The anticipation is high as Richmond Raceway, one of NASCAR’s most storied tracks, prepares for the upcoming Toyota Owners 400 Weekend, taking place from March 31 to April 2.
Kicking off the weekend with a bang, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will light up the track on Friday, March 31. Saturday’s lineup will be packed with action, featuring NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying, followed by the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. The stage will be set for Sunday’s main event, the Toyota Owners 400, where the best of the NASCAR Cup Series will battle wheel-to-wheel for victory and a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Chesterfield’s own Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, is one to watch this weekend. With 48 career wins under his belt, including four victories at Richmond Raceway, he’ll be looking to make his mark alongside his 23XI racing team co-owner, NBA legend Michael Jordan. Their team features the No. 23 Toyota driven by Bubba Wallace and the No. 45 Toyota driven by Tyler Reddick.
Wallace has been making history for African Americans in NASCAR. In 2021, he became the first African American driver to win a Cup Series race since 1963 when he claimed victory at Talladega Superspeedway. He followed up with a second win at Kansas Speedway last year and is poised for more triumphs this season.
As the sport celebrates its 75th Anniversary Season, the drivers will compete on a track steeped in NASCAR history. Richmond Raceway, which began hosting NASCAR races in 1953, has evolved from a half-mile dirt track to a 0.75-mile paved, D-shaped oval. The track has hosted over 100 NASCAR Cup Series races and remains a fan-favorite destination, drawing thousands of spectators each year.
Toyota is working hard to enhance the fan experience this season. The midway will feature the Toyota Experience, where fans can test their racing skills in the Toyota Racing simulator and enjoy appearances by Toyota drivers throughout the weekend. Fans can take a break at the new Toyota Pit Stop, situated across from the Toyota Racing Experience, to enjoy refreshments, games, and photo ops in a giant Adirondack chair.
Toyota Owners will also enjoy special perks at Richmond Raceway. With a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion key, they can access Express Lane entry at three gates and receive rewards from Toyota brand ambassadors throughout the weekend.
As NASCAR announces its 2023 Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedules, Richmond Raceway is set to host race weekends on April 1-2 and July 29-30, 2023. This marks the second consecutive season Richmond will host spring and summer NASCAR race weekends.
Richmond Raceway President, Lori Collier Waran, said, “As NASCAR celebrates its 75th anniversary, Richmond Raceway, one of the sport’s most historic tracks, will honor the sport’s legacy throughout next season’s two NASCAR race weekends. We look forward to welcoming fans back to RVA for our Toyota Spring Race Weekend and one of the biggest NASCAR parties of the summer.”
The 2023 NASCAR tickets are available for purchase via phone at 866-455-7223 or online at richmondraceway.com. Fans can view the full 2023 NASCAR schedule and purchase tickets at www.nascar.com/2023schedule.
