NASCAR returns to Richmond under Saturday night lights; officials warn of heavy traffic

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - NASCAR is heading back to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the highly anticipated Cook Out 400 under the Saturday night lights, bringing sold-out crowds — and major traffic delays — to Henrico County.

Track officials announced Monday that camping and premium parking are already sold out for the event.

While grandstand tickets remain available, officials are urging both race fans and nearby residents to plan ahead for heavy congestion, particularly between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“The return of Saturday night racing at Richmond Raceway has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, with an incredible crowd expected,” Richmond Raceway President Lori Waran said.

Local law enforcement will be stationed at major intersections surrounding the raceway to manage the gridlock.

Captain Matt Pecka of Henrico County Police urged community members to exercise patience and adjust their travel times.

“To our community members again, please plan ahead,” Cpt. Pecka said. “Allow a little bit of extra time as traffic will be heavier along Laburnum, Richmond and Henrico Turnpike. Definitely pre-race and post-race between that 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. as we get traffic away from NASCAR.”

To ease post-race congestion, police will temporarily close two-way traffic on portions of Carolina Avenue and Azalea Avenue up to Henrico High School, converting them into one-way outbound lanes to funnel cars out of the area quickly.

For fans who want to bypass the post-race gridlock entirely, the raceway is offering a unique entertainment alternative: a drive-out movie theater. The track will screen the classic film Days of Thunder right outside Gate 602 immediately after the race.

“We have a special activity prepared, a drive out movie theater,” Waran said. “So fans want to hang tight, stay in their area, or go and see a movie. ‘Days of Thunder’ will be playing right after the race for all to enjoy.”

Waran also emphasized the track’s focus on keeping the weekend affordable for families.

In an interview with 12 On Your Side’s podcast It Ain’t Just Sports, she highlighted some of the unique fan perks that set NASCAR apart from other professional sports

“When you come there’s free parking, it’s easy parking and a unique aspect of a NASCAR track is that you can bring a soft-sided cooler of your own food, your own beverages, including adult beverages if you want, to the track and then inside our stadium, which I don’t think any sport allows,” Waran said.

Gates open Saturday, Aug. 15 at noon.

Officials recommend downloading all mobile tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay prior to arriving at the track to avoid scanning delays at the gates.