Officials from Richmond International Raceway today announced that the track will continue to host two NASCAR weekends in 2013. The events will be held April 26-27 and Sept. 6-7, with the September Sprint Cup Series race again serving as the final race before the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup (the circuit's playoff equivalent).

The total financial benefit to the region as the result of both weekends – each of which includes a Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series race – is more than $300 million, according to RIR officials.

“Bringing NASCAR back to Richmond International Raceway twice next year is huge for everyone in Greater Richmond,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “The money being pumped into our economy twice a year makes a big difference in the livelihood of the 1.3 million people who call Greater Richmond home. Hotels, restaurants, grocers and many other locally owned businesses will benefit when NASCAR flocks to RIR.”
  
Tickets for the April NASCAR weekend go on sale Friday, Dec. 7. Fans who purchased tickets to this month’s NASCAR weekend at RIR will be receiving renewal invitations in October. Guests who renew receive a savings on each ticket purchased, opportunity to keep their seats and may add or relocate seats before the general public.
 
For details, visit http://www.rir.com or call 1-866-455-7223.