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RACE FANS,
RICHMOND-AREA RESIDENTS HELP RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY GIVE BACK TO LOCAL
COMMUNITY
Richmond, VA (December 19, 2007)—With the holiday season in full swing, Richmond
International Raceway is proud to announce the results of its successful
campaign to benefit two area charities and ultimately, citizens in Henrico
County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area.
Starting Monday, November 19, and ending this past Friday, December 14, the
Richmond International Raceway ticket office served as a drop-off point to
donate new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Toys for Tots program and canned goods
to help the Central Virginia Foodbank. With track president Doug Fritz pledging
to match all donations at the track, toy-for-toy and can-for-can, area residents
and race fans responded with incredible generosity.
All told, nearly 700 new, unwrapped toys will find their way into the hands of
area children through the Marine Toys for Tots program and hundreds of pounds of
food will help Richmond-area residents during a time of need.
In addition, Richmond International Raceway held its fourth annual Community
Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 4. Hundreds attended the event, which was
highlighted by musical performances by Laburnum Elementary School students and
the Henrico High School Mighty Marching Warriors band. The 40-foot tree, which
is located at the front of the raceway’s property at the corner of Laburnum
Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, will remain illuminated through Christmas
Day. The master of ceremonies for the event was Matt DiNardo, meteorologist for
Richmond’s ABC affiliate, WRIC TV-8. The tree is decorated with ornaments
provided by students from Laburnum Elementary School and L. Douglas Wilder
Middle School.
“During the holiday season and throughout the entire year, Richmond
International Raceway strives to give back to our great community,” said track
president Doug Fritz. “We are proud to serve as a collection point for the
Marine Toys for Tots and Central Virginia Foodbank and we are very pleased by
the generosity of our area residents and race fans. This is the fourth year we
have worked with these programs and also held a Community Tree Lighting. We are
looking forward to many more years of helping citizens in the Greater Richmond
area through these worthwhile causes.”
Through its more than 550 partner agencies, the Central Virginia Foodbank serves
the hunger needs of 31 counties and six cities in the Central Virginia area. In
an average day, 45,000 pounds of food goes out the warehouse doors. That food
provides life-sustaining nutrition to our community's most vulnerable
citizens—children living in poverty, the working poor, frail elderly, disaster
victims, battered women, and those who are disabled, homeless or mentally
challenged.
Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America's needy children at
Christmas through their Toys for Tots program. By distributing new toys, Marines
deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. The
objectives of the new toy include building/restoring self-esteem and eliminating
the "second class citizen" syndrome that is associated with "second hand" toys.
Marines bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive
mentoring by serving as positive role models.
Richmond International Raceway’s 2008 season kicks off May 2-3 with a NASCAR
doubleheader, featuring the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 races. Tickets are on sale
now for the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race on Friday, May 2, “under the
lights.” Reserved seats are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race day). General
admission seats are $35 (in advance) and $40 (on race day). Children 12 and
under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections.
Tickets for the Saturday, May 3 Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will go on sale to the general public on Saturday,
January 5. For tickets and information, please call the ticket office at
1-866-455-7223 or visit
www.rir.com.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Community & Public Relations Coordinator
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, Community & Public Relations Coordinator, 804-513-0585
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PRESIDENT & KANSAS SPEEDWAY PRESIDENT WAGER ON
ORANGE BOWL
Richmond, VA (December 17, 2007)—This season’s Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida is
not only important for the two teams squaring off—Virginia Tech and Kansas
University—but also for two of its notable alumni who are both employees at
International Speedway Corporation. Virginia Tech alum and Richmond
International Raceway president Doug Fritz, and Kansas University alum and
Kansas Speedway president Jeff Boerger have agreed on a “friendly wager” on the
Orange Bowl, which will kickoff January 3, 2008.
In a show of state pride by both track presidents, Fritz has agreed to send the
entire Kansas Speedway staff Virginia hams and Virginia peanuts if his Hokies
fall to the Jayhawks. If Virginia Tech reigns victorious over Kansas, Boerger
has agreed to bestow Kansas City strip steaks and sunflower seeds (Kansas is
“The Sunflower State”) upon the Richmond International Raceway staff.
“Although I would like to introduce two very tasty Virginia products to the
employees at Kansas Speedway, I would much rather taste victory over the
Jayhawks when my beloved Hokies reign supreme at the Orange Bowl,” said Fritz.
“I will be watching my good friend Coach Frank Beamer and his team closely from
the stands and I look forward to returning to Richmond to hand out the strip
steaks and sunflower seeds to all of the employees at Richmond International
Raceway. Go Hokies!”
“The Virginia hams will taste extremely good after I watch my Jayhawks beat the
Hokies of Virginia Tech,” said Boerger. “Coach Mark Mangino and his staff have
done a great job this year and it’s been exciting to watch KU get recognized for
all of their hard work. Several staff members at Kansas Speedway are KU
graduates and we’ll all be pulling for the Jayhawks to beat the Hokies. Rock
Chalk Jayhawk!”
Fritz is a 1981 graduate of Virginia Tech where he majored in marketing
management. A longtime Hokie supporter, Fritz is a season ticket holder and will
be making the trip with his family to Miami for the game. His daughter, Laura,
and son, Scott, both attend Virginia Tech. Boerger is a 1988 graduate of Kansas
University where he majored in Fine Arts.
The Orange Bowl is one piece of the Bowl Championship Series puzzle. A spot in
the BCS is one of the most coveted achievements in college football. Virginia
Tech (11-2) earned their way in by winning the Atlantic Coast Conference. Kansas
University (11-1) received an at-large bid, despite finishing second in the Big
XII Conference’s North Division. Virginia Tech is ranked #3 and Kansas #8 in the
current BCS standings.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Community & Public Relations Coordinator
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 NEWS & NOTES FOR
THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 10, 2007
*Still Time to Donate Toys and Food for Two Worthy Causes
*NASCAR Nationwide Series Testing Returns to Richmond in 2008
*Track Adds Two Employees to Staff
*RIR Employee Named to Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Board of Directors
*Fourth Annual Community Tree Lighting Brings Holiday Cheer
*Staff Participates in Meals on Wheels Program
STILL TIME TO DONATE TOYS AND FOOD FOR TWO WORTHY CAUSES: For the fourth
consecutive year, race fans and the general public are encouraged to help the
Richmond International Raceway staff assist the Central Virginia Foodbank and
the Marine Toys for Tots program by donating food items and toys during the
holiday season.
Now through this Thursday, December 14, donations can be made to both worthy
causes at the Richmond International Raceway ticket office located at the corner
of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike (Meadowbridge Road). The ticket
office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The track will once again match every donation received at the track,
can-for-can and toy-for-toy.
For every five food items or one new, unwrapped toy donated to these
organizations and dropped off at Richmond International Raceway, each donor will
receive a special raceway souvenir (limit five souvenirs per donor). Food items
most needed are canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned vegetables and
fruits, canned spaghetti sauce, hot and cold cereals, pasta and rice.
NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES TESTING RETURNS TO RICHMOND IN 2008: Adding even more
excitement to Richmond International Raceway’s 2008 preseason, NASCAR officials
announced that America’s Premier Short Track will be one of just four tracks—and
the only short track—that will be permitted to host official NASCAR Nationwide
Series (formerly known as the NASCAR Busch Series) tests next season. Richmond
International Raceway’s test session is scheduled for March 24-25, 2008.
Richmond International Raceway will continue its longstanding policy of allowing
fans to watch testing from the grandstands free of charge for the 2008 NASCAR
Nationwide Series test sessions. With many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
drivers also running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, fans can expect to see
many of their favorite drivers from both series at America’s Premier Short Track
in March.
NASCAR instituted the track testing policy in 2006, pre-setting a schedule for
when and where NASCAR tests are to be conducted. The scheduled tests are the
only opportunities teams will have to test at each series’ tracks. The policy
was implemented to serve as an aid to maintain better overall competitive
balance for the teams and contain costs.
TRACK ADDS TWO EMPLOYEES TO STAFF: Doug Fritz announced today two additions to
the Richmond International Raceway staff. The track has added two new positions
to its core: Director of Consumer Marketing and Manager of Event Operations.
John Moreland, who has been with International Speedway Corporation since 2002,
has been added as Richmond International Raceway’s Director of Consumer
Marketing after 5 ½ years with sister track Michigan International Speedway.
While at MIS, Moreland served as Director of Ticketing and was then promoted to
Senior Director of Marketing and Sales in March 2007. During his tenure,
Moreland was responsible for all aspects of marketing and sales for MIS;
supervised the corporate sales, communications and ticketing departments;
oversaw corporate client relationships and monitored development of the MIS
brand.
Prior to joining International Speedway Corporation, Moreland served as Venues
Ticketing Manager for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah;
Director of Ticket Operations at Southern Methodist University; and Ticket
Office Assistant at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
As Director of Consumer Marketing at Richmond International Raceway, Moreland
will oversee the advertising and ticketing departments; generate new business
and sales among consumers; maintain relationships with ticket holders and
constantly improve the service to 112,029 guests at America’s Premier Short
Track.
John is married to his wife, Holly, and they reside in Richmond.
Chris Grubbs, a Henrico County native, has been added as Richmond International
Raceway’s Manager of Event Operations. Prior to joining the track, Grubbs was
president of Show Managers, Inc. In that role, he produced the Richmond Home
Interiors Showcase. His duties included renting facilities, selling exhibition
space, selling sponsorships, purchasing advertising and creating promotions.
Prior to Show Managers, Inc., Grubbs was show manager for AGI Events/Royal
Productions, Inc., where he produced boat shows, RV shows, home and garden shows
and golf shows in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
As Manager of Event Operations, Grubbs will manage the Richmond Raceway Complex
operations department. He will oversee the execution of more than 140 events
held at Richmond Raceway Complex per year.
Grubbs is married to his wife, Lori, and they reside in Mechanicsville with
their daughter, Julia, 10, and their son, Robbie, 7.
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY EMPLOYEE NAMED TO MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION’S BOARD
OF DIRECTORS: Richmond International Raceway’s Senior Manager of Business
Development, Brian Hagerman, has been named to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Central and Western Virginia’s Board of Directors. Hagerman has worked closely
with the local chapter throughout his four years with the track.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western Virginia grants the wishes of
children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience
with hope, strength and joy. It is the vision of the organization that people
everywhere will share the power of a wish.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Hagerman will assist the group in
fundraising and special events, including the Celestial Ball and Clear
Channel-Richmond Radiothon.
FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER: Richmond
International Raceway’s Fourth Annual Community Tree Lighting took place on
Tuesday, December 4 at the corner of Laburnum Ave. and Richmond-Henrico
Turnpike. Hundreds showed up for a night of holiday cheer to kick off this
special season.
Students from Laburnum Elementary School provided musical performances and tree
decorations. Students from L. Douglas Wilder Middle School also provided tree
ornaments. The Henrico High School Mighty Marching Warriors band provided
holiday music and Henrico’s athletic boosters served hot chocolate and cookies
to those in attendance.
The night was capped off with the illumination of a nearly 40-foot tall holiday
tree that will remain lit every night through December 25.
STAFF PARTICIPATES IN MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM: The entire Richmond International
Raceway staff helped deliver meals on those in need in the Greater Richmond
Metropolitan area recently. With a caravan of vehicles, the staff assisted Meals
on Wheels of Central Virginia in full force, delivering meals to more than 100
area residents. This was the fifth consecutive year the staff has participated
in the program. During that time, staff members have dedicated nearly 300 hours
of service to the Meals on Wheels program alone.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Community & Public Relations Coordinator
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
December 7, 2007
RABENOLD RACING HEADING
TO DAYTONA
ARCA driver Kory Rabenold from Slatington, PA and members of his team will make
the long journey to Daytona, Florida on December 12, 2007. The ARCA RE/MAX
Series will hold a test session on December 14-16 at the Daytona Speedway.
Rabenold Racing purchased a car from Bobby Gerhart Racing and Kory will be
testing for Bobby Gerhart. With help from Rich Mummey of Interstate Batteries of
Allentown, Billy and Bobby Gerhart, Scott Ritter of RPM Race Engine, and Buzzy’s
Autobody, Kory is able to have this opportunity to attend the test session at
Daytona. The Rabenold Racing Team is hoping to acquire valuable track time and
experience on this super speedway that will help them qualify for the ARCA
season opener on February 9th.
Rabenold Racing is currently working on sponsorships that would help Kory
compete in all 21 races on the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series Schedule.
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RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL
RACEWAY ONE OF JUST FOUR TRACKS TO HOST NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES TEST SESSIONS
IN 2008
Richmond, VA (December 4, 2007)—Adding even more excitement to Richmond
International Raceway’s 2008 preseason, NASCAR officials announced this week
that America’s Premier Short Track will be one of just four tracks—and the only
short track—that will be permitted to host official NASCAR Nationwide Series
(formerly known as the NASCAR Busch Series) tests next season. Richmond
International Raceway’s test session is scheduled for March 24-25, 2008.
“Richmond International Raceway has always been an important stop on the NASCAR
Nationwide Series schedule, and for the third straight year, we will be the only
short track to host NASCAR Nationwide Series testing,” said track president Doug
Fritz.
Richmond International Raceway will continue its longstanding policy of allowing
fans to watch testing from the grandstands free of charge for the 2008 NASCAR
Nationwide Series test sessions. With many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
drivers also running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, fans can expect to see
many of their favorite drivers from both series at America’s Premier Short Track
in March.
“We encourage all of our fans to come out for both days of testing in March to
see their favorite drivers turn laps in preparation for the NASCAR doubleheader
at America’s Premier Short Track in May,” said Fritz.
NASCAR instituted the track testing policy in 2006, pre-setting a schedule for
when and where NASCAR tests are to be conducted. The scheduled tests are the
only opportunities teams will have to test at each series’ tracks. The policy
was implemented to serve as an aid to maintain better overall competitive
balance for the teams and contain costs.
“NASCAR received input and recommendations from each of the crew chiefs that was
valuable to our decision making process,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice
president for competition. “The tracks that were selected provide the teams with
a wide variety of layouts, surfaces and track characteristics that should
provide them with an opportunity to have success in 2008.”
The 2008 season at Richmond International Raceway kicks off Friday, May 2 with
the FUNAI 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, as well as pole qualifying for the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The weekend continues Saturday, May 3 as the Crown
Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 race showcases the NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series. Tickets are available now for the FUNAI 250. Tickets for the Crown Royal
Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will go on sale to
the general public January 5. Please call 1-866-455-7223 or visit
www.rir.com
or additional
information.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Community & Public Relations Coordinator
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
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RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT CENTRAL VIRGINIA
FOODBANK AND MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS
Richmond, VA (November 19, 2007)—For the third consecutive year, Richmond
International Raceway will team up with two great organizations to help support
those who are less fortunate throughout the Greater Richmond Metropolitan
community. Everyone is encouraged to help the Richmond International Raceway
staff assist the Central Virginia Foodbank and the Marine Toys for Tots program
November 19 through December 14 by donating food items and toys during this
upcoming holiday season.
“The Central Virginia Foodbank and Marine Toys for Tots are two very special
programs for us here at Richmond International Raceway,” said track president
Doug Fritz. “We recognize the need for our community throughout the year, but
especially during the holiday season. I encourage everyone to make a difference
this holiday season and donate to these worthwhile programs. Additionally, I
pledge that Richmond International Raceway will match can-for-can and
toy-for-toy the donations we receive here at the track.”
Donations can be made to both worthy causes at the Richmond International
Raceway ticket office located at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and
Richmond-Henrico Turnpike (Meadowbridge Road). The ticket office is open Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For every five food items or one new,
unwrapped toy donated to these organizations and dropped off at Richmond
International Raceway, each donor will receive a special raceway souvenir (limit
five souvenirs per donor). Food items most needed are canned meats and fish,
peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, canned spaghetti sauce, hot and
cold cereals, pasta and rice.
About Central Virginia Foodbank:
Through its more than 500 partner agencies, the Central Virginia Foodbank serves
the hunger needs of 31 counties and five cities in the Central Virginia area.
Last year alone, Central Virginia Foodbank distributed more than 12.9 million
pounds of food to support our community’s most vulnerable citizens—children
living in poverty, the working poor, frail elderly, disaster victims, battered
women and those who are disabled, homeless or mentally challenged.
The coming cold-weather months are especially critical when it comes to having
an adequate supply on the Foodbank’s shelves. Many disadvantaged families and
individuals simply cannot afford both fuel and food, in addition to life’s other
basic necessities. So as the temperature outside drops, the cupboards inside
grow increasingly bare. This is especially true for the frail elderly, who
already have to sometimes choose between medicine and food.
About Marine Toys for Tots:
Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America’s needy children at
Christmas through their Toys for Tots program. By distributing new toys, Marines
deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. The
objectives of the new toy include building/restoring self-esteem and eliminating
the “second class citizen” syndrome that is associated with “second hand” toys.
Marines bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive
mentoring by serving as positive role models.
-30-
Richie Denzler
Community & Public Relations Coordinator
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222-2207
Phone: (804) 228-7507
Fax: (804) 329-5029
rdenzler@rir.com
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