- How did you get started in racing & did you ever race?
I was born with a race car in my garage. It’s been a part of my life since the day I was born. I grew up right here, in Henrico. My dad raced up and down the East coast.
I started racing when I was 22. I raced 60 races along with people like Jeff Burton. People ask me why I started racing so late in life when I was born into it ....and the answer is simple ~ it is expensive. I also built 1,100 stock cars!
- What made you start Arena Racing?
In 1993, I went to an ice hockey game with a friend. I took a look at the arena and thought to myself..... this is the perfect spot to bring racing to everyone. We can take ½ scale cars and race them in an area this size.....have a little something for all the people! The cars cost the price of a jet ski! Why not make it more interactive for all ages? I can get people racing in an INDOOR arena where the weather is not a factor and it’s super exciting! The cars are raced by children 9 years old on up to 60+. They drive around 50 miles per hour for 50 laps a race. We have at least 4 races an event. Each race lasts between 8 - 30 minutes.
- Arena Racing is new to Richmond. What is something you would like to share with someone who has never been to an event?
Every single person who has experienced Arena Racing for the first time reports back to me that it was a great time! It’s family friendly, with just enough noise to be exciting....and no ear plugs necessary! We also love that there are NO fumes! We make it very interactive for the fans. We encourage people to come down and talk with our drivers, get an autograph and look in the cars. At Arena racing, YOU are part of the night’s event!
- What are some of your interests when you are not at Arena Racing? (I thought this one may stump Ricky.....because he eats, sleeps and breaths racing, but it did not)!
My daughters who are 12 and 14. They are into cheer leading and dancing and are always with me at the races. Being a dad is most important to me. We do love spending time at the beach, and I would love to play golf more!
- We hear Arena Racing is an AWESOME option for Birthday Party! Can our readers arrange to have their child’s party at Arena Racing?
Absolutely! Where else can your child be the star of the night?! We have great birthday party packages for kids of all ages! If you call 804-835-5211 we’ll fill you in on the details on how your child can wave the flag, get their name up on the board, mix in with the drivers, and you don’t even have to worry about the weather! The race will always go on!!
- Share some info on fundraising opportunities to local groups?
This is a incredible opportunity where local groups (boy scouts, school clubs, teams, churches) can raise money quickly! All you do is sell already discounted tickets - and you make up to $4 on each ticket sold!! If you sign up, your group had the chance to be part of the Opening ceremonies. You may end up presenting the colors, giving the invocation, saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the National Anthem!! Call 804-835-5211 or visit www.arenaracingusa.com to find out more!
- We like to end with a fun question.....tell us your favorite board game that you played as a child?
As a younger child, I would have to say Operation! As I got older, it would be Monopoly. I’m not sure I ever finished a full game, though.....not sure anyone has!
NEXT RACE...... Friday, January 13, 2012 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 14, 2012 7:00 pm
Richmond Coliseum
***Doors open an hour before so that you can walk around & meet the drivers!
To enter to win a 4 pack to the races next week, comment here and share the most interesting fact you learned about Mr Dennis. If you have a question you would like to ask him, share that here too!
