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Richmond International Raceway
Located in Richmond, Virginia, the Richmond International Raceway is a popular spot among race fans, drivers and even the media. It's unique ¾ mile design provides for some of the best side-by-side racing of any facility on the circuit. NASCAR is a popular sport among Virginians, which they have proven as the last 26 straight NASCAR Nextel Cup races have completely sold out at the Richmond International Raceway. Thousands of fans pack the seats to see the Busch and Craftsman series each year at Richmond, as well. In fact, the raceway hosts two NASCAR Nextel Cup races each season, along with two NASCAR Busch race and one Craftsman Truck event.
In 2001, the arrival of the IRL IndyCar Series has added even more popularity to the facility. The series quickly became comfortable at Richmond as it hosts a new event each year. In addition, the Crown Royal IROC Series, a USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series event and a USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series race are also regular annual events at Richmond International Raceway.
Many of NASCAR's greatest moments have occurred at Richmond International Raceway. In June 1960, Richard Petty competed in his first race at Richmond while his father, Lee, won the actual race. The following year, in April 1961, Richard won the first of his record 13 wins at Richmond. In February 1988, reconstruction began on the facility with Petty, himself, at the wheel of one of the bulldozers.
Since it's earliest days, the track has undergone numerous name changes - three to be exact, along with four configuration changes and one surface change. The surface change was implemented when the facility went from dirt to asphalt. In 1991, lights were added to the facility in order to better accommodate a night race or, as race fans like to call it, a night under the lights. Richmond International Raceway is the only track in existence to host all of its major events after dark. In September 1991, Harry Gant took the checkered during Richmond's first NASCAR Winston Cup (now known as Nextel Cup) race "under the lights."
During the 2006 season, Richmond International Raceway will celebrate it's 53rd anniversary. The first actual race was held in April 1953 with Lee Petty taking the checkered flag at the 100-mile event. At that time, the purse was a modest $1,000.00 for the winner. Much has changed since those earliest days of racing and the purses have certainly grown larger. For example, in 1980, the purse topped $100,00.00 for the first time. These days, the prizes are larger and the competition is sure to match.
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