Richmond Raceway
Location:
Henrico (Richmond), Virginia, USA, USA
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Richmond Raceway
|
Richmond
Nascar Cup
14 - 15 Aug
|
Track Info
Richmond Raceway - Richmond, Virginia, USA
0.750 mi D-shaped short track - asphalt - clockwise - 4 turns - banking: 14° turns, 8° frontstretch, 2° backstretch
First Race
Oct 12, 1946
First automobile event at the State Fairgrounds oval won by Ted Horn.
Circuit Length
0.750 mi / 1.207 km
Current D-shaped configuration dates to 1988.
Turns
4
Banking 14° in the corners - 8° frontstretch - 2° backstretch.
Lap Records
IndyCar race lap 0:15.9368 - Sam Hornish Jr. (2004) • NASCAR Cup race lap 0:21.849 - Kevin Harvick (2019)
Outright speed has belonged to open-wheel on the short oval, while modern Cup race laps sit in the low 22s.
When was the track built?
Opened in 1946 as a 0.5 mi dirt oval at the Atlantic Rural Exposition grounds, Richmond was paved in 1968 and reconfigured in 1988 to the current 0.75 mi D-shape. The facility has hosted top-tier NASCAR for most seasons since 1953 and welcomed IndyCar from 2001 to 2009.
When was its first race?
First race activity took place on October 12, 1946, when AAA big cars headlined and Ted Horn won the feature. NASCAR’s first Cup date followed in the 1950s, evolving into today’s Cook Out 400 and spring events.
What’s the circuit like?
- Technical short-track feel: Long, arcing entries reward trail-braking and throttle discipline off Turns 2 and 4.
- Pit strategy theater: Two-wide restarts and tyre falloff flip scripts late, especially on green-flag cycles.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar-era laps dipped under 16 seconds; modern Cup race-lap records hover around 22 seconds.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Outright race lap (oval): 0:15.9368 - Sam Hornish Jr. - Dallara IR-03 - 2004 SunTrust Indy Challenge (IndyCar).
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:21.849 - Kevin Harvick - 2019 Toyota Owners 400.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying (track Q record): 20.674 s - Jeff Gordon - 2013.
Why go?
Richmond blends short-track elbows-out racing with superspeedway-level venue polish. Expect tire management, undercuts, and late cautions bringing drama under the lights. Fan access is strong and the compact layout means you see a lot of the lap from many seats.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 entry: Deep-brake divebombs at the end of the frontstretch and restart chaos.
- Turn 4 exit: Traction battles set up passes to the line.
- High rows on the frontstretch: Full view of pit road and scoring pylon for strategy geeks.
Not just one series - headline events
NASCAR Cup: Cook Out 400 and spring event anchors.
IndyCar history: Ran 2001 to 2009 with sub-16-second laps showing the oval’s raw speed.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Sonoma Raceway - Sonoma, California
Best options are driving via CA-121 - CA-37 to the signed gates on Arnold Dr, using free general parking with shuttle loops to the grandstands, and setting rideshare to the designated zone shown on the event facility map. Charter event buses also run from Bay Area pickup points on major race days.
Address - sat nav
29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476
Official address used on track materials and visitor guides.
General parking
Free on NASCAR - NHRA weekends
Reserved - premium lots also offered for closer access.
Shuttles
On property shuttle routes
Routes link outer lots - 50 Acres - main grandstands - fan zones.
Rideshare
Signed drop-off - pick-up area
Marked as RIDE SHARE on the facility map.
Closest major airports
OAK - SFO - STS
Oakland and San Francisco are the usual gateways; Santa Rosa STS also serves the region.
Public transport - limited direct service
- Charter event buses: Services like Rally run direct coaches from Bay Area pickup points for NASCAR weekend. Book in advance.
- There is no fixed-route bus or rail into the gates. Regional transit can get you near Sonoma Valley, then connect by taxi - rideshare for the last leg.
Driving - CA-121 - CA-37 to Arnold Dr gates
- From San Francisco - East Bay: US-101 → CA-37 east → CA-121 north to the raceway. Follow event signage to your assigned gate - lot.
- From Napa - Sonoma: Take CA-121 south to the venue entrances on Arnold Dr.
- NASCAR weekend routing: Northbound traffic on Hwy 121 is typically sent to Gate 7; southbound traffic often directed to 50 Acres parking for faster entry - exit.
- Maps page: Download the current parking - facility maps before you travel.
Parking - free GA fields, reserved upgrades
- General parking: Free on NASCAR - NHRA weekends. Follow marshals to active fields such as 50 Acres.
- Reserved - premium: Closer paid options are sold for headline events and are tied to specific lots - gates.
- Accessible parking: ADA locations are shown on the facility map near major entries.
Shuttles - free loops from lots to grandstands
- On property shuttles: Multiple color routes operate between outer lots - 50 Acres and spectator areas. Stops and walking paths are marked on the Parking - Shuttle map.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zone: Use the RIDE SHARE area shown on the event facility map, then walk or shuttle to your gate.
Walking from lots - hillside routes
- From 50 Acres - outer fields: Expect 10 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on your stand. Shuttle stops are placed to shorten the hills.
Camping - 50 Acres campground and event camping
- 50 Acres: Used for camping - large event parking on NASCAR weekend with signed pedestrian - shuttle links to the grandstands.
Airports - easiest gateways
- OAK - SFO: primary hubs for most visitors, roughly ~34 - 40 miles from the raceway depending on route.
- STS - Santa Rosa: regional option in Sonoma County, often most convenient for wine country stays.
About the venue - quick context
- 12 turn road course with drag strip: Maps and event pages list gates, shuttles, rideshare area and reserved lots to plan arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: CA-37 ↔ CA-121 → Arnold Dr gates. Northbound often to Gate 7, southbound to 50 Acres.
- Parking: Free GA lots with reserved upgrades. Check the Maps page.
- Rideshare: use the RIDE SHARE zone on the facility map.
- Charter bus: book Rally for direct Bay Area coaches on race day.
- Exact address: 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Richmond Raceway - Richmond - Central Virginia (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, late model shows, club events or a track tour, this 0.75 mile D shaped short track known as America's Premier Short Track sits minutes from river parks, first rate museums, gardens and living history sites that are easy to enjoy on non race days.
Motorsport at Richmond
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - Weekly - Experiences
0.75 mile D shaped oval with progressive banking and frequent night racing that produces tight packs and strategy play.
Typical peak windows
Spring - late summer - early fall
Richmond typically hosts two NASCAR weekends most seasons, with at least one night race under the lights.
Nearby hubs
Downtown Richmond - Scott's Addition - Carytown - Short Pump - Ashland
Museums, river islands and food halls are 10 - 20 minutes from the grandstands outside peak traffic.
Event impact
Night race surges
I-64, I-95 and Laburnum Ave get busy Friday - Sunday. Restaurants in Scott's Addition and near the Raceway see post race crowds.
Family friendly highlights near the raceway
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Conservatory, children's garden with splash areas in warm months and wide lawns for a gentle break.
- Science Museum of Virginia: Hands on galleries and a dome theater in a landmark train station building.
- Children's Museum of Richmond: Maker spaces, role play zones and toddler friendly exhibits.
- Maymont: Gilded age mansion grounds with farm animals, Japanese and Italian gardens and shaded pathways.
- RVA Street Art and Carytown stroll: Colorful murals, ice cream stops and indie shops for an easy hour between sessions.
- Topgolf - bowling - arcades: Quick, weather proof fun around Short Pump and Scott's Addition.
Museums and gardens may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Book morning slots if you plan to be back for afternoon practice or qualifying.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Free general collection with major rotating shows and a sculpture garden.
- American Civil War Museum - Tredegar: Riverfront complex that pairs well with a Canal Walk stroll between showers.
- Virginia Holocaust Museum: Well interpreted exhibits in Shockoe Bottom.
- Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia: Compact galleries in Jackson Ward.
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Small but atmospheric stop near eateries for a short indoor session.
Eat and drink like a local
- Virginia barbecue and Southern plates: Pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken, collards and mac and cheese across the city.
- Tidewater seafood: Oysters, crab cakes and shrimp and grits show up on many menus.
- Scott's Addition cluster: Breweries with patios, food halls and casual counter spots that work for groups. Always designate a driver.
- Carytown - Fan District: Bakeries, ice cream and family friendly restaurants in walkable streets.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables near Short Pump, Scott's Addition and downtown book fast on NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- James River Park System: Belle Isle and Brown's Island have flat loops, rocks for sunning and skyline views.
- Pony Pasture Rapids Park: Easy riverside paths and shallow rock hopping when water is low.
- Virginia Capital Trail: Smooth, family friendly greenway starting near downtown toward Williamsburg.
- Bryan Park and Azalea Garden: Close to the raceway with shaded walks and picnic spots.
- Chesterfield - Pocahontas State Park: Lakes, boat rentals and short forest trails 30 - 45 minutes south.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Colonial Williamsburg - Jamestown - Yorktown - 55 to 80 minutes. Living history streets, ships and battlefields in the Historic Triangle.
- Kings Dominion - 25 to 40 minutes. Big coasters and kids zones for a full theme park day.
- Monticello - Charlottesville - 70 to 110 minutes. Jefferson's hilltop home, UVA campus walks and Downtown Mall dining.
- Fredericksburg - 55 to 85 minutes. Old town waterfront, Civil War sites and a compact museum loop.
- Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Drive - 90 to 130 minutes. Overlooks and short ridge walks if you add a mountain day.
- Virginia Beach sampler - 2 to 2.5 hours. Oceanfront boardwalk and aquarium if you extend your trip east.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Popular historic sites, theme parks and some gardens use dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and late summer - fall NASCAR weekends bring concerts, fan zones and full campgrounds. Hotels from downtown to Short Pump and Innsbrook fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Humid subtropical. Spring and fall are comfortable with a chance of quick thunderstorms, summers are hot and humid, winters are cool with occasional cold snaps. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Pollen season in spring and warm river days in summer. Foliage season in October is popular for Blue Ridge day trips.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Night races often feature pre race concerts, driver intros and family zones. Track tours - experiences may pause or run special hours on major weekends.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always check the current event policy before packing.
- Heat - hydration: Concrete and metal bleachers reflect sun. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes and a compact umbrella for sun or a passing shower.
- Traffic patterns: I-64 - I-95 interchanges and Laburnum Ave back up before - after sessions. Consider a Scott's Addition dinner or a Canal Walk stroll to let traffic thin.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for river parks and grippy shoes for bleachers and rock hopping.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official raceway and venue sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Henrico (Richmond), Virginia, USA, USA
Track Info
Richmond Raceway - Richmond, Virginia, USA
0.750 mi D-shaped short track - asphalt - clockwise - 4 turns - banking: 14° turns, 8° frontstretch, 2° backstretch
First Race
Oct 12, 1946
First automobile event at the State Fairgrounds oval won by Ted Horn.
Circuit Length
0.750 mi / 1.207 km
Current D-shaped configuration dates to 1988.
Turns
4
Banking 14° in the corners - 8° frontstretch - 2° backstretch.
Lap Records
IndyCar race lap 0:15.9368 - Sam Hornish Jr. (2004) • NASCAR Cup race lap 0:21.849 - Kevin Harvick (2019)
Outright speed has belonged to open-wheel on the short oval, while modern Cup race laps sit in the low 22s.
When was the track built?
Opened in 1946 as a 0.5 mi dirt oval at the Atlantic Rural Exposition grounds, Richmond was paved in 1968 and reconfigured in 1988 to the current 0.75 mi D-shape. The facility has hosted top-tier NASCAR for most seasons since 1953 and welcomed IndyCar from 2001 to 2009.
When was its first race?
First race activity took place on October 12, 1946, when AAA big cars headlined and Ted Horn won the feature. NASCAR’s first Cup date followed in the 1950s, evolving into today’s Cook Out 400 and spring events.
What’s the circuit like?
- Technical short-track feel: Long, arcing entries reward trail-braking and throttle discipline off Turns 2 and 4.
- Pit strategy theater: Two-wide restarts and tyre falloff flip scripts late, especially on green-flag cycles.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar-era laps dipped under 16 seconds; modern Cup race-lap records hover around 22 seconds.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Outright race lap (oval): 0:15.9368 - Sam Hornish Jr. - Dallara IR-03 - 2004 SunTrust Indy Challenge (IndyCar).
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:21.849 - Kevin Harvick - 2019 Toyota Owners 400.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying (track Q record): 20.674 s - Jeff Gordon - 2013.
Why go?
Richmond blends short-track elbows-out racing with superspeedway-level venue polish. Expect tire management, undercuts, and late cautions bringing drama under the lights. Fan access is strong and the compact layout means you see a lot of the lap from many seats.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 entry: Deep-brake divebombs at the end of the frontstretch and restart chaos.
- Turn 4 exit: Traction battles set up passes to the line.
- High rows on the frontstretch: Full view of pit road and scoring pylon for strategy geeks.
Not just one series - headline events
NASCAR Cup: Cook Out 400 and spring event anchors.
IndyCar history: Ran 2001 to 2009 with sub-16-second laps showing the oval’s raw speed.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Sonoma Raceway - Sonoma, California
Best options are driving via CA-121 - CA-37 to the signed gates on Arnold Dr, using free general parking with shuttle loops to the grandstands, and setting rideshare to the designated zone shown on the event facility map. Charter event buses also run from Bay Area pickup points on major race days.
Address - sat nav
29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476
Official address used on track materials and visitor guides.
General parking
Free on NASCAR - NHRA weekends
Reserved - premium lots also offered for closer access.
Shuttles
On property shuttle routes
Routes link outer lots - 50 Acres - main grandstands - fan zones.
Rideshare
Signed drop-off - pick-up area
Marked as RIDE SHARE on the facility map.
Closest major airports
OAK - SFO - STS
Oakland and San Francisco are the usual gateways; Santa Rosa STS also serves the region.
Public transport - limited direct service
- Charter event buses: Services like Rally run direct coaches from Bay Area pickup points for NASCAR weekend. Book in advance.
- There is no fixed-route bus or rail into the gates. Regional transit can get you near Sonoma Valley, then connect by taxi - rideshare for the last leg.
Driving - CA-121 - CA-37 to Arnold Dr gates
- From San Francisco - East Bay: US-101 → CA-37 east → CA-121 north to the raceway. Follow event signage to your assigned gate - lot.
- From Napa - Sonoma: Take CA-121 south to the venue entrances on Arnold Dr.
- NASCAR weekend routing: Northbound traffic on Hwy 121 is typically sent to Gate 7; southbound traffic often directed to 50 Acres parking for faster entry - exit.
- Maps page: Download the current parking - facility maps before you travel.
Parking - free GA fields, reserved upgrades
- General parking: Free on NASCAR - NHRA weekends. Follow marshals to active fields such as 50 Acres.
- Reserved - premium: Closer paid options are sold for headline events and are tied to specific lots - gates.
- Accessible parking: ADA locations are shown on the facility map near major entries.
Shuttles - free loops from lots to grandstands
- On property shuttles: Multiple color routes operate between outer lots - 50 Acres and spectator areas. Stops and walking paths are marked on the Parking - Shuttle map.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Designated zone: Use the RIDE SHARE area shown on the event facility map, then walk or shuttle to your gate.
Walking from lots - hillside routes
- From 50 Acres - outer fields: Expect 10 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on your stand. Shuttle stops are placed to shorten the hills.
Camping - 50 Acres campground and event camping
- 50 Acres: Used for camping - large event parking on NASCAR weekend with signed pedestrian - shuttle links to the grandstands.
Airports - easiest gateways
- OAK - SFO: primary hubs for most visitors, roughly ~34 - 40 miles from the raceway depending on route.
- STS - Santa Rosa: regional option in Sonoma County, often most convenient for wine country stays.
About the venue - quick context
- 12 turn road course with drag strip: Maps and event pages list gates, shuttles, rideshare area and reserved lots to plan arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: CA-37 ↔ CA-121 → Arnold Dr gates. Northbound often to Gate 7, southbound to 50 Acres.
- Parking: Free GA lots with reserved upgrades. Check the Maps page.
- Rideshare: use the RIDE SHARE zone on the facility map.
- Charter bus: book Rally for direct Bay Area coaches on race day.
- Exact address: 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Richmond Raceway - Richmond - Central Virginia (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks, late model shows, club events or a track tour, this 0.75 mile D shaped short track known as America's Premier Short Track sits minutes from river parks, first rate museums, gardens and living history sites that are easy to enjoy on non race days.
Motorsport at Richmond
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - Trucks - Weekly - Experiences
0.75 mile D shaped oval with progressive banking and frequent night racing that produces tight packs and strategy play.
Typical peak windows
Spring - late summer - early fall
Richmond typically hosts two NASCAR weekends most seasons, with at least one night race under the lights.
Nearby hubs
Downtown Richmond - Scott's Addition - Carytown - Short Pump - Ashland
Museums, river islands and food halls are 10 - 20 minutes from the grandstands outside peak traffic.
Event impact
Night race surges
I-64, I-95 and Laburnum Ave get busy Friday - Sunday. Restaurants in Scott's Addition and near the Raceway see post race crowds.
Family friendly highlights near the raceway
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Conservatory, children's garden with splash areas in warm months and wide lawns for a gentle break.
- Science Museum of Virginia: Hands on galleries and a dome theater in a landmark train station building.
- Children's Museum of Richmond: Maker spaces, role play zones and toddler friendly exhibits.
- Maymont: Gilded age mansion grounds with farm animals, Japanese and Italian gardens and shaded pathways.
- RVA Street Art and Carytown stroll: Colorful murals, ice cream stops and indie shops for an easy hour between sessions.
- Topgolf - bowling - arcades: Quick, weather proof fun around Short Pump and Scott's Addition.
Museums and gardens may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Book morning slots if you plan to be back for afternoon practice or qualifying.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Free general collection with major rotating shows and a sculpture garden.
- American Civil War Museum - Tredegar: Riverfront complex that pairs well with a Canal Walk stroll between showers.
- Virginia Holocaust Museum: Well interpreted exhibits in Shockoe Bottom.
- Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia: Compact galleries in Jackson Ward.
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Small but atmospheric stop near eateries for a short indoor session.
Eat and drink like a local
- Virginia barbecue and Southern plates: Pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken, collards and mac and cheese across the city.
- Tidewater seafood: Oysters, crab cakes and shrimp and grits show up on many menus.
- Scott's Addition cluster: Breweries with patios, food halls and casual counter spots that work for groups. Always designate a driver.
- Carytown - Fan District: Bakeries, ice cream and family friendly restaurants in walkable streets.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables near Short Pump, Scott's Addition and downtown book fast on NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- James River Park System: Belle Isle and Brown's Island have flat loops, rocks for sunning and skyline views.
- Pony Pasture Rapids Park: Easy riverside paths and shallow rock hopping when water is low.
- Virginia Capital Trail: Smooth, family friendly greenway starting near downtown toward Williamsburg.
- Bryan Park and Azalea Garden: Close to the raceway with shaded walks and picnic spots.
- Chesterfield - Pocahontas State Park: Lakes, boat rentals and short forest trails 30 - 45 minutes south.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Colonial Williamsburg - Jamestown - Yorktown - 55 to 80 minutes. Living history streets, ships and battlefields in the Historic Triangle.
- Kings Dominion - 25 to 40 minutes. Big coasters and kids zones for a full theme park day.
- Monticello - Charlottesville - 70 to 110 minutes. Jefferson's hilltop home, UVA campus walks and Downtown Mall dining.
- Fredericksburg - 55 to 85 minutes. Old town waterfront, Civil War sites and a compact museum loop.
- Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Drive - 90 to 130 minutes. Overlooks and short ridge walks if you add a mountain day.
- Virginia Beach sampler - 2 to 2.5 hours. Oceanfront boardwalk and aquarium if you extend your trip east.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Popular historic sites, theme parks and some gardens use dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and late summer - fall NASCAR weekends bring concerts, fan zones and full campgrounds. Hotels from downtown to Short Pump and Innsbrook fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Humid subtropical. Spring and fall are comfortable with a chance of quick thunderstorms, summers are hot and humid, winters are cool with occasional cold snaps. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Pollen season in spring and warm river days in summer. Foliage season in October is popular for Blue Ridge day trips.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Night races often feature pre race concerts, driver intros and family zones. Track tours - experiences may pause or run special hours on major weekends.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always check the current event policy before packing.
- Heat - hydration: Concrete and metal bleachers reflect sun. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes and a compact umbrella for sun or a passing shower.
- Traffic patterns: I-64 - I-95 interchanges and Laburnum Ave back up before - after sessions. Consider a Scott's Addition dinner or a Canal Walk stroll to let traffic thin.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, bug repellent for river parks and grippy shoes for bleachers and rock hopping.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official raceway and venue sites for your exact dates.
