DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Darlington Raceway has turned its race into an annual "Throwback Weekend."
Now Richmond International Raceway is hoping to create a tradition of its own: A themed "Fan Appreciation Weekend."
Richmond announced its new initiative Saturday at Daytona International Speedway, giving away a trip to its Sept. 10 race that concludes the regular season.
The trip is just one of many prizes that will be part of an industry-wide effort to create a fan appreciation event similar to what Major League Baseball teams do in their final home game of the season.
“We wanted to come up with a way to celebrate the 26 races and make a strong launch into the Chase for the Sprint Cup,” Richmond president Dennis Bickmeier said.
Prizes will be given away online in the lead-up to September’s event (fans don’t have to be attending the race to be eligible), as well as at the track.
In addition, drivers who have secured a Chase spot by Richmond will participate in a “Gridside Live” event where they will interact with fans prior to the race.
“We were approached and the stars lined up and it was for us to win,” said Ashley Miller, a Tony Stewart fan from Orlando who won the first trip. “I just can’t believe it. There are no words.”
The initial giveaways, including another all-expenses paid trip and ride-along with NBC Sports analyst Jeff Burton, are listed at Rir.com/fanprizes. More will be added.
