Marco Andretti to Bump and Bang
Andretti, the son of open-wheel great Michael Andretti and grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti, will take to the track of the Dodgem Bumper Cars at Kings Dominion to “race" with ticket holders at Kings Dominion. Marco will also sign autographs for fans in attendance. Additionally, IndyCar simulators will be available for fans to test their skills in an open-wheel car video game, and the Richmond International Raceway Official Pace Car will be on display all day.
Fans who wish to have the opportunity to compete with Andretti must have a ticket to Kings Dominion for park admission. Winners will be chosen from registration entries at the Richmond International Raceway display, located next to the Dodgem Bumper Cars. Additional information about Kings Dominion is available at www.kingsdominion.com. The bumper car event will take place at 12:30 p.m. and Andretti will sign autographs beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Andretti is in his fourth year in the IndyCar Series and is currently 10th in driver points. In his three starts at Richmond International Raceway, Marco has finished 4th, 12th and 9th. The 22-year-old made his debut in 2006 with Andretti Green Racing. After finishing second in the Indianapolis 500 that year, he became one of the more recognizable names in the series. He recorded his first win in 2006 at Infineon Raceway.
Andretti is visiting the area to promote the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race on Saturday, June 27. The same cars and drivers that raced at the Indianapolis 500 will take to the shortest track the series visits for an open-wheel thriller “under the lights." Andretti, Danica Patrick, Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, defending series champion Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti and the rest of the IndyCar Series drivers will reach speeds of 180 mph at America’s Premier Short Track. Tickets for the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. Saturday’s ticket also includes a seat for the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race. For tickets and information, visit www.rir.com or call 866-455-RACE (7223).