Richmond International Raceway Celebrating 60 Years in NASCAR

Richmond, VA (January 20, 2012)—

A 24-year-old shop located in metro Richmond, Barber Martin is a full-service agency that oversees the advertising platform for a wide variety of Richmond based companies, including Adolf Jewelers, West Broad Honda, Wealthcare Capital Management, VCU School of Business, Chesterfield Auto Parts, Capitol Region Airport Commission, and Southern States Cooperative.  The Barber Martin team will assist RIR with print, television, radio and out-of-home messaging and promotions for the 2012 season.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Barber Martin,” explained RIR president Dennis Bickmeier.  “They are a well respected agency that knows the Richmond and surrounding markets and share our values of integrity and commitment to our customers.  They understand our fan base and are committed to helping us create a memorable experience for our fans.”

Barber Martin will also assist RIR as the track celebrates 60 years of NASCAR racing by encouraging fans to share their memories and stories about races at RIR, as well as help the fans create new memories.

“RIR is just such a unique Richmond institution. And we’ve always looked back fondly on the work we did with the track many years ago,” says Robyn Deyo, President of Barber Martin. “So we’re genuinely excited to be able to work with them again. They have a great team over there that really ‘gets it’ so we’re looking to accomplish big things with them.”

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway April 26-28 for three nights of racing under the lights. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223. Tickets are also available for the April 27, NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and the April 26, doubleheader, featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.

Source: Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway Celebrating 60 Years in NASCAR

Richmond, VA (January 17, 2012)—

Linwood Burrow, director of track operations, and Seiji Kashiwabara, nursing director, earned the Track Services Award for Excellence and Nursing Director of the Year Award for Excellence, respectively, at the 2012 NASCAR Summit earlier this week.

“We are thrilled to have two of our staff members recognized at this year’s NASCAR Summit,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “Their continued enthusiasm and professionalism are vital to our operations throughout the year and on race weekend.”

NASCAR presents The Track Services Award for Excellence annually to an individual who has taken the initiative to significantly improve track services at a NASCAR National Series Track over the duration of a career of ten or more years. Burrow, who earned the service award, has been a member of the Richmond International Raceway staff for over 40 years.

NASCAR annually awards The Nursing Director of the Year Award for Excellence to a Nursing Director who shows outstanding leadership and organizational skills, quickly addresses concerns and delivers an immediate and positive outcome. Kashiwabara and his medical team operate the RIR Infield Care Center on race weekends, where they provide medical care to competitors and track guests. Kashiwabara has been a part of the RIR team for the past 11 years.

“It’s an honor to have one of our team members recognized by NASCAR,” said Dr. M. Stephen Kramer, M.D., Medical Director at Richmond International Raceway for the past 23 years.  “Seiji is such a talent and a great representation of Richmond International Raceway.”

The awards were presented based on the employees’ service during the year 2011 and prior.

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway April 26-28 for three nights of racing under the lights. Tickets for the Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling866-455-7223. Tickets are also available for the April 27, Richmond 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the April 26, doubleheader, featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.

Source: Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway

Fans Will Experience Racing “Under the Lights” Saturday, April 28

Richmond, VA (January 11, 2012)—Proving that good things do happen on Friday the 13^th, Richmond International Raceway fans may purchase tickets to the Saturday, April 28, Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this Friday, January 13, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The race marks the return of NASCAR to Richmond International Raceway for the first time since last September’s Wonderful Pistachios 400 – one of the most exciting races of the 2011 season.

Defending champion Tony Stewart; Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin; Jimmie Johnson; Jeff Gordon; Kyle Busch; Carl Edwards and all of your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will battle “under the lights” around the ¾-mile D-shaped oval.

Race day at Richmond International Raceway is unlike any other event in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fans arrive bright and early to enjoy the best tailgating around, as well as the sights and sounds of the souvenir display area where you can check out all the merchandise on sale, collect free souvenirs and play interactive games.

As the sun sets, we flip on the lights for 400 laps of old-school, short track, Saturday night racing. Cheer on your favorite drivers and experience racing like nowhere else. Be here on Saturday, April 28, for the Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Fans can enhance their race day experience with the Saturday Pit Pass Upgrade, providing the only opportunity to score a pre-race pit pass to walk down pit road for an unforgettable infield visit. The upgrade also includes admission to the indoor, climate-controlled 3-Wide hospitality area. The Saturday Pit Pass Upgrade is $80 for adults, $40 for kids 12 and younger. Fans wishing to purchase must also have a grandstand ticket.

Tickets for the Richmond 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race can be purchased online beginning Friday, January 13, by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223. Tickets are also available for the April 27, Richmond 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the April 26, doubleheader, featuring the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race and the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway 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 Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—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 state-of-the-art 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. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

Source: Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway

$5 Ticket is a Chance to Win Christmas Tree and Prizes Valued at $5,000; Bickmeier to Light the Tree This Friday 

Richmond International Raceway is mixing its racing spirit with holiday spirit at the Richmond Symphony of Trees, November 25 – December 4, with a uniquely-themed Richmond International Raceway tree. The Symphony of Trees offers a raffle of six uniquely-themed and professionally decorated Christmas trees. Raffle tickets are $5.

The Raceway-themed tree, which has a base shaped like the track’s D-shaped oval and has an original Santa figure and race car, will be on display at the Hilton Garden Inn (501 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219) November 25 – December 4. Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier will illuminate the tree during a private ceremony this Friday.

Presents that come with the tree include:

• Racing tire signed by all the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who raced at Richmond in September 2011
• Tickets to the Spring 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races at RIR
• Pre-race pit passes and garage passes for both races
• Pace Car ride
• Pre-race ceremony access
• Many more presents

To view the entire list of presents for the tree and to purchase raffle tickets, visit www.richmondsymphonyoftrees.com. In total, there are six uniquely-themed trees to be raffled, with each valued at approximately $5,000.

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway for a quadrupleheader, featuring the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race; Friday, April 27, NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Thursday, April 26, doubleheader: Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, preceded by the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. Ticket deposits are being accepted now for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

About Richmond Symphony of Trees:

Symphony of Trees combines the traditions of elegantly decorated Christmas trees, the excitement of Christmas presents and the nostalgia of downtown teas, luncheons and fashion shows that defined the Richmond holiday season in days gone by. The flurry of Symphony of Trees events concludes with six lucky raffle winners taking home a stunning and uniquely decorated 7-foot tree complete with the “presents under the tree” valued at just under $5,000!

Each tree has a theme and is professionally decorated. Enjoy peeking at a sampling of what each tree holds in store for the lucky winner. These trees will be on display at Hilton Garden Inn, site of the former Miller & Rhoads department store, 501 E. Broad St., from November 25 until December 4. Raffle tickets are $5.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway

Richmond, VA (November 16, 2011)—

NEW THIS YEAR: We need your help filling the Richmond International Raceway Pace Car with food! Each weekday we will put the Pace Car on display at the corner of Laburnum Ave. and Richmond-Henrico Tnpk., placing food donations inside the car. Our hope is to fill the entire Pace Car with food items for Central Virginia Foodbank.

“The Central Virginia Foodbank and Marine Toys for Tots are two very special programs for us here at Richmond International Raceway,” said track president Dennis Bickmeier. “We recognize the need for our community throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season. I encourage everyone to make a difference this holiday season and donate to these worthwhile programs. Additionally, I pledge that Richmond International Raceway will match can-for-can and toy-for-toy the donations we receive here at the track.”

Donations can be made to both organizations at the Richmond International Raceway ticket office located at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike (Meadowbridge Road). The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For five food items or one new, unwrapped toy donated to these organizations and dropped off at Richmond International Raceway, each donor will be entered to win two tickets to the April 28, 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Food items most needed are canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, canned spaghetti sauce, hot and cold cereals, pasta and rice.

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway for a quadrupleheader, featuring the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race; Friday, April 27, NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Thursday, April 26, doubleheader: Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, preceded by the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. Ticket deposits are being accepted now for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Kyle Busch - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

Trevor Bayne was second fastest with a lap speed of 122.166 mph, and was followed by Justin Allgaier (121.715) who was third fastest, Steve Wallace (121.698) fourth fastest and Aric Almirola (121.234) was fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten were Carl Edwards (121.071) who was sixth fastest, Ryan Truex (120.946) seventh, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (120.935) eighth, Mike Bliss (120.805) ninth and Reed Sorenson (120.616) posting the tenth fastest lap speed.

Qualifying to determine tonight’s lineup for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 race (approximate start of 7:50 PM – EDT) is schedule to get underway this afternoon at 4:05 PM (EDT).

2011 NNS Virginia 529 College Savings 250 Final Practice Session Speeds

(i) Ineligible for Points in this Series
# Denotes Rookie
* Required to Qualify on Time

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - Photo Credit: Steve Langley for NASCAR

Second fastest and with a lap speed of 123.842 mph, was Brad Keselowski, followed by Kenny Wallace (123.649) who was third fastest, Trevor Bayne (123.581) fourth fastest and Carl Edwards (123.367) was fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten fastest in practice were Kyle Busch (123.091) posting the sixth fastest lap speed, Jamie McMurray (122.934) seventh fastest, Mike Bliss (122.906) eighth, Kevin Harvick (122.766) ninth and Brian Scott (122.694) was the tenth fastest.

The team’s “Happy Hour” (final) practice session is scheduled to run from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (EDT) and then they will return later in the day for their 4:05 PM (EDT) scheduled qualifying session to determine tonight’s starting lineup (for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at approximately 7:50 PM – EDT).

2011 NNS Virginia 529 College Savings 250 First Practice Session Speeds

(i) Ineligible for Points in this Series
# Denotes Rookie
* Required to Qualify on Time

Wonderful Pistachios 400 Logo
Thursday, September 8th

11:30 AM              NNS HAULERS ENTER
12:30 PM              NNS REGISTRATION OPENS
1:00 PM               NNS GARAGE OPENS
5:00 PM               NNS REGISTRATION CLOSES
6:00 PM               NNS GARAGE CLOSES
7:00 PM               NSCS HAULERS ENTER
                      (TRUCK PARKING ONLY)

Friday, September 9th

6:30 AM               NSCS REGISTRATION OPENS
7:00 AM               NSCS GARAGE OPENS
7:30 AM               NNS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
7:30 AM               TRACK SERVICES MEETING
8:00 AM               NNS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & RANDOM DRAWING
9:00 AM 10:15 AM      NNS PRACTICE
10:30 AM 11:30 AM     NNS FINAL PRACTICE
11:00 AM              NSCS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & RANDOM DRAWING
11:30 AM              NSCS “HOT PASS IN EFFECT”
12:10 PM 2:00 PM      NSCS PRACTICE
2:00 PM 2:45 PM       TV Exhibition Run
2:00 PM 3:00 PM       NNS Autograph Session
2:45 PM 3:30 PM       NSCS FINAL PRACTICE
4:05 PM               NNS QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
5:00 PM 6:00 PM       NNS Minor’s Admitted into NASCAR Garage Area*
5:05 PM               NSCS “HOT PASS IN EFFECT”
5:20 PM               NNS DRIVER/CREW CHIEF MEETING (TENT)
5:30 PM               TRACK SERVICES MEETING-PIT ROAD
5:35 PM               NSCS QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS – ALL POSITIONS)
7:00 PM               NSCS REGISTRATION CLOSES
7:00 PM               NNS DRIVER INTRODUCTION-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
7:30 PM               NNS RACE (250 LAPS, 187.5 MILES)
8:00 PM               NNS REGISTRATION CLOSES
8:30 PM               NSCS GARAGE CLOSES

Saturday, September 10th

11:00 AM 1:00 PM      Richmond International Raceway Pace Car Rides
11:30 AM              NSCS REGISTRATION OPENS
1:15 PM 2:15 PM       NASCAR Pace Car Rides
1:30 PM               NSCS GARAGE OPENS
1:30 PM 6:00 PM       NSCS Minor’s Admitted into NASCAR Garage Area*
4:00 PM               TRACK SERVICES MEETING (TENT)
5:30 PM               NSCS DRIVER/CREW CHIEF MEETING (TENT)
5:45 PM               Concert
6:30 PM               NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT – UNTIL ONE HOUR AFTER RACE **
7:00 PM               NSCS DRIVERS INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY – CLEAR PIT ROAD
7:30 PM               NSCS RACE (400 LAPS, 300 MILES)
8:00 PM               NSCS REGISTRATION CLOSES
                      *With Proper Credential

ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN EASTERN
TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

December 2007 Busch Ceremony 7th-Place Finisher Stephen Leicht - Photo Credit: Doug Benc/Getty Images

Leicht made his NASCAR debut in 2005 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). He made 71 starts in the series while driving for Yates Racing and Richard Childress Racing. The Asheville, N.C., native scored his only win in the 2007 NNS race at Kentucky Speedway while driving for Yates Racing. That same year, he finished seventh in the NNS point standings. In his 71 NNS starts, Leicht collected three top-five and 16 top-10 finishes. The 24-year-old also made a start in the NSCS at Pocono Raceway with Yates Racing. He started 36^th and finished 33^rd.

“I’ve always watched Stephen’s career,” explained TBR Owner Tommy Baldwin. “He did really well when we tested a Cup car together, and I was really impressed. The opportunity came up, and we needed to fill the seat. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to give Stephen a shot at racing in the Cup series.”

“I’m very excited to be working with Tommy Baldwin Racing,” said Leicht. “I’ve known Tommy since back when I raced with Robert Yates Racing in 2007, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to compete in the Cup series.”

Pepsi Max is partnering with Golden Corral to promote the brand’s entrance into Golden Corral restaurants. Golden Corral has served Pepsi’s robust portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages in each of its 485 locations since 2007.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the sport by partnering with Tommy Baldwin Racing for this unique Pepsi MAX promotion with Golden Corral,” said Rand Eyberg, Vice President National Restaurants, PepsiCo Foodservice.

Leicht will get behind the wheel of a TBR Chevrolet Wednesday to test at Gresham Motorsports Park in preparation for his TBR debut at Richmond International Raceway.

About Golden Corral Corporation:

Founded in 1973, privately held Golden Corral Corp. is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. Golden Corral currently has 485 restaurants in 41 states. The company’s vision is to be the leader in the family restaurant segment by making pleasurable dining affordable for every guest, at every restaurant, every day. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Golden Corral helped raise more than $1,000,000 for the DAV in 2010 as part of its annual “Military Appreciation Monday” initiative. For more information on Golden Corral, visit www.goldencorral.com.

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

Tommy Baldwin Racing was formed in 2009 by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin. Baldwin utilized a slumping economy to open a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team with a stringent budget. The team competed in two full seasons with multiple drivers behind the wheel of the No. 36 Chevrolet and improved in the standings each year.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the full NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule in 2011 with NASCAR veteran Dave Blaney piloting the No. 36 Golden Corral Chevrolet. Looking to improve on-track performance, TBR found success early in the 2011 season with partners Golden Corral, Big Red and Accell Construction. TBR’s driver development program, Heinke-Baldwin Racing, will also compete in various NASCAR series in 2011.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

- Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway

Richmond, VA (August 15, 2011)—

•  Eight reserved grandstand seats in the Commonwealth Mezzanine on the frontstretch
•  Eight pre-race pit passes
•  Two VIP parking passes
•  Eight souvenir programs
•  Eight lanyards and credential holders
•  Admission to the climate-controlled Pit Stop Club hospitality building, which includes a full dinner buffet and complimentary adult beverages for fans 21 and older

Just announced! Kurt Busch, driver of the #22 Pennzoil Dodge and Regan Smith, driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, will participate in question-and-answer sessions in the Pit Stop Club hospitality building Saturday afternoon. Track president Dennis Bickmeier will also stop in to meet and greet fans. Additional NASCAR personalities maybe be announced at a later date.

For more information on the Pit Stop Club, contact the Corporate Sales Staff at rirsales@rir.com or 804-228-7611.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, September 10, now is the time. Advance tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223). Don’t miss the return of hometown favorite Denny Hamlin, defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and all of your favorite stars of the Sprint Cup Series.

The weekend begins on Friday, September 9, with a full day of on-track activity, highlighted by the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Friday’s ticket includes practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Advance tickets start at $30, with children 12 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. For tickets and information, log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

The Road to Richmond

While the top-14 in points didn’t see too much movement following Pocono, from position 15 on, there was quite a bit of change. Most notably, Mark Martin and Brad Keselowski both gained three spots, while David Ragan fell three spots. Sitting in the 18^th spot, with two wins, Keselowski is holding on tight to a Wild Card position.

Everything gets a little bit interesting when you go to a road course. While many of the Chase contenders 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.

Tony Stewart Currently 9^th in the points, with no wins this season, Stewart has the top driver rating this week at 129.6. He has five wins at The Glen and knows his way around the twists and turns. A win this weekend could help him gain valuable points and assist with his goal to make the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He definitely doesn’t have the best luck at The Glen, with only two top-5 finishes. Sitting in the 10^th position, Earnhardt Jr. ranks 23^rd among the driver ratings list. He’s made it no secret that he’s not a big fan of road course racing. A win this weekend could change his mind and give his team the shot in the arm they’ve been looking for heading into the final races on “The Road to Richmond.”

Denny Hamlin As the cards fall right now, Hamlin would take the final Wild Card position, sitting 11^th in points, with one win. He’s seventh on the driver rating list at 99.9 and has just one top-five finish in five races at The Glen. He’s only 31 points ahead of Paul Menard, who is the next closest driver in the top-20 with a win this season. A bad race for one and a good race for another could change the look of the Wild Card position.

Expect these drivers to be in the thick of the Wild Card hunt as “The Road to Richmond” ends at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 10 for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only those in the top 10 and two Wild Card drivers will be eligible for the championship over the final 10 races of the season.

Get your tickets now to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers battle “under the lights” in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make the Chase.” Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or by logging on to www.rir.com. Additionally, tickets are also available for Friday night’s Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Friday tickets start at $30 and include WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Family seating, presented by Virginia 529, is also available. Designated Family Sections will feature a special price on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for kids 12 and under. Kids 12 and under will be admitted at half price in the Family Sections presented by Virginia 529 when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition to the special kids pricing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, alcohol is also prohibited in Family Sections presented by Virginia 529.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

The Road to Richmond

Known as the Tricky Triangle because of its unusual triangle shape featuring three turns of different radius and three different lengths of straight-aways, Pocono Raceway is a demanding track, testing a driver’s endurance and skill and the car’s horsepower. Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin is always a favorite at Pocono with four career wins.

Hamlin, who currently sits 11th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings and would be the first driver to take a Wild Card position with one win, is looking to add to his win column this weekend. He has seven top-five finishes, eight top 10s and two pole awards to go along with his four victories at Pocono. With a series-best Driver Rating of 118.6 and an average finishing position of 9.2, Hamlin has a great shot to take the checkered flag on Sunday.

A couple drivers will battle Hamlin for Pocono supremacy, including five-time winner Jeff Gordon and two-time winner Kurt Busch. Both drivers are comfortably inside the top 12 and looking to gain the valuable bonus points that would come along with a victory. Gordon has five career wins at Pocono, with his most recent win coming in the June event. He returns to Pocono with 17 top fives, 26 top 10s and the fourth-best Driver Rating (101.3). Busch scored perfect Driver Ratings (150.0) in both of his victories at Pocono and has the third overall Driver Rating of 104.1 at the track.

For Gordon and Busch, the focus will be tackling the Tricky Triangle and getting to Victory Lane, but for Hamlin and several other drivers, the focus will remain on the Wild Card positions, without losing sight of the challenges on the track at Pocono.

Fresh off his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Indianapolis, Paul Menard currently holds the final Wild Card spot, while sitting 14th in the points standings. David Ragan, currently 16th and Brad Keselowski, currently 21st, could rush in and take a Wild Card spot with a win this weekend.

Here is a look at drivers fighting for a Wild Card position and their stats at Pocono:

Paul Menard: While he does hold the finial Wild Card spot right now, Menard ranks 33rd in the Driver Ratings (55.5), with an average finish of 24.3. He did finish 14th in the June event, so there’s a chance he could break into the top-10 at the checkered flag.

David Ragan: He wasn’t the “favorite” for Daytona in July and he’s not the favorite this weekend either with a 61.7 Driver Rating that’s 27th overall. His average finish is 21.4, but he did bring home a top-20 finish in June.

Brad Keselowski: Probably the guy who has the most on the line, sitting 21st in points and needing to reach the top-20, with an additional win to even have a chance at a Wild Card spot. He’s 24th overall in the Driver Ratings (66.5) and has an average finish of 21.3. He finished 23rd at Pocono in June and will need to do better than that to break into the top-20 in points.

When NASCAR returns to Richmond for the doubleheader weekend September 9-10, drivers will have one last shot to be one of the top 12 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Anything can happen on “The Road to Richmond.” Get your tickets now to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers battle “under the lights” in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make the Chase.” Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or by logging on to www.rir.com. Additionally, tickets are also available for Friday night’s Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Friday tickets start at $30 and include WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Family seating, presented by Virginia 529, is also available. Designated Family Sections will feature a special price on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for kids 12 and under. Kids 12 and under will be admitted at half price in the Family Sections presented by Virginia 529 when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition to the special kids pricing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, alcohol is also prohibited in Family Sections presented by Virginia 529.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 4, 2011) – Pepsi Max will join Golden Corral for seven races on the No. 36 Golden Corral Chevrolet this season. Pepsi Max will have associate placement on the Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) machine starting at Pocono Raceway this weekend and return to the Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Dover International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Pepsi has been a part of racing for nearly 15 years on the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Golden Corral has served Pepsi’s robust portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages in each of its 485 locations since 2007.

Golden Corral joined TBR for the Daytona 500 this season and returned for 21 primary events and nine associate events. Golden Corral is currently running a season-long promotion “Racing for America’s Families.” If the No. 36 Golden Corral Chevrolet finishes in the top-10 in any NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this season, kids get a free buffet the following Monday with a paying adult.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the sport by partnering with Tommy Baldwin Racing for this unique Pepsi MAX promotion with Golden Corral,” said Rand Eyberg, Vice President National Restaurants, PepsiCo Foodservice.

“Adding Zero Calorie Pepsi Max to our already large assortment of beverage options increases our commitment to providing incredible value and variety to our guests,” said Ed Gleich, Vice President of Marketing for Golden Corral.

“We’re excited to have Pepsi Max on the car for seven races,” explained TBR owner Tommy Baldwin. “We are pleased we can support our partner, Golden Corral, in promoting the availability of Pepsi Max in their restaurants. That’s our job as a race team, and I’m glad we can help their brand as they help us every week.”

The No. 36 Golden Corral Chevrolet will hit the track with Pepsi Max logos this weekend for the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 at Pocono Raceway.

About Golden Corral Corporation:
Founded in 1973, privately held Golden Corral Corp. is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. Golden Corral currently has 485 restaurants in 41 states. The company’s vision is to be the leader in the family restaurant segment by making pleasurable dining affordable for every guest, at every restaurant, every day. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Golden Corral helped raise more than $1,000,000 for the DAV in 2010 as part of its annual “Military Appreciation Monday” initiative. For more information on Golden Corral, visit www.goldencorral.com.

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:
Tommy Baldwin Racing was formed in 2009 by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin. Baldwin utilized a slumping economy to open a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team with a stringent budget. The team competed in two full seasons with multiple drivers behind the wheel of the No. 36 Chevrolet and improved in the standings each year.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the full NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule in 2011 with NASCAR veteran Dave Blaney piloting the No. 36 Golden Corral Chevrolet. Looking to improve on-track performance, TBR found success early in the 2011 season with partners Golden Corral, Big Red and Accell Construction. TBR’s driver development program, Heinke-Baldwin Racing, will also compete in various NASCAR series in 2011.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

- Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

The Road to Richmond

Similar to “One Last Race to Make The Chase,” the Brickyard 400 is one of the marquee events on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Over the years, the Brickyard 400 has provided a good indication of who will win the series championship. NASCAR’s top series has raced at Indy 17 times with 14 races being won by past, reining or future series champions. In eight of those seasons the winner at the Brickyard has gone on to win the Sprint Cup Series title, including in four of the last six years. Jimmie Johnson won the series title after Brickyard 400 wins in 2006, 2008 and 2009, while Tony Stewart went on to win the Cup title following his victory at Indy in 2005.

This weekend could play an integral role in the Wild Card slot. Three drivers in particular are looking for their first win of the season, which could help them take a Wild Card position when the checkered flag flies in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray, last year’s Brickyard winner, are all good bets to take the checkered flag this weekend.

A native Hoosier, Stewart is always a threat at the Brickyard. Currently 11^th in the points standings, the two-time Brickyard champion looks to become just the second driver-owner to win at Indy. The first was Virginia native, Ricky Rudd in 1997. With a series-best driver rating of 109.3 at Indianapolis, Stewart is the favorite for this weekend.

Montoya, currently 17^th in points, finished second in the 2007 Brickyard 400 and might have won in 2009 if not for a late-race pit road speeding penalty while leading. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 2000 and needs a win to be in contention for the Wild Card come September 10^th.

McMurray, while 29^th in points, won last year’s Brickyard 400 and, while it is a stretch, he is looking for a way to move up in the points for a chance at the Wild Card position. A win this weekend will help with that goal.

Here is a look at other drivers to keep an eye on as “The Road to Richmond” stops at the Brickyard:

Mark Martin: Currently 20^th in points, Hendrick Motorsports has made it no secret that they want to push Martin to a win for a chance at a Wild Card position coming into Richmond. He has the third-best driver rating of 105.3, behind Stewart and Montoya (106.4).

Greg Biffle: With the fifth-best driver rating of 97.7, Biffle’s average finish is 13.9. He’s currently 15^th in points and winless this season. A win this weekend could put him in contention for a Wild Card berth.

Jeff Burton: Much like McMurray, the thought of a Wild Card berth for Virginia native Burton is a stretch. He’s currently 25^th in points, but he’s the seventh-best on the driver rating list this week at 95.0. He’s never won at the Brickyard, but does have one top five and five top 10 finishes.

When NASCAR returns to Richmond for the doubleheader weekend September 9-10, drivers will have one last shot to be one of the top 12 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Anything can happen on “The Road to Richmond.” Get your tickets now to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers battle “under the lights” in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make the Chase.” Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling 866-455-RACE (7223) or by logging on to www.rir.com. Additionally, tickets are also available for Friday night’s Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Friday tickets start at $30 and include WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Family seating, presented by Virginia 529, is also available. Designated Family Sections will feature a special price on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for kids 12 and under. Kids 12 and under will be admitted at half price in the Family Sections presented by Virginia 529 when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition to the special kids pricing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, alcohol is also prohibited in Family Sections presented by Virginia 529.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

The Road to Richmond

While the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format has provided plenty of excitement since its inception in 2004, this year may be the most intense after a few new-for-2011 tweaks. The top 10 in driver point standings will earn a berth in the championship field and two “wild card” drivers will also earn a spot. The “wild card” positions go to the two drivers with the most wins who are ranked 11-20 in the point standings, which means there could be an abundance of drivers battling it out for the win “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway.

Clint Bowyer can attest to how the “wild card” is affecting the standings. Although he is 12^th in points, he finds himself on the outside looking in. Bowyer has zero wins on the season, while David Ragan (15^th in points) has a win, putting Ragan in The Chase for the moment.

Keep an eye on these drivers for Week 3 on “The Road to Richmond”:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Has never won at New Hampshire, but he does have the 5^th-best driver rating over the past six years, with an average finish of 14.9. Right now Earnhardt Jr. is 8^th in the point standings but only 21 points ahead of 11^th-place Tony Stewart. Earnhardt Jr. has no wins on the season and will need to stay afloat on points if he doesn’t find Gatorade Victory Lane.

Clint Bowyer Is trying to find his way back in The Chase. As previously mentioned, Bowyer is no longer in the 12-driver field for the moment. His 12^th-place points position leave him on the outside, due to Ragan’s one win for the second “wild card” spot. The good news for Bowyer is he has two New Hampshire wins and the 6^th-best driver rating. Look for him to climb this week.

Tony Stewart Finds himself on this list pretty frequently, but for good reason. Stewart has the top driver rating at New Hampshire, to go along with two wins there. He’s 11^th in driver points, earning him a “wild card” berth for the moment, but he has zero wins.

Brad Keselowski Is slowly but surely inching his way towards the top 20. Moving up one spot over the weekend, Keselowski is now 21^st…AND he has one win this season. Moving into the top 20 would likely vault him into The Chase, since only Ragan has a win in spots 11-20.

Follow all the excitement on “The Road to Richmond,” which culminates on Saturday, September 10, for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race start at $45 in advance and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223.

The weekend begins on Friday, September 9, for a full day of on-track activity, highlighted by the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Advance tickets start at $30, with children 12 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. Log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223 for tickets and information.

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 Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—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 state-of-the-art 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. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release