**RIR to Host Several Community Events Leading Up to Summer Race Weekend**
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – NASCAR’s much-anticipated return to Richmond International Raceway (RIR) is just around the corner, and the track is pulling out all the stops with a series of exciting community events. These events, running from Wednesday, August 7 through Sunday, August 11, are designed to engage and benefit the local community while building excitement for the Summer Race Weekend.
The action kicks off on Wednesday, August 7, with “Track Laps for Charity” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants can drive their own vehicles around the ¾-mile D-shaped oval for a $20 donation. All proceeds from this event will support the Autism Society of Central Virginia and Richmond Raceway Cares. This event provides a unique opportunity for fans to experience the thrill of the track while contributing to meaningful causes.
On Thursday, August 8, the spotlight shifts to Carytown for the “Richmond Raceway Paces Budweiser Clydesdales” event. Beginning at 5 p.m., the community is invited to enjoy the sight of the iconic Clydesdales parading through the streets alongside Richmond Raceway pace cars. The Clydesdales will be making beer deliveries to local stores and restaurants. This free-to-attend event also supports Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that offers educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.
Friday, August 9, features two major events. The first, the “NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Fun Day Festival,” will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Richmond Raceway Fan Zone. This festival, hosted by the NASCAR Foundation and featuring kids from the YMCA of Greater Richmond, offers a NASCAR-themed field day aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among local children.
Later that day, the “Finish Line Party at Q-Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel” begins at 5 p.m. Hosted by Richmond Raceway and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, this free event will offer attendees the chance to enjoy food and drinks, with a portion of proceeds from signature cocktails benefiting Richmond Raceway Cares. Given the limited street parking, attendees are encouraged to use paid parking options or ridesharing services.
Saturday, August 10, will see the “NASCAR Foundation Bike Build” sponsored by CRAFTSMAN at the Old Dominion Building from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers, including NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series drivers, will assemble 130 new bicycles for children from the YMCA of Greater Richmond.
Finally, on Sunday, August 11, fans can participate in the “On Track for Mental Health Pre-Race Trackwalk” from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For a $20 donation to the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, participants can walk the track, enjoy music, take photos, and more. Children 12 and under can join for free with a paid adult.
The NASCAR Weekend at Richmond Raceway will officially begin with the Clean Harbors 250 in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 10. The action continues on Sunday with the Cook Out 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series, set to start at 6 p.m. ET, as drivers vie for a coveted playoff spot.
