Thousands tailgate ahead of Richmond Raceway NASCAR Cup Series

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Long before the drivers revved their engines, the energy outside the Richmond Raceway was building.

Tents were stretched across the open lot, as far as the eye could see.

For some, tailgating at the Raceway ahead of a NASCAR race was a new experience.

“This is my first day tailgating, and it’s a good time, everyone is out here playing cornhole,” Darnell said. “For Father’s Day this year I got my father some Richmond Raceway tickets and everything has been good so far.”

For many others, it’s a well practiced occasion.

“Myself I’ve been 25 years, these guys have been 36 plus,” Mike said in reference to his group of friends.

Tailgaters closest to the raceway were ready to go as early as 9 a.m., nearly ten hours before the green flags were waved.

The day marks a big event at the raceway as a NASCAR Cup Series returns to a Saturday Night. Ahead of the race, everyone in the crowd was rooting for their favorite driver.

Longtime NASCAR fan Kevin Mills said it’s less about one specific person and more about the overall race-day experience.

“We’re like a family basically, we all enjoy the sport,” Mills said.

Two young fans and brothers added there’s nothing better than watching the drivers speeding around the track.

“It’s loud and it’s cool because you get to see all the numbers and how fast they are going,” the brothers said.

This will be the only Cup Series at the Richmond Raceway this year, as the spring race heads to Mexico instead.

Fans told 12 On Your Side it’s a loss, but it’s not putting a damper on their Saturday.

“We are kind of disappointed that it’s only one race but we are appreciative that it’s here,” Mills said.

The race will kick off around 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.

The next NASCAR Cup Series will be at the Daytona International Speedway.

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