Richmond Raceway (Richmond) will host the spring debut of the DC Solar FanGrounds (FanGrounds) over the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 12-13. Richmond unveiled the modernized infield to fans, teams, sponsors, and various industry stakeholders over the first-ever NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend last fall, so this will be the beginning of the first full year of this new fan amenity at America’s Premier Short Track. The FanGrounds was part of Richmond Raceway Reimagined, the $30-million infield redevelopment project in the historic Richmond infield announced in July 2017.
“The Toyota Spring Race Weekend will be the start of the first full year of our modernized infield, and the chance for us to offer even more fans the opportunity to get fully immersed into the sport at Richmond Raceway,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “The grand opening of the FanGrounds left fans ‘starstruck’ over our first NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend last fall, so we look forward to following that momentum to welcome everyone to America’s Premier Short Track for the spring debut on April 12-13.”
The FanGrounds offers new fan experiences and amenities that get fans fully immersed into NASCAR. From the fan-viewing walkways in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garages to driver appearances in the Markel Entertainment Plaza to the one-of-a-kind M&M’s Neighborhood to the Eternal Fan Pedestrian Tunnel and Fan Memories program to the Virginia Tourism Visitor Center, there is something for everyone in the FanGrounds.
Fans will start their FanGrounds experience by using the Eternal Fan Pedestrian Tunnel to access the infield. The tunnel has an expanded width to make traveling from the grandstands to the infield more convenient. The new tunnel is also ADA accessible with an elevator on the infield side. Fans can also purchase plaques as part of the Fan Memories program by Eternal Fan that will be placed on the infield side of the tunnel. These plaques are to honor Richmond’s dedicated fans who want to share their lifelong memories at the track.
The fan-viewing walkways in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garages are the highlight of the new infield experience. Fans can watch all 40 of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams work on their cars and get them prepared for race weekend. Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at the sport, and see what it takes to be a top-performing team. The fan-viewing walkway also puts them closer than ever before to their favorite driver, where they can now interact and engage with drivers as their teams work on the car.
New for 2019 fans will be able to access the Start/Finish Line for a memorable pre-race experience. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind photo or signing your name, Start/Finish Line access is a new amenity fans can experience with a FanGrounds pass. Times for Start/Finish Line access and a map will be provided at a later date. Fans will also continue to have Saturday pit access with a FanGrounds pass prior to the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 and Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy Series races.
Fans can take a step back into Richmond history with the Garage Walk of Honor, which acknowledges the history and legends of America’s Premier Short Track and Racing Virginia. The placements on the garage walls in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garages honor some of the greatest icons of motorsports in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Richmond History Committee will unveil a new wall placement prior to each race weekend over the next eight years.
Fans will not be able to miss the colorful one-of-a-kind M&M’s Neighborhood, located just to the left of Gatorade Victory Lane. Guests will enjoy the fun M&M’s experience while breaking for a snack or taking in the on-track action. Fans can also take their photo next to the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry showcar driven by Kyle Busch.
Guests in the FanGrounds can satisfy their craving for great food with some of Richmond’s unique food offerings. From a classic hot dog to M&M’s treats, fans can find something to provide the fuel they need to make it through race day. One of the neighborhoods in the FanGrounds is the perfect place to sit back and relax to enjoy a meal. The structure is equipped with tables, chairs, TV’s, and plenty of shade for fans to take a break and experience race day.
The Markel Entertainment Plaza is the place for fun, games, and driver appearances. Some of NASCAR’s biggest stars will stop by the stage to talk racing and some of their other favorite topics. Fans can also take on friends in a round of cornhole or just enjoy the shaded seating options.
Richmond’s new pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions take place in the FanGrounds. Fans will be able join in on the excitement by standing next to the stage to cheer and high-five their favorite drivers as they are introduced. Fans can experience the thrill of the smoke and the lights while wishing their driver good luck before the green flag.
To finish off the day in the FanGrounds, fans can experience that thrill of winning by being a part of Gatorade Victory Lane. Located in Turn 1, fans can see the winning driver and crew celebrate conquering America’s Premier Short Track. Fans will feel the Gatorade fly and watch as the race winner takes part in the very special hat dance.
The Victory Lane Club provides unprecedented access and action in the modernized infield. With rooftop viewing overlooking Gatorade Victory Lane, this unique experience is perfect for individual guests or a corporate option for entertainment. Located within the Monster Energy Series Garages, the club provides a climate-controlled space where guests can indulge in premium food, beverages, and open bar throughout the day. The Victory Lane Club also provides the most comprehensive collection of VIP amenities, including a NASCAR Hot Garage Pass, an invitation to the Driver/Crew Chief meeting, a pre-race pace car ride, preferred parking, a behind the scenes tour of MRN Radio and more.
FanGrounds passes are available to purchase for the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 12-13 and NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend on Sept. 20-21. Fans must have a race ticket in order to purchase FanGrounds passes. Friday or Saturday only passes are $70, and weekend passes are $125. Kids 12 & younger are only $25 for single day passes and $40 for weekend passes.
For more information on the FanGrounds, please visit richmondraceway.com/fangrounds
Richmond Raceway PR
