Richmond Raceway is a renowned 0.75-mile (1.207 km) D-shaped asphalt oval located just outside Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Known as “America’s Premier Short Track” and the “Action Track,” it hosts key NASCAR events, including one NASCAR Cup Series race weekend and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The raceway is celebrated for its exciting, high-speed racing on a short track that challenges drivers with fast, close competition and has been an important part of NASCAR’s fabric for decades.

History

The origins of Richmond Raceway trace back to a half-mile dirt track known as Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds or Strawberry Hill Raceway, which held its first race in 1946. Initially part of the Virginia State Fairgrounds, it began hosting NASCAR Grand National Series events in 1953, with Lee Petty winning the first NASCAR race held there. A significant transformation occurred in 1968 when the track was paved, renamed Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway, and slightly remeasured at 0.542 miles.

In 1988, the original half-mile track was closed and replaced by a newly constructed 0.75-mile D-shaped oval, reopening as Richmond International Raceway. This reconfiguration featured a wider racing surface, more banking, and enhanced spectator capacity, allowing up to 60,000 fans initially and expanded close to 100,000 in later years. Richmond became a pioneer in night racing, with permanent lights installed in 1991, making both annual NASCAR Cup events night races from 1999 onward.

Ownership changes included acquisition by Paul Sawyer in 1955, who sold the track to International Speedway Corporation (now NASCAR-owned) in 1999, leading to further investments and modernizations. The raceway complex also hosts various non-racing events and features modern fan amenities, including a high-tech timing and scoring tower and multiple exhibition spaces.

Most Famous Races Held

Richmond Raceway is well known for its two major annual NASCAR Cup Series events—the spring race traditionally marking the end of the regular season (historically the last race before the playoffs) and the fall race, often critical for playoff progression. These races are famed for thrilling short-track action, frequent lead changes, and close finishes.

One of the premier events is currently known as the Cook Out 400. Over the years, NASCAR legends such as Lee Petty, Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, and Denny Hamlin have achieved memorable victories here. The race is a staple that has played a significant role in determining championship outcomes. The track also accommodates the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and formerly hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series races and other motorsport events.

Track Information

The current Richmond Raceway is a 0.75-mile (3/4 mile) asphalt D-shaped oval with moderate banking and a fast layout that encourages aggressive, side-by-side racing uncommon for short tracks. Its configuration allows cars to reach high speeds while still engaging in close combat due to its short length and unique D-shape. The track features permanent lighting for night racing, embedded safety features, expansive grandstands, and modern racing facilities.

Richmond’s proximity to the Richmond metropolitan area makes it a fan favorite with consistently high attendance. The racing surface and track design require precise car setups balancing speed and handling, resulting in exciting and strategic races that test driver skill and team execution.