RIR announces Sam Ard benefit

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY TO HOLD AUCTION TO BENEFIT FORMER NASCAR BUSCH SERIES CHAMPION SAM ARD

April 26, 2006 -- As part of Richmond International Raceway's celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the NASCAR Busch Series, America's Premier Short Track has joined with former champions and series greats to participate in an auction to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard.

Ard, the 1983 NASCAR Busch Series champion and two-time Richmond International Raceway winner, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last May, while his wife, Jo was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that could cause her to become blind.

"Sam Ard is a great part of the NASCAR Busch Series history, and Richmond International Raceway's history," said track president Doug Fritz. "It is warming to see the tremendous support we have been given by the NASCAR family for the auction during our 25th Anniversary celebration of the NASCAR Busch Series."

The silent auction will take place both Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day at the Richmond International Raceway amphitheater outside of turn one. Among the items up for bid are:

* Autographed driver gloves from Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton

* Jimmie Johnson autographed Excedrin diecast car

* Travis Kvapil autographed tool box/grill

* David Green autographed Kleenex hood

* No. 24 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crewmember firesuit

* No. 48 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crewmember firesuit

* No. 5 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series sheet metal

* Autographed copy of "Bobby Allison -- A Racer's Racer"

* Bill France autographed NASCAR hat

* Kasey Kahne autographed diecast hauler

* Martin Truex, Jr. autographed Talladega Superspeedway hat

* Greg Biffle autographed Talladega Superspeedway hat

* NASCAR flag signed by all 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers

* Jim Hunter autographed bobblehead

* David Starr autographed sheet metal

* Framed photo of all 2005 NASCAR champions

* Surprise item from NASCAR President Mike Helton

* Ticket and hospitality package to one of the biggest races of the year -- the 26th race of the season -- the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday, September 9 at Richmond International Raceway.

* NASCAR Busch Series championship ring from former NASCAR Busch Series champion Jack Ingram

All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Ard family. Items for the auction will continue to be collected through Friday, May 5. Fans can see a daily update of items up for bid at www.rir.com.

Former NASCAR Busch Series stars Tommy Houston, Chuck Bown and Jack Ingram will also be on hand for the Circuit City 250 Presented by FUNAI NASCAR Busch Series race weekend to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the NACAR Busch Series. Richmond International Raceway is one of only seven tracks that have hosted a NASCAR Busch Series race since it's inception in 1982.

-rir