With the deadline for cities to submit their proposals to land the NASCAR Hall of Fame just days away, the groundswell of public support for the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area's bid continues to grow.

Over the past four weeks, more than 15,000 people have demonstrated their support to Virginians Racing for the Hall of Fame, the non-profit group spearheading Richmond's bid.   Those individuals have signed petitions in one of more than 60 area Fas Mart stores, mailed a postcard to the Virginians Racing for The Hall of Fame headquarters or registered their names on the group's official website, www.bringthehalltorichmond.com.

In addition, over the last three months, dozens of area companies have donated money and offered support and services to aid Virginians Racing for The Hall of Fame as it prepares its bid.

"The support and encouragement from people in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area and throughout the Commonwealth have been overwhelming," said Josh Lief, Executive Director of Virginians Racing for The Hall of Fame.  "Virginia residents, race fans and business and community leaders have been supportive every step of the way.  In addition, we have received broad, bi-partisan support."

The group is also working hard behind the scenes putting the finishing touches on its proposal, which will be delivered to the NASCAR offices in Charlotte by the deadline of May 31.  "The proposal is exciting, thorough and I'm sure in many ways, unique to what the other cities are putting together," Lief said.  "We have multiple, high-profile locations that NASCAR can choose from and the fact is, Richmond has millions of more residents within a 300-mile radius than any other city.  Statistically, it's not even close, and that is a huge advantage Richmond has that should not be underestimated."

Anyone interested in showing support for the Richmond area's bid to land the NASCAR Hall of Fame can still do so until NASCAR announces its decision later this year.  Fans can visit Virginia Fas Mart stores to sign a petition, log onto www.bringthehalltorichmond.com or drop a postcard in the mail to Virginians Racing for The Hall of Fame at P.O. Box 1998, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1998.