Contact: Aimee Turner
Director of Public Relations
804-228-7645 (o), 804-513-0733 (c)
Lipton Tea to Sponsor NASCAR Nationwide Series Race at Richmond International
Raceway
Friday, May 2 Night Race to be Titled Lipton Tea 250
Richmond, VA (April 17, 2008) – Richmond International Raceway officials
announced today that America’s favorite iced tea maker, Lipton Tea, will sponsor
the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Friday,
May 2, 2008. The Lipton Tea 250 will feature NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars,
as well as many NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars looking for extra track time in
the 250-lap event “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway.
Lipton Tea has a deep-rooted connection to NASCAR. America’s number one iced tea
brand has been a part of the Ultimate Chargers campaign through its parent
company, Unilever, for more than five years of NASCAR sponsorship. Lipton Tea is
currently featured with five other brands on the No. 9 Nationwide Series car
fielded by Gillett Evernham Motorsports as part of the successful Ultimate
Chargers campaign.
Lipton Tea will also be the primary sponsor on the car driven by Kasey Kahne for
the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International
Raceway. Lipton has had a long association with NASCAR that reaches back to 1995
when they sponsored the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship winning car driven
by Johnny Benson.
“We are excited Lipton is increasing its involvement in the NASCAR Nationwide
Series by partnering with Richmond International Raceway for the Lipton Tea
250,” said Doug Fritz, president of Richmond International Raceway. “Having
Lipton Tea as a new sponsor of this event and all of its employees from the
nearby Suffolk plant will bring a new level of excitement to the NASCAR
Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway for everyone who
attends the race and for the millions of fans watching at home.”
The partnership with Richmond International Raceway also highlights Lipton’s
commitment to commerce in the state of Virginia. The company has a manufacturing
facility in Suffolk, VA, approximately 90 miles southeast of Richmond.
“Lipton Tea’s participation in NASCAR racing, and the Richmond race in
particular, is exciting in many ways,” said Christine Durkin, Director, Lipton
Tea. “With our roots in the South and in NASCAR, we are so pleased to inaugurate
the Lipton Tea 250 in the backyard of our Suffolk, Virginia plant. We are
thrilled about this partnership with Richmond International Raceway as the
southern United States has played such an important part in making Lipton the
number one iced tea in America. Also, the brand is glad to have this ‘vehicle’
to give race fans– both at the track and across the country – the opportunity to
learn more about our great line of Lipton Tea products.”
The partnership between Richmond International Raceway and Lipton allows the
brand to incorporate its associates into the program as well. More than 400
employees from the Suffolk plant will attend the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR
Nationwide Series race on behalf of Lipton. This has increased excitement at the
plant which, Durkin says, gives the sponsorship an added benefit. “Many of our
associates love NASCAR racing and this program allows us to recognize all of our
proud employees in Suffolk who work hard to make Lipton Tea the great product it
is,” added Durkin.
In addition to sponsoring the race, Lipton will be part of Unilever’s six-brand
trackside activation campaign located just outside the racetrack. Participating
brands include Lipton, Ragu, Wisk, Hellmann’s, Country Crock, and Klondike.
There is also a pre-race concert to be held next to the activation site,
providing fans an added value for attending the race. “We want to make this an
all-day event,” said Durkin. “We will have a pre-race concert on the midway, so
while the fans are enjoying our products they can also enjoy some great music
and have a lot of fun.”
The NASCAR doubleheader at America’s Premier Short Track, featuring the Lipton
Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry
400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled for May 2-3. The weekend begins
on Friday, May 2, with the Lipton Tea 250, preceded by practice and pole
qualifying for the Nationwide Series and practice and Wawa Pole Qualifying for
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general
admission sections with a ticketed adult on Friday only. Friday's tickets are
$45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) in advance. Tickets for Saturday’s
Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 start at $80. Tickets and information are
available by calling 866-455-7223 or visiting
www.rir.com.
# # #
About Unilever
Unilever [NYSE: UL, UN], one of the world’s largest consumer products companies,
aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene
and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million
decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands
that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life.
In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, “all,”
Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal
care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy,
Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand
names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to
serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in
the United States employs approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and
manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico – generating nearly $10 billion
in sales in 2006. For more information, please visit
www.unileverusa.com.
About Richmond International Raceway
Richmond International Raceway is perhaps the most universally liked racetrack
anywhere, as it is a favorite among drivers, fans, NASCAR officials and the
media.
Year after year, Richmond International Raceway puts on the best short track
show, and arguably some of the best racing in the world. Its unique, ¾-mile
layout produces tremendous side-by-side racing, yet drivers obtain high enough
speeds to give it a superspeedway feel. That rare combination still allows for
the beating and banging that fans enjoy, with the drivers’ skill playing a major
role in winning. In the words of NASCAR Cup Series icon Rusty Wallace, those
characteristics help make racing at the track and the experience fans have while
visiting, simply “perfect.”
In 2007, Richmond International Raceway added nearly 5,000 seats, bringing its
total capacity to 112,029. Additionally, Richmond International Raceway is the
only track to hold all of its major events “under the lights.”
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 Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents
The Dan Lowry 400 on Saturday, May 3. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
VIRGINIA’S OWN DENNY HAMLIN TO VISIT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S GREEN
FLAG ZONE FAN HOSPITALITY AREA
Richmond, VA (April 16, 2008)—NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and Chesterfield,
Virginia, native Denny Hamlin will visit Richmond International Raceway’s Green
Flag Zone fan hospitality area on Saturday, May 3, prior to the Crown Royal
Presents The Dan Lowry 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 Green Flag Zone.
Admission to the 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, including Denny Hamlin,
FOX analyst Larry McReynolds, NASCAR drivers David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil,
members of the Blue Angels, Virginia native and former NASCAR driver Hermie
Sadler, Dan Lowry, Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz and
NASCAR Nationwide Series director Joe Balash.
Live musical entertainment.
Souvenir event program.
Prizes and games.
The Green Flag Zone is available to all Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket holders at $90 per person. Fans must have a
grandstand ticket to Saturday’s race to purchase Green Flag Zone tickets. Don’t
have your tickets yet? Tickets are still available by calling 866-455-7223 or
visiting ww.rir.com.
Hamlin, competing in his third full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, is
currently sixth in driver point standings, scoring one win, three top-fives and
five top-10 finishes on the year. In four career Sprint Cup starts at Richmond
International Raceway, Hamlin has one top-five and two top-10 finishes at his
home track. The hometown favorite will be competing in both the Crown Royal
Presents The Dan Lowery 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, May 3,
and the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, May 3.
In addition to Hamlin, FOX analyst Larry McReynolds, NASCAR drivers David
Gilliland and Travis Kvapil, members of the Blue Angels, Virginia native and
former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler, Dan Lowry, Richmond International Raceway
president Doug Fritz and NASCAR Nationwide Series director Joe Balash are all
scheduled to visit the Green Flag Zone.
Tickets and information for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 3, are
available by calling 866-455-7223 or visiting
www.rir.com. The weekend begins on Friday, May 2, with practice and
pole qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, practice and Wawa Pole
Qualifying for the Sprint Cup Series and the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide
Series race “under the lights.”
-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
Two-Seater At Richmond International Raceway
Photo submitted by RIR
NASCAR TWO-SEATER “RACES” INDYCAR TWO-SEATER AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL
RACEWAY
Richmond, VA (April 10, 2008)—Today at Richmond International Raceway, a Richard
Petty Driving Experience NASCAR-style two-seater challenged a Sinden Racing
IndyCar-style two-seater to a “race” around the ¾-mile oval. America’s Premier
Short Track is one of only eight tracks which hosts both NASCAR Sprint Cup and
IndyCar Series races.
NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR
doubleheader. Good tickets are still available for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 race on Saturday, May 3. Tickets start at
$80 and are available by logging onto www.rir.com
or calling 866-455-7223.
The IndyCar Series returns to Richmond International Raceway June 27-28 for the
SunTrust Indy Challenge weekend. The IndyCar Series stars will battle it out
“under the lights” on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $35 (reserved) and $30
(general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed
adult in general admission sections for the IndyCar Series race.
-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
DON’T WANT TO WAIT FOR YOUR TICKETS? CONVENIENCE OF PRINT AT HOME OPTION NOW
AVAILABLE AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Richmond, VA (April 7, 2008)—In a continuing effort to be the most fan-friendly
track on the NASCAR circuit, Richmond International Raceway officials announced
today that guests can print their tickets at home for the upcoming NASCAR
doubleheader on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 at America’s Premier Short
Track. Guests will only need an e-mail address and a printer to print at home,
which is just in time for those wishing to purchase remaining tickets for the
May 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
The print at home option is available for new orders and is as simple as a
couple of clicks of the mouse or a request on the phone. Race fans may choose
the print at home option when they purchase tickets to Richmond International
Raceway’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race—the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry
400 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Lipton Tea 250 race. Guests will simply
need to select the print at home option online (www.rir.com)
or tell their ticket agent they would like to print at home when calling
866-455-RACE (7223). The ticket buyer will then receive two e-mails—one confirms
the ticket sale and the other contains the print at home information.
“This is another way to improve the guest experience here at Richmond
International Raceway and make it as perfect as possible,” said track president
Doug Fritz. “Being able to print your tickets at home will make it that much
easier. Everyone who selects the print at home option will be at ease, knowing
their tickets are safe and secure.”
At this time, the print at home option is available only for grandstand tickets.
A barcode printed on the ticket will be scanned at the admission gates. Each
print-at-home ticket is valid for one admission only and duplicate copies of the
same barcode will not allow access.
The print at home option is also available for tickets purchased for the
open-wheel weekend at Richmond International Raceway, June 27-28, featuring the
IndyCar Series, as well as the USAC Silver Crown and National Sprint Car Series.
Guests will be able to print their tickets at home for the September 5-6 NASCAR
doubleheader when tickets go on sale for that weekend on May 24.
For tickets to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race on Saturday, May 3, guests should call 866-455-7223 or visit
www.rir.com. The weekend begins on
Friday, May 2, when the NASCAR Nationwide Series takes to the track for a night
of old-school short track racing “under the lights,” preceded by practice and
Wawa Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Tickets for Saturday
start at $80. Tickets for Friday are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission)
in advance. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admission
sections with a ticketed adult on Friday only.
-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
VIRGINIA NATIVE DENNY HAMLIN SETS SIGHTS ON HOMETOWN WIN AT
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Richmond, Virginia (April 2, 2008) – Fresh off his first NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series win at Martinsville Speedway over the weekend, Denny Hamlin is now
setting his sights on winning at his hometown track, Richmond International
Raceway. Sunday’s win was Hamlin’s first Sprint Cup Series win of the season and
his first Sprint Cup Series win in the state of the Virginia. Now, Hamlin will
turn his attention to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 race on
Saturday night, May 3 at Richmond International Raceway.
A Chesterfield, Virginia native, Hamlin calls Richmond International Raceway
“home” and has made it no secret that his ultimate desire is to win at America’s
Premier Short Track.
“[To win at Richmond] would definitely mean a lot,” explained Hamlin. “This is
where I want to win. I’ll take a win anywhere else, but this is definitely the
one accomplishment I’d love to have. We try to prepare as much as we can to come
to Richmond because I think my whole team knows how much it means for me. It's
the same for Tony (Stewart) at Indy or California for Jimmie (Johnson). So I
think they put a little more pressure on themselves when they go to their home
race track and I do the same.”
In just four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Richmond International Raceway,
Hamlin has started no worse than seventh and has come close to visiting Gatorade
Victory Lane three of the four times with a career-best Richmond International
Raceway finish of second in May 2006.
On Saturday night, May 3, Hamlin will attempt to be the first Virginia driver
since Joe Weatherly in 1961 to win at both Virginia tracks in the same year. His
family will be sitting in the stands, watching to see if he can take the
checkered flag “under the lights” in the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
“It’s really special for me to come to Richmond,” said Hamlin. “It’s my home
track; we still have season tickets here. My family sits in the stands and
watches all the races. Every time I come here I see more and more Denny Hamlin
hats and shirts. That definitely gets your confidence boosted up to try and run
well.”
Fans who missed Hamlin’s first Virginia victory can still get in on the action
at Richmond International Raceway. Tickets for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan
Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race start at $80 and can be purchased at
www.rir.com or by calling the Richmond
International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE.
Tickets are also available for the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race on Friday,
May 2. Friday’s ticket includes practice and qualifying for the NASCAR
Nationwide Series, as well as practice and Wawa Pole Qualifying for the Crown
Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Children 12 and
under are admitted free on Friday with a ticketed adult. To purchase tickets,
visit www.rir.com or call 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
Received March 31, 2008
Contact: Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations,
aturner@rir.com, 804-228-7645 (o), 804-513-0733 (c)
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ANNOUNCES PROMOTION AND NEW ADDITION TO PUBLIC
RELATIONS STAFF
Richmond, VA (March 27, 2008) – Richmond International Raceway president Doug
Fritz announced today the promotion of Richie Denzler to Manager of Community
and Public Relations and the addition of Mark Hoskins as the Manager of
Communications in the public relations department.
Denzler, who interned in the track’s public relations department during the 2004
race season joined Richmond International Raceway fulltime in January 2005 as
the Public Relations Coordinator.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Denzler is a 2004 graduate of Virginia
Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he earned his Master of Science
degree in Sport Leadership with a focus in business and administration. He
received his Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from VCU in 2002.
“Richie continues to grow professionally at Richmond International Raceway,”
Fritz said. “He has shown great success in his outreach within the community and
is a tremendous contributor to our public relations department.”
Hoskins, a native of Richmond, Virginia, joins the Richmond International
Raceway public relations team after serving as the Associate Sports Information
Director for the College of William and Mary.
A 2003 graduate of James Madison University, Hoskins will assist in writing
press releases, oversee the driver/owner motorhome lot, provide editorial
support, assist in fulfilling credential requests and organizing race weekend
activities and special events.
“Mark is a great addition to our public relations department,” Fritz said. “Even
though he is new to the position, he has already shown wonderful enthusiasm and
hard work that is necessary to running many of our media events.”
Denzler and Hoskins will work closely with Aimee Turner, Director of Public
Relations and can be reached at
mhoskins@rir.com and
rdenzler@rir.com.
The Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series drivers return to Richmond
International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR doubleheader at America's Premier
Short Track. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars will battle it out "under the
lights" on Saturday, May 3, for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400.
Tickets start at $80 and are available at
www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223. The weekend begins on Friday,
May 2, with the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race, preceded by practice and pole
qualifying for the Nationwide Series and practice and Wawa Pole Qualifying for
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general
admission sections with a ticketed adult on Friday only. Friday's tickets are
$45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) in advance. Tickets and information
are available at www.rir.com or by
calling 866-455-7223.
-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
804-329-5029 - Fax
804-513-0733 - Cell
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents
The Dan Lowry 400 on Saturday, May 3. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Brad Keselowski Quickest in Tuesday Nationwide Series
Testing at Richmond International Raceway
Afternoon
Evening Stats
RICHMOND (3/25/08) – The NASCAR Nationwide Series wrapped up its two-day
official test at Richmond International Raceway Tuesday with two sessions at
America’s Premier Short Track.
In Tuesday afternoon’s session, Bobby Hamilton, Jr. turned the quickest lap in
his No. 25 Smithfield Foods car with a time of 21.733 seconds. In the night
session “under the lights”, Brad Keselowski posted the fastest lap in the U.S.
Navy Chevrolet with a time of 21.696 seconds.
Though the sunny skies and warmer temperatures altered the teams set-ups and
results on Tuesday, one thing that remained constant was the positive feedback
about America’s Premier Short Track from both the Nationwide Series and Sprint
Cup Series drivers.
“Richmond is an awesome race track,” said Clint Bowyer, Nationwide Series points
leader and driver of the No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet. “If I were going to build a race
track, I would mold it after this one. We need more Richmonds. These tracks, in
my opinion, separate the men from the boys. They really do.”
Jason Leffler, a Nationwide Series regular and former pole winner at Richmond
International Raceway, also praised the ¾-mile oval.
“The track configuration is awesome,” said Leffler. “It’s got a short track
feel, but yet it has enough speed that it has some speedway characteristics.
There are always two grooves of racing here. On race day, you’re always
surrounded by fans. There’s not a bad seat in the house.”
Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin was second fastest on Tuesday
afternoon, clocking a lap time of 21.744 seconds in the No. 20 Z-Line Designs
ride. Kevin Harvick joined the test session Tuesday and was third in the
afternoon with a lap time of 21.749 seconds in the No. 33 Camping World
Chevrolet, followed by Kyle Busch (No. 32 Dollar General, 21.763) and Brad
Coleman (No. 27 Cottonelle, 21.81).
In the night session, Kelly Bires was second in the No. 47 Clorox ride with a
quick lap time of 21.701 seconds. Jason Keller, the Nationwide Series career
leader in starts, was third fastest “under the lights” Tuesday with a lap time
of 21.719 seconds.
“[Richmond] is something you really have to learn. You have to be patient, and
you have to race hard. You have to climb up on the wheel and make things happen
here,” added Bowyer, who won last year’s spring Nationwide Series race here.
Richmond International Raceway’s reputation for “Racing Perfection” has even
stretched across the globe, having made an impression on Marcos Ambrose, a
native of Australia and driver of the No. 59 Kingsford ride.
“I really like Richmond. It’s a wonderful little track,” Ambrose praised. “It
has nice banking and is ¾-mile, which not many of our tracks are that size
anymore. It’s a great place to race because you run two, or three wide here.
It’s a lot of fun. The night racing is spectacular. I remember watching the
[NASCAR] races [back home]. The Richmond race was always one I woke up for at 3
a.m. on a Sunday to watch because I knew it was going to be exciting.”
Ambrose posted the fourth-fastest lap Tuesday night with a time of 21.749
seconds, and David Stremme rounded out the top five in the No. 64 Atreus Homes &
Communities Chevrolet (21.768).
Dario Franchitti, winner of the 2007 SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race
at Richmond International Raceway, has made the switch to full-time Nationwide
and Sprint Cup Series driving for 2008 and said the excitement of competing at
America’s Premier Short Track goes beyond the specific type of racing.
“I think no matter what you’re racing here, whether it’s an IndyCar, Nationwide
Car, Sprint Cup car, or a Sprint Car, it produces great racing,” Franchitti
said. “The track really lends itself to great side-by-side racing. The fans here
are awesome. It’s a place I really enjoy coming to.”
The Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series drivers will next return to Richmond
International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR doubleheader at America's Premier
Short Track. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars will battle it out "under the
lights" on Saturday, May 3, for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400.
Tickets start at $80 and are available by calling 866-455-7223 or clicking here.
The weekend begins on Friday, May 2, with the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race,
preceded by practice and pole qualifying for the Nationwide Series and practice
and Wawa Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Children 12 and under
are admitted free in general admission sections with a ticketed adult on Friday
only. Friday's tickets are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) in
advance. Tickets and information are available by calling 866-455-7223 or
clicking here.
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-329-5029 - Fax
804-513-0733 - Cell
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents
The Dan Lowry 400 on Saturday, May 3. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
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incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability
for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a
result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a
hard-copy version. Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia 23222. www.rir.com
Contact: Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations,
aturner@rir.com, 804-228-7645 (o),
804-513-0733 (c)
***Testing times for BOTH sessions are attached.***
Afternoon
Evening Stats
MIKE WALLACE TOPS NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES TESTING CHARTS AT RICHMOND
INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
RICHMOND (3/24/08) – The NASCAR Nationwide Series began its two-day official
test at Richmond International Raceway Monday with 32 drivers taking the wheel
at America’s Premier Short Track. The first session Monday ran from 1 p.m. to 5
p.m., and following a one-hour break, the second session began at 6 p.m. and ran
until 9 p.m. The second day of testing will begin Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m.
The grandstands will be open for fans to watch both sessions on Tuesday.
The Nationwide Series drivers, along with a number of Sprint Cup Series drivers
who are racing in both series this season, took advantage of the opportunity to
test at the 3/4-mile track in preparation for the NASCAR doubleheader weekend at
Richmond International Raceway May 2-3.
Jason Keller, the series’ career leader in starts, piloted his No. 11 America’s
Incredible Pizza Company Chevrolet on Monday and raved about the excitement of
racing “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway.
“I’m often asked what’s my favorite race track,” Keller said. “Probably nine
times out of 10, I answer Richmond. It’s a driver’s race track. It’s a fan race
track. It’s a race track you don’t have to run single-file and the groove widens
out. It’s a race that I love coming to.”
Bobby Hamilton, Jr., another Nationwide Series regular in the No. 25 Smithfield
Foods car, echoed Keller’s sentiment on Monday.
“Richmond has multiple grooves. It’s exciting for the fans because they get to
see so much more than they normally would at another track,” Hamilton said.
“It’s night time so the drivers like that. It provides great grip. You see the
atmosphere of the beating and banging, the glow of the rotors. You can be
sitting beside the fence, see one of the stars go blowing by and blow rubber in
your face. It’s stuff you can’t get at speedways.”
In Monday’s first session, Mike Wallace clocked the fastest time in the
afternoon in his No. 7 GEICO ride with a time of 21.535 seconds. Roush Fenway
Racing teammates David Ragan (No. 6 Discount Tire) and Card Edwards (No. 60
Scotts) were second and third, respectively, in the opening session. Ragan’s
fastest lap time was 21.57 seconds. Edwards, the defending series champions, had
a fast lap of 21.635 seconds.
Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin had the fourth-best time in Monday’s
first session in the No. 32 Dollar General car. Rookie Landon Cassill had the
fifth-quickest time in the afternoon session and best lap for Chevrolet ,
clocking a 21.647-second lap in the No. 5 National Guard Chevy.
In the night session Monday, Edwards turned the quickest lap “under the lights”
in a time of 21.600 seconds, just ahead of Bobby Labonte (21.606) in the No. 21
Racing Gearz Chevrolet. Mike Bliss in the No. 22 Supercuts/Family Dollar ride
was the third-fastest in the second session with a lap time of 21.646 seconds,
and two-time Nationwide Series Richmond winner Kyle Busch was fourth fastest
(21.691). Rounding out the top-five times in the night session was a lap of
21.720 seconds by Matt Kenseth in the No. 17 Arby’s machine.
After winning Saturday’s Nationwide Series race in Nashville, Scott Wimmer,
driver of the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet, jumped at the opportunity to test at
America’s Premier Short Track.
“Richmond is one of the favorites for I think every driver,” Wimmer said. “It’s
what we all grew up doing on short tracks. [Richmond International Raceway] is a
great race track with multiple grooves, and we always have real exciting racing
here every time we come.”
The Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series drivers will next return to Richmond
International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR doubleheader at America's Premier
Short Track. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars will battle it out "under the
lights" on Saturday, May 3, for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400.
Tickets start at $80 and are available by calling 866-455-7223 or clicking here.
The weekend begins on Friday, May 2, with the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race,
preceded by practice and pole qualifying for the Nationwide Series and practice
and Wawa Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Children 12 and under
are admitted free in general admission sections with a ticketed adult on Friday
only. Friday's tickets are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) in
advance. Tickets and information are available by calling 866-455-7223 or
clicking here.
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-329-5029 - Fax
804-513-0733 - Cell
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
Tickets are available NOW for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents
The Dan Lowry 400 on Saturday, May 3. Call 1-866-455-RACE (7223) or visit
www.rir.com today!
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result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a
hard-copy version. Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia 23222. www.rir.com
INDYCAR SERIES DRIVERS RAVE ABOUT RACING AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
DURING FIRESTONE TEST
RICHMOND, VA (March 19, 2008)—Although it’s been nearly 9 months since the
IndyCar® Series drivers have raced around Richmond International Raceway’s
¾-mile oval, they have not forgotten how exciting it is to run 15-second lap
times at the shortest track the series visits.
Target Chip Ganassi driver Scott Dixon and Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe were
at America’s Premier Short Track today for a Firestone test. Both drivers turned
laps at Richmond International Raceway on a mild but windy day. It didn’t take
long for them to remember the intensity of racing at Richmond.
“Richmond doesn’t compare to anything we race on,” said 2003 IndyCar Series
champion Dixon. “For one, it’s under the lights. We don’t get to race under the
lights too often. It’s a ¾-mile. My first impression when coming to this place,
I thought it was a go-kart track, it was so small. It’s definitely the most fun
I’ve ever had on an oval. The side-by-side racing you typically get under the
lights and the competition that you have is a lot of fun. It’s a place that 90%
of us guys love to come back to.”
“It’s definitely one of the more exciting tracks for us to drive around,” said
Briscoe. “From a driving standpoint, it certainly is one of the most exciting
ovals we go to. The biggest difference about the open-wheel racing in IndyCars
is the speed. These cars turn very quick lap times. We can get down in the
15-second range here and it really is flying. And we still get side-by-side
racing.”
All of the IndyCar Series drivers will return to Richmond International Raceway
Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 for the open-wheel weekend, which will
feature the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race on Saturday, June 28,
preceded by the USAC Silver Crown Series 100 race. The weekend begins on Friday,
June 27, with practice and pole qualifying for the IndyCar Series, USAC Silver
Crown Series and USAC National Sprint Car Series, as well as the USAC National
Sprint Car Series race “under the lights.”
This year’s SunTrust Indy Challenge will include an additional 50 laps. The race
was lengthened from 250 to 300 laps, which will make for even more excitement at
America’s Premier Short Track.
“It will make a big change,” said Dixon, who won the 2003 SunTrust Indy
Challenge. “I think it’s a combination of a lot of things. Not just the 50 laps,
but we’re probably going to have eight to 10 cars extra on the grid, as well. At
a place like Richmond, you get into traffic so quick, it’s going to make it
really tough. There could be a few more crashes. It’s a great place to run under
the lights. I’ve had some fond memories here and hopefully some more coming this
year.”
Fans can expect the same excitement this year as they have in previous SunTrust
Indy Challenge events. One of the great things about races at Richmond
International Raceway is racing “under the lights,” which is not only great for
the fans, but great for the drivers.
“Everyone is so close, and especially here at night time, it’s really exciting,”
said Briscoe. “It’s a great atmosphere. It’s always a pleasure to come to a race
where you see the grandstands filled with people so close to the action. Short
ovals are definitely unique in that aspect compared to the bigger ones.”
The 2008 IndyCar Series season is the first since the historic unification of
the IndyCar Series and the Champ Car Series—the two premier racing outfits in
North America. The unification means even more drivers, cars and excitement in
America’s top open-wheel series, including the addition of talented drivers such
as Paul Tracy and Graham Rahal.
Tickets are on sale now for the SunTrust Indy Challenge weekend at Richmond
International Raceway. The SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race is
scheduled to run “under the lights” on Saturday, June 28. Danica Patrick, Helio
Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Dan Wheldon will be joined by the
rest of the stars of the IndyCar Series, as they hit speeds of 180 mph.
Saturday’s ticket also includes a seat for the USAC Silver Crown Series 100
race. The weekend begins Friday, June 27, with practice and pole qualifying for
the SunTrust Indy Challenge, USAC Silver Crown Series and USAC National Sprint
Car Series, followed by the USAC National Sprint Car Series race. Tickets are
available by calling 866-455-7223 or visiting
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
1 - NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick loads crates at the
Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility in Sandston, VA.
2 - Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz (left) looks on as
NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick tastes a fresh-off-the-line
Diet Coke at the Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility.
3 - NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick (left) and Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz
try out freshly canned Coca-Cola Classic at the Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility.
KEVIN HARVICK TOURS RICHMOND COCA-COLA BOTTLING FACILITY AND ATTENDS
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS HOCKEY GAME
RICHMOND, VA (March 13, 2008)—NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick was in Richmond
yesterday for a tour of the Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility and a visit
with the local media to discuss the upcoming May 2-3 NASCAR doubleheader weekend
at Richmond International Raceway. Harvick, who is currently third in driver
points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, received a tour of the bottling facility
and learned how various Coca-Cola products are bottled from beginning to end.
Harvick, who is a member of the Coca-Cola family of NASCAR drivers, also
inspected bottles and cans of Coca-Cola Classic and loaded a full palate of Coke
Zero onto a delivery truck. The tour chronicled the bottling of Coca-Cola
products from beginning to end, as well as the reverse osmosis process of Dasani
water. The tour concluded with a demonstration of how bottles, cans and caps are
all recycled on site at the Richmond facility.
Following the tour, Harvick visited with media members to discuss the Saturday,
May 3, Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, an
event at America’s Premier Short Track that he looks forward to every year.
4 - NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick loads a palate of Coke Zero at the
Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility.
5 - NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick inspects the results of the recycling program
at the Richmond Coca-Cola bottling facility.
“Richmond is one of my favorite racetracks,” said Harvick, who has one NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series win and four NASCAR Nationwide Series wins at Richmond
International Raceway. “Richmond’s been very good to me in both the Nationwide
Series and Sprint Cup Series. This is one of the dates on the calendar we look
forward to. The drivers all like racing here because it’s the short track racing
that we grew up on but we still have that speed. The fans are great because this
place is always full. We’re excited to come here and look forward to coming back
here in a few weeks on May 2 and 3.”
“We came to help promote the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race. You can go buy tickets at rir.com.,” said Harvick.
Referring to the Coca-Cola bottling facility, Harvick said, “This is probably
one of the most sanitary and organized facilities I’ve ever been to in my life.
When you drink a bottle of Coke Zero or Dasani water, you don’t have to worry
because you’re in good hands with these people. We took pictures all day and
we’re going to take them back to my race shop and show them how the floor is
supposed to look.”
After departing the Coca-Cola facility and boarding a plane at Richmond
International Airport, Harvick caught a flight to Philadelphia to visit with
fans at the Philadelphia Flyers game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. While in
the City of Brotherly Love, Harvick participated in a meet-and-great with fans,
signed autographs, participated in media interviews and had a jersey swap with
Flyers center Jeff Carter. The Philadelphia front linesman claims Harvick as one
of his favorite sports figures.
Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter (left) swaps team gear with
NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick.
Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter (left) shows off his new Shell/Pennzoil jacket
while NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick displays his personalized #29 Philadelphia Flyers jersey
All Photos submitted by RIR (Richard International Raceway)
“I've never really been a hockey fan because I didn't have anyone to root for,”
said Harvick. “Meeting Jeff [Carter] and seeing how big a NASCAR fan he is and
how his teammates follow the races, I now have someone to cheer for. The Flyers
fans were great and had some really good questions. One even wanted to know how
to get a job at Kevin Harvick Inc.”
Tickets are on sale now for the Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 3.
Tickets start at $80. The weekend begins on Friday, May 2, with the NASCAR
Nationwide Series 250 race, which Harvick also plans to run. Advance tickets for
Friday night are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission). Children 12 and
under are admitted free in general admission sections with a ticketed adult on
Friday night only. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at
866-455-7223 or visiting www.rir.com.
Crown Royal Awards Fan Naming Rights to NASCAR Race at Richmond International
Raceway From 1,000 Feet in the Air
Richmond International Raceway’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race to be Titled
‘Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400’
LAS VEGAS, NV (February 28, 2008) – In the second installment of the ground
breaking “Your Name Here” contest, in which one fan will receive official naming
rights to the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International
Raceway on May 3, 2008, Crown Royal announced Dan Lowry as the grand prize
winner. From this point forward, the race will officially be entitled “Crown
Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400.”
As part of Crown Royal’s first ever press conference from the sky, Dan Lowry,
29, of New Waterford, Ohio, took part in an elaborate unveiling ceremony in
which several helicopters flew high above the Las Vegas Strip to a
10,000-square-foot desert mosaic featuring Lowry’s name as part of the official
race logo to be used at Richmond International Raceway.
“It still hasn’t hit me that this is all real and that my name will actually be
incorporated into the race title,” said Lowry. “Crown Royal has truly provided
me a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the helicopter ride and unveiling alone.
I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like at Richmond in May.”
Lowry was one of two winners of the contest that were flown to Las Vegas to
participate in the ceremony. While Lowry was awarded the grand prize, Tim
Weiland, the first-prize winner of De Pere, Wisconsin, received a custom Stage 1
Roush Fenway Ford Mustang.
Crown Royal selected the winners from approximately 10,000 written submissions
chronicling consumers’ fondest Crown Royal memories that were enjoyed in a
responsible manner. In his winning entry, Lowry recalled a moment when he was
working thousands of miles away from home in Venezuela. He wandered into a local
restaurant where he didn’t recognize any of the labels behind the bar until he
caught sight of the iconic purple and gold Crown Royal bag that immediately
reminded him of the fond memories of home.
“Together with promoting our ‘Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly’ message, Crown
Royal strives to give fans experiences of a lifetime, which means treating them
like royalty when they’re at the racetrack,” said Jim Lorenz, Senior Brand
Manager, Crown Royal. “To me, there’s no better way to make Dan Lowry feel like
a king than by actually making this race his, and it will be his forever.
Congratulations to Dan on this historic accomplishment, and we look forward to
making his race a tremendous experience for everyone.”
Lowry’s name will be incorporated into all official race logos, used for
thousands of pieces of merchandise and recognized by NASCAR’s broadcast and
media partners as the race’s official title. In addition, Lowry will take part
in pre-race festivities at Richmond International Raceway, and participate in
the trophy presentation to the race winner in Gatorade Victory Lane. During the
race weekend he will receive VIP accommodations for himself and a guest.
Leading up to the big day in Richmond, Crown Royal will continue to promote its
"Be A Champion. Drink Responsibly." campaign to adult NASCAR fans via broadcast
Public Service Announcements, Safe Rides Home designated driver initiatives and
other programming designed to reinforce the importance of responsible drinking
and responsible decision-making.
“Richmond International Raceway is excited to partner with Crown Royal for the
second year in a row to host this fun and innovative concept at America’s
Premiere Short Track,” said Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz.
“We are looking forward to having Dan join us for another historical weekend at
Richmond International Raceway.”
Additionally, Crown Royal announced the “Your Name Here 400” contest will
continue in 2008, where the official name of the spring 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series race at Richmond International Raceway will be awarded to another adult
fan. For more information, fans can visit
www.crownroyal.com .
For the third consecutive year, Crown Royal is the primary sponsor of the No. 26
Roush Racing Ford Fusion driven by Jamie McMurray. This includes sponsoring the
primary paint scheme of the No. 26 car at 27 races during the 2008 season.
About Crown Royal
Crown Royal, the number one selling Canadian Whisky, has a tradition as long and
distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of
Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939,
Crown Royal's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is
considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. In addition to its motorsports
sponsorships, the brand also sponsors The Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour,
the Crown Royal American Turf stakes race at Churchill Downs and a number of
other major regional and national events. For more information on Crown Royal,
visit www.crownroyal.com
About Diageo
Crown Royal is proudly owned by Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading
premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol
brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie
Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan,
Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world.
The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London
Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and
performance, visit us at www.diageo.com
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.
About Richmond International Raceway
Richmond International Raceway is perhaps the most universally liked racetrack
anywhere, as it is a favorite among drivers, fans, NASCAR officials and the
media.
Year after year, Richmond International Raceway puts on the best short track
show, and arguably some of the best racing in the world. Its unique, ¾-mile
layout produces tremendous side-by-side racing, yet drivers obtain high enough
speeds to give it a superspeedway feel. That rare combination still allows for
the beating and banging that fans enjoy, with the drivers’ skill playing a major
role in winning. In the words of NASCAR Cup Series icon Rusty Wallace, those
characteristics help make racing at the track and the experience fans have while
visiting, simply “perfect.”
In 2007, Richmond International Raceway added nearly 5,000 seats, bringing its
total capacity to 112,029. Additionally, Richmond International Raceway is the
only track to hold all of its major events “under the lights.”
Richmond International Raceway’s 2008 season begins with the NASCAR Doubleheader
weekend May 2-3. Tickets for the Saturday, May 3 Crown Royal Presents The Dan
Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race are available now by calling
866-455-RACE (7223) or by visiting www.rir.com. Tickets are also available for
Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race. Children 12 and under are
admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission seating on Friday
night. Friday’s ticket includes NASCAR Nationwide Series practice and
qualifying, as well as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and Wawa Pole
Qualifying for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400.
About Roush Fenway Racing
Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating 13 motorsports teams.
Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray,
Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with
Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; and
three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun and Joey Clanton; and
one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
# # #
Aimee W. Turner
Director of Public Relations
Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
aturner@rir.com
804-228-7645 - Office
804-329-5029 - Fax
804-513-0733 - Cell
Richmond... It's Racing Perfection!
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MONTHLY FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Richmond, VA (February 20, 2008)—Recognizing the needs of local public school
classrooms in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area, Richmond International
Raceway officials announced today that they will be making a monthly donation to
a different classroom in need in its community. Working through DonorsChoose.org,
a non-profit website that connects classrooms in need with individuals and
companies who want to make a difference through financial assistance, Richmond
International Raceway will fund various classroom projects throughout the school
year.
In December 2007, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine announced Virginia’s participation
in DonorsChoose.org, a website that links teachers’ class project wish lists
with citizen philanthropists. Nearly 300 state teachers’ projects had been added
to the site before the expansion to Virginia was officially named.
Richmond International Raceway begins its campaign to further enhance local
public school classrooms by funding the “Building Vocabulary That Lasts a
Lifetime” project at Glen Lea Elementary School in Henrico County. The project
will benefit a third-grade classroom of students who have demonstrated a desire
to increase their vocabulary. Each student will be provided with their own
personal vocabulary tool kit to further develop their vocabularies. (Photo
attached: Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz [left] presents
Glen Lea Elementary School third-grade teacher Mrs. Green with supplies to
benefit the children in her classroom.)
“We are so excited to team up with DonorsChoose.org to assist local public
school classrooms in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area,” said track
president Doug Fritz. “For many years we have provided financial and personal
aide to various schools throughout Henrico County, our neighboring counties and
the City of Richmond. With our pledge to contribute to classroom projects on a
monthly basis, we look forward to helping teachers and their students in need,
right here in our community.”
DonorsChoose.org was pioneered by teachers at a Bronx, New York public high
school in 2000. Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, recognized the
scarcity of learning materials in public school classrooms and the profound
impact of this shortage on education. Looking for a way to solve this problem,
Best sensed an untapped potential in people who were frustrated with their lack
of influence over the use of their charitable donations. DonorsChoose.org, a
website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help, was
born.
DonorsChoose.org is dedicated to addressing the lack of learning materials and
experiences in our public schools. All donors are able to select the specific
projects that they feel will have the biggest impact. Each project proposal is
screened by DonorsChoose.org.
Richmond International Raceway’s 2008 season is just around the corner. The May
2-3 NASCAR doubleheader features two days of action with the NASCAR Sprint Cup
and Nationwide Series. The Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled to run “under the lights” on Saturday, May
3. Tickets start at $80 and are available by calling 866-455-7223 or visiting
www.rir.com. The weekend begins on
Friday, May 2, with practice and pole qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide
Series and Wawa Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, followed by
the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race “under the lights.” Advance tickets for
Friday are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission). Tickets on race day are
$50 (reserved) and $40 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted
free in general admission seating with a ticketed adult on Friday. For more
information, please log on to www.rir.com
or call the ticket office at 866-455-7223.
-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
FEBRUARY 18, 2008
*Crown Royal Contest Winner to be Announced Soon
*NASCAR Nationwide Series Testing Just Around the Corner
*Richmond International Raceway Employee Earns Corporate Honor
*Local Radio/Television Personalities Earn Awards
CROWN ROYAL CONTEST WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON: The winner of Crown Royal’s
second annual Your Name Here contest will be announced this month, putting the
final touches on the Saturday, May 3, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, which
is—for now—named the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 race. Once the
lucky winner is announced, his or her name will fill in the blank.
This marks the second year of the contest, which crowned its first winner in
2007, Jim Stewart. Stewart’s name was included in the race name (Crown Royal
Presents The Jim Stewart 400), to go along with his week-long VIP treatment,
which included being Grand Marshal, attending NASCAR’s drivers meeting,
motorcoach hospitality, tickets for friends and family and much more.
Entrants were asked to submit their chronicles of “CROWN-WORTHY” moments,
defined as a memorable occasion worthy of a responsible celebration or toast.
Stewart was chosen based on his recollections of growing up fishing with his
father and later christening his own boat with a toast to his father.
Stewart’s crowning achievement was a first in the sports industry. No other
person has had naming rights on a major sporting event in history.
NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES TESTING JUST AROUND THE CORNER: The NASCAR Nationwide
Series returns to Richmond International Raceway March 24-25 for an official
two-day test session. The entire NASCAR Nationwide Series field, as well as some
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers running double-duty, are expected to visit
America’s Premier Short Track in preparation for the Friday, May 2, NASCAR
Nationwide Series 250 race “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway.
Richmond is one of just four tracks—and the only short track—hosting an official
NASCAR Nationwide Series test. 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.
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.
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY EMPLOYEE EARNS CORPORATE HONOR: One of the
friendliest and most familiar faces in the Richmond International Raceway ticket
office was recently awarded by parent company International Speedway Corporation
for her hard work and dedication at America’s Premier Short Track.
Deborah Easter, a ticket agent who has been with the track since 2000, received
the corporation’s award for “Consumer Centricity,” which goes to the employee
who places customer experiences and value at the forefront of all activities.
Easter was chosen as the award recipient from more than 1,000 ISC employees.
Easter’s desk is typically covered with tokens of appreciation from customers
who see her annually in the Richmond International Raceway ticket office. She
will be more than happy to take any ticket order, large or small, at
1-866-455-7223. Additionally, Easter manages the track’s campground and receives
every e-mail sent to ririnfo@rir.com.
LOCAL RADIO/TELEVISION PERSONALITIES EARN AWARDS: Joe and Ruth Kelly, who have
broadcast their motorsports talk shows in the Richmond area for 23 years, took
home two accolades at last month’s National Motorsports Press Association awards
in Charlotte, NC.
The Kellys garnered top honors in the Long Form Television category for their
piece, “Strawberry Hill to RIR—60 Plus Years and Still Going Strong.” Ryan McGee
with NASCAR Images earned second place for his piece on Dale Earnhardt.
Additionally, The Kellys placed second in the Long Form Radio category for “The
Boys from Virginia.” Kent Bernhardt of Performance Racing Network earned first
in that category.
Of all the award winners, Joe and Ruth are the only independents to receive
honors. Their awards are added to the 26 they have won in past years. The Kellys’
23 years of radio broadcasts make their show the longest continuous radio
program in the Richmond area.
Joe and Ruth Kelly are longtime contributors to the motorsports industry. They
have covered racing events across the country, including Richmond International
Raceway, for decades.
-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 FRONT STRETCH ESCALATOR
SYSTEM PROGRESSING
Limited Number of Commonwealth Mezzanine Tickets Available
Escalator Progress at the Richmond International Raceway.
The escalator system will take fans from the ground level to the Commonwealth Mezzanine
Photos submitted by Richmond International Raceway
Richmond, VA (February 5, 2008)—Richmond International Raceway’s new front
stretch escalator system is progressing at a rapid pace, now that two of the six
escalators have been installed in the Commonwealth Grandstand. In order to
enhance the experience for those fans seated in the Commonwealth Mezzanine and
Tower sections, a new escalator system will be in place in time for the May 2-3
NASCAR doubleheader weekend at America’s Premier Short Track.
The escalator system will take fans from the ground level to the Commonwealth
Mezzanine and the first row of the Commonwealth Tower, which will allow fans in
these sections to access their seats easier and quicker than ever.
“Richmond International Raceway’s new escalators will improve the quality of the
fan experience at America’s Premier Short Track,” said track president Doug
Fritz. “We are excited to provide this enhancement for those fans seated in the
Commonwealth Mezzanine and Tower sections. With the new escalators in place,
fans will be able to access their seats quicker and easier than ever. This is
just another way to show our appreciation to the best fans in all of
motorsports.”
The first two escalators, running from the ground to a platform below the
Commonwealth Mezzanine, were installed January 25. The third and fourth
escalators, which will run from the platform to the Commonwealth Mezzanine, are
on track to be completed by February 9. The fifth and sixth escalators, which
will run from the Commonwealth Mezzanine to the first row of the Commonwealth
Tower, are projected to be completed by the end of February. Following the
installation of the escalators, crews will begin work on cosmetics, which will
be complete in time for the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 and Crown Royal
Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races May 2-3.
Although tickets are sold out in the Commonwealth Tower, there is a unique and
great way to grab a seat in the Commonwealth Mezzanine. The Cintas Pit Stop
Club, an all-inclusive package for groups of eight, includes eight tickets in
the Commonwealth Mezzanine for the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400
race, as well as indoor, climate-controlled hospitality for each group on race
day. The hospitality area includes a full dinner buffet and beverages, pit
passes, souvenir programs and more for each person in the group. The Cintas Pit
Stop Club package, which includes a reserved table for eight, is available for
$2,400 per group. These packages can be purchased by calling 804-228-7611 or
e-mailing rirsales@rir.com.
While the Commonwealth Tower seats are sold out, other great seats are still
available for the Saturday, May 3, Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Friday, May 2, NASCAR Nationwide Series
250 race. For tickets and information, please log on to
www.rir.com or call the ticket office at
1-866-455-7223.
-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
SUNTRUST INDY CHALLENGE RETURNS TO RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL
RACEWAY WITH ENHANCEMENTS
More Laps, Prime-Time Green Flag, New Qualifying Format To Benefit Fans
Richmond, VA (January 22, 2008)—Richmond International
Raceway president Doug Fritz announced today three major enhancements in the
SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar® Series weekend June 27-28 at America’s Premier
Short Track. The two-day open-wheel spectacle has always been a very
fan-friendly event at Richmond International Raceway, and now the weekend will
become an even better experience for the fans in 2008.
In response to requests from loyal fans, Richmond International Raceway
officials lobbied for additional laps to be added to the 250-lap SunTrust Indy
Challenge race. Fritz is happy to announce that this year’s event will have an
additional 50 laps, for a total of 300 laps in the Saturday night, June 28
shootout “under the lights.”
Additionally, this year’s race is scheduled to have a green flag start time of
8:00 p.m., which is 30 minutes later than the traditional 7:30 p.m. scheduled
green flag. The later start time will allow for fans to experience even more
“Racing Perfection” “under the lights” and enjoy the many race day activities
prior to the prime-time start.
Third, the IndyCar Series has revamped its qualifying format. Prior to 2008, the
starting position of drivers was determined by the best lap time over a two-lap
qualifying attempt. This year, the starting field will be set based on
cumulative time from a four-lap qualifying attempt, identical to the format used
for the Indianapolis 500.
“We are excited to provide these enhancements for our fans who attend the
SunTrust Indy Challenge weekend at Richmond International Raceway,” said Fritz.
“Many fans have suggested adding additional laps and a later green flag start
time. We are proud to announce that our fans’ valuable feedback has facilitated
these two improvements. Additionally, the new qualifying format will provide
even more on-track excitement for our fans who come to Richmond International
Raceway on Friday, June 27 for IndyCar qualifying and the USAC National Sprint
Car Series race. These enhancements will make the open-wheel weekend at
America’s Premier Short Track even better than in previous years.”
The IndyCar Series drivers will again be joined by the USAC National Sprint Car
Series and USAC Silver Crown Series. The open-wheel weekend begins on Friday,
June 27 with pole qualifying for the SunTrust Indy Challenge and the USAC
National Sprint Car Series race. Saturday, June 28 will feature two races: the
USAC Silver Crown Series 100 race and the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series
race “under the lights.”
Tickets are on sale now for the June 27-28 open-wheel weekend. Friday’s tickets
are $15 and include an autograph session with all of the IndyCar Series drivers.
Tickets for Saturday are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Children 12
and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult on both nights. Tickets are
also on sale for the NASCAR doubleheader at Richmond International Raceway May
2-3. Tickets for Friday, May 2, include practice and qualifying for the NASCAR
Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, as well as a seat for the NASCAR Nationwide
Series 250 race. Advance tickets are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission).
Tickets on race day are $50 (reserved) and $40 (general admission). The Crown
Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled
for Saturday, May 3. Tickets are on sale now and are $80-$105. For tickets and
information, please log on to www.rir.com
or call the ticket office at 1-866-455-7223.
-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:
Aimee Turner, Director of Public Relations: (804) 228-7645 or aturner@rir.com; or
Richie Denzler, Community & Public Relations Coordinator: (804) 228-7507 or
rdenzler@rir.com
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES TICKETS ON SALE AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY THIS
SATURDAY
Richmond, VA (January 3, 2008)—Tickets for the Saturday, May 3, Crown Royal
Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond
International Raceway will go on sale to the general public this Saturday,
January 5, at 8:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.rir.com, by calling 1-866-455-7223 or
1-888-472-2849 or in person at the Richmond International Raceway ticket office
located at 600 East Laburnum Avenue; Richmond, VA 23222.
The Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at
Richmond International Raceway will be part of the NASCAR doubleheader to kick
off the 2008 season at America’s Premier Short Track. Great seats are available,
including spots in the Commonwealth Tower, which are some of the best seats in
all of motorsports.
Additionally, tickets are currently available for the Friday, May 2, NASCAR
Nationwide Series 250 race. The NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars and several
Sprint Cup Series drivers running double-duty will battle it out “under the
lights” for a night of old-school, Friday night short track racing. Tickets to
Friday’s race include practice and pole qualifying for both the Crown Royal
Presents The Your Name here 400 and NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 races.
Tickets are on sale now for the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race. Advance
tickets are $45 (reserved) and $35 (general admission). Tickets on race day are
$50 (reserved) and $40 (general admission). Children 12 years of age and under
are admitted free in general admission sections only with a ticketed adult for
Richmond International Raceway’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Tickets for the
Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will
go on sale Saturday, January 5, at 8:00 a.m. Tickets for both races are
available at www.rir.com, by calling
1-866-455-7223 or 1-888-472-2849 or in person at the Richmond International
Raceway ticket office located at 600 East Laburnum Avenue; Richmond, VA 23222.
-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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