Virginia native Denny Hamlin has held the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown for Late Model Stock Cars at Southside Speedway near Richmond, the NASCAR stars hometown track, for the past three years. The annual event benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation and its work with individuals who have Cystic Fibrosis. The foundation also supports The Children's Hospital of Richmond, St. Jude's Hospital and Victory Junction.

In 2011 the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown moves across town to the Richmond International Raceway and is set to run under the lights Thursday, April 28th, track officials and Hamlin announced Tuesday on Facebook.

The race features several NASCAR drivers and personalities going head to head with some of the best Late Model Stock Car competitors in the country.

"This is a great partnership with our hometown driver, Denny Hamlin," said Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz.  "We're excited to be the new home of the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown and hope to help Denny grow this event into a premiere charity race."

Hamlin's hard work and passion for the event has been the cataylst for it's rapid growth.

"I'm so excited to have the opportunity to run our Short Track Showdown at Richmond International Raceway," said Hamlin. "The event has grown every year and we've been so fortunate to raise support through my foundation for some outstanding organizations. The competition will be intense with several Cup drivers signed on, as well as a few racing celebrities and of course several outstanding local short track drivers. It's going to be a great night of racing with the opportunity to help a lot of people."

Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Michael Waltrip, Joey Logano, Trevor Bayne, Hermie Sadler and Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, along with Hamlin, are scheduled to compete in the 75-lap race.

C.E. Falk won last year's Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown ahead of Tony Stewart, Eddie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Brandon McReynolds and Marcos Ambrose.

Visit www.rir.com or call the Richmond International Raceway at 866-455-7223 for more information.

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