Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Named Honorary Pace Car Driver for Tonight’s NASCAR Race at Richmond International Raceway

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe will lead the field to green for the start of the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 tonight. McAuliffe has been named the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

McAuliffe will make history, as he will be the first to pilot the 2016 Toyota Mirai, the first hydrogen fuel cell electric powered vehicle to pace a NASCAR race.

“Virginia is a state that is rich in history and NASCAR has a huge place in that history,” Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier said. “To have the Governor further that history here is a natural fit and a great honor for the raceway.”

McAuliffe is the 72nd Governor of Virginia. He was elected in 2013 and assumed his duties in 2014.

The TOYOTA OWNERS 400 is NASCAR’s “green” race, the final event in the NASCAR Race to Green Week, a week-long initiative promoting NASCAR’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and remain the industry leader in green initiatives.

Back by popular demand, Track Takeover powered by Nationwide at RIR tonight.  Fans can step out onto the Action Track just hours before the green flag waves for the 2015 TOYOTA OWNERS 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, all you need is a ticket to the race! Tickets for tonight’s race are on sale now. Click here, call 866-455-7223 or purchase at any ticket window at the track.

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? Follow every lap, every pit stop, every storyline? We're looking for fellow enthusiasts to share insights, race recaps, hot takes, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our readers. Click Here to apply!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

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