Richmond International Raceway

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

Courtesy Richmond International Raceway

Tour all 23 Sprint Cup tracks

Overview
Richmond International Raceway offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. It annually hosts two NASCAR weekends featuring the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series under the lights on a 0.75-mile D-shaped oval.

According to longtime NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, Richmond International Raceway is considered the favorite among many circuit racers. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel.

The first Sprint Cup Series race was staged April 30, but it's the second Sprint Cup event that has become one of the most important on the entire NASCAR circuit. The "One Last Race to Make the Chase" on Saturday may be the 26th race of the season, but it's critical because it is the final event before the chase for the championship, meaning it can determine who will compete for the title and who won't.

Tony Stewart fell out of the Chase here after a disappointing run in 2006. In 2009, the final spot in the Chase was unsettled until the final lap, with Brian Vickers edging Kyle Busch by just eight points for a Chase berth. It's that important.

Richmond is an old-school track. It's the longest short track on the circuit and, having opened in 1946, holds a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers.

Address
600 E. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222
www.rir.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Fan guide (downloadable): Web site

Notable events

NASCAR Weekend
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
• NNS practice and final practice, 9 and 10:30 a.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
• NSCS practice and final practice, 12:10 and 2:45 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
• NNS qualifying, 4:05 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
• NSCS qualifying, 5:35 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
• Virginia 529 College Savings 250, 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gates open at 8:45 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011
• Wonderful Pistachios 400, 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 2 p.m.

Tickets
• Ticket office: 866-455-7223
• Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart
• Pit passes: Available through fan hospitality options; a limited number are available with purchase of a race ticket on Friday. Call the track ticket office at 866-455-7223 or visit the track Web site.
• Fan hospitality: Different options available, call the track ticket office or visit the track Web site for further information.
• Special travel packages: Visit www.rir.com or call the track ticket office for further information.

Track specs
• Track length: 0.75 mile
• Banking: Corners -- 14 degrees; frontstretch -- 8 degrees; backstretch -- 2 degrees
• Frontstretch: 1,290
• Backstretch: 860
• Race length: 400 laps
• Grandstand seating capacity: 94,063
• Opened: 1946 (First NASCAR race was 1953)

Carry-in items
• Coolers: Allowed (one soft-sided cooler -- limit of 14"x14"x14"; one clear, plastic bag -- 18"x18"x4" limit; plastic bags may not contain ice) or a standard backpack.
• Glass containers: Not allowed.
• Alcoholic beverages: Allowed.
• Cameras/recording devices: Allowed, must be worn separately.

Souvenirs and displays
• Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
• Gift shop: Located at the track's ticket office.

Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.

Pit area guidelines
Pit passes available, call the track ticket office for further information.

Camping
Reserved: Available, with waiting list; call 866-455-7223 for details.

Associated driving schools
Richard Petty Driving Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Website

NASCAR Racing Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Website

Getting there
Richmond International Raceway is located northeast of the city of
    Richmond, Va., in Henrico County, convenient to East/West
    I-64, North/South I-95 and East/West I-295.

Parking
• Free parking: Available.
• Handicapped parking: Available.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe