THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996                  TAG: 9603030183
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: C10  EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: EDWIN SLIPEK JR.
        
DATELINE: RICHMOND                           LENGTH: Short :   34 lines

FOR THE SAWYERS, RACING TRULY IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Virginia and Paul Sawyer have two sons who work with their father as vice presidents and major shareholders of Richmond International Raceway.

Wayne, 52, a former real estate developer in Norfolk, oversees financial operations and construction. Bill, 46, who worked with Nachman's Department Stores, heads up ticket sales, food concession and souvenirs.

Virginia Weaver Sawyer, Paul's wife of 56 years, prefers to stay at home and tend her azaleas in Virginia Beach.

Says Paul Sawyer: ``Years ago, I carried her to Daytona when the whole family went for race week. And when we got home, she said, `I've had all of Daytona I want. And I don't want to go to Darlington.'

``Racing is not her bug. But she's never frowned on my involvement. She says, `Do what you have to do and then come home.' ''

A third generation is also involved: Wayne's three sons are among the 22 full-time employees at the track. John, 31, works in operations and construction. Clarke, 28, works with mechanical equipment, and his twin brother, Sean, is in the public relations office.

``I've got a good team,'' Paul Sawyer says. ``I've impressed upon my kids, `Your Daddy worked his fanny off putting up seats and putting up guard rails.' ''

KEYWORDS: PROFILE BIOGRAPHY AUTOMOBILE RACING by CNB