It took a couple of extra weeks, but racing fans were finally able to experience the Richmond Raceway track firsthand while supporting two causes.
The raceway held its Track Laps for Charity event on Wednesday, providing fans the opportunity to drive their vehicles on the track for five laps for each $20 donation.
“I think it’s pretty cool anytime you get to drive on a NASCAR racetrack where the world’s greatest racecar drivers come and race,” said Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran. While the participants were limited to 55 mph, they were still able to feel the curves and straightaways of the D-shaped, 3/4-mile track.
“It exposes a new audience to our racetrack, but it also brings back loyal fans, people who love this racetrack,” Waran said.
The charity event was scheduled for March 27 as a lead-up to the NASCAR Cup Series’ Toyota Owners 400 on March 31, but was postponed due to rain. Some light rain came down toward the end of Wednesday’s event, but everyone was able to get their laps in.
Richmond Raceway Cares partners with hundreds of organizations throughout central Virginia and provides financial support to several groups in the Richmond area.
Special Olympics Virginia provides year-round Olympic-style sports training and competitions for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“It always makes a world of difference for Special Olympics Virginia when we have the community stand behind us,” said Special Olympics Virginia President David Thomason. “We do a lot of things, and most of them are fun.”
Brian Beck, 50, of Sandston, has been a Special Olympics athlete since middle school, playing such sports as softball, track and field, and golf. These days, Beck is only playing golf but still enjoys competing and making friends.
Izzy Nelson, Beck’s niece, grew up attending her uncle’s practices and games. When she was 14, Beck convinced her to volunteer with the Special Olympics.
Nelson landed some internships and part-time work with Special Olympics Virginia, including a stint at the Blacksburg office while attending Virginia Tech. Now 27, Nelson serves as the director of events for Special Olympics Virginia, working out of the Virginia Beach office.
“Seeing the opportunities that we bring to our athletes every day, I just really liked being a part of that,” Nelson said. “Now that I’m on staff, I really take pride in getting to help plan some of these events and practices and provide opportunities for athletes like Brian.”
Beck said hanging out with his niece has been the best part of his Special Olympics experience.
“Having Izzy on my side the whole time when she was growing up was fun,” he said.
As part of the Richmond Raceway NASCAR festivities, Beck and Nelson served as the grand marshals for the Toyota Owners 400, giving the command to fire the engines.
It was an exciting moment for Beck, who grew up as a Dale Earnhardt fan.
“It was awesome,” he said.
Driving for a good cause
At Track Laps for Charity, Beck was on hand to wave the green flag for the packs of drivers.
“It’s awesome to raise money like this,” he said. “It helps more people to come out.”
A variety of modern and classic cars were on display as the drivers circled Richmond Raceway.
At one point, a convoy of Jeeps made its way to the track. Felica Townsend of River City Wranglerz, one of multiple Jeep groups at the raceway, was celebrating her 32nd birthday by participating in the charity drive.
“It’s a really supportive event, and it’s a lot of fun,” Townsend said.
NASCAR driver Erik Jones was unable to make the rescheduled Track Laps for Charity event but expressed admiration for the Special Olympics athletes during an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
“It’s inspiring to see them be a part of it,” Jones said. “I love that they get the opportunity to go out and have events and sports just like anybody else.”
Gallery: An Easter weekend of NASCAR action at Richmond Raceway
Special Olympics athlete Brian Beck stands with niece Izzy Nelson, the director of events for Special Olympics Virginia, at the Richmond Raceway Track Laps for Charity event in Henrico County on Wednesday. Proceeds will benefit Richmond Raceway Cares and Special Olympics Virginia.
Special Olympics athlete Brian Beck waves the green flag for vehicles to start their laps at the Richmond Raceway Track Laps for Charity event on Wednesday.
Special Olympics athlete Brian Beck, who grew up as a Dale Earnhardt fan, waves the green flag for vehicles to start their laps at the charity event on Wednesday.
NOW ONLINE: See more photo highlights from Wednesday’s event at Richmond Raceway by pointing your cellphone camera at the QR code and clicking the link.