Richmond Int'l Raceway news 2010-09-07

RICHMOND RESIDENT TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM PRIOR TO VIRGINIA 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS 250 AT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

Ryan Corbin Won Opportunity Through Performance Contest Last Month

Richmond, VA (September 7, 2010)--When thousands of fans stand for the National Anthem on Friday, September 10, prior to the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway, all eyes will be on a Richmond resident fulfilling a lifetime dream of singing at a NASCAR race.

Twenty-two year-old Ryan Corbin of Glen Allen, Virginia (a suburb of Richmond) entered Richmond International Raceway's National Anthem contest last month and ultimately won the opportunity to perform prior to the race.

"I'm so excited," said Corbin. "Four months ago I was in the stands hoping I could sing at a race one day. And four months later I'm doing it. It's the chance of a lifetime and I've wanted to do it since I was five years old. I'm just overwhelmed with joy right now."

In August, the track hosted a month-long contest to determine who would perform the National Anthem prior to the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Nearly a hundred submissions were received via e-mail, mail and through an open audition at Short Pump Mall. The second and final rounds were showcased at the mall and Corbin bested eight other finalists for the opportunity to perform on Friday, September 10.

Corbin is a huge NASCAR fan and was introduced to motorsports by his father. Following his first race, he was instantly hooked.

"Racing at Richmond is exciting in so many ways," said Corbin. "Forty-three cars on a short track at night, running side-by-side, watching them beat and bang for every lap! Now that's exciting, and the reason Richmond racing is so special. When you walk to your seat you can feel the vibrations as the cars go around and you can see drivers up close! It's just an all around amazing place!"

The Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond kicks off on Friday, September 10 with a full day of on-track activity, highlighted by 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 and WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series.

Saturday night's Air Guard 400 is "One Last Race to Make The Chase." Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets are on sale now, with a limited number of $40 seats available. For tickets and information, log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE (7223).

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 Doubleheader weekends, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series--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 new-for-2010 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.

-source: rir