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NASCAR WCUP: Paul Sawyer to preside over Pontiac Excitement 400 as Grand Marshal

4 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DETROIT- Richmond International Raceway Chairman Paul Sawyer has been tabbed as grand marshal for the activities surrounding this weekend's running of the Pontiac Excitement 400 at the facility he operated for more than 40 years in Richmond, Va.

Sawyer, whose track became part of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) family back in December, is one of the sport's pioneers, having been a fixture in the industry for almost five decades as a car owner and racetrack operator.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Sawyer and his family have transformed Richmond into one of the elite venues on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit since taking over the facility in 1955. The track has received numerous national and local honors, including the prestigious Myers Brothers Award.

Richmond plays host to a number of NASCAR-sanctioned events annually, including two Winston Cup and two Busch Series races. This week the track will feature a NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour race on Thursday night, a NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday night and the Pontiac Excitement 400 NASCAR Winston Cup race on Saturday night.

Jeff Chew, marketing manager-Winston Cup activities, GM Racing, holds a great appreciation for Sawyer's work in motorsports and the contributions he has made to the industry.

"Pontiac has enjoyed a tremendous 12-year relationship with Paul and his family through our marketing activities at Richmond," said Chew. "We felt this was one way we could express our appreciation for the impact Paul has had, not only on Richmond International Raceway and Pontiac, but on NASCAR racing in general."

Text provided by Al Larsen

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