Martin Truex Jr. held off last year’s winner Kyle Busch to capture the NASCAR Federated Auto Parts 400 held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Richmond Raceway. On a beautiful night for racing, more than 2,000 Federated guests had the chance to enjoy a fun-filled day of hospitality, business and racing.
“Every year, we have a great time at the race but more importantly, our members, their customers and vendor partners get a chance to interact in a casual, relaxed setting that leads to many business-building opportunities,” said J. R. Bishop, motorsports and event marketing director for Federated Auto Parts. “Race day was packed with festivities, including a vendor expo. We want to thank our vendor sponsors, as well as Richmond Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier and his outstanding staff, for another incredible experience for our guests.”
Prior to the start of the race, Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts, presided as the grand marshal of the Federated 400 and announced the traditional “drivers, start your engines” instructions. Jim Zhang, founder, chairman and CEO of Friction One, who earlier this year was inducted into the Federated Vendor Hall of Fame, waved the green flag to start the race.
In addition, longtime Federated spokesperson and NASCAR great Kenny Schrader was in attendance signing autographs and taking pictures with guests. Dale Earnhardt Jr. stopped by the Federated hospitality area, as did the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. The hospitality crowd was also treated to a concert by “The Voice” finalist and recording artist Josh Gallagher.
Federated also hosted a vendor expo where members and their customers had a chance to interact with vendors, see new products and learn about programs for the coming year.
The Federated 400 race weekend also marked the official start of the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) Toys for Tots campaign season. A charity golf outing was held the day before the race to benefit the campaign and a booth was included as part of the vendor expo. To date, The Group, with the help of its members, customers and vendors, has raised more than $2 million for Toys for Tots.
