Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
Drivers Prepare for the Upcoming TOYOTA OWNERS 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at RIR
Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Greg Biffle, and Danica Patrick all took to the track Tuesday for a Goodyear Tire Test. Drivers were preparing for the upcoming TOYOTA OWNERS 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Sunday, April 24th. RIR and day racing were all the buzz as Hamlin and Logano both took time to talk.
“Really just extremely pleased with what we’ve seen with the aero package, and really the tire that goes along with it. The aero has gotten all the credit for the great racing so far this year and the great finishes. But, that aero has allowed Goodyear to make some adjustments and give us a tire we’ve been looking for a long time. A collaboration of both is why you’ve seen such great finishes so far. I would continue to think that would stay the same once we get to RIR, especially now that we have a day race.”
Logano, driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, saw Tuesday’s test as an opportunity, especially now with the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 being on a Sunday afternoon.
“I think it’s a good thing. It’s a little cooler out today, especially this morning. We took off, and the track had a ton a grip. This new tire has a ton of grip too,” said Logano. “It’s a lot of fun. Something else I noticed about this tire is it’s rubbering up the racetrack. As a driver, we all want to see that. That also puts on a great race for the fans. When the track rubbers up, it kinda gets to the point where it overrubbers on the bottom. It forces cars to move up to the second, third lane. That’s what as racers we want to see that. We want to have cars that can move around, and be able to pass people by going to a different lane. That’s the whole point of this low downforce package.”
Hamlin had nothing but great things to say about his hometown track and the shift to a day race. He also believes he is one to beat on Sunday when they come back to RIR in a few short weeks.
“It goes back to the old days. I remember coming here many, many times as a fan. It used to be a day race, so I am looking forward to it,” said Hamlin. “I love day races, and obviously it’s going to be a pretty exciting one because I think ourselves and our FedEx Racing team in particular has a great shot to come here and win.”
“I know Richmond always does a great job hosting great hospitality out here. They have a lot of stuff for kids,” continued Hamlin. “It’s the drivers’ favorite race track. If you polled all us drivers about ‘What track we like to race the most?’ Richmond is going to be in the top of the list. You always see great racing, and obviously with the change from night to day. There is going to be a lot of changing the fans are going to see. We’re encouraged about, and encourage the fans themselves to come out here and make a day of it for sure.”
So, take Denny’s advice and come out to RIR for a weekend full of NASCAR action! Join us as we get back to our roots with racing on a Sunday afternoon with the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on April 24th. Bring the entire family out to create one-of-a-kind memories that will last for generations to come! Advanced reserved tickets start at $35 and kids 12 & younger are $25 off in every grandstand section. Saturday, April 23rd will be another day full of action at your favorite short track. Come out and see NASCAR’s future stars go all out against today’s stars. The ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race pits young up-and-comers against veterans. That’s not the only exciting thing about this race! The ToyotaCare 250 is also one of only four Dash 4 Cash races this season. We’re talking two heat races and a main event, folks. Advanced general admission tickets are $30. Kids 12 & younger are FREE with a ticketed adult in general admission seating areas. But, you can start your weekend off in high gear on Friday, April 22nd with practice and qualifying. Advanced general admission tickets are $10 and kids 12 & younger are FREE with a ticketed adult in general admission seating areas. You won’t want to miss this!
