Virginia-based Federated Auto Parts Unites With Richmond International Raceway For September 8th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Entitlement

RICHMOND, Va., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia-based Federated Auto Parts announced today a partnership with Richmond International Raceway.  Joining RIR as the entitlement sponsor for the Saturday, September 8, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Federated Auto Parts 400 is one of the most important races on the series schedule, as the "One Last Race to Make The Chase" sets the field for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

In addition to the entitlement partnership, Federated Auto Parts, which has hosted hundreds of guests in hospitality and suites for more than 10 years at RIR, also announced it has signed on as the track's Official Auto Parts Supplier. 

"Federated Auto Parts joins a growing list of Virginia-based companies that Richmond International Raceway is proud to call our partner," said track president Dennis Bickmeier. "The partnership between RIR and Federated Auto Parts gives us great momentum as we prepare for September 8^th, one of the most anticipated NASCAR events of the season."

Federated Auto Parts is no stranger to NASCAR.  Now in its 17^th year in the sport, Federated has served as the primary sponsor for Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, as well as the entitlement partner at Nashville Superspeedway prior to its announcement that it would not seek any 2012 race sanctions.  Schrader, well known in the NASCAR community, joined Federated and RIR for the announcement and will drive the No. 32 FAS Lane car with Federated Auto Parts as the primary sponsor on Saturday night, September 8 in the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. 

"We are very pleased to partner with NASCAR and Richmond International Raceway as the primary sponsor for this pivotal Sprint Cup Series race," said J.R. Bishop, Director of Racing and Event Marketing for Federated. "All eyes will be on the Federated Auto Parts 400 this September to see which drivers will be in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.  In addition to exciting racing, we are planning a fun-filled weekend of hospitality events for our members and their customers, so we know the Federated Auto Parts 400 will be memorable for all involved."

The Saturday, September 8, Federated Auto Parts 400 marks "One Last Race to Make The Chase." Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only the top 10 drivers in the point standings and two "wild card" drivers will be eligible for the series championship.

Tickets for the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race go on sale Friday, June 1.

The weekend begins Friday, September 7, as the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

For additional information, please log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223.

About Federated

Federated Auto Parts, headquartered in Staunton, Virginia, is one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in North America.  Federated is dedicated to supporting its customers with quality name brand parts, programs designed to grow their businesses, and experienced counterpeople who are knowledgeable in today's evolving automotive technology.  For more information, visit www.federatedautoparts.com.

SOURCE Richmond International Raceway