Doug Fritz free(dom) falls into RIR September 11 race will take on a patriotic theme By Charlie Leffler cleffler@mechlocal.com In the current economy NASCAR track presidents across the country have gone to great lengths to sell race tickets. But last week Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz broke new groundfortunately that’s all he broke. Part promotion to introduce the Air Guard 400 and part publicity stunt, Fritz accepted a challenge to go sky diving for the first time. But for Fritz this was no simple parachuting exercise. Instead he was tandem sky-diving into the infield of RIR, something no other track president in the United States has attempted. “I tell you what, I think it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, but hopefully we’ll sell some tickets,” Fritz said. Fritz’s sky dive was the keynote event for RIR to announce that the Air Guard has taken on entitlement rights for the September 11, “One Last Race to Make the Chase.” With the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk to benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America and now the Air Guard 400 taking place on such a historic date, NASCAR weekend at RIR will definitely have a patriotic theme. “Obviously September 11, 2001 was a tough day in the history of the Untied States and we’re going to pay the respectful tribute that it deserves during our race event,” Fritz said. “We have some special events planned for the prerace so it will recognize the September 11 events.” Likewise, Fritz said the track’s partnership with the Air Guard seemed a natural fit for the day.
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Charlie Leffler/The Local
“We’re proud to partner with the soldiers protecting the freedoms all over the world,” he said. “For me jumping out of an airplane, it’s probably a lot easier than what they (soldiers) have to do every day in war and across the world fighting for our freedoms.” Fritz pointed out that in the days leading up to the jump preparation consisted of calming his fears and intense research. “I talked to as many people as I could,” he said. “I did a lot of research on the internet as well the last couple of nights to get an understanding of what I’m in for and it had some fearful moments.” However, once Fritz was in the plane and riding at 7000 feet on the stifling hot, humid day, his only thought was to get out. “The plane was so tight and cramped it was like, ‘I’ll do anything to get out of this plane. I really don’t want to take another
The Mechanicsville Local
August 11, 2010
20 minutes to go back and land at the airport.’ It was a pleasure at that point.” Air National Guard Master Sergeant Matt Leas also parachuted in the same group as Fritz. “Me and Doug were sitting probably four inches apart as were the two other guys the entire ride up,” Leas said. “It was very cozy in there and I think we were all glad to jump out of there and get some fresh air.” Once out of the plane, the skydive was filled with sensations. “It was really like you were floating on air,” Fritz said. “It really wasn’t much, then the parachute opened up and there was this sense of ‘uh-oh what’s going on now?’ until you realize that this is probably a good thing. “Then when you come in close to the track it starts to come in a little more that height perspective,” Fritz added. “When you get close the track that land-
Last week, Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz parachuted into the track infield, becoming the first track president in the country to do so. Fritz’s stunt was a means to announce RIR’s partnership with the Air Guard who will be sponsoring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Air Guard 400 on September 11. Above left: NASCAR driver David Stremme, center, will be driving the Air Guard car in Richmond and congratulated Fritz, right, and Master Sergeant Matt Leas on their jump.
ing strip looked really, really small.” “I think, particularly for a first time jumper, Doug did a great job of jumping into a race track,” Leas said. “Not many
people skydive all together, but to jump into the infield of a racetrack?” Once on the ground, Fritz was greeted by NASCAR driver David Stremme who will be
behind the wheel of the Air Guard car on Sept. 11. Stremme had no desire to join in the stunt. “Negative,” he said. “I was not in control…I’m not a big fan of heights.”
RIGSBY
They partnered with Burkwood to promote the event. “I think one of the most important aspects of these events is that it increases community awareness of the abilities of people with physical limitations versus focusing on their disability,” said Sportable executive director Kristen Lessig. The event teams able athletes with disabled athletes, providing a rewarding experience for each. Eleven Sportable participants took part in this year’s event. “We’ve had a great turnout and I met some great people,” said Rigsby, who now travels the county spreading his message of hope and redemption.
“The Ironman was just a means to a larger end and gave me a platform to share a message of hope and inspiration and of overcoming adversity and challenges that we all face.” Rigsby doesn’t think too much about the nine seconds that changed his life in 1986, or the 22 months of training that led him to Hawaii. He prefers to remember the 16 hours, 42 minutes and 46 seconds it took him to reach the finish line at Kailua Kona… and make history. Rigsby’s amazing journey from the unexpected inspired him to write a book entitled “Unthinkable.”
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Ashleigh Hart said Rigsby’s addition provided the perfect message for this year’s Hometown Waterboy, Waterkid event. “We brought Scott in this year to offer a different perspective and help us grow the event and it’s been our best Waterboy ever,” Hart said. This is the sixth year for the event. The run/swim events featured participants from Sportable, a non-profit organization that assists physically challenged athletes and provides athletic outlets for its clients.