Ground has been broken for the new escalators at Richmond International Raceway.

Richmond International Raceway took racing fans to new heights in 2007 and will do so even faster in 2008 with a new escalator system.  Your opportunity to grab a seat in the Commonwealth Tower is here.

Construction crews continue to work on a new escalator system for the frontstretch Commonwealth Mezzanine and Tower Grandstands, which is great news not only for current ticket holders in these grandstands, but also for those fans wishing to experience “Racing Perfection” for the first time in the best seats in the house.

The construction will be complete in time for Richmond International Raceway’s 2008 season-opening NASCAR doubleheader May 2-3, featuring the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race.  The project will include three escalators, which will take fans from the ground to the Commonwealth Mezzanine, as well as the first row of the Commonwealth Tower.  The Commonwealth Grandstand escalators will allow fans seated in these sections to access their seats easier and quicker than ever.

Richmond International Raceway officials are pleased to announce that a limited number of tickets are available in the Commonwealth Tower, which offers an unprecedented view of the ¾-mile track.  The view from any seat in the Commonwealth Tower is one of the best in all of motorsports.  These tickets are available only as season tickets, which includes all three race weekends at Richmond International Raceway in 2008.

Remaining tickets for the NASCAR doubleheader May 2-3 are available now.  Tickets for the Friday, May 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 are on sale.  Reserved seats are $45 (in advance) and $50 (on race day).  General admission seats are $35 (in advance) and $40 (on race day).  Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult on Friday night.  Tickets are also available for the Saturday, May 3 Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.  For more information, please call our ticket office at 1-866-455-7223, visit www.rir.com or stop by the ticket office at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road.

Fans describe their view from the Commonwealth Tower:

“I was finally able to check out my seats in the new tower.  I’ve been cranked up ever since I was lucky enough to get them.  I thought they would be pretty good, but they were better than I imagined.  As all the drivers say: ‘Awesome.’” – Frank Krause, Beaver PA

“Thank you for a wonderful weekend.  My spouse and I had seats in the new Commonwealth Tower.  They are the best seats in any sport.  I have great seats a number of other ISC tracks but our seats in the new tower had by far the best sightlines.  You felt like you were right on top of the action.” – Kirk Peterman, Quebec Canada

“I must say that the new grandstands were awe-inspiring.” – David Taylor, Richmond VA