CHINA GROVE, N.C.(March 1, 2011) – Robert Richardson, Jr. is ready to resume his new wildlife style this week in Las Vegas. And, he’s going to do it right on the track in front of everybody, too.
After making a huge impact with the No. 23 Wildlife Conservation Society paint scheme in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway; the green, white and blue design is returning to Richardson’s race car this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Already being dubbed the “coolest paint scheme in NASCAR” by some, the WCS scheme is becoming a favorite amongst race fans, animal lovers and conservationists alike.
The avid outdoorsman from McKinney, Texas not only represents the partnership on the car, but also in his fishing and hunting ventures throughout the year. So, when the much-talked about paint scheme takes to the track again this weekend, he knows he’s representing many kindred wildlife conservationists.
When it comes to the on-track action, the entire R3 Motorsports team is working together in pursuit of positions and points.
Fast Facts:Richardson will be making his 72nd career NNS start and third of the season. During that span, his best finish of 15th came at Lucas Oil Raceway Park last year. The team had more top-20 finishes last season than the previous two combined, and Richardson is looking to add to that total in 2011.
Track Facts:This will be Richardson’s fourth start on the 1.5-mile oval of LVMS, where he has led a lap and enjoyed his best finish of 19th in the 2008 race. He’s completed
481 of 611 laps, with a lap-89 wreck in 2010 depleting his laps completed average. In this race last year, he finished 26th after two pit road speeding penalties put him laps down early.
Car Facts:Walter Giles and team are using Chassis No. 53 this weekend, which was last used at Richmond International Raceway in Sept. 2010.
Where is Robert:Rob Jr. is involved in three events during the race week. On Wednesday, he’ll take part in the Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament at 4 p.m. (PT) in the Stratosphere Theater of Stars Showroom. In between the two NNS practice sessions at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, fans are invited to attend an autograph session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Then, on Friday night after two more NNS practices at LVMS, fans are invited to the Back Alley Bar at the Stratosphere for a driver’s autograph session from 8 – 10 p.m.
Come see R3 at the Stratosphere:For the second-consecutive year, the Stratosphere is the official host hotel of R3 Motorsports while racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Did you know:The Wildlife Conservations Society had President Theodore Roosevelt as one of its early supporters and was responsible for bringing back the bison, an iconic symbol of the American wilderness, from the brink of extinction.
Robert Richardson, Jr. quotes What has been the reaction of people regarding your new Wildlife Conservation Society paint scheme on the No. 23 Dodge Challenger:“It has been unbelievable. If you think fans and people in the sport don’t pay attention to those things, you are wrong. Aside from the drastic change in colors from our black, red and silver scheme, you look at the animals we have on the car, as well.
“The car looks great and people certainly notice it, but the reaction of people who are all about what the WCS does and those involved has been great. People were getting their picture taken by the tiger and gorilla more than anything, so that was good to see. I look forward to bringing more and more awareness to their cause each time we get on the track.”
What’s the biggest challenge about racing at LVMS:“The biggest challenge is going to be getting our new Nationwide Dodge cars to work the layout of the 1.5-mile tracks to our liking. The intermediate tracks are the bread and butter of our schedule, so we’ll have to do all we can in the extra practices we’re getting for this track to work on the car.
“The good news is Walter (Giles, crew chief) and the guys have put a lot of time and effort into preparing and understanding these cars. As a driver, that helps our confidence when we get in the car and start the practice sessions. I like racing at Las Vegas. Not just because it’s a great area, but it’s a great track and facility. I’m ready to get out there and get a good finish for our No. 23 Wildlife Conservation Society Dodge team.”
About WCS Founded in 1895, the Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. They do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to its platform, because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
