Each driver captained a team compiled of media members, racing in a relay-style event at G Force Karts located across the street from RIR. Sadler and Ingram battled closely for eight laps before turning the reigns over to their teammates. When it was all said and done, Team Sadler took home the checkered flag – a feat the captain hopes he can accomplish on Friday, September 6, at RIR.
“It’s very special to come race at a track like Richmond,” said Sadler, who has never won at RIR. “It would mean the world to me to win at RIR. I’ve gotten close a couple times. Made it all the way to the last lap one time and got wrecked. Still ticked off about that. I would rather win here than win the Daytona 500. It’s a special track to me and my family. Half my family still has season tickets here that they’ve had since this track began.”
Sadler unveiled a special paint scheme he’s running at the Virginia529 College Savings 250, which pays homage to Ingram’s car during the inaugural season in 1982. "I am honored to be part of such a great initiative," said Sadler. "I view this as a tribute to a legend, Jack Ingram. This brings together so many things. The history of the sport, past and current drivers, the importance of the car number to fans and sponsors, and above all, one of the highest honors a driver can have: to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame."
“It’s pretty special to me, tying it all together with the 1000th race for the Nationwide Series here at Richmond,” said Sadler. “Jack was definitely one of the big names that brought in a lot of fans. Being in that #11, running his paint scheme, he was just inducted into the Hall of Fame. All that just tied in real nicely.”
“That is a great honor,” said Ingram, who never claimed an RIR victory, despite his short track success. “Elliott and his group that agreed to do that, Joe Gibbs Racing, that’s a fabulous honor.”
“I was a fan way before I was ever a race car driver,” said Sadler. “When I was a pit crew member for my brother I got to meet Jack. Fast forward 20 years later and we’re running a paint scheme in his honor at my home track is pretty doggone special.”
The NASCAR Nationwide Series returns to Richmond International Raceway Friday, September 6, for a full day of on-track activity highlighted by the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race “under the lights.” A great family-friendly option, advance tickets start at $30 with children 12 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. To purchase, call 866-455-7223.
Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event is “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Fans can expect one of the most intense and heated races of the season, with drivers battling for a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the 10-race championship. Advance tickets, including seats in Turns 1 & 4, start at $45 and can be purchased by calling 866-455-7223.
