Hamlin Foundation raises $50,000

The Denny Hamlin Foundation raised $50,000 for cystic fibrosis thanks to his foundation's race at Southside Speedway this week. Denny Hamlin presented the check to Art Washburn, the chairman of the board for the Virginia chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, before last night's Dan Lowry 400.

Hamlin's foundation serves several children's charities, but its focus is on cystic fibrosis. A cousin of Hamlin's has cystic fibrosis, a disease in children that causes mucus to thicken to a glue-like state, according to WebMD.com. The buildup of that mucus often leads to lung problems; nutrition, digestion, growth and development problems can also occur.

"When you go [to hospitals] and get to see first-hand either the struggles or the success stories of these kids out here, it gives you a need to give back," Hamlin said. "Now that I have a chance to do that, there's no better to time to start it than now.

"Ultimately, it gives you a great feeling inside, and it's the right thing to do."

RIR's Sprint Cup sellout streak at 33

Richmond International Raceway sold out the Dan Lowry 400, making it the 33rd consecutive time that a Cup race has sold out at the .75-mile track.

The track seats 112,029 fans, and tickets were available through early afternoon. The race officially sold out at 4:20 p.m.

"Ticket sales were steady, and we remained optimistic leading into this weekend," RIR President Doug Fritz said in a news release. "The hard work of our staff and our continued effort to provide a first-class experience for our fans continues to pay off.

"Even in these tough economic times, our fans at Richmond International Raceway continue to show they are the most loyal in the industry."

Tickets go on sale May 24 for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Sept. 6 at RIR. Tickets start at $80 and can be purchased at www.rir.com.

J. Gordon starts from back of field

Jeff Gordon, who finished fourth in both RIR races last season, started at the rear of the field after his engine misfired before the race and his team changed the starter. RIR is an impound race, meaning engine adjustments before the race are not allowed.

Gordon, a five-time winner in Richmond, started in the front row in both 2007 races. He won the pole a year ago.

Gordon, who qualified 28th, has led more laps at RIR than any other active Sprint Cup driver. His teammate, Jimmie Johnson, swept both the spring and fall races.

Big Brown's victory recognized

David Reutimann's pit equipment got an adornment before the race: Several signs congratulating Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown which is named for UPS, a client of minority owner Paul Pompa Jr. Reutimann is sponsored by UPS.

"Congratulations 'Big Brown' on your win in the 134th Kentucky Derby," the signs read. Two smaller signs were placed on the rear of the team's war wagon and a larger one was placed in front.

Big Brown was an easy winner over Eight Belles, who suffered two broken ankles and was euthanized immediately after the race.

Army staff sergeant visits No. 8 team

Lamont Lawson has seen a lot of things in his life, but nothing quite like Richmond International Raceway on race day.

Lawson, a staff sergeant who earned a Bronze Star for valor in Iraq, was a guest of Mark Martin's No. 8 Chevrolet team sponsored by the Army. It was Lawson's first NASCAR event and the first for his wife, Angela.

They call Appomattox home, and Lamont Lawson is a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve in Lynchburg.

"In a million years, I wouldn't have thought I'd have been here," he said. "I love it. I'm hyped. It made me a true believer. A lot of my battle buddies are big NASCAR fans, and they tried to get me to change over. Now, I think I'm here."

New deal for Labonte in the works

Is Bobby Labonte about to extend his grip on the steering wheel of the No. 43 Dodge? Reports of his impending re-enlistment circulated around RIR, but both Labonte and Petty Enterprises official Robbie Loomis deflected inquiries about the subject. Loomis did suggest a deal is in the works.

"Bobby's not ready to talk about his plans yet," said Loomis, the organization's vice president for racing operations. "He'll do that when the time is right. I'm 100 percent confident Bobby's going to be with us for a long time. When you have sponsors and a lot of people involved, you have to unfold things the right way." - Brian Hunsicker, Jill Erwin, Bob Lipper, Ralph Paulk, and Steve Trosky