Catchfence

Richmond, VA (June 2, 2009)— IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti was in the Richmond area Tuesday afternoon racing an open-wheel car again, but instead of his usual 650-horsepower Honda Dallara, Andretti traded in his fire suit and helmet for a go-kart and raced fans at the Kings Dominion amusement park just north of the city.

Andretti was in town to promote the upcoming SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race at Richmond International Raceway “under the lights” on Saturday night, June 27th. The SunTrust Indy Challenge is the marquee event of a two-day open-wheel racing weekend June 26-27 at America’s Premier Short Track, one of Andretti’s favorite stops on the IndyCar Series circuit.

“I’ve taken to this track quite well,” Andretti said Tuesday. “I really enjoy it. It’s a real driver’s track.”

During preliminaries Tuesday afternoon, Andretti battled track president Doug Fritz and a promotional winner who earned the chance to race Andretti on the dynamic road course at Kings Dominion. In the main event, Andretti raced against several fans who were also treated to autographs and a chance to meet the young IndyCar Series star.

Additionally, IndyCar simulators were available for fans to test their skills in an open-wheel car video game, and the Richmond International Raceway Official Pace Car was on display at the park all day.

Andretti is in his fourth year in the IndyCar Series. In his three starts at Richmond International Raceway, Marco has finished 4th, 12th and 9th. The 22-year-old made his debut in 2006 with Andretti Green Racing. After finishing second in the Indianapolis 500 that year, he became one of the more recognizable names in the series. He recorded his first win in 2006 at Infineon Raceway.

Andretti and the rest of the IndyCar Series will return to Richmond International Raceway in just a couple weeks, battling on the shortest track the series visits in an open-wheel thriller “under the lights.”

Andretti, Danica Patrick, Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, defending series champion Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti and the rest of the IndyCar Series drivers will reach speeds of 180 mph at America’s Premier Short Track. Tickets for the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. Saturday’s ticket also includes a seat for the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race. For tickets and information, visit www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE (7223).

The weekend begins on Friday, June 26 with NBC12 Pole Qualifying for the IndyCar Series and the USAC Sprint Car Series Rotondo Weirich Showdown “under the lights.” Friday’s tickets are $15 and include an autograph session with all of the IndyCar Series drivers. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rir.com or calling 866-455-RACE (7223).

- Richmond International Speedway, Press Release