Richmond International Raceway and Wonderful Pistachios to Pay Tribute to
Military and First Responders During Pre-Race Ceremony As fans fill the stands at Richmond International Raceway this Saturday night, September 10th, they will be joining in the most patriotic pre-race ceremony ever at America’s Premier Short Track. To honor America, the pre-race ceremony will begin with a “Salute to America” concert featuring patriotic music performed by police and military bands, as well as an active duty marine.
The evening will be highlighted by Wounded Warriors saying the pledge, Danny Rodriguez, the singing NY police officer, singing God Bless America and the U.S. Army Infantry Division Band performing the National Anthem. Rounding out the pre-race festivities announced last week, R. Lee Ermey “The Gunny” – a retired U.S. Marine and real-life Drill Instructor – will salute the troops by asking the drivers to start their engines and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi – a New Jersey resident and daughter of a volunteer New York fireman – will pay tribute to firefighters by passing the flag-waving duties to Frank Siller, founder of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation whose brother, Stephen Siller, lost his life on September 11th, 2001. Ermey and Polizzi are part of the Wonderful Pistachios advertising campaign. Fans will be handed 4” x 6” American flags as they enter the stands and are encouraged to wave them in tribute to America during the concert, God Bless America and National Anthem.
In addition, fans attending the event, ABC-TV and MRN Radio broadcasters announcing the race, and the track announcer, will all go quiet for a three-lap moment of silence from laps 9 through 11 at the ¾-mile oval.
The three-lap moment of silence, in which all fans attending the race are again encouraged to wave their American flags, is the culmination of many 9/11 tributes and patriotic activities being planned by NASCAR race tracks, teams, sponsors, licensees, drivers, and fans in special recognition of the anniversary.
This patriotic pre-race will serve as the “opening ceremonies” for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. When the checkered flag flies Saturday night, September 10, the field will be set for the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets for Saturday’s event to be a part of the most patriotic pre-race ever start at $45 in advance and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223.
