Henrico County is home to Richmond International Raceway

Officials from Henrico County and the Economic Development Authority of Henrico County announced today that they have submitted a letter of intent to NASCAR for the Richmond area to be the future site of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The letter notified NASCAR that a formal proposal will be sent to meet the May 31, 2005 deadline.  An organization called Virginians for the NASCAR Hall of Fame is being formed to help the County prepare the proposal.  The group is expected to be comprised of business leaders, elected officials, local and state organizations, track employees, members of the media, and racing personalities with ties to Virginia.

"We are extremely excited to be part of the bidding process for the NASCAR Hall of Fame," said Virgil R. Hazelett, County Manager, Henrico County, which is home to Richmond International Raceway.  "We have the interest and support from many regional organizations and individuals to help us submit a winning proposal. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community that would forever have a positive impact on our region."

Support for the project reaches the highest level of the Commonwealth. "I strongly support the effort to bring the NASCAR Hall of Fame to Virginia," said Mark R. Warner, Governor of Virginia.  "I have been a big supporter of motorsports throughout my term as Governor, and Richmond is the logical place to put the Hall of Fame.  We have four NASCAR NEXTEL CUP races a year in the Commonwealth, and our proximity to the Nation's capital and major population centers makes us the best choice for NASCAR.  I look forward to working with NASCAR, Henrico County and Richmond International Raceway to make a NASCAR Hall of Fame in Richmond, Virginia a reality."

In addition to Hazelett, scheduled to attend today's announcement were Fred Agostino, Executive Director, Economic Development Authority of Henrico County; Harvey Hinson, Deputy County Manager/Community Development, Henrico County; Matt Erskine, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Virginia; Alisa Bailey, President & CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation; Josh Lief, Secretary of the Virginia Motorsports Coalition;  Jack Berry, President & CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jim Dunn, President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce; Bill Baxter, President/CEO of the Retail Merchants Association of Greater Richmond; Gregory Wingfield, President, Greater Richmond Partnership; legendary NASCAR owner and Richmond's own, Junie Donlavy; and Doug Fritz, President, Richmond International Raceway.

"Having the NASCAR Hall of Fame would provide a tremendous economic boost to the entire Richmond area," Fritz said.  "We are looking forward to assisting with the development of the proposal and showing why the Richmond area is the logical choice for the NASCAR Hall of Fame."

The Richmond area is also an excellent choice given its centralized location.  More than 50% of the U.S. population is within a one-day drive of Richmond and the area has an excellent, easy-to-navigate highway system and an international airport.  Major attractions 100 miles away or less include Washington D.C., Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Richmond area also boasts a strong racing history.  Professional racing began in Richmond in 1946, two years before NASCAR was formed.  In 1953, Richmond International Raceway hosted its first Grand National race, which today is known as the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.  The track has hosted two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events every year since 1959 and today is one of the most popular stops for fans, drivers, race officials and the media.

NASCAR anticipates choosing a site for its Hall of Fame by the end of the calendar year.  Other cities that submitted letters of intent include Daytona Beach, Kansas City, Atlanta and Charlotte.