Catchfence

Hamlin Takes the Checkered Flag Less Than
Two Weeks before Returning to Hometown Track

Richmond, VA (April 19, 2010) – Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag for the second time this season in a Monday NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race with his win at Texas Motor Speedway today.  Hamlin’s first Monday win came on March 29 at Martinsville Speedway in Southwestern Virginia.  Hamlin’s win today comes less than two weeks before he returns to Richmond International Raceway for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, May 1.

Hamlin, who visited Gatorade Victory Lane at America’s Premier Short Track in September, will head to his hometown track with plenty of momentum as he returns to race “under the lights” in the NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend at Richmond International Raceway.

Hamlin will be joined by fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr., four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson and all the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars as they battle it out in the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400.

Tickets for the Saturday night, May 1^st Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race are on sale now and start at $40. Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or visiting www.rir.com.

The BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race kicks off Richmond International Raceway’s season-opening NASCAR Doubleheader weekend “under the lights” Friday night, April 30. Friday’s ticket for the BUBBA burger 250 also includes Wawa Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series and NBC12 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. Friday’s tickets are $40 (reserved) and $30 (general admission) in advance. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult on Friday only.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events, two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series, under the lights on a ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release