Past champions, hopefuls vying for Freedom 76 win

Many of the top names in dirt track Modified stock car racing have won the Freedom 76 Classic at Grandview Speedway. And there are many top names in the sport that are still without a win in the prestigious race. Many past winners and non-winners will be entered in the September 10th Freedom 76, the richest event of its type in the area, looking to grab the $25,000 first place money and the prestige that goes with the victory.

Some of the past winners of the Freedom 76, this will be the 46th annual, include Fred Rahmer, Doug Hoffman, Billy Pauch (six times a winner), Ray Swinehart, Kenny Brightbill, Meme DeSantis, Craig VonDohren, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard and the list goes on. Some of them will be back trying to add to their impressive resumes.

And there will be many top names looking to gain that first win. Already entered are Billy Pauch Jr. and Ryan Godown with many more to come.

The Saturday event will include a full schedule of qualifying events, a $1,000 to win Cash Dash, the Schaeffer Motorsports Minuteman 20 and the 76-lap Freedom 76.

Ticket windows open at 3:30 p.m. while advance ticketholders will be admitted at 3 p.m.

Adults pay $40. Youngsters, 6 thru 11, pay $10 while kids under 6 are admitted free.

The night before the Freedom 76 there will be a doubleheader show featuring the Sportsman stock cars and TSRS 305 Sprints. Sportsman will top their night with a 38-lap feature. Modifieds entered in the Freedom 76 will be allowed practice time. Adult admission is $12 while youngsters, 6 thru 11, pay $5 and kids under 6 enter free.

Racing both nights starts at 7 p.m.

You have to act fast. You could join a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pit Crew, meet a driver on race day, add a race used tire to your collection or win autographed NASCAR memorabilia with Richmond International Raceway’s Fan Prizes. They are saying thanks to the fans during Fan Appreciation Weekend at RIR on September 9-10th, but you don’t have to wait until race day to get your hands on some awesome prizes. At rir.com/FANPRIZES you can enter to win the once-ina-lifetime experiences, NASCAR collectibles, and more.

From now through race weekend, fans can enter to win a variety of exciting prizes. You could be a member of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pit crew with Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing, with Michael McDowell and team offering one lucky fan the chance to help the crew roll the No. 95 through inspection, join them at the Driver’s Meeting and more, all prior to Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400!

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a NASCAR hauler? Enter to win a race day meet & greet and hauler tour with one of two NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers - Kaulig Racing’s Blake Koch & Biagi-DenBeste Racing’s Jeb Burton. If NASCAR collectibles are more your speed, we have you covered! From autographed diecasts from defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch to a signed Ford Racing helmet, they have all the coolest swag for the most loyal NASCAR fans.

With over 5,000 contest entries and counting, Fan Prizes has been a big part of the inaugural Fan Appreciation Weekend at RIR. From autographed swag to oncein-a-lifetime experiences, the entire industry has helped make the program a success.

Tickets are on sale now for the return of night racing at RIR with the Who’s Your Driver Weekend featuring the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race Friday night, September 9th, and the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Saturday, September 10th.

NASCAR has announced that beginning in 2017, kids ages 12 and younger will be admitted free to all NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.

Many race tracks already have in place a bevy of offerings geared towards youth, including youth autograph sessions, youth garage tours, kids’ clubs and designated kids’ zones. Numerous tracks also have employed various ticket platforms focused on youth, but this new program marks the first time where tracks will institute a consistent offer wherever NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races take place.

Beginning in 2017, the number of complimentary tickets available for children 12 and younger will vary from venue to venue for every adult ticket purchased. Specific track policies and procedures, including sections in which the tickets are offered, will still apply and may differ for each track as well in an effort to welcome and accommodate as many families as possible.

*** A NASCAR Hauler Parade will be held through the City of Dover on Thursday, Sept. 29 as part of the festivities surrounding the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 NASCAR tripleheader weekend, Dover International Speedway officials announced today.

The hauler parade will begin at Legislative Mall in Downtown Dover and proceed on Legislative Avenue in Downtown Dover, before turning left onto Loockerman Street, then right on South State Street. From there, the haulers will proceed to the track via Leipsic Road and arrive at approximately 5:45 p.m.

The first NASCAR Hauler Parade in Dover was held in 2013, which attracted approximately 10,000 people along the route and featured dozens of 80-foot tractor trailers traveling through the city.

“This is a great event for the fans and we’re excited to be able to bring it back,” said Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway.

The Sept. 30-Oct. 2 NASCAR weekend includes the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 30, the “Drive Sober 200” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Oct. 1 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 2.