Danica, Andretti and Franchitti Headline Indy Paddock Zone

Whether you know Danica Patrick from racing in the IndyCar Series, appearing in magazines like Sports Illustrated and FHM, or acting in GoDaddy.com and ESPN commercials, chances are you do know the headlining guest in the Indy Paddock Zone fan hospitality area at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, June 27. She will be joined by fellow IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti and Dario Franchitti, as well as USAC Silver Crown Series defending champion Jerry Coons Jr. and track president Doug Fritz. Their question-and-answer sessions are part of the indoor, festive fan hospitality environment fans can enjoy prior to the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race as part of the Indy Paddock Zone package.

The Indy Paddock Zone Fan Hospitality package is the best way to experience the thrills of open-wheel racing at Richmond International Raceway. For $104, fans will receive a general admission ticket for Friday, June 27, featuring NBC12 Pole Qualifying for the IndyCar Series, a seat for the USAC Sprint Car Series Rotondo Weirich Showdown race and admission to the IndyCar Series driver autograph session, as well as a reserved seat for Saturday, June 27, featuring the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race and the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race, a weekend Pre-Race Pit/Garage Pass (must be 18 years of age or older) and admission to the climate-controlled Indy Paddock Zone hospitality area on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The hospitality area on Saturday includes the appearances by Patrick, Andretti, Franchitti, Coons Jr. and track president Doug Fritz, an all you can eat dinner buffet, unlimited sodas and water, three beer tickets for guests 21 years of age and older (with valid ID), music and interactive games, prizes and more!

Patrick became the first female driver to win an IndyCar Series race last season with her victory at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. Additionally, she has been named the IndyCar Series’ most popular driver multiple times. She is currently fifth in the driver point standings, finishing in the top-five four times in six starts.

Andretti, the son of open-wheel great Michael Andretti and grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti, burst onto the IndyCar Series scene by finishing second at the Indianapolis 500 during his rookie year (2006). That same season, he finished fourth in his first-ever visit to Richmond International Raceway.

Franchitti earned his first SunTrust Indy Challenge victory in 2007, after finishing second in 2005 and third in 2006. Following his IndyCar Series championship in 2007, he bolted for a season in NASCAR before returning this year to the open-wheel series.

The Pre-Race Pit/Garage pass allows entry to the IndyCar Series garage area and pit road area on both Friday and Saturday. The passes expire one hour before the start of the USAC races. To take advantage of the Pre-Race Pit/Garage pass, guests must be 18 years of age or older with a valid ID. Additionally, no coolers are allowed in the Indy Paddock Zone hospitality area, on pit road or in the garage.

To purchase the Indy Paddock Zone package, tickets to the SunTrust Indy Challenge or for more information, call the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223) or log on to www.rir.com.