Richmond International Raceway


Location: Richmond, Virginia
Phone Number: 804-345-7223
Distance: .759 miles
Banking: 14 degrees

Where To Stay

Motels:-

Best Western, I95 Exit 86, Rte 6 Box 1215, Ashland VA 23065. Tel: 804 550-2805. Fax: 804 550-3843.

Clarion Hotel, 2401 W.Hundred Rd, Chester VA 23831. Tel: 804 748-631. www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/va842

Comfort Inn, I95 Exit 61A, 2100 W.Hundred Rd, Chester VA 23831. Tel: 804 751-0000. Fax: 805 7510-5581.

Days Inn, I95/I64 Exit 68, 1600 Robin Hood Rd, Richmond VA 23270. Tel: 804 353-1287. Fax: 804 353-2659.

Quality Inn & Suites, 12711 Old Stage Rd, Chester VA 23836. Tel: 804 796-5200. www.qualityinn.com/hotel/va340

Richmond - A Brief History

Richmond International Raceway is an ultra-modern, multi-use motorsports complex located on the Virginia State Fairgrounds at Strawberry Hill in Henrico County, just outside the city limits of Richmond - capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. NASCAR Winston Cup Series races have been conducted on the site of "RIR" since Lee Petty won the first in April, 1953. Entirely financed by private capital, the 3/4 - mile "D"- shaped asphalt oval is surrounded by the greatest number of seats of any Virginia sports complex and twice annually draws admissions exceeding 130,000 to its showcase NASCAR Winston Cup Series race weekends - the largest crowds to attend any Virginia events. The present racing facility opened in September, 1988 - reconstructed on the site of a 1/2 - mile track that first hosted dirt auto races in the 1940's, following use as a horse track. The original 1/2- mile dirt track was paved in 1968. With a constant 60-foot track width and turns banked 14 degrees, NASCAR stock cars now turn average Richmond lap speeds in the 125 mph range. Near the junction of Interstates 95 and 64, Richmond International Raceway is in close proximity to modern airport and Amtrak facilities that easily disperse the fans and competitors who fill 75area hotel and motel properties within a few minutes drive of the Raceway on major event weekends. Famous for fine dining, historic sites, stately homes, world class museums, and tree lined boulevards, Richmond is home to such attractions as St. John's church (site of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech), White House of the Confederacy, and the Virginia Capitol Building, designed by Thomas Jefferson . Owned and operated by Paul Sawyer and his family, Richmond International Raceway has received numerous national and local honors, including the prestigious Myers Brothers Award.