RIR, The Big Little Track

Measuring 0.75-mile in distance, a lap at Richmond International Raceway (RIR) is said to be a nice combination of short-track and speedway racing. Most drivers say that they love RIR, for exactly that combination of racing feel. The NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) will compete this weekend at RIR, on Friday and Saturday night, respectively. I love night racin'!

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I attended 5 races at RIR, and I absolutely loved it. No matter where you are seated, you can see at least 90 per cent of the track. And, then there is the feel of the race, especially if you stand close to the track. You feel the building thunder of 800 horsepower (x43) as the cars draw nearer. Then, as the cars go by, you experience a ground-shaking quake; you are buffeted by a rush of wind and the flying specks of rubber tap your arms and face; and you smell the hot rubber and engine exhaust. The wave of sensations ebb as the pack races to the other side of the track. Seconds later, a few other cars, off the pace, vrrrrrroom... vrrroom... vroom by. Here's a link to show you a quick example... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41v_k3y-lLs. Repeat the lap cycle 400 times (300 miles), and you have witnessed nearly non-stop action. I love that the track workers will let you walk along the fence, as long as you keep moving. A walk around the RIR circuit, during the race, is an absolute must. RIR has the feel of a local short track, but the power of big-time auto racing.

DAVID POOLE TRIBUTE

Some NSCS teams will carry logos honoring the late David Poole, this weekend, at RIR. Each of the Hendrick Motosports cars will sport a "DCP" logo (David Carl Poole), which is in Carolina blue. DP's alma mater is the University of North Carolina. Stewart-Haas Racing cars will are also honor DP, with a decal reading “In Memory of David Poole 1959-2009”, which includes images of a fountain pen and a microphone. Roush Fenway Racing, Penske Racing and Richard Childress Racing are among other race teams carrying tribute decals.

TELEVISION COVERAGE SCHEDULE
NNS Qualifying: 4:10pm, on SPEED
NSCS Qualifying: 5:40pm, on SPEED
NNS Lipton Tea 250: 7:00pm on ESPN2
NSCS Crown Royal presents the Russ Freidman 400: 7:00pm on FOX

2009 CROWN ROYAL 400 SPECIAL PAINT SCHEMES
A. J. Allmendinger - No. 44 Kings Cup Karting for a Cause/PVA Dodge
Clint Bowyer - No. 33 BB&T Chevy
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - No. 88 National Guard-Drive the Guard Chevy
David Ragan - No. 6 UPS Freight Ford
David Stremme - No. 12 Star Trek Ford
Jeff Burton - No. 31 Prilosec OTC Chevy
Kyle Busch - No. 18 Combos Toyota
Marcos Ambrose - No. 47 Bush's Best Baked Beans Toyota
Mark Martin - No. 5 Cheez-It Chevy
Michael Waltrip - No. 55 NAPA Adaptive One Brake Pads Toyota
Reed Sorenson - No. 43 McDonald's McCafe Dodge

Robby Gordon - No. 7 Energizer Toyota

RIR RACE STATS
*May 2008 Race Winner - Clint Bowyer (Avg. Speed 95.786mph, started 31st)
*May 2008 Pole Setter - Denny Hamlin (126.198mph, finished 24th)

*The furthest back in the field that a race winner started was 31st, by Clint Bowyer May 2008
*11 of the past 12 races have been won from the top 10
*60 of 105 races at Richmond have been won from the top five starting positions, including 21 from the pole
*The first race under permanent lights was held Sept. 7, 1991

*45 Cars Entered, 2 will not race
*There is 30% chance of a thunderstorm at qualifying time. If qualifying is rained out, Tony Raines and Trevor Boys will not race. Those outside the top-35 that would make the race include: Brad Keselowski, Scott Speed, David Gilliland, Joe Nemechek, Scott Riggs, Jeremy Mayfield and Todd Bodine.