Richmond founder Sawyer dies.

The founder of the three-quarter mile Richmond International Raceway, Paul Sawyer, died on Saturday aged 88.

Sawyer, who promoted races in Richmond for nearly 50 years, is the man credited with transforming Richmond from a half-mile dirt oval into a three-quarter mile bullring that is among the most popular of all venues on the Nextel Cup tour.

"As NASCAR continues to grow in popularity and potential, all of us are continually reminded of our sport's roots, and the many people who were so important to laying the foundation for what we enjoy today," commented NASCAR vice chairman Bill France.

"Paul Sawyer was one of those people. He was most certainly an important part of NASCAR's history.

"Paul took Richmond's race track and created one of the most modern facilities in all of NASCAR. Richmond International Raceway today is considered one of our fans' favourite facilities.

"Paul made his mark, without a doubt. The racing world, starting with NASCAR, will miss him."

Richmond hosted its first NASCAR race in April 1953 and has been a constant part of the NASCAR schedule since 1955. In 1959 Richmond began hosting two NASCAR Grand National (Nextel Cup) events a season and in 1988 the track was extended to its current three-quarter mile length.

Lights were added in 1991 and Richmond is now unique in that it holds all its Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series events, as well as its annual IRL IndyCar Series event under the lights.