NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend, Presented By Who’s Your Driver, At Richmond Raceway Preview

NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend, Presented By Who’s Your Driver, At Richmond Raceway Preview

by September 16, 2019 0 comments

Richmond Raceway (Richmond) will play host to the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend, presented by Who’s Your Driver, with the Go Bowling 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Playoff race and Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race on Sept. 20-21. The Monster Energy Series race is the second race of the playoffs and the NXS race is the first race of their playoffs.

The competition will reach a fever pitch as the 16 Monster Energy Series Playoff drivers come to compete on the iconic ¾-mile D-shaped oval at America’s Premier Short Track. Martin Truex Jr., driver of the No. 19 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, returns, attempting to sweep the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at Richmond. Truex locked himself into the Round of 12 with his win in the first race of the Monster Energy Series Playoffs at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, is the 2019 Monster Energy Series Regular Season champion and is one of the drivers to watch as he swept the 2018 Cup races at Richmond. Busch has the most wins of any active driver at America’s Premier Short Track with six. He is followed by Denny HamlinKevin Harvick, and Jimmie Johnson with three wins each.

With the last three consecutive Cup victories, Toyota drivers have now won six of the last eight Monster Energy Series races over the last four years at the Action Track. Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, is always a contender at his home track with his last Richmond win coming in the 2016 Federated Auto Parts 400 race. The two non-Toyota drivers with wins during this period include Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 42 for Chip Ganassi Racing, in the 2017 Federated Auto Parts 400 and defending Monster Energy Series Champion Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 for Team Penske, in the 2017 TOYOTA OWNERS 400.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs

The NXS Playoffs Kickoff and Media Day will be hosted in the greater Richmond region for the first time in NASCAR history. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the NXS Playoffs Kickoff will be hosted in downtown Richmond, Va. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (ET). The event will include a ceremony and driver autograph session at Brown’s Island followed by a parade through the financial district in downtown RVA.

NXS Playoffs Media Day will be hosted in the Virginia Business Systems Media Center at Richmond from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). Drivers will be available for media rotations for interviews to preview the NXS Playoffs, which will begin with the first race of the playoffs in the Go Bowling 250 at America’s Premier Short Track.

Christopher Bell, driver of the No. 20 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing, and Cole Custer, driver of the No. 00 for Stewart-Haas Racing, are the top two seeds in the NXS Playoffs. Bell and Custer have also combined to win the last three NXS races at America’s Premier Short Track. Custer captured the checkered flag in this spring’s ToyotaCare 250 and Bell swept the 2018 NXS races at Richmond.

FanGrounds

The FanGrounds, Richmond’s modernized infield, provides access and entertainment to bring fans closer to the NASCAR Playoffs than ever by completely immersing them into their favorite sport. New attractions and enhanced amenities for fans for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend include the Markel Entertainment PlazaM&M’s NeighborhoodSheetz NeighborhoodVirginia Tourism Visitor CenterEternal Fan Pedestrian Tunnel and Fan Memories program, and the fan-friendly Gatorade Victory Lane, which provides fans the opportunity to be a part of the post-race celebrations.

NASCAR Playoff contenders Kyle Larson and Clint Bowyer, along with competitors Matt DiBenedettoChris BuescherJustin Allgaier, and Austin Cindric will all make appearances in the Markel Entertainment Plaza over the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend. For the full updated schedule of NASCAR celebrity appearances, visit richmondraceway.com/schedule.

Richmond recognized Racing Virginia legends Rick Hendrick, 2019 NASCAR Hall of Famer, and H. Clay Earles, 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Landmark Award recipient with a new panel for the Garage Walk of Honor in the Monster Energy Series garage in the FanGrounds. The Richmond Historical Committee chose to honor a pair of Virginians who have been recognized by the NASCAR Hall of Fame for this fall’s panel. Fan can see the new Hendrick and Earles panel, along with the rest of the Garage Walk of Honor, with a FanGrounds pass for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend.

Richmond continues to evolve the fan experience with the Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811. As part of the festivities, fans are invited to stand next to the stage to cheer and high-five their favorite drivers as they are introduced on the stage. Richmond provides fans with a unique, immersive experience including smoke, lights, and the opportunity to wish drivers good luck before the green flag. The track’s interactive pre-race ceremonies are a one-of-a-kind experience at Richmond. 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.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, a FanGrounds pass provides pit access from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Start/Finish Line access from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 20, Richmond will also offer Open Garage Access to over 300 FanGrounds passholders. Wristbands will be handed out on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Markel Entertainment Plaza in the FanGrounds. Open Garage Access will be on Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fans will need to sign a waiver, and minors will need a waiver signed on-site by a parent or guardian.

FanGrounds passes for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend are available for one-day ($70) and two-day ($125). For more information on the FanGrounds, visit richmondraceway.com/fangrounds.

Fan Memories Program

Richmond has partnered with Eternal Fan for the Fan Memories™ program to offer loyal fans the opportunity to preserve their treasured memories and keepsakes at the track for generations to come. The Fan Memories™ program allows fans to secure their eternal relationship to Richmond with Fan Memories Plaques in the Eternal Fan Pedestrian Tunnel or safeguard their precious objects and memories in The World’s Largest Racing Piston, Shorty, that is installed near the Frontstretch Gate. Learn more at richmondraceway.com/fanmemories.

Richmond Raceway Military Appreciation presented by Dominion Energy

In addition to honoring the military during Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by Virginia 811Richmond Raceway Military Appreciation presented by Dominion Energy offers past and present service members an exclusive discounted price on FanGrounds passes with the purchase of a Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy Series Playoff race ticket.

Past and present service men and women are also eligible to receive discounted tickets for the Go Bowling 250 NXS Playoff race. For more information on the Richmond Raceway Military Appreciation presented by Dominion Energy, visit richmondraceway.com/military.

Rolling Concert Powered by Larry’s Hard Lemonade

Country singer Josh Gallagher, a final contestant on NBC’s The Voice, will perform the Rolling Concert Powered by Larry’s Hard Lemonade in the GEICO Campgrounds at Richmond Raceway. The rolling concert will happen on Friday, Sept. 20 after the checkered flag waves in the Go Bowling 250 NXS Playoff race. Gallagher will stop in various GEICO Campgrounds around the Richmond facility.

Midway Programming

The Midway will be active with music, partner displays, driver merchandise, and entertainment throughout the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend, presented by Who’s Your Driver. The Toyota Racing Experience, Toyota Thrill Ride, Toyota Green Space, Monster Energy, Virginia Lottery, Shorty: The World’s Largest Racing Piston, and Richmond Raceway Kids Club will provide entertainment for all race fans.

The Midway stage will host bands including the Sleepwalkers on Friday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m., Nicky James on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m., and Josh Gallagher on Saturday at 4 p.m. A DJ will also keep the energy and fun all weekend with additional live music.

Go Bowling and the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) will host Fan Fun Friday in the historic Old Dominion Building on Friday, Sept. 20 from noon to 5 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to bowl with some of the world-class PWBA athletes on the PWBA Tour Championship lanes prior to the Go Bowling 250. There will also be giveaways and autographs. Free bowling will continue in the historic Old Dominion Building on Saturday, Sept. 21 prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400.

Harlem Globetrotters

Richmond will welcome the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, an internationally renowned brand synonymous for one-of-a-kind family entertainment, and their “Globetrotters Experience” to America’s Premier Short Track on Saturday, Sept. 21. Fans will see the Globetrotters in their distinguishable red, white, and blue uniforms in the Midway on Saturday, Sept. 21 at noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Each performance will be 30 minutes and take place on the Midway stage. The Globetrotters will be joined by a DJ and an MC who will lead audience participation throughout the show. The Globetrotters will complete their day at Richmond with a meet and greet at 3 p.m. in the Midway.

PAW Patrol

Richmond has joined forces with Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, to bring the top-rated preschool series PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, to America’s Premier Short Track. PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall will be featured as part of Nickelodeon’s activation and display in the Midway, along with the Richmond Raceway Kids Club (RR Kids Club). The RR Kids Club will also feature giveaways at the Spin to Win Wheel, branded ride-on carts featuring PAW pups, photo opportunities and more. Additionally, Chase and Marshall costumed characters will make their way through the FanGrounds, Richmond’s modernized infield, to engage with young fans and NASCAR drivers as part of Pre-Race Ceremonies presented by va811.com. To learn more, visit richmondraceway.com/kidsclub.

Chaos Corner Powered by Larry’s Hard Lemonade

The Turn 4 Party Deck, Chaos Corner Powered by Larry’s Hard Lemonade, is an exclusive experience with tiered viewing, drink rail, and specific benefits to provide the lowest priced ticket at Richmond. Tickets are available exclusively for fans 21 years or older for $35. A ticket is a fan’s pass to additional benefits in the party deck. Benefits include exclusive access for rollback concession prices offering between 25% and 50% off of regularly priced menu items, including Larry’s Hard Lemonade. No coolers or outside food and drinks are allowed in the smoke free party deck. For more on Chaos Corner Powered by Larry’s Hard Lemonade, visit richmondraceway.com/chaoscorner.

Driver/Crew Chief Meetings

Fans are again invited to the Driver/Crew Chief Meetings for both the NXS and Monster Energy Series at Virginia Credit Union LIVE! On Friday, Sept. 20, fans with a Go Bowling 250 race ticket can attend the Driver/Crew Chief Meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. with red carpet access starting at 5:15 p.m. On Saturday, all Federated Auto Parts 400 ticketholders are invited to witness the Monster Energy Series Driver/Crew Chief Meeting at 5:30 p.m. with red carpet access at 5 p.m.

RICHMOND NATION Season Ticket Holders will receive premium access to the Driver/Crew Chief Meetings by showing their 2019 Membership Card upon entry. For more information, visit richmondraceway.com/driversmeeting.

PWBA Tour Championship

Before the NASCAR Playoffs return to Richmond, the top 16 players in the PWBA will compete in the pinnacle event of their season on Sept. 16-18. The PWBA Tour Championship, the final major championship of the 2019 PWBA Tour season, will return to the historic Old Dominion Building for the third consecutive season.

The 16-player field for the PWBA Tour Championship is comprised of PWBA members who won a 2019 event with the remainder of the field filled through the season-points list. The PWBA athletes competing for the coveted title are: Shannon O’KeefeDanielle McEwanDasha KovalovaLiz JohnsonJordan RichardMissy ParkinClara GuerreroLiz KuhlkinMaria José RodriguezShannon PluhowskyBryanna CotéStefanie JohnsonCherie TanJosie BarnesShayna Ng, and Sandra Andersson.

The 16-player field will compete in a single-elimination best-of-five match-play bracket on Sept. 16-17 to determine the two competitors who will join O’Keefe and McEwan in the semifinals. The finals will be televised live on the CBS Sports Network on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. (eastern).

Tickets for the PWBA Tour Championship are $25 for a three-day pass (Sept. 16-18). Individual tickets for the televised finals of the PWBA Tour Championship on Sept. 18 are $20. Individual tickets for sessions on Sept. 16-17 are $10. Tickets are available at the Richmond Ticket Office, via phone at 866-455-7223, or online at richmondracewaycomplex.com.

To learn more about the PWBA Tour Championship, visit PWBA.com for information about the PWBA Tour, including the Tour Championship bracket, news, player biographies and more.

G-Force Karts at Richmond Raceway

G-Force Karts is a partner with Richmond on a high speed outdoor karting track at the Richmond Raceway ComplexG-Force Karts will be open for fans throughout the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend, presented by Who’s Your Driver. To learn more about the hours of operation for G-Force Karts at Richmond Raceway, visit gforcekarts.com or richmondraceway.com/gforcekarts.

RacingVirginia.com presented by Who’s Your Driver

Richmond Raceway is in its third year partnering with tracks around the Commonwealth to support grassroots racing through Racing Virginia. The website, racingvirginia.com, centralizes info regarding all the racing action that happens in Virginia. With original content from writers like Randy Hallman, paired with general info about each track, a comprehensive master schedule for all Virginia tracks, and the Racing Virginia Podcast (also available on iTunes), the Racing Virginia website is a resource for all racing fans in the state. To learn more about Racing Virginia, visit racingvirginia.com.

Richmond Raceway 2019 NASCAR Season

NASCAR returns “under the lights” to Richmond for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend presented by Who’s Your Driver on Sept. 20-21. America’s Premier Short Track will start the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs with the Go Bowling 250 playoff race on Friday, Sept. 20. Richmond will host the second race of the Monster Energy Series Playoffs with the Federated Auto Parts 400 playoff race on Friday, Sept. 21.

Tickets for the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend are available for purchase in-person at the Richmond Ticket Office, via phone at 866-455-7223, or online at richmondraceway.com.

Stay connected to Richmond Raceway on FacebookTwitterInstagramSnapchat and YouTube, and by downloading the Richmond Raceway mobile app for Apple or Android.

About Richmond Raceway
Richmond Raceway is America’s Premier Short Track annually hosting two NASCAR race weekends, featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and either NASCAR Xfinity Series or NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, and an NTT IndyCar Series race weekend on a ¾-mile D-shaped oval. Richmond Raceway is a regional leader for events including sports, live music and consumer trade shows. The Richmond Raceway Complex’s 1,100 plus acre multipurpose facility hosts more than 200 live events over 280 event days annually including concerts with top national recording artists at Virginia Credit Union LIVE! To learn more, visit richmondraceway.comrichmondracewaycomplex.com, or vaculive.com.

Source: Richmond Raceway

Photo Credit: Hunter Thomas/TheFourthTurn.com

No Comments so far

Jump into a conversation

No Comments Yet!

You can be the one to start a conversation.

<