History of Richmond International Raceway

Richmond International Raceway (RIR) is a 3/4-mile (1.2 km), D-shaped, asphalt race track located just outside Richmond, Virginia in Henrico County. It hosts the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series. "America's Premier Short Track" also hosts the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, and the United States Auto Club Silver Crown and National Sprint Car Series.

Richmond International Raceway is one of a few race tracks to host all of its events under the lights. The track has sold out the last 31 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races.

Richmond International Raceway is located at the Richmond Raceway Complex, which is a 1000-acre, multi-purpose facility.

Richmond Raceway Complex also hosts the Intergalactic Bead Show, Virginia Golf Show, Bassarama, Richmond Home and Garden Show, RV and Camping Expo, Richmond Boat Show, Richmond Classic Sports Card Show, East Coast Sawmill and Logging Equipment Expo, Craftsmen Classic Spring and Christmas Shows, Bizarre Bazaar Spring and Christmas Shows and other various arts and craft events.

Outdoor festivals hosted by Richmond Raceway Complex in 2004 included the Virginia State Fair, Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival, March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, K95 Country Music Festival, ACCA Temple Pork Festival, the VA Food Festival and concerts featuring local and national recording artists.

The former name for RIR was Strawberry Hill until RIR bought out the Virginia State Fairgrounds in 1999. The Strawberry Hill Races were formerly held the third Saturday of April at the Richmond Raceway Complex. In 2000, the Races were moved to Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia's first Thoroughbred racetrack.

Richmond hosts the final race leading up to the start of the Chase for the Nextel Cup.