Richmond, VA (June 5, 2004) Race fans get ready to 'start your engines' in an IRL IndyCar replica and get a chance to ride in a car like those that will compete in the SunTrust Indy Challenge on June 26 at Richmond International Raceway. Driver Davey Hamilton will man the cockpit of the IRL IndyCar and give fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in a two-seater IRL IndyCar Series car, this Monday and Tuesday.

On Monday, June 7 fans can stop by the Fas Mart located at 7559 Cold Harbor Road in Mechanicsville between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During that time there will be a live broadcast courtesy of 96.5 The Planet. Anyone who purchases two specially priced tickets to the SunTrust Indy Challenge from Fas Mart during this event can strap in and hold on tight for a free ride in the two-seater!

The following afternoon, Tuesday June 8, the car makes a pit stop in Chesapeake, Virginia for an appearance at Hall Nissan and Chevrolet, located at 3416 Western Branch Boulevard. From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., fans have the opportunity to meet Hamilton and enter to win a chance to take a ride in the two-seater. Additionally, there will be a drawing for a pair of tickets to the SunTrust Indy Challenge, to be held on Saturday, June 26 at Richmond International Raceway.

"This is a great way to get the word out about our race, have some fun and to let everyone know how unique these IndyCars really are," said Doug Fritz, president of Richmond International Raceway. "Seeing is believing - so we decided to let the fans experience first-hand what it is like to be in the seat of an IRL IndyCar Series race car."

There are only two of these two-seaters in the world, owned by Sinden Racing Services. With Chevrolet engines boasting 650 horsepower and carbon-fiber Dallara chasis shells, these cars have the ability to reach speeds in the 185 miles per hour range. The cars made their inaugural runs in 2001 and cost about $650,000 each.

All of the stars and cars of the Indy 500 will vie for the checkered flag at this year's SunTrust Indy Challenge. The Extreme Speed, Extreme Excitement Weekend kicks off Friday, June 25 with WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying for the SunTrust Indy Challenge, followed by the 'Showdown at Sundown' races featuring the USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series.

Additionally, fans attending Friday nights' events will have the opportunity to attend an autograph session with some of the top drivers in the IRL IndyCar Series under the Dogwood Grandstand between Turns 1 and 2.

A double-header highlights the weekend on Saturday, June 26 when the USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series takes to the track for the Dominic's of New York 100. As a grand finale, the SunTrust Indy Challenge showcases the top drivers of the IRL IndyCar Series running laps close to 170 miles per hour, followed by a spectacular, free fireworks extravaganza.

Tickets for Friday night’s events are just $15 for general admission seats. Saturday night's tickets are $35 for reserved seats and $30 for general admission. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult in general admission seating on both nights. For more information, call the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223), or log on to www.rir.com.

Courtesy IRL PR