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September 9^th Events Kick Off Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond

Richmond, VA (September 6, 2010) – Race fans at Richmond International Raceway will be treated to an extra day of on-track activity to kick off the Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond on Thursday, when the NASCAR Nationwide Series conducts a day-long test session of its new car. Following the test, NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers will participate in an autograph session in the Amphitheater at Richmond International Raceway.

NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers will test the new car in preparation for Friday night’s Virginia 529 College Savings 250 race “under the lights” at America’s Premier Short Track. The race marks the third event this season of the new car, featuring the new models—Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, as well as the sportier models of the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Camry.

Richmond International Raceway is opening up limited grandstands at 8:45 a.m. at no charge for fans to view practice, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans may access the grandstands at Gate 40 only and enter the property at Gate 4, located on Laburnum Avenue. Parking Lot D only opens at 8:30 a.m.

Following the test session, many of the drivers will participate in an autograph session in the Amphitheater at 4:30 p.m. The first 250 fans in line at Gate 40 at 3:00 p.m. will receive wristbands, allowing them access to the autograph session. Currently, the following drivers are scheduled to participate:

• Kenny Wallace
• Joe Nemechek
• Trevor Bayne
• Brendan Gaughan
• Ryan Truex
• Hermie Sadler
• Morgan Shepherd
• Michael Annett
• Coleman Pressley

The NASCAR Nationwide Series new car test session is a prelude to the Friday, September 10 Virginia 529 College Savings 250 race “under the lights.” Tickets are on sale now and start at $30 for General Admission seating. Advance reserved seats are $40. Tickets at the gate on Friday are $35 (General Admission) and $45 (Reserved). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday only.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond continues on Saturday night with the Air Guard 400, which is “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Tickets are available for the Air Guard 400, with a limited number of $40 tickets still remaining. For tickets and information to both races, log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE (7223).

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.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release