Catchfence

Supplies Donated to Douglas Wilder Middle School through
Henrico Education Foundation Schools Supply Challenge

RICHMOND, Va. (8/24/10) – In the iconic brown UPS truck, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan made a special delivery this afternoon in Henrico County, Virginia, dropping off an entire truckload of school supplies to Douglas Wilder Middle School. Ragan, UPS and Richmond International Raceway teamed up to participate in the Henrico Education Foundation Schools Supplies Challenge (S.S. Challenge) to help local students get ready for the upcoming school year.

The S.S. Challenge is a way for local businesses and community groups to make an impact on Henrico County’s most needy students by providing them with essential school supplies. Leading up to Tuesday’s delivery, fans were able to donate school supplies for the event at Richmond International Raceway. UPS and Richmond International Raceway CARES also donated supplies for today’s delivery.

Douglas Wilder Middle School principal Christie Forrest and a group of teachers and administrators were at the school this afternoon to receive the delivery, which includes scores of notebooks, colored pencils, highlighters, calculators, backpacks, pens, pencils and paper.

“We are so excited,” said Forrest. “We’ve partnered with Richmond International Raceway so many times in the past, but to have UPS and Richmond International Raceway bring in a truck full of supplies today was more than we could have expected. This will be such a much-needed resource for our students. It takes a huge burden off of the community and all of our staff members as we start this new year.”

Ragan, representatives from UPS and UPS Freight and Fritz all helped unload the supplies.

“Doing something for the local community and the kids is the number one reason for being in Richmond today,” said Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford. “With UPS Freight’s involvement, being based out of Virginia, that’s certainly a good reason to come up. You see the reaction from the teachers and the principal, they really get a kick out of it and they appreciate it.”

Following the delivery, Ragan returned to Richmond International Raceway and participated in an exclusive question and answer session for fans who donated school supplies and also got behind the wheel of the track’s official pace car to give fans a spin around the ¾-mile D-shaped oval.

Ragan will be back behind the wheel of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion at Richmond International Raceway September 10-11 for the Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond, featuring the Saturday night, Air Guard 400 Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights.” The Air Guard 400 is “One Last Race To Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag drops on the Air Guard 400, the field will be set for the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets are on sale now, including a limited number of $40 seats, and can be purchased on www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223).

The Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond begins on Friday, September 10, with a full day of on-track activity, highlighted by the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race “under the lights.” Friday’s ticket includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased on www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday only.

-30-

About Richmond International Raceway:
Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting 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 its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the new-for-2010 Video Scoring Tower) 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. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

About Richmond International Raceway CARES:
Richmond International Raceway CARES is dedicated to assisting charities, causes and events in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area that focus on—but are not limited to—youth, education and recreation.

Through The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Richmond International Raceway CARES donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities.  Working with The NASCAR Foundation, Richmond International Raceway CARES was started and is run by the Richmond International Raceway staff.

Richmond International Raceway CARES strives to help meet the needs of the local area by bettering the community through fundraising opportunities, providing donations and volunteering time and effort for local worthy causes.  Richmond International Raceway and Richmond International Raceway CARES aim to improve the quality of life for the residents in and around the Greater Richmond Metropolitan community.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release