SunTrust Indy Challenge

Indycar race infobox
Name=SunTrust Indy Challenge Presented by XM Satellite Radio
Track_

Venue=Richmond International Raceway
Sponsor=SunTrust Banks
XM Satellite Radio
First race=2001
First IRL race=2001
Distance=225 miles
Laps=300
Previous names=SunTrust Indy Challenge (2001-2005)

The SunTrust Indy Challenge Presented by XM Satellite Radio is an Indy Racing League IndyCar Series race held at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. From 2001-2007, the race was scheduled for 250 laps (187.5 miles). Starting in 2008, the race will be extended to 300 laps.

The event debuted as a Saturday night race in 2001. The event has become one of the more popular races on the schedule, and has become the most successful race to date held in traditionally "NASCAR Country," as ISC has traditionally paired the race with other open-wheeled racing, as NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races once accompanied the race, but in recent years USAC open-wheel short track racing has been on the IRL card.

AAA sanctioned two short races at the track when it was still a ½-mile dirt track under the name Strawberry Hill Speedway. Later, NASCAR sanctioned two Championship Car events at nearby Martinsville Speedway in 1952-1953.

Past winners

*2003: Race shortened to 206 laps / 154.4 miles due to rain

External links

* [http://www.indycar.com http://www.indycar.com]
* [http://www.champcarstats.com http://www.champcarstats.com]
* [http://www.MediaZone.com/Racing http://www.MediaZone.com/Racing] Indycar next race
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