Richmond International Raceway
The Crown Royal 400 and Chevy Rock & Roll 400 are held at Virginia's Richmond International Raceway.
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Overview
According to longtime NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, Richmond International Raceway is almost every driver's favorite racetrack. The .75-mile tri-oval provides all the benefits of short-track racing but also allows for plenty of passing.
Richmond is host to two races, the first of which is the Crown Royal 400 on May 2. But it's the second race that has become one of the most important on the entire NASCAR circuit.
The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Sept. 12 is the 26th race of the season. It's important because it's the last event before the Chase for the Championship, meaning it can determine who will compete for the title and who won't. Jeremy Mayfield once won this race just to get into the Chase, and Tony Stewart fell out of the Chase here after a disappointing run three years ago. It's that important. Clint Bowyer won his first ever race here last year.
Richmond is an old-school track. How old? Ricky Rudd raced here 54 times. It's the longest short track on the circuit and, having opened in 1946, holds a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers.
Address
600 E. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222
www.rir.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Fan guide (downloadable): Web site
Notable events
NASCAR Weekend
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
• NASCAR Nationwide Series 250, 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gates open at 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
• Chevy Rock & Roll 400, 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 2 p.m.
Tickets
Ticket office: 866-455-7223
Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart
Pit passes: Available through fan hospitality options; call the track ticket
office at 866-455-7223 or visit the track Web site.
Fan hospitality: Different options available, call the track ticket office for
further information.
Special travel packages: Visit www.rir.com or call the track ticket office
for further information.
Track specs
Track length: 0.75 mile
Banking: Corners -- 14 degrees; frontstretch -- 8 degrees;
backstretch -- 2 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,290
Backstretch: 860
Race length: 400 laps
Grandstand seating capacity: 112,029
Opened: 1946 (First NASCAR race was 1953)
Carry-in items
Coolers: Allowed (one soft-sided cooler -- limit of 6"x6"x12"; one clear,
plastic bag -- 18"x18"x4" limit; plastic bags may not contain ice).
Glass containers: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Allowed.
Cameras/recording devices: Allowed, must be worn separately.
Souvenirs and displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Gift shop: Located at the track's ticket office.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit area guidelines
Pit passes available, call the track ticket office for further information.
Camping
Reserved: Available, with waiting list; call 866-455-7223 for details.
Associated driving schools
Richard Petty Driving Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Web site
Andretti-Gordon Racing School
877-4-Jeff-24 or 877-Andretti
Web site
Speed Tech Auto Racing School
877-80SPEED (877-807-7333)
Web site
Getting there
Richmond International Raceway is located northwest of the city of
Richmond, Va., in Henrico County near the intersection of East/West
I-64, North/South I-95 and East/West I-295.
Parking
Free parking: Available.
Handicapped parking: Available.
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
