( CNN ) -- The National Rifle Association will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup event in Texas on April 13 , Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage announced Monday . The race will be called the NRA 500 and will be run during prime time . `` NRA members and NASCAR fans love their country and everything that is good and right about America . We salute our flag , volunteer in our churches and communities , cherish our families , and we love racing . '' NRA Chief Executive Officer Wayne LaPierre said a video statement played for reporters at a news conference announcing the event . The sponsorship comes as the gun rights advocacy group has been ramping up its campaign against gun control initiatives in Washington . NRA promises new ads , blasts 'real consequences ' of background checks . Just a few weeks ago , the NRA bought newspaper ads in five states and regional ads and online commercials on websites in 15 states . The NRA spent about $ 350,000 on that campaign , a source familiar with it told CNN . It 's the first time the NRA has sponsored a race in NASCAR 's top series . Last year , the organization sponsored a Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway . The race had been promoted as the Texas 500 after the track 's deal with Samsung ended last year . `` The title sponsorship costs for a Sprint Cup series race vary greatly from track to track , with variables ranging from market size to attendance , TV ratings and inventory included in the sponsorship package , '' Mike Zizzo , spokesman for Texas Motor Speedway , said in an e-mail . NRA 's enemies list : Most of America . The Sports Business Journal reported that Sprint Cup sponsorships typically sell for about $ 1 million per race . `` The NRA has been involved in the sport for several years and a partner of ( track owner ) Speedway Motorsports , Inc. for many years in various aspects , and this race entitlement is just another extension of that business relationship , '' Gossage said . The winners of races at the track are often given two revolvers and a cowboy hat while taking photographs in victory lane . The fastest qualifier is awarded a shotgun . Richard Childress , who owns several NASCAR teams , is a member of the NRA 's board of directors . The Texas Motor Speedway has more than 190,000 seats . There will be another Sprint Cup event at the track in November , sponsored by AAA . Read more news on CNN.com . CNN 's Joseph Miller contributed to this report .
NEW : Sponsorship comes during gun control debate in Washington . For the first time , the NRA will sponsor a top-level NASCAR event . Track official says it is an extension of the relationship with the NRA . More than 190,000 fans expected to attend the race planned for prime time .