Richmond Raceway revs up for Cook Out 400 with community events

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- With Richmond’s Cook Out 400 Race fast approaching, Richmond Raceway and NASCAR are hosting some events to get fans revved up while also providing community resources.

The Cook Out 400 will take over Richmond Raceway in Henrico County from Thursday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 16.

Several events will take place both before and during race weekend, offering a mix of fun and community support.

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Here's a look at the schedule.

Finish Line Party on Wednesday, Aug. 13

Sip themed cocktails and get pumped for race weekend with the Finish Line Party at the Q-Rooftop Bar at the Quirk Hotel, located at 201 W. Broad Street on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

The event is free to attend, with food and drink available for purchase. Organizers noted that street parking is limited, though there are paid surface lot and valet parking options available.

NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Fun Day Festival on Friday, Aug. 15

The Speediatrics Fun Day Festival will transform the Richmond Raceway's Fan Zone into a space that highlights healthy living from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 15.

You can join both the NASCAR Foundation and kids from the Peter Paul Development Center in enjoying this NASCAR-themed field day, which organizers said aims to promote "healthy lifestyle habits for children in local racing communities through racing-themed lifestyle programming."

Who's Your Driver? Tailgate on Friday, Aug. 15

Ross Chastain, the driver behind the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, will be in Richmond Raceway's Lot D -- located just outside the Fan Zone entrance -- at 2 p.m. on Friday.

In addition to meeting Chastain, attendees can also sign up to make a safe driving pledge.

"'Who’s Your Driver?' is a sober and safe driving initiative from DRIVE SMART Virginia, a non-profit organization with a mission to eliminate alcohol-related crashes and to educate citizens on safe driving practices," organizers said.

NASC'Art & Car Show on Friday, Aug 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16

Art and racing will collide on Friday and Saturday in a new addition to the Richmond Raceway Fan Zone experience.

Through a partnership with Crossroads Gallery, speed and racing-themed artworks created by 34 artists from across the nation will be on display this race weekend. The second half of the exhibit includes "classic, vintage and other racing automobiles," organizers said.

Can't make it to the show in person? You can view it online here.

Celebrity Guest Chef Appearance on Saturday, Aug. 16

Celebrity chef Brittany Anderson, a Food Network Triple Threat winner, will offer both "small bites" and "culinary wisdom" at Richmond Raceway's Torque Club from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

"You may also remember Brittanny from other Food Network competitions, Tournament of Champions, Iron Chef America, Last Bite Hotel [and] 24 in 24, as well as Bravo TV’s Top Chef Season 18," organizers said. "She is the Chef and Owner of several renowned local restaurants including Metzger Bar and Butchery, Brenner Pass, Black Lodge and The Pink Room."

You can purchase tickets to the Richmond Cook Out 400 online.