Saturday

The “Road To Richmond” Twists and Turns Through The Glen This Weekend

Filed under Press Releases, Sprint Cup Series

Four Races Remain Before NASCAR Returns to Richmond International
Raceway for the Air Guard 400, “One Last Race to Make The Chase”

Richmond, VA (August 6, 2010)—After some movement among the top 12 drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings following an eventful day at the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono, the Race to The Chase shifts to the 11-turn road course at Watkins Glen International. Following this weekend’s event, there will only be three races remaining before the “Race to The Chase” culminates at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 11 with the Air Guard 400—“One Last Race to Make The Chase.”

Although no driver dropped out of the top 12, there was some shuffling from spots five through nine with Virginia native Jeff Burton representing the biggest gainer, climbing two notches from seventh to fifth.  Kurt Busch, the 2005 September race winner at Richmond fell two spots to seventh, while Mark Martin, currently 13^th in the points gained some steam, cutting the deficit between him and 12^th place Clint Bowyer to just 34 points.

Everything gets a little bit interesting when you go to a road course. While many of the top 12 drivers are great on ovals, some haven’t been as impressive on the road courses. Let’s take a look at some facts about some notable Chase hopefuls and how they have fared at The Glen.

Mark Martin Currently 13^th in the points, just 34 points out of the 12^th and final Chase position, Martin needs a good finish this weekend to help launch him back into Chase contention.  Unfortunately, he has an average finish of 16.7 and a driver rating of 107.4, which places him 27^th on the ratings list this week. The bad news for Bowyer, Martin has three consecutive wins at The Glen (1993 – 1995) so he knows his way around the twists and turns.

Clint Bowyer Sitting in the 12^th position with a less than comfortable lead over Martin, Bowyer needs a top finish this weekend to help secure his spot in the Chase.  His average finish at The Glen is 15.5, just a spot higher than Martin who is hot on his heels.

Greg Biffle Fresh off his first win of the season and currently11th in the Sprint Cup Series points standings (only 122 points ahead of Martin), Biffle finds himself in the middle of the pack for average finish (22.4) and driver rating (11.9, 20^th overall) at The Glen. Will the momentum from his Pocono win help him gain valuable points this weekend on the road course?

Expect these drivers to be in the thick of the 2010 Race to The Chase, as the road ends at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 11 for “One Last Race to Make The Chase”—the Air Guard  400. Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only those in the top 12 will be eligible for the championship over the final 10 races of the season.

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway September 10-11 for one of the most anticipated race weekends of the season, highlighted by the Saturday, September 11, Air Guard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights.” This race is “One Last Race to Make The Chase” for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Once the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for the 2010 championship. Tickets for Saturday, September 11, start at $40 and can be purchased on www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223).

The weekend 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.

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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