Richmond Raceway continues to evolve the fan experience during Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811. Richmond will fully immerse fans with a FanGrounds pass into pre-race in the modernized infield to be a part of the exclusive Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811. In addition to Driver Introductions, NASCAR Playoff Car Introductions will return on Saturday, Sept. 21 with all 16 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race teams recognized.
“We’re always looking for ways to further involve our loyal fans in the iconic Richmond racing experience, and our interactive Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811 gives us the perfect opportunity to bring fans even closer to the NASCAR Playoffs,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “You can feel the energy amplified during Driver Introductions, and with the addition of Car Introductions we are able to increase that even more. Thanks to our partners at Virginia 811 for helping us continue to take our fan engagement to new levels as part of our one-of-a-kind Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811.”
Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811 for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21 will take place in the Markel Entertainment Plaza beside Gatorade Victory Lane in the FanGrounds. Drivers will walk through the breezeway filled with lights and smoke, and be greeted by cheers of fans along a pier in the FanGrounds.
On Friday night prior to the start of the Go Bowling 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff race, crews from the 12 playoff teams will join their driver as they walk along the pier. After completing their walk along the pier on Saturday night, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will proceed to Toyota Tundras for a ride around the track to greet fans in the grandstands.
In addition to Driver Introductions, Car Introductions will return to Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811 prior to the start of the Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race. Car Introductions for the 16 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff teams will take place in the Markel Entertainment Plaza beside Gatorade Victory Lane in the FanGrounds beginning at 6:05 p.m. Race cars will be pushed through the breezeway by their race teams while lights and smoke are displayed. The race cars will be pushed toward pit road where Monster Energy Series Playoff cars will be at the front of the grid.
“We are excited to be the pre-race sponsor at Richmond Raceway,” said Rick Pevarski, President & CEO of Virginia 811. “This allows us to support NASCAR while reminding race fans to always contact VA811 before any digging projects. Remember to Dig with CARE and keep Virginia safe.”
Virginia 811 returns as the naming rights sponsor for Richmond’s immersive pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions for the NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend on Sept. 20-21. The not-for-profit organization, formerly called Miss Utility of Virginia, was created by Virginia’s utilities to protect their underground facilities. Individual fans or a company who plans to dig should or visit va811.com or call 811 before they dig. Virginia 811 will make sure the area is able to be excavated safely, and ensure no underground facilities will be harmed. To learn more about the organization and how to “Dig with CARE,” visit va811.com.
FanGrounds passes are available to purchase for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend. Fans must have a race ticket in order to purchase. Single day Friday or Saturday passes are $70, and weekend passes are $125. Kids 12 & younger are only $25 for single day passes and $40 for weekend passes. For more information on the FanGrounds, visit richmondraceway.com/fangrounds.