NASCAR NOTES

Caution: Swine flu

The swine flu outbreak has caused Henrico County Health Department officials to advise race fans to take precautions when attending events this weekend at Richmond International Raceway.

"There is no reason for fans not to attend and enjoy the events this weekend," said acting Health Director Dr. Robert B. Stroube. "However, as with any large public event, there is a risk of spreading viruses, but there are very simple yet effective precautions you can take to avoid exposure."

People who are sick, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have a fever should stay home. Other precautions include frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

There are no confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the state, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Taking fans for a ride

Richard Petty Driving Experience will team up with Richmond International Raceway (RIR) and Darlington Raceway to offer race fans the opportunity to ride shotgun as part of the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series race weekends.

Race fans will be allowed to make laps inside 600-horsepower NASCAR style stock cars provided by RPDE before the Crown Royal Presents the Russ Friedman 400 at RIR.

It will mark the first time RPDE has offered ride-alongs at the historic tracks on the same day as the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. The 3-lap mock qualifying run costs $149 and requires a reservation.

"I am really excited that we can offer race fans such a cool opportunity on these special weekends," said co-owner Richard Petty. "To be able to get some track time on the same day and just hours before the Cup races is really special and we are tickled to be the ones to do this."

Lamar making his way back

Burney Lamar, driving the No. 31 Toyota, hasn't raced a complete Nationwide schedule in two years. He'll make his fifth start this season tomorrow night at Richmond International Raceway in the Lipton Tea 250, where a year ago in finished 39th.

During his shortened seasons, Lamar married model Niki Taylor and became a father for the first time a few months ago.

"The biggest challenge so far has been to just get used to racing again," said Lamar, whose best finish at RIR was 27th in the 2006 spring race. "It's been two years since I have competed on a consistent schedule at this level and so much has changed.

"Every week I climb into the car with a list of things to work on and I am constantly checking things off and adding new things to that list." -- Ralph Paulk