Theresa Underwood travels from Fredericksburg to RIR every month to take her car out on the NASCAR track. Photo by Evelyn Rupert.
A local nonprofit this week let would-be race car drivers put the pedal to the metal – for a good cause.
Each month – weather permitting – Richmond International Raceway gives fans the opportunity to drive their own car around the racetrack for a $20 donation to the raceway’s foundation, RIR Cares. The donation gets five laps on the same track where NASCAR’s biggest drivers race.
About 10 drivers hopped into their cars yesterday and hit the track. Some drove their everyday vehicles, while others brought out Corvettes, a vintage pace car and a limited-edition Roush Ford Mustang.
RIR Cares supports a variety of local causes like education, recreation and hunger relief, among others.
The foundation raises between $15,000 and $20,000 a year, and the Track Laps events contribute about half of that, RIR spokesperson Aimee Turner said.
The next chance to participate in RIR Cares Track Laps is Oct. 12 at noon.
Here are the basic rules:
• You must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license.
• You can’t exceed 55 miles per hour and must stay behind the pace car.
• Motorcycles are permitted.
• And, of course, you must wear your seat belt at all times.
Theresa Underwood travels from Fredericksburg to RIR every month to take her car out on the NASCAR track. Photo by Evelyn Rupert.
A local nonprofit this week let would-be race car drivers put the pedal to the metal – for a good cause.
Each month – weather permitting – Richmond International Raceway gives fans the opportunity to drive their own car around the racetrack for a $20 donation to the raceway’s foundation, RIR Cares. The donation gets five laps on the same track where NASCAR’s biggest drivers race.
About 10 drivers hopped into their cars yesterday and hit the track. Some drove their everyday vehicles, while others brought out Corvettes, a vintage pace car and a limited-edition Roush Ford Mustang.
RIR Cares supports a variety of local causes like education, recreation and hunger relief, among others.
The foundation raises between $15,000 and $20,000 a year, and the Track Laps events contribute about half of that, RIR spokesperson Aimee Turner said.
The next chance to participate in RIR Cares Track Laps is Oct. 12 at noon.
Here are the basic rules:
• You must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license.
• You can’t exceed 55 miles per hour and must stay behind the pace car.
• Motorcycles are permitted.
• And, of course, you must wear your seat belt at all times.