The Race Of Champions

Oct 23 2008 - Home

The Race Of Champion series, started in 1985, features 4 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers competing against each other in locally owned cars at short tracks across America and Canada. It brings the drivers close to fans through personal contact and through a unique race that combines the competitor’s driving skill in an exciting format with the drivers testing their cars for the first time on the day of the race.
Tracks booking dates can expect the following:

Patrum Motor Racing Properties personnel will arrive at the venue 24 hours prior to the event. Autograph lines will be constructed, usually one per Driver, and the VIP area will be secured.

The group of NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers arrive with additional Race Of Champions staff several hours prior to race time. Approximately two hours before race time, all drivers take part in a-

1- Press conference lasting approximately 15 minutes;
2- A VIP Meet & Greet, lasting 30 minutes;
3- An autograph session in the grandstand area.

This autograph session, which is approximately 60 minutes long, gives the fans a chance to meet their favorite stars and get their autograph. The autograph session has, over the years, proven to be the focal point of the event. For tracks in areas where the Sprint Cup circuit doesn’t tour, this may be the only chance for local fans to meet these great driving stars. And even for short tracks in areas right in the middle of Sprint Cup country, it is a rare opportunity to talk to the drivers and meet them one-on-one.

Following the autograph session, the drivers depart to the pit area for their first meeting with the regular drivers and owners of the cars they will pilot. The Race Of Champions competition director serves as a liaison between the Sprint Cup drivers and the regular drivers, checking the cars for safety and making sure that all parties are comfortable with the cars. The Sprint Cup stars go through a five-lap practice session after being fitted in their cars and then run a feature event usually consisting of two 8-lap races.

Immediately after the feature event, each Driver is interviewed trackside, giving the fans a chance to hear the drivers comment on their NASCAR careers. Thus, in the course of an evening at the local race track, a fan will meet the drivers, hear about their NASCAR Sprint Cup careers, and see them race.

Tracks hosting a Race Of Champions event can expect numerous benefits. The media --- especially television and newspapers --- offer extensive coverage of the event because of its uniqueness and the appeal of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers.