Richmond International Raceway will host a Virginia Blood Services blood drive and sign up new donors for the National Marrow Donor Program Registry of volunteer marrow donors on Sunday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the raceway’s infield.  Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life is a collaborative effort among the track, Virginia Blood Services, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the National Marrow Donor Program, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation.  Donors wishing to register in advance may do so at www.vablood.org.

“Richmond International Raceway values its community and is always looking for ways to give back to the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area,” said track president Doug Fritz.  “By partnering with these great organizations, we will be able to collect much-needed blood for Virginia residents and sign up potential marrow donors for the national registry.  I encourage everyone to help support this community effort by participating in Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life.”

As a special incentive, those who donate blood or sign up for the marrow registry will receive a ride around Richmond International Raceway’s ¾-mile track (weather permitting), lunch provided by Jersey Mike’s and coupons from Qdoba Mexican Grill.  Additionally, many prizes will be given away, including tickets to the September 6 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway and tickets to the September 5 Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life is a way to contribute to the 2008 NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive.  Many other tracks on the NASCAR circuit will participate throughout the year.  Last year, Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life collected 136 units of blood.

“My work with the blood centers has shown me the importance of blood donations,” said Jimmie Johnson, driver of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.  “The NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive is a great way to build awareness within the NASCAR family, and I encourage fans everywhere to get involved and participate.”

Last year’s Richmond International Raceway’s Drive for Life also resulted in more than 30 names being added to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry of volunteer donors.  The bone marrow registry offers vital support and hope for thousands of patients with life-threatening diseases that search the registry every day for donors who could provide the life-saving marrow.

“I have learned through my personal experience how important the National Marrow Donor Program Registry is to patients in search of hope,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports.  “Joining the Registry is a quick, pain-free process that could save someone’s life.  The NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive is a wonderful way to help those in need and have a little fun at the same time.”

To register and learn more about this event, please visit www.nascar.com/foundation.  For specific information about giving blood, please contact Virginia Blood Services at 800-989-4438 or visit www.vablood.org.  To learn more about joining the National Marrow Donor Program Registry of volunteer marrow donors, please call 804-288-9483.