08/16/2026
We knew we were headed to Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400.
We knew we’d get to see the No. 6 Build Submarines car with the Riggins Company logo on the deck lid.
What we didn’t know was just how incredible the day was going to be.
From the moment we arrived, it seemed like there was another surprise waiting around every corner.
We started in the suite getting to know others from the SIB and HII before Brad Keselowski stopped by for a meet and greet. He talked with us about the track, answered questions and gave us a glimpse into what race day looks like from the driver’s perspective.
From there, we headed down to the garage area for lunch while the cars rolled in and teams prepared for the race. We even got a tour of the No. 6 team hauler and a behind-the-scenes look at just how much equipment and preparation travels with the team from race to race.
Then came our first big surprise: we were invited to the drivers meeting.
Getting to sit in that room before the race, hear what the drivers hear and watch everyone come together for prayer afterward was something we never expected to experience.
Next, we headed to the track to meet up with Brad and take photos with our group, the car and, of course, the Riggins logo. Those photos are still to come!
We thought that was the big moment.
Then we found out we were staying on the track with Brad for the National Anthem.
And somehow, the day still wasn’t done surprising us.
Instead of heading straight back to the suite, our incredible host took us into the pits, where we got to experience the race from a completely different perspective.
We watched the No. 6 come flying into the pit and saw the crew get it back out in seconds. Seeing their strength, athleticism, precision and communication up close was incredible. We sat directly behind the crew chief and engineer, watching the screens and data they followed throughout the race, while listening to the team communications through our headsets.
We were literally behind the scenes.
Eventually we made our way back to the suite, where we could keep listening to the team while watching the race from another incredible vantage point.
One of our biggest takeaways from the entire experience was just how much goes into every lap.
There are so many people behind that car. Everyone has a role. Everyone has to know their job. They have to communicate, solve problems quickly, trust one another and perform under pressure. Watching a team of hardworking people thrive in that kind of fast-paced environment felt pretty familiar to us.
It reminded us a lot of Riggins.
We are incredibly grateful to BuildSubmarines.com for choosing Riggins Company as the deck lid sponsor for the Cook Out 400 and for giving our team an experience we will never forget.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, answered our questions, showed us behind the scenes and kept surprising us throughout the day. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience or a better group of people to experience it with.
We are proud to be part of the Submarine Industrial Base, proud of the skilled people behind the mission, and very grateful for opportunities like this that remind us just how much can be accomplished by a great team.
Buildsubmarines.com all the way!
