Spring racing returns to Richmond Raceway

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - Fans are racing back to the Richmond Raceway this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series, packing the raceway and cheering on their favorite drivers, but those in the stands aren’t the only ones excited.

New Richmond Raceway President Lori Waran is excited for spring racing to return, and what she’s looking forward to the most is getting involved in the community.

“We are trying to bring the track to the city, so we are not just depending on everyone coming to us. We are going to make sure we involve ourselves in the community in a great way,” said Waran.

They plan to do that by hosting rooftop parties around the city Thursday night with Nascar racers and personalities.

Also, Bubba’s Block Party is back at the raceway on Friday, March 31, for a second consecutive year.

“It’s super important and showing the support so they can come out and support us, and we go out and support them. It’s a BEE-to-BEE deal that continues to grow together for many years to come. So I think that it’s massively important that we continue to showcase the spotlight on minority-owned business, “said Wallace.

That block party aims to bring more diversity to NASCAR culture.

“We are trying to make sure that we are accessible to all cultures. I think Nascar has been doing that for a number of years, and they are going to continue to do so, and that’s what I love about NASCAR. That’s why I joined the team, and I think we are going to continue to do so at the raceway,” said Waran.

Wallace feels that the block party is a staple in this weekend of racing.

“I feel like a lot of those people don’t feel like they are welcome to show up at the racetrack. Whether that’s the past or if that’s now, but you know I wanted to provide a[n] environment that’s Friday night cookout type style vibes at a race track,” said Wallace.

Bubba’s Block Party starts at 6 p.m. Friday with their first race of the weekend, the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Wallace isn’t the only racer excited to return to the action track.

”I love Richmond. I love the track, it’s great, and I’ve been very successful there lately. It’s really fun the way you can move around there, the tires wear out, and uh, the track is really really slippery, and that makes it fun and a challenge, and it’s always a good race,” said Martin Truex Jr.

Racing continues Saturday, April 1, for the Toyota Care 250 race at 1 p.m. The main event, the Toyota Owners 400, starts at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2.

For the full schedule and ticket information, visit Richmond Raceway.com.

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