Indy Richmond 300

(Redirected from SunTrust Indy Challenge)

The Indy Richmond 300 (formally known as the SunTrust Indy Challenge) is an IndyCar Series race held at Richmond Raceway near Richmond, Virginia from 2001 to 2009,. From 2001–2007, the race was scheduled for 250 laps (187.5 miles); from 2008 to 2009, the race distance was extended to 300 laps.

Indy Richmond 300
IndyCar Series
VenueRichmond International Raceway
Corporate sponsorTBA
First race2001
Last race2009
Distance225 miles (362 km)
Laps300
Previous namesSunTrust Indy Challenge Presented by XM Satellite Radio (2006–2007)
SunTrust Indy Challenge (2001–2005, 2008–2009)
Most wins (driver)Sam Hornish Jr. (2)
Scott Dixon (2)
Most wins (team)Andretti Green Racing (3)
Most wins (manufacturer)Chassis: Dallara (8)
Engine: Honda (5)

The event debuted as a Saturday night race in 2001. The event became one of the more popular races on the schedule, and was arguably the most successful IndyCar race held in traditional "NASCAR Country". The race hearkened back to the classic short track "bull ring" style of racing known for during the AAA and USAC eras of Indy car racing.

ISC traditionally paired the race with other open-wheeled racing. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour once accompanied the race, but in later years USAC open-wheel short track racing had been on the undercard.

AAA held two National Championship sprint car races at the track when it was still a half-mile dirt track under the name Strawberry Hill Speedway. Later, NASCAR sanctioned two Championship Car events at nearby Martinsville Speedway in 1952 and 1953.

On July 30, 2009, RIR track President Doug Fritz announced that the SunTrust Indy Challenge would not be on the 2010 IndyCar Series schedule. The costs to put on the event and possible loss of sponsorship was cited as the reason for the IRL and RIR to not come to an agreement on the event.[1]

On August 28, 2019, it was announced that the IndyCar Series would be returning to Richmond in 2020, replacing the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.[2] However, due to schedule changes brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic and "local restrictions", IndyCar announced on May 21 that the race had been canceled.[3]

Past winners

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SeasonDateDriverTeamChassisEngineRace DistanceRace TimeAverage Speed
(mph)
Report
LapsMiles (km)
AAA Championship Car history
1946October 12 Ted HornTed Horn EngineeringOffy2010 (16.093)0:07:2780.537
November 10 Tommy HinnershitzTed Horn Engineering2512.5 (20.116)
1947

2000
Not held
IndyCar Series history
2001June 30 Buddy LazierHemelgarn RacingDallaraOldsmobile250187.5 (301.752)1:55:2797.435Report
2002June 29 Sam Hornish Jr.Panther RacingDallaraChevrolet250187.5 (301.752)1:53:3099.124Report
2003June 28 Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingG-ForceToyota206*154.5 (248.643)1:26:48106.798Report
2004June 26 Dan WheldonAndretti Green RacingDallaraHonda250187.5 (301.752)1:38:11114.589Report
2005June 25 Hélio CastronevesTeam PenskeDallaraToyota250187.5 (301.752)1:38:33114.153Report
2006June 24 Sam Hornish Jr.Team PenskeDallaraHonda250187.5 (301.752)1:26:49129.572Report
2007June 30 Dario FranchittiAndretti Green RacingDallaraHonda250187.5 (301.752)1:24:20133.408Report
2008June 28 Tony KanaanAndretti Green RacingDallaraHonda300225 (362.102)2:04:06108.79Report
2009June 27 Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda300225 (362.102)1:48:02124.952Report
2010

2024
Not held
  • 2003: Race shortened due to rain.

Support race winners

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References

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  1. ^ Cavin, Curt. "IndyCar 2020: Richmond Part OF 17-Race Schedule". indycar.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  2. ^ DeHarde, Christopher. "IndyCar releases 2020 schedule; Richmond is in, Pocono out". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  3. ^ "IndyCar cancels Richmond, Toronto; moves Road America". NBC Sports. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  4. ^ Richmond Raceway event history from The Third Turn
  5. ^ Richmond Raceway event history from The Third Turn
  6. ^ Richmond Raceway event history from The Third Turn
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