Last season, Richmond International Raceway assembled its inaugural Fan Advisory Board, compiled of 21 guests who expressed an interest in representing the best fans in all of motorsports. After earning their rookie stripe in the 2011 season, the Fan Advisory Board is back in 2012 for its first full season to assist Richmond International Raceway officials by providing input, advice and feedback on a wide range of topics.
With conference calls and meetings throughout the year, the Fan Advisory Board serves as a sounding board for RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. But the communication goes both ways, as the fans are the eyes and ears, relaying information to further enhance Richmond International Raceway’s operations. The committee has been busy over the past few months, providing feedback topics including the Fan Guide, parking, concessions and the Midway experience.
“One of the first things I wanted to do upon my arrival last year was get to know our Fan Advisory Board,” said Bickmeier. “There is no better way to improve the fan experience than to speak directly with the fans who visit us, whether they’ve been here one, five or 30 years. I look forward to our continued dialogue and know this core group will help us make the fan experience at RIR even better.”
“It’s refreshing to hear you’re committed to addressing the fan experience at Richmond International Raceway,” said Fan Advisory Board member Brian Johnson. “You have a wonderful track and a proud history, but even the best venues need to retool from time to time in order to maximize the experience.”
Fan Advisory Board members will be active throughout race weekends at RIR, talking with fellow fans and taking notes about their experience to relay back to track officials.
Each member accepted their role because they have a passion for Richmond International Raceway – a place they call home twice a year on NASCAR weekends. Here is a quick snapshot of the Fan Advisory Board members:
Joshua Grim
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 8
Favorite driver: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fun fact: Attended races since 1992
John Moon
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite drivers: Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin
Fun fact: Professional skydiver
Robert Rightmyer
Hometown: Prince George, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 19
Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, A.J. Allmendinger
Fun fact: Richard Petty fanatic
Larry Curtis
Hometown: Bear, Delaware
Number of years attending races at RIR: 10+
Favorite drivers: Richard Petty, Kyle Busch
Fun fact: Attended more than 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races
Maryellen Davison
Hometown: Edwardsville, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 10
Favorite drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards
Fun fact: Teaches deep water aerobics
Lee Allan
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 4
Favorite drivers: Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards
Jeff Crowder
Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 20+
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon
Lee-An Felkins
Hometown: Reading, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 1
Favorite driver: Mark Martin
Fun fact: 26 years in the Navy
Gerry Allen
Hometown: Severn, Maryland
Number of years attending races at RIR: 3
Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards
Fun fact: Was a camera operator during the Orioles/Mariners American League Divisional Series game in 1997 and was seen in the dugout on television
Amy Sylvia
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 8
Favorite driver: Tony Stewart
Robert Ellis
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 19
Favorite drivers: Ken Schrader, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fun fact: Raced at Langley Speedway 1997-2009 in the Grand Stock Division
Kevin Van Asdalan
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 9
Favorite driver: Brad Keselowski
Fun fact: Owns a Greater Swiss Mountain dog – strong enough to pull a car
Kamele Schwab
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 2
Favorite driver: Jimmie Johnson
Frank Decker
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+
Faorite driver: Bobby Labonte
Fun fact: Enjoys camping at track
Kendall Humphries
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon
Fun fact: Makes music and works on his Jeep
Brian Johnson
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 5
Favorite driver: David Gilliland
Joy Metzger
Hometown: Chester, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 12
Favorite driver: Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman
Fun fact: Always wanted to go to clown school
Steven Wilson
Hometown: Gloucester, VA
Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+
Favorite drivers: Carl Edwards, Trevor Bayne
Fun fact: Loves Civil War history
Vishal Aswani
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
Number of years attending races at RIR: 3
Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon
Fun fact: Has been going to NASCAR, F1, Endurance, Rallying, and IndyCar races for at least 18 of the 25 years he has been alive (and still has the dream to drive someday!)
Members will serve at least two full seasons, with new applications accepted next year for those whose term is complete.
Join us to celebrate 60 Years of NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway this season. Tickets are on sale now for the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race, featuring Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin, reigning series champion Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and all of your favorite drivers.
The weekend begins on Thursday, April 26, with a doubleheader, showcasing the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, as well as the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. The action continues Friday, April 27, with a full day of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and practice and pole qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
RIR PR
