Richmond fails to sell out

UPDATE Spurred on by local favorite Denny Hamlin's pole position and win in the Nationwide race Saturday night, Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz announced Saturday afternoon all grandstand seats for that nights NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400, have been sold.

“Ticket sales were steady and we remained optimistic leading into this weekend," said Fritz. “The hard work of our staff and our continued effort to provide a first class experience for our fans continues to pay off."

“Richmond International Raceway is known as a fan favorite and selling out tonight’s race is a testament to the dedication of our fans," continued Fritz. “Even in these tough economic times, our fans at Richmond International Raceway continue to show they are the most loyal in the industry."

05/02/08 The large sign outside Richmond International Raceway off Laburnum Avenue on Friday said it all.

"Tickets Available Now!"

This has been a common sight at tracks that host Sprint Cup events this season, but it is alarming when it occurs at RIR.

The track has sold out every Cup race, 32 in all, over the past 16 years. Most of the sellouts are announced a week before the event, the Thursday before at the latest.

That tickets remain 24 hours before Saturday's race reinforces what track presidents and NASCAR officials have said and feared for the past few months: rising gas prices and tough economic times are keeping fans away.

"It's not the sport. It's not the competition. It's the economy," team owner Richard Childress said. "It's like that in every business right now."