Richmond International Raceway (RIR)

Richmond International Raceway

 Track Length – .75 Mile

 Seats – 112,000

Known as the best short track in NASCAR, Richmond International Raceway (RIR) is located just outside of Richmond, Virginia.  RIR got its start in the late 1940’s and has seen many changes through the years.  Originally RIR was a .5 mile long track and was increased to .75 in 1988.  The early 1990’s saw the introduction of lighting to allow the night time races.  As a fan favorite, Richmond is a race that historically sells out and can be difficult to get tickets to.   Richmond holds two NASCAR races a year and both are run at night time.  The Crown Royal 400 is in May and the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is held in September.

Drivers enjoy the options the track opens up to them.  It’s not uncommon to see drivers passing each other down low, in the middle or on the top of the track.  Although the speeds reached at RIR are not as high as at some of the larger tracks, the confinements of the track usually provide for some entertaining races.