Benefit Concert Will Drop the Green Flag on NASCAR Weekend at America’s Premier Short Track RICHMOND, VA (July 14, 2011)—The September NASCAR weekend at Richmond International Raceway gets a country kickoff Thursday, September 8, as national country music recording artist Dierks Bentley plays the track’s amphitheater for the first “Rockin’ the Raceway” to benefit the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
Bentley’s first five albums have sold more than 5,000,000 copies, producing seven #1 hits. Additionally, he has received 10 Grammy nominations. His song “Sideways” is recognizable among NASCAR fans for its inclusion in FOX’s NASCAR race television promotional ads.
The concert, which precedes the September 9, Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the September 10, Wonderful Pistachios 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, serves as a festive way to drop the green flag on race weekend in Richmond.
“The Cullather Brain Tumor Quality Life Center at Bon Secours is thrilled to partner with our friends at Richmond International Raceway and K95 to bring national recording artist Dierks Bentley to Richmond to rock the raceway as a kickoff to the biggest sports weekend in Richmond,” said Mark Stepanian, Board Member, Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center. “We appreciate the opportunity to raise money for our Center that will enhance our mission supporting brain tumor patients and their families in our community. We hope for a great crowd as we welcome NASCAR back to Richmond and further our fight against cancer.”
“This is going to be a very special and exciting way to begin our ‘One Last Race to Make The Chase’ weekend,” said Richmond International Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier. “Dierks is an incredible music artist who resonates with our fans and I’m sure he will rock the Raceway on September 8.”
Tickets ($55 reserved, $35 general admission) go on sale this Friday, July 15, at 9:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rir.com, via phone at 866-455-7223 and at Richmond International Raceway’s ticket office, located at 600 East Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222. NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway for a doubleheader weekend September 9-10. The weekend features the Wonderful Pistachios 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights” on Saturday, September 10. Tickets start at $45 in advance and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223.
The weekend begins Friday, September 9, with a full day of racing action, including the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR nationwide Series race “under the lights.” Friday’s ticket includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance, with children 12 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. For tickets and information, log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223.
About the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality Life Center The Cullather Center is a non-profit, free-of-charge resource center with an emphasis on quality of life. Our nurse-run facility provides practical help for coping with this life-altering condition, filling in where traditional services lack. In conjunction with the mission of Bon Secours to provide good help, the mission of the Center is to help people live the new normal. This important patient inspired definition of quality of life guides us in all our services to brain tumor patients and their families.
About Richmond International Raceway: Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the state-of-the-art Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online. Like us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.
