In an effort to increase its already prevalent community involvement in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area, track officials at Richmond International Raceway announced that they are working through The NASCAR Foundation—a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization—to operate a charitable program that will provide even more support to nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Richmond International Raceway Cares, through The NASCAR Foundation, was developed to help better the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area and the surrounding communities.

Richmond International Raceway has long been recognized for its extensive community involvement. Through tens of thousands of dollars in monetary donations, in-kind gifts and fundraisers; countless hours of volunteering time and hosting major fundraising events, the Richmond International Raceway staff already has a prominent presence in the Henrico County and Greater Richmond Metropolitan communities.

"The Richmond International Raceway team has always been dedicated to improving the quality of life of our neighbors and the residents of Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area," said track president Doug Fritz. "By establishing Richmond International Raceway Cares, through The NASCAR Foundation, we will be able to formally expand our efforts by providing much-needed additional support to Richmond-area groups in need."

"Richmond International Raceway has a rich history of community involvement that's important to our fans and a large part of our sport," said NASCAR President Mike Helton, who is also a board member of The NASCAR Foundation. "Our goal at The Foundation has been, and will always be, to harness the power of the NASCAR family and help worthy causes that are close to all our hearts. Richmond International Raceway Cares fits that bill."

To kick off the announcement, Richmond International Raceway Cares presented a check for $4,500 to Special Olympics Virginia for their support of NASCAR Day at Richmond International Raceway May 4-6. Special Olympics Virginia representatives came out to the track and collected donations in exchange for the commemorative 2007 NASCAR Day lapel pins. For their efforts, Special Olympics Virginia received half the proceeds raised throughout the weekend.

About Richmond International Raceway Cares:
Richmond International Raceway Cares is dedicated to assisting charities, causes and events in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area that focus on—but are not limited to—youth, education and recreation.

Through The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Richmond International Raceway Cares donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities. Working with The NASCAR Foundation, Richmond International Raceway Cares was started and is run by the Richmond International Raceway staff.

Richmond International Raceway Cares strives to help meet the needs of the local area by bettering the community through fundraising opportunities, providing donations and volunteering time and effort for local worthy causes. Richmond International Raceway and Richmond International Raceway Cares aim to improve the quality of life for the residents in and around the Greater Richmond Metropolitan community.

About The NASCAR Foundation:
The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.