmendinger
Fun fact: Richard Petty fanatic



Larry Curtis

Hometown: Bear, Delaware
Number of years attending races at RIR: 10+
Favorite drivers: Richard Petty, Kyle Busch
Fun fact: Attended more than 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races



Maryellen Davison

Hometown: Edwardsville, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 10
Favorite drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards
Fun fact: Teaches deep water aerobics



Lee Allan

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 4
Favorite drivers: Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards



Jeff Crowder

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 20+
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon



Lee-An Felkins

Hometown: Reading, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 1
Favorite driver: Mark Martin
Fun fact: 26 years in the Navy



Gerry Allen

Hometown: Severn, Maryland
Number of years attending races at RIR: 3
Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards
Fun fact: Was a camera operator during the Orioles/Mariners American League Divisional Series game in 1997 and was seen in the dugout on television



Amy Sylvia

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 8
Favorite driver: Tony Stewart



Robert Ellis

Hometown: Hampton, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 19
Favorite drivers: Ken Schrader, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fun fact: Raced at Langley Speedway 1997-2009 in the Grand Stock Division



Kevin Van Asdalan

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 9
Favorite driver: Brad Keselowski
Fun fact: Owns a Greater Swiss Mountain dog – strong enough to pull a car



Kamele Schwab

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 2
Favorite driver: Jimmie Johnson


Frank Decker

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+
Faorite driver: Bobby Labonte
Fun fact: Enjoys camping at track



Kendall Humphries

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon
Fun fact: Makes music and works on his Jeep



Brian Johnson

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite driver: David Gilliland



Joy Metzger

Hometown: Chester, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 12
Favorite driver: Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman
Fun fact: Always wanted to go to clown school



Steven Wilson

Hometown: Gloucester, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+
Favorite drivers: Carl Edwards, Trevor Bayne
Fun fact: Loves Civil War history



Vishal Aswani

Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
Number of years attending races at RIR: 3
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon

Fun fact: Has been going to NASCAR, F1, Endurance, Rallying, and IndyCar races for at least 18 of the 25 years he has been alive (and still has the dream to drive someday!)

Members will serve at least two full seasons, with new applications accepted next year for those whose term is complete.

Join us to celebrate 60 Years of NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway this season. Tickets are on sale now for the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race, featuring Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin, reigning series champion Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and all of your favorite drivers.

The weekend begins on Thursday, April 26, with a doubleheader, showcasing the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, as well as the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. The action continues Friday, April 27, with a full day of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and practice and pole qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

For tickets and information, click here or call 866-455-7223. You can also Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date.

Richmond International Raceway Partners with Local Advertising Agency





Richmond, VA (January 20, 2012)—What better way to support the “Buy Local” initiative than to do it yourself? In the spirit of buying local, Richmond International Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier announced today a partnership with local advertising agency Barber Martin.

A 24-year-old shop located in metro Richmond, Barber Martin is a full-service agency that oversees the advertising platform for a wide variety of Richmond based companies, including Adolf Jewelers, West Broad Honda, Wealthcare Capital Management, VCU School of Business, Chesterfield Auto Parts, Capitol Region Airport Commission, and Southern States Cooperative. The Barber Martin team will assist RIR with print, television, radio and out-of-home messaging and promotions for the 2012 season.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Barber Martin,” explained RIR president Dennis Bickmeier. “They are a well respected agency that knows the Richmond and surrounding markets and share our values of integrity and commitment to our customers. They understand our fan base and are committed to helping us create a memorable experience for our fans.”

Barber Martin will also assist RIR as the track celebrates 60 years of NASCAR racing by encouraging fans to share their memories and stories about races at RIR, as well as help the fans create new memories.

“RIR is just such a unique Richmond institution. And we’ve always looked back fondly on the work we did with the track many years ago,” says Robyn Deyo, President of Barber Martin. “So we’re genuinely excited to be able to work with them again. They have a great team over there that really ‘gets it’ so we’re looking to accomplish big things with them.”

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway April 26-28 for three nights of racing under the lights. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.rir.com  or by calling 866-455-7223. Tickets are also available for the April 27, NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and the April 26, doubleheader, featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF NASCAR IN 2012

Commemorative Logo Unveiled to Mark Historic Milestone; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, January 13



Richmond, VA (January 12, 2012)—Six decades of NASCAR memories, and many more to come. That’s the theme at Richmond International Raceway this year, as 2012 marks 60 years of NASCAR at RIR. The venue has hosted the third-most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races ever (111), making it one of the most historic landmarks in motorsports.

To commemorate the milestone, Richmond International Raceway unveils a special “60 Years of NASCAR” logo to be used throughout 2012. The logo will be incorporated into marketing materials, as well as merchandise that will soon be available for purchase.

“NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway has a storied history, dating all the way back to 1953,” said track president Dennis Bickmeier. “Since that first NASCAR race, the track has undergone three name changes, five configuration changes and one surface change. But one thing that remains a constant is the incredible racing action our fans love.”

The first NASCAR race at what was then known as Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds, took place on April 19, 1953. Lee Petty, the patriarch of the famous Petty family, won the race and took home $1,000 with an average speed of 45.535 mph on the ½-mile dirt track.

Fast forward to 2012 and the track is a bit different, measuring at ¾-mile of asphalt. When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2012, the 60th year of NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway begins.

Richard Petty, Lee’s son, holds virtually every major NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career record at Richmond International Raceway, including most wins (13), most poles (8 [shares record with Bobby Allison]), most top-five finishes (34), most top-10s (41), most starts (63), most consecutive starts (46), most races led (34), most laps led (5,136).

Tickets for the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race at Richmond International Raceway go on sale this Friday, January 13, at 9:00 a.m. ET and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223. The weekend begins Thursday, April 26, with a doubleheader featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, preceded by the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. On Friday, April 27, catch the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race. For tickets and information on all events, log on to www.rir.com  or call 866-455-7223.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the state-of-the-art Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com  online.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES TICKETS AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Fans Will Experience Racing “Under the Lights” Saturday, April 28



Richmond, VA (January 11, 2012)—Proving that good things do happen on Friday the 13th, Richmond International Raceway fans may purchase tickets to the Saturday, April 28, Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this Friday, January 13, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The race marks the return of NASCAR to Richmond International Raceway for the first time since last September’s Wonderful Pistachios 400 – one of the most exciting races of the 2011 season.

Defending champion Tony Stewart; Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin; Jimmie Johnson; Jeff Gordon; Kyle Busch; Carl Edwards and all of your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will battle “under the lights” around the ¾-mile D-shaped oval.

Race day at Richmond International Raceway is unlike any other event in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fans arrive bright and early to enjoy the best tailgating around, as well as the sights and sounds of the souvenir display area where you can check out all the merchandise on sale, collect free souvenirs and play interactive games.

As the sun sets, we flip on the lights for 400 laps of old-school, short track, Saturday night racing. Cheer on your favorite drivers and experience racing like nowhere else. Be here on Saturday, April 28, for the Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Fans can enhance their race day experience with the Saturday Pit Pass Upgrade, providing the only opportunity to score a pre-race pit pass to walk down pit road for an unforgettable infield visit. The upgrade also includes admission to the indoor, climate-controlled 3-Wide hospitality area. The Saturday Pit Pass Upgrade is $80 for adults, $40 for kids 12 and younger. Fans wishing to purchase must also have a grandstand ticket.

Tickets for the Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race can be purchased online beginning Friday, January 13, by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223. Tickets are also available for the April 27, Richmond 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the April 26, doubleheader, featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the state-of-the-art Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com  online. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.
 

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