Richmond International Raceway's TORQUE Club, the track’s premier entertainment lounge located on the front stretch, hosted a 2008 season kickoff party this past weekend. Open to all TORQUE guests, as well as Cintas Pit Stop Club guests, the viewing party attracted hundreds of race fans who came together for a preseason gathering.

Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and beverages, as well as several prize giveaways, including racing experiences from Richard Petty Driving Experience, hats autographed by Jimmie Johnson and a jacket autographed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"It was really generous for Richmond International Raceway to do something like this for the TORQUE Club members," said member Henry Clifford of Richmond. “Everything is done first class and far exceeds any expectations.”

“We drove four and a half hours to come to the party,” said member Marianne Levandoski of Morristown, New Jersey. “As soon as we received the invitation, we made plans to come down from New Jersey. It’s so great to get together with other fans at the track.”

“It was great to bring a guest and have a night out with people you know and catch up with other fans,” said TORQUE Club member Scott Allen of Virginia Beach. “There’s nowhere else you can hang out while overlooking the track.”

The TORQUE Club, which is located in the Commonwealth Grandstand expansion, opened in May 2007 for last year’s NASCAR doubleheader. Providing one of the most elaborate and top-notch experiences at America’s Premier Short Track, the TORQUE Club includes outdoor seating for 700. Each seat includes arm rests, cup holders and in-seat service. The lounge features an indoor, climate-controlled, upscale, club-like atmosphere where guests are treated to buffets, carving stations, full-service bars and more than 50 plasma televisions. Additionally, TORQUE Club guests receive a pre-race pit pass, reserved parking, private elevator and restroom access, a souvenir event program and a limited edition appreciation gift. TORQUE Club seating is sold on a season ticket basis, which includes the May 2-3 NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races, the June 27-28 USAC Series and IndyCar Series races, as well as the September 5-6 NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races. TORQUE Club season tickets are $1,750 and can be purchased by calling 804-228-7611 or e-mailing rirsales@rir.com.

Tickets for the Saturday, May 3, Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race are on sale now.  Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne and the rest of the field will race toward the checkered flag “under the lights” at America’s Premier Short Track.  Tickets start at $80 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling the ticket office at 1-866-455-7223.