Richmond International Raceway Complex

Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives

Published: August 8, 2008

Mulitmedia
of the new grandstands at RIR.

Check our photos
for highlights of Richmond International Raceway.

Richmond International Raceway, the crown jewel of the area sports scene, hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup races, two Nationwide Series races, as well as the IndyCar Series each year.

With a seating capacity of 112,029, RIR’s 0.75-mile oval, located on Laburnum Avenue in Henrico County, is the place to see and be seen for at least three weekends out of the year.

It all starts in May with NASCAR’s first visit. Just a couple of months ago, Clint Bowyer was the benefactor of late-race fireworks which finished several cars as he took home the checkered flag. Former Chesterfield resident and local hero Denny Hamlin dominated in the Toyota as he led 381 laps of the 400-lap race before blowing a tire.

September’s NASCAR visit turns up the intensity even more. The race marks the final one before NASCAR’s version of playoffs, the Chase for the Sprint Cup. After the race, the top 12 drivers in points qualify for the full-field playoffs. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is scheduled for Sept. 6. These races, as are all events at RIR, are run under the lights.

The Nationwide Series (formerly the Busch Series) competes on the nights before the Cup races here. At the Nationwide races, children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult (general admission). Hamlin won May’s Lipton Tea 250. The Emerson Radio 250 will be held on Sept. 5.

Tickets for the September Nationwide race are $35 for general admission, and $45 for reserved when purchased in advance. Prices are $40 and $50, respectively, the day of the event.

Contact RIR for Sprint Cup ticket prices and availability.

Richmond’s true speed weekend involves the Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series. The eighth annual SunTrust Indy Challenge was held in June. IndyCar Series tickets were $30 for general admission and $35 for reserved (with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult in the general admission area).

The track also offers fan hospitality packages for its races. Contact RIR for more information and prices.

For info on all RIR events, call (866) 455-7223 or visit http://www.rir.com.