John's March Against Gastric Cancer at Infineon Raceway on January 7: Cancer picked the wrong guy, and now that man will lead the charge in a charitable fundraiser at Infineon Raceway. John Cardinale, a long-time employee at Infineon Raceway, was diagnosed with gastric cancer in March, 2011, and he will lead "John's March Against Gastric Cancer" on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the raceway. This unique fundraiser offers the public a chance to help raise funds for the Gastric Cancer Fund (www.gastriccancer.org) and enjoy a symbolic "march" around the raceway's 12-turn, 2-52-mile road course. The public can participate in the event for a suggested minimum donation of $40, which will include the chance to walk/run a lap around the 2.52-mile road course. A shorter, less hilly course will also be available for those who cannot complete the 2.52 miles. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, and the march will begin at 10 a.m. No advance donation/registration are required; just show up the day of the event.(Infineon Raceway)(12-22-2011)

Infineon Raceway Recycles More Than 58 Tons of Materials in 2011: Infineon Raceway has reaffirmed its position as an industry leader in recycling, collecting more than 58 tons of materials during the 2011 Big O Tires Racing Season. The raceway partnered with the Conservation Corps North Bay to collect 116,881 pounds of materials during the 2011 season, which included the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar® Series and AMA Pro Road Racing event weekends. The raceway has collected more than 267 tons of materials (534,815 pounds) since the inception of its recycling program in 2004.
Below is a breakdown of the recycling totals from 2011:
· Aluminum: 560 pounds
· Cardboard: 48,720 pounds
· CRV (glass, aluminum, plastic beverage containers): 21,961 pounds
· Metal debris: 16,820 pounds
· Mixed paper: 10,820 pounds
· Tires: 18,000 pounds
Infineon Raceway also recycles all used motor oil, used oil filters and brake and transmission fluids used at the raceway through Safety-Kleen, a leading provider of environmental services, oil re-refining and responsible cleaning solutions, which resides year-round at the Sonoma Valley facility. Infineon Raceway’s recycling efforts are part of a larger Accelerating Sustainable Performance program, which was officially launched in November, 2010, through a partnership with Panasonic Corporation of North America. The partnership included a solar installation which provides for 41-percent of the raceway's overall energy use, as well as a dual-sided, solar-powered LED board on Highway 37 outside the raceway.
The facility will also feature clean-racing technologies on the racetrack at some of its major events in 2012, including the West Coast Moto Jam, May 5-6. For the third consecutive year, the weekend will feature the TTXGP U.S. Championships, which showcases the best in electric motorcycle racing. The raceway will also host the second Accelerating Sustainable Performance Summit, a day-long forum for innovators and thought-leaders from the business, engineering and research communities to explore prospects for sustainable automotive and performance development, and performance-oriented marketing of green cars. For more information about Infineon Raceway’s sustainability efforts, visit www.infineonraceway.com/sustainability.(Infineon Raceway)(12-23-2011)

Tickets for 2012 Race Season at Infineon Raceway On-Sale: Infineon Raceway officially opened its ticket office on Thursday, Dec. 15, for the 2012 Big O Tires Racing Season, highlighted by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar Series and AMA Pro Road Racing. It’s one of the most comprehensive motor-racing schedules in the country. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series highlights the upcoming race season, June 22-24, as NASCAR returns for the 24th year to tackle the twisting road course. Tempers and sheet metal are sure to fly. In addition to individual race tickets, the raceway will offer a variety of ticket packages to NASCAR, including the Save Mart Supermarkets 2-Pack, which boasts two reserved race-day tickets for just $99. You can also get up close to drivers during pre-race festivities with a Pre-Race Pit & Track Pass for just $75. Race fans can also check out great race-weekend camping options. Fans can purchase individual or weekend tickets as well as special ticket packages for all 2012 major events by calling 800-870-RACE (7223), visiting an account representative at Infineon Raceway or by purchasing tickets online at infineonraceway.com/tickets. Camping is also available for all major events.(Infineon Raceway)(12-16-2011)

Wunder Beer Becomes 'Official Craft Beer' of Infineon Raceway: Wunder Beer has become the "Official Craft Beer" of Infineon Raceway. Wunder Beer, a product of Casa Fuego Spirits Company, Inc., will be the exclusive craft beer at all Infineon Raceway major-event weekends in 2012, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. It will also have exclusive year-round signage at the raceway. The partnership is for three years. The showpiece of the relationship will be the Wunder Wall, which will be located adjacent to the Main Grandstand at Infineon Raceway and feature a variety of beers on tap for the 2012 race season. Other benefits include an internet-based promotional campaign, features in raceway publications and public-address announcements at major events.(Infineon Raceway)(8-28-2011)

Infineon Notes-n-Nuggets:
• This is Kurt Busch's 23rd Cup Series victory, moving him into a tie for 26th on the all-time win list with Ricky Rudd.
• Kurt Busch is the 11th different winner in 16 races this season.
• This is Kurt Busch's sixth consecutive finish of 14th or better.
• Kurt Busch is the seventh different race winner in the past seven Infineon races.
• This is Kurt Busch's first career Cup Series road course victory in 21 starts.
• This is Penske Racing's 68th Cup Series victory and second in 2011.
• Jeff Gordon (second) has finished ninth or better in the past six Infineon races -- the longest current streak. Gordon extended a 17-race streak of running at the finish.
• Carl Edwards (third) matched his career-best road course finish set at Watkins Glen (2009).
• Clint Bowyer (fourth) matched his career-best road course finish set at Infineon (2007, 2008). Bowyer has finished eighth or better in four of the past five races at Infineon.
• Marcos Ambrose (fifth) scored his sixth consecutive finish of sixth or better in his past six road course races.
• Joey Logano (sixth) scored his best finish and first top-10 in three races at Infineon and his first top-10 on a road course.
• Jimmie Johnson (seventh) has top-10 finishes in his past three Infineon races.
• Kevin Harvick (ninth) posted his sixth consecutive finish of 14th or better in 2011.
• Matt Kenseth (14th) scored his fourth consecutive top-15 finish.
• Tony Stewart (39th) scored his career-worst road course finish in 25 races. His previous worst finish on a road course was 28th (2006 at Infineon).
(NASCAR.com/Racing Recall)(6-27-2011)

Save Mart Supermarkets Signs Multi-Year Extension with Infineon Raceway: Save Mart Supermarkets has signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual Sprint Cup Series event at Infineon Raceway, track officials announced. The partnership continues the raceway's long-standing relationship with Save Mart Supermarkets, a Modesto-based grocery chain. Save Mart has been either title sponsor or co-title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Infineon Raceway since 1992. Save Mart Supermarkets' status as either title or co-title partner of the annual Cup event in Sonoma is one of the longest runs in all of NASCAR Cup racing. It celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2011 as a sponsor of NASCAR in Sonoma. Save Mart served as title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup event from 1992-1997. It has combined with partners as co-title sponsor of the event since 1998. The last five years, the event has been known as the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The new agreement is for five years, extending through 2016.(Infineon Raceway)(6-26-2011)

Infineon installs solar panels: Infineon Raceway, in partnership with Panasonic, has completed a major milestone in energy conservation with the successful installation of 1,652 solar panels at the famed Northern California raceway. The high-efficiency solar panels, manufactured by Panasonic's Sanyo division, will cover 41-percent of the raceway's energy usage. In a further move designed to reduce energy consumption, Panasonic has also provided the raceway with a low-energy LED video board, replacing the current installation on Highway 37. To emphasize the importance of energy conservation, Infineon Raceway had the solar panels installed so that they would be visible to the majority of fans attending events at the facility. Panels have been placed above the Turn 10 Sound Wall, the Main Grandstand, the administration office and the Raceway Café, as well as the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School building.(Infineon Raceway)(6-26-2011)

Bay Area Jet Team Takes to the Skies in Sonoma: Race fans will be treated to the best air show on the Sprint Cup Series circuit at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 26. The Patriots Jet Demonstration Team, the nation's only civilian aerobatic jet team, will highlight the festivities for a sixth consecutive year with gloss black Aero L-39 Albatros jets and signature red, white and blue smoke trails. The Patriots, based in Bryon in East Contra Costa County, will utilize four of these jets in the show on Sunday of NASCAR weekend. You can catch their electrifying 25-minute show in the skies above the raceway at 10:50 a.m. (PST). Race fans will witness maneuvers such as the Diamond Loop and Roll, the Opposing Knife Edge Pass and a maneuver usually reserved for propeller aircraft, the Tail Slide.(Infineon Raceway)(6-23-2011)

U.S. Coast Guard Provides Ceremonial Delivery of NASCAR Trophy: Infineon Raceway received a special delivery on Tuesday, thanks to the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, "Guardians of the Golden Gate."
The Coast Guard arranged for safe delivery of the winner's trophy for this weekend's Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. A Coast Guard MH65C Dolphin helicopter, departing from Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, landed on the road course on Turn 11 with the trophy safely stored.
From there, two raceway handlers, dressed in black suits and wearing white gloves, secured the trophy and stored it in a safe place until Sunday's race. The crewmen who hand-carried the trophy from the MH65C Dolphin were Chief Petty Officer Trevin Dabney and Second Class Petty Officer John Fisher. The pilots of the aircraft were Lieutenant Christian Polyak and Lieutenant Ryan Hawn.
"We often fly rescue missions to inland locations and need to practice landings at unusual places, so learning the approaches and landing here is just another layer of training and good experience for the crew," said LT Hawn. "Showing the public how we operate also supports our recruiting efforts, so we appreciate the opportunity to fly in and safely deliver the trophy to the fans, race crews, and drivers." The Coast Guard will return on Sunday as part of the ceremonial fly-by moments before the green flag is dropped on the Toyota/Save Mart 350.(Infineon Raceway)(6-22-2011)

NASCAR Hauler Parade Rolls Through Sacramento, June 23: When you hear rumbling and roaring in downtown Sacramento on Thursday, June 23, no need to worry, it's the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coming to town. Sacramento has long been a hotbed for NASCAR, and race fans will be rewarded during race week with a parade of more than 50 NASCAR haulers through the streets around the State Capitol under a full police escort.
That's right, you'll see haulers from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and every other driver on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. This marks the first ever hauler parade in Northern California and raceway officials are thrilled to bring it to Sacramento, home to some of our most avid race fans. This will serve as the Sacramento kickoff to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 weekend in Sonoma, June 24-26. The parade will begin promptly at 2 p.m. on Thursday as the haulers depart their staging area and cross the Tower Bridge, heading for the State Capitol. For the route, go to infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(6-21-2011)

Grand Marshal named of Toyota/Save Mart 350: Actor John Ratzenberger, best known for his work on the legendary sitcom "Cheers," has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. Ratzenberger will be honored on Friday, June 24, of race weekend at the Children's Champions Grand Marshal's Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 26, and participate in the official command of, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines."
The Connecticut native is best known for his role of the know-it-all postal carrier Cliff Clavin on "Cheers," arguably one of the best sitcoms in television history. Ratzenberger is also known for his voice-work on Pixar feature films, including the voice of Mack the truck in Cars and the soon-to-be realeased Cars 2. He also voiced Hammy the Piggy Bank in the Toy Story series, P.T. Flea in A Bug's Life and the Abominable Snowman in Monsters Inc., among others, for Pixar, based in Emeryville in the Bay Area.
In 2010, Ratzenberger became affiliated with and now represents the Foundation for Fair Civil Justice to further develop his work and increase awareness about the skilled worker shortage facing the United States and the changes needed to positively impact and increase the number of skilled workers. For more info about ticketsm call 800-870-RACE (7223), infineonraceway.com/nascar or ticketmaster.com.(Infineon Raceway)(6-20-2011)

Infineon Raceway Unveils "PG&E Tickets for Troops" Program: For the second consecutive year, Infineon Raceway has partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the USO of Northern California to offer race fans a patriotic way to support the men and women of the Armed Forces with the "PG&E Tickets for Troops" program. For just $20, race fans can say "thank you" to military members in a way they will never forget - by sending them to a very special race this year. The "PG&E Tickets for Troops" program enables anyone - from everyday citizens to corporations - to sponsor Active Duty military, Veterans and Reservists and send them to either the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on June 26, or Military Appreciation Day at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on August 28. Those who purchase tickets for troops will be included in the "PG&E Tickets for Troops" online listing at infineonraceway.com, listed in the souvenir program and featured on Jumbotron screens on race day. Each race day will feature a patriotic theme with an air show by the Patriots Jet Team, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, military fly-bys and an Army cannon national salute. The "PG&E Tickets for Troops" program is the perfect way for race fans to share their passion with the men and women serving our country. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this very special "PG&E Tickets for Troops." Visit infineonraceway.com/ticketsfortroops or call 800-870-RACE (7223) today for tickets and to show your support.(Infineon Raceway)(6-19-2011)

Petty, Allison, Jarrett Featured at Toyota/Save Mart 350: Race fans will be treated to history at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26, with the Legends in Sonoma program. Three of the biggest names in NASCAR history will be featured throughout the race weekend: Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett and Richard Petty. Race fans can catch Allison and Jarrett at an autograph session/Q&A session on Friday in the Wine Country Winner's Circle at 1 p.m. (PT). The trio will also be featured during a very special Q&A session on race day, Sunday, June 26, during pre-event ceremonies. Allison and Jarrett will also make an appearance at Club 7, the all-new trackside bar and lounge at Infineon Raceway, situated above Turn 7 on the road course. You can catch them at 9:45 a.m. (PT) on Sunday. Upgrades to Club 7 are available for $29-$39 per person.(Infineon PR)(6-16-2011)

Amyris Becomes Official Partner of Infineon Raceway: Infineon Raceway and Amyris have entered into a multi-year partnership that will make the Emeryville (Calif.)-based company a Leadership Partner in the raceway’s groundbreaking Accelerating Sustainable Performance program. Amyris is an integrated renewable products company focused on providing sustainable alternatives to a broad range of petroleum-sourced products. As part of this new relationship, Amyris will also become the “Official Renewable Fuels Provider of Infineon Raceway,” and a lead partner at the raceway’s green performance summit, to be held in August. The program builds on the facility’s strong operational record as a sustainable business in areas like recycling and water conservation, with new initiatives such as a major solar-electric installation and a series of demonstrations featuring the latest in high-performance green vehicle technologies. On Aug. 25, Amyris will be the lead sponsor of the raceway’s first annual Accelerating Sustainable Performance Summit, a day-long exploration of developments in alternative fuels, electric vehicle and battery technologies and other prospects on the performance transportation horizon. Amyris’ sponsorship will integrate the company’s presence throughout the raceway facility and event calendar, and provide year-round opportunities to interact with other racing organizations and automotive companies.(Infineon Raceway)(6-11-2011)

'24 Special' ticket package at Sonoma: Race fans can once again secure preferred access to a scheduled question and answer session with NASCAR star and Vallejo native Jeff Gordon at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma with the "24 Special" ticket package. Gordon will be front-and-center for race fans with a special chalk-talk session just hours before the drop of the green flag for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For the third consecutive year, Infineon Raceway will offer race fans the "24 Special," which gets you one ticket to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 26, plus the second ticket for just $24 (total price, $119). That's a savings of $70 on two tickets. Race fans can purchase the "24 Special" by calling 800-870-RACE (7223) or visiting www.infineonraceway.com/24Special. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend at Infineon Raceway is scheduled for June 24-26.(Infineon Raceway)(3-29-2011)

Stewart Gets ‘Wild’ at the Oakland Zoo: #14-Tony Stewart traded his race suit for a zoo-keeper’s uniform during a behind-the-scenes experience at the Oakland Zoo on Thursday. Stewart, who was in the Bay Area in advance of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway (June 24-26), had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up-close and personal with Osh, an 11,000 pound, 16-year-old male elephant. Working alongside Elephant Manager Jeff Kinzley, Stewart helped complete some of the daily care for Osh, including a “pedicure,” mouth check and feeding him lunch. Osh even kicked off the countdown to race weekend by passing Stewart the official green flag. “That’s a pretty incredible animal, and this is like nothing I’ve ever done,” said Stewart. “It didn’t take long to realize how much respect you have to have for that animal.” Elephant Manager Jeff Kinzley said of Stewart, “Tony was a true star with Osh, just like he is on the track.” Stewart also had the chance to interact with some of the zoo’s other popular attractions, including a skink, tortoise and a 48-pound Columbian red-tail boa, before participating in a Q&A with media members and fans.
More than 100 fans came out to see Stewart, who also unveiled the new Trackside with Tony ticket package for race weekend. This package includes Saturday and Sunday race tickets for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, plus a Q&A with Stewart in the Club 7 hospitality area, for just $114. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation. Stewart, who has posted two wins in Sonoma (2002, ’05), returns to Northern California in June for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Tickets, including the Trackside with Tony package, are available by calling 800-870-RACE or at www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(3-26-2011)

Bayne heads to San Francisco on Tuesday...for Ice Cream: Race fans are invited to an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social at legendary Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with Trevor Bayne, the winner of the 2011 Daytona 500. For the third consecutive year, the winner of the Great American Race will come to San Francisco to meet with race fans and members of the media, courtesy of Infineon Raceway and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Bayne became the youngest driver in history (20 years, one day) to ever win the Daytona 500. This marked the 53rd running of the Great American Race. It was Bayne’s second career Cup start and the fifth Daytona 500 win for the Wood Brothers, the last coming in 1976. The appearance marks the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. The Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor will create a very special ice cream sundae in honor of Bayne. It will be called the “Trevor Bayne Sundae, Sundae, Sundae.” Race fans are invited to the event, which begins at 5:30 pm/pt at Ghirardelli Square. Bayne, who will arrive via a CHP escort, will first walk the red carpet to the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor, where he will create the very first “Trevor Bayne Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” complete with all the fixins. The item will have a permanent spot on the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor menu for fans to enjoy. Bayne will then be escorted to the Ghirardelli Square Courtyard for a formal press conference. Race fans are encouraged to attend and give the winner of the Great American Race a warm Northern California welcome. Fans in attendance will receive a complimentary “Trevor Bayne Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” courtesy of Ghirardelli Square, while supplies last. The event will also feature ticket giveaways, event posters and a visit from the popular Infineon Raceway Girls. Be sure and get there early as seats to the press conference will be limited. Race tickets to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be available at the Ice Cream Social, including special packages like the Save Mart Supermarkets 2-Pack (2 tickets for $99) and the Jimmie Johnson 4-Pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dog, 4 sodas, plus a race-day Q&A with Johnson for $195), among others. Stay tuned to www.infineonraceway.com for additional details on the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 24-26.(Infineon Raceway)(2-21-2011)

Daytona 500 winner heads to San Francisco on Tuesday: Race fans are invited to an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social at legendary Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with the winner of the 2011 Daytona 500. For the third consecutive year, the winner of the Great American Race will come to San Francisco to meet with race fans and members of the media, courtesy of Infineon Raceway and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The appearance marks the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. The Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor will create a very special ice cream sundae in honor of the 2011 Daytona 500 winner. It will be called the “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae.” Race fans are invited to the event, which begins at 6:00 pm at Ghirardelli Square. The race-winner, who will arrive via a CHP escort, will first walk the red carpet to the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor, where he will create the very first “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” complete with all the fixins. The item will have a permanent spot on the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor menu for fans to enjoy. The driver will then be escorted to the Ghirardelli Square Courtyard for a formal press conference. Race fans are encouraged to attend and give the winner of the Great American Race a warm Northern California welcome. Fans in attendance will receive a complimentary “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” courtesy of Ghirardelli Square, while supplies last. The event will also feature ticket giveaways, event posters and a visit from the popular Infineon Raceway Girls. Be sure and get there early as seats to the press conference will be limited. Race tickets to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be available at the Ice Cream Social, including special packages like the Save Mart Supermarkets 2-Pack (2 tickets for $99) and the Jimmie Johnson 4-Pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dog, 4 sodas, plus a race-day Q&A with Johnson for $195), among others. Stay tuned to www.infineonraceway.com for additional details on the Ice Cream Social with the 2011 Daytona 500 winner.(Infineon Raceway)(2-20-2011)

Infineon Raceway Recycles More Than 67 Tons of Materials: Infineon Raceway has reaffirmed its position as an industry leader in recycling, collecting more than 67 tons of materials during the 2010 Big O Tires Racing Season. The raceway partnered with the Conservation Corps North Bay to collect 135,017 pounds of materials during the 2010 season, which included the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar® Series and AMA Pro Road Racing event weekends. The raceway has collected more than 208 tons of materials (417,934 pounds) since the inception of its recycling program in 2004.
Below is a breakdown of the recycling totals from 2010:
· Aluminum: 2,384 pounds
· Glass: 9,209 pounds
· Plastics: 9,594 pounds
· Single stream overages: 37,210 pounds
· Metal debris: 12,740 pounds
· Cardboard: 49,880 pounds
· Tires: 14,000 pounds
Infineon Raceway also works with Safety-Kleen to recycle used oil products at its NASCAR and NHRA events. Safety-Kleen refines more than 200,000 gallons of used motor oil each year at racing events and a total of 200 million gallons of used motor oil from customers throughout North America.
Infineon Raceway’s recycling efforts are part of a larger sustainability platform, which was officially launched in November through a partnership with Panasonic Corporation of North America. The partnership includes a solar installation system that will provide for 41-percent of the raceway's overall energy use, as well as a dual-sided, solar-powered LED board that will replace the current board, which sits on Highway 37 outside the raceway. PG&E provided a comprehensive energy audit of the raceway in 2010 and continues to be involved, offering energy-efficient alternatives to the raceway.
The facility will also feature clean-racing technologies on the racetrack at some of its major events in 2011, including the West Coast Moto Jam, May 11-15. For the second year, the weekend will feature the TTXGP U.S. Championships, which showcases the best in electric motorcycle racing. The raceway also hopes to host a green performance summit for industry leaders at its INDYCAR event in August. For more information about Infineon Raceway’s sustainability efforts, visit infineonraceway.com/sustainability.(1-27-2011)

Track Pass at Infineon Raceway: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a heart-pounding hot lap around the legendary Infineon Raceway road course at speeds topping 100 mph? Or, maybe you'd like to walk the pits at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend and stand on-track during pre-event ceremonies as star drivers like Vallejo’s Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are introduced? If all-access and value is what you’re looking for, then Infineon Raceway’s 2011 Track Pass is the ticket package for you. The Track Pass is valued at more than $850, but the raceway is selling them for just $399 each. For more info and extra benefits contact the Infineon Raceway Ticket Office at 800-870-RACE (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(1-11-2011)

Infineon Raceway, NASCAR Combine to Plant 74 Trees: City Park in Vallejo is a little more “green” these days, thanks to both Infineon Raceway and NASCAR. The city of Vallejo received a donation of 74 trees through “NASCAR Green Clean Air" — an initiative that neutralizes all the carbon produced by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. A ceremonial planting of three Japanese maple trees was held on Thursday at Vallejo’s City Park and attended by Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis, officials from the City of Vallejo, the Greater Vallejo Recreation Department, the Beautification Commission, Vallejo City Council and Infineon Raceway. The NASCAR Green Clean Air tree planting initiative plants trees for every green flag waved during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. There were eight green flags at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in June, so 74 trees are being planted at Vallejo City Park and throughout the city. NASCAR purchased the trees from Buckeye Nursery, a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified business in Petaluma. This program dovetails with Infineon Raceway’s ongoing sustainability campaign, which includes a major solar installation, comprehensive recycling program, water conservation efforts and the use of sheep to maintain the grasses and fire lanes at the raceway. Infineon Raceway is one of the most environmentally friendly motor-sports venues in the country.(Infineon Raceway)(12-18-2010)

Infineon Raceway Offers '$11 Down for 2011' Program for Tickets: Infineon Raceway has announced a new program that will make it easier than ever before for race fans to attend a motor-racing event at the Sonoma Valley facility in 2011. The "$11 Down for 2011" program will secure any seat or ticket package to Infineon Raceway for the upcoming Big O Tires Racing Season, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar Series, AMA Pro Road Racing and more. These are difficult times for race fans, which prompted the creation of the "$11 Down for 2011" program. All race fans have to do is put an $11 down payment to secure seats to their favorite event; the raceway will then set-up a payment plan that works best for them. This limited-time offer expires on Jan. 31, so be sure and act today by calling 800-870-RACE during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) or visiting www.infineonraceway.com/$11down.(Infineon)(12-11-2010)

Infineon Raceway Honors Jimmie Johnson with Ticket Offer: Infineon Raceway is celebrating Jimmie Johnson's historical fifth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship with a very special ticket offer for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 26. For just 48 hours, race fans can purchase the “48 Championship Special,” which gets you a reserved seat above Turn 7 on the road course for just $48.48. That’s a savings of nearly 50-percent, but like Johnson’s No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, you’ve got to be fast, as this offer is only good through Wednesday, Nov. 24. It's the perfect way to honor the California native, who became the first driver in NASCAR Cup history to win five consecutive championships. He will be honored at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas, Dec. 3. Call 800-870-RACE today or visit www.infineonraceway.com to purchase your "48 Championship Special" and celebrate with the five-time champ.(Infineon Raceway)(11-22-2010)

Infineon Raceway to use solar power UPDATE: Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, has signed a marketing partnership with Panasonic that will result in the installation of 1,652 solar panels at the track early next year. The panels, which are developed by Panasonic’s subsidiary Sanyo, will provide the track with more than 350 kilowatts of electricity and make it the second track in NASCAR, after Pocono Raceway, to use solar-powered energy. Panasonic will become the official solar partner of Infineon in a multiyear agreement valued in the low seven figures annually. It will receive signage and promotion at the track, and its executives plan to use the track as a showcase of the solar technology Panasonic can provide other facilities. The solar panels will offset 35% of the power load for Infineon Raceway. “This will be a significant part of what we do and the way we promote ourselves,” said Steve Page, president of Infineon Raceway. “Our environmental profile is something we’re proud of.” The combination of the Panasonic marketing agreement, which offsets some of the initial costs, and an agreement with Bank of America, which is paying for the panels and leasing them to the track, makes the deal financially beneficial for Infineon. The deal is part of Panasonic’s larger agreement with Speedway Motorsports Inc. It also is providing a giant LED board to Charlotte Motor Speedway and a new scoring tower at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.(Sporting News/SportsBusiness Journal)(11-16-2010)
UPDATE: Infineon Raceway and Panasonic Corporation of North America, industry leader in integrated electronics and energy technologies, have entered into a multi-year relationship, marking the launch of the Sonoma Valley facility’s comprehensive sustainability initiative, officials from both companies announced today. The centerpiece of the Panasonic collaboration will be a major solar-electric-power-generating installation at the raceway with a capacity of more than 350 kilowatts, along with a new dual-sided, solar-powered LED display board along Highway 37. Panasonic will assume a charter sponsor role in the raceway’s new green performance program in an agreement that runs through 2015. That initiative will significantly enhance the facility’s existing sustainable practices in its daily business operations, while at the same time communicating a clear message to the raceway’s customer base about the performance benefits of green transportation technologies. The cooperation with Panasonic also includes the renaming of the Infineon Raceway Technology Center, based in the paddock. It will now be known as the Panasonic Technology Center.
A total of 1,652 of Panasonic’s Sanyo solar panels will be installed at the raceway. Locations include: Turn 10 Sound Wall, Main Grandstand, Jim Russell Racing Drivers School Tech Center, Raceway Café and Infineon Raceway’s main offices. The solar power produced by the new system will provide for 41-percent of the raceway’s overall energy usage. Much of the installation will be visible by the raceway’s patrons at its major events and will serve as a continuing reminder about sustainability. The installation, which will be handled by REC Solar, begins in January, 2011, and is expected to be completed by April. The dual-sided, solar powered LED board created by Panasonic will replace the current board, which sits on Highway 37 outside the raceway. The new LED board will require far less power to operate, making it extremely energy-efficient. The raceway has long featured a number of off-track sustainable initiatives, including comprehensive recycling and water conservation programs such as waterless urinals. The raceway has been recognized by the State of California for its recycling efforts and received a green business award from Sonoma County.
The raceway has also been home to more than 3,000 sheep since 2008, which help maintain the grasses and fire lanes around the facility. Moreover, the raceway works with Safety-Kleen to recycle used oil products at its NASCAR and NHRA events. Safety-Kleen refines more than 200,000 gallons of used motor oil each year from racing events and a total of 200,000,000 gallons of used motor oil from customers throughout North America.
Other current partners participating in the program also include Safety-Kleen and PG&E, which conducted a comprehensive energy audit of the raceway earlier this year. The results revealed how Infineon Raceway is already very efficient in its energy use and identified lighting as a main area for improvement. Since then, the same lighting vendor that made efficiency improvements at AT&T Park in San Francisco has provided Infineon with several recommendations that the raceway is planning to implement.(Infineon Raceway)(11-19-2010)

Infineon Raceway Tickets on sale: Infineon Raceway officially opens its ticket office on Monday, Nov. 15, for the 2011 Big O Tires Racing Season, highlighted by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar® Series and AMA Pro Road Racing. The raceway will feature one of the most comprehensive motor-racing schedules in the country, and race fans can begin purchasing tickets this Monday. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NACAR Sprint Cup Series highlights the upcoming race season, and it will return to its more traditional date, June 24-26. The race had been held on Father’s Day each of the last two years. In addition to individual race tickets, the raceway will offer a variety of ticket packages to NASCAR in 2011, including the Sonoma 2-Pack, which boasts two reserved tickets for just $99 for race day, June 26. The best plan of attack for the 2011 race season at Infineon Raceway is with the 2011 Track Pass. You get tickets to all major events, plus season-long VIP parking, a Pre-Race Pit & Track Pass for NASCAR, garage pass for IndyCar, a hot lap around the road course and more. The cost is $399, which represents more than a 50-percent savings. Fans can purchase individual or weekend tickets as well as special ticket packages for all 2011 major events by calling 800-870-RACE, visiting an account representative at Infineon Raceway or by purchasing tickets online at www.infineonraceway.com.(11-16-2010)

Infineon Raceway to get new name? UPDATE: Watch for Infineon Raceway to possibly get a new name. Rumors are that officials are looking for a new "sustainable" naming-rights sponsor.(Sonoma Index)(7-14-2010)
UPDATE: Intel is buying the wireless communications unit of Germany's Infineon Technologies AG for $1.4 billion in cash, the second deal in as many weeks that allows the chipmaker to spread its wings beyond the struggling personal computer market. Infineon's unit makes chips for smart phones including Apple's iPhone. Intel's deal with Germany's Infineon, which still requires regulatory approval, is expected to close in the first quarter of next year. Besides smart phones, Intel can use Infineon's technology in core processor-based laptops, netbooks and tablets like the iPad. Analysts think the iPad's success is chipping away at the normally strong back-to-school season for PCs. Infineon says the deal will allow it to focus on its core automotive, industrial and chip card and security divisions. The Intel-Infineon deal comes weeks after an Aug. 2 announcement by Infineon that it was "in discussions with interested parties about a transaction" involving wireless technology.(The Oregonian/Associated Press), no word if or how this will affect Infienon's sponsorship of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA.(9-2-2010)

Infineon NASCAR Date Moves Back to Final Weekend in June for 2011: Infineon Raceway will return to its more traditional date for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend in 2011. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will take place, June 24-26, the final weekend in June. The race had been held on Father's Day each of the last two years.(Infineon PR)(8-11-2010)

More Than $130,000 Raised for Youth Groups During NASCAR Weekend: Charitable events combined to raise more than $130,000 during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway. Most of the proceeds will benefit the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway, which has distributed more than $3.3 million to qualified youth groups in Sonoma County since 2002. The Children’s Champions Grand Marshal’s Banquet generated $90,000, while the 8th annual KFOX Race-n-Rock Charity Auction hosted on NASCAR Sunday in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle raised more than $35,000. Nearly $5,000 was also generated through donations from fans who enjoyed a ride on the new Ferris Wheel, located above Turn 8 on the road course. The Kasey Kahne Custom Guitar Raffle, a joint venture between Speedway Children’s Charities and the Kasey Kahne Foundation, netted an additional $1,600. The Grand Marshal’s Banquet was held on Friday, June 18, at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma and featured Grand Marshal Roger Craig, the legendary San Francisco 49ers running back. The sit-down dinner, which also featured NASCAR drivers David Ragan, Boris Said and Clint Bowyer, attracted more than 400 people, including several of Craig’s former teammates. Proceeds from the banquet will be split between Speedway Children’s Charities and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. The top-selling item at the charity auction was a Jeff Gordon signed firesuit, which netted $2,500. Other top selling items included a Dale Earnhardt Jr. helmet ($2,200) and a guitar signed by country music duo Brooks & Dunn ($2,050). Windsor’s Melody Tapparo was the lucky winner of the signed Kasey Kahne Fender guitar.(Infineon Raceway)(6-24-2010)

U.S. Coast Guard Provides Ceremonial Delivery of NASCAR Trophy: Infineon Raceway received a special delivery on Wednesday, thanks to the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, the “Guardians of the Golden Gate.” The Coast Guard arranged for safe delivery of the winner’s trophy for this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. A Coast Guard MH65C Dolphin helicopter, departing from an unknown location in the Bay Area, landed on the road course on Turn 11 with the trophy safely stored. From there, two raceway handlers, dressed in black suits and wearing white gloves, and David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford, secured the trophy and stored it in a safe place until Sunday’s race. Mission accomplished. “It was great to take part in this trophy delivery by the United States Coast Guard,” Ragan said. “They do an incredible job for our county and I was happy to be part of this experience. I’m really looking forward to the race on Sunday.” The crewman who hand-carried the trophy from the MH65C Dolphin was AMT2 Bryan Patrick. The pilots of the aircraft were Lt. Lane Steffenhagen and Lt. j.g. Ian Groom. “The Coast Guard is pleased to be recognized by NASCAR and Infineon Raceway as a symbol of safety and security,” said Lt. j.g. Matt Kroll, a pilot at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco. “Whether it's saving a life 50 miles offshore or protecting cargo entering the San Francisco Bay, our missions often put us in unique situations. Delivering the Winner's Trophy today was a great way to put our MH-65C multi-mission helicopter to use in a real life training scenario. The Air Crew was proud to represent the Coast Guard today and looks forward to returning on Sunday for the start of the race." The Coast Guard will return on Sunday as part of the ceremonial fly-by moments before the green flag is dropped on the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Tickets are $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military more information at 800-870-RACE or infineonraceway.com..(6-16-2010)

Bay Area Jet Team Takes to perform at Infineon Raceway: Race fans will be treated to one of the best air shows on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day). The Patriots Jet Demonstration Team, the nation’s only civilian aerobatic jet team, will highlight the festivities for a 5th consecutive year with gloss black Aero L-39 Albatros jets and signature red, white and blue smoke trails. The Patriots, based in Bryon in East Contra Costa County, will utilize four of these jets in the show on Sunday of NASCAR weekend. You can catch their electrifying 25-minute show in the skies above the raceway at 10:30 am/pt. Race fans will witness maneuvers such as the Diamond Loop and Roll, the Opposing Knife Edge Pass and a maneuver usually reserved for propeller aircraft, the Tail Slide. The Patriots are the only jet team to perform the Tail Slide, where the jet will stand on its tail and fly skyward until running out of airspeed so that it falls tail-first through its own smoke trail. The jets were developed in the Czech Republic for military use and can reach speeds in excess of 500 miles per hour. The Patriots are owned by Discovery Bay resident Randy Howell. Howell flew for United Airlines for 25 years and had 10 years of air show and Reno Air Racing experience before cancer grounded him (he is in remission). The team features several pilots led by lead pilot Dean “Wilbur” Wright, a Grass Valley native and 20-year Air Force veteran who served as a fighter pilot and toured with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. The Patriots are sponsored by Frys.com and Hot Line Construction and take part in about 12 shows each year across the country.(Infineon Raceway)(6-15-2010)

Legendary 49er Roger Craig Named Grand Marshall at Infineon: Legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig has been named Grand Marshall of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 18-20. Craig, who helped guide the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories, will be honored on Friday, June 18, at the Children’s Champions Grand Marshall’s Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, including participating in the official command of, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”(Infineon Raceway)(6-14-2010)

HLN’s Robin Meade to Perform National Anthem at Infineon: Robin Meade, the anchor for the highly-popular “Morning Express with Robin Meade” on HLN, will perform the national anthem for Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway on Father’s Day, June 20. Meade, a NASCAR fan, joined HLN in 2001 and has quickly become one of the most recognizable anchors on the network. In addition to “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” she anchored the network’s coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January, 2009. She also performed a tandem skydive with President George Herbert Walker Busch to commemorate his 85th birthday. Tickets are $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military more information at 800-870-RACE or infineonraceway.com..(6-14-2010)

Hendrick To Be Inducted Into Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Rick Hendrick will be inducted into the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 race weekend, June 18-20. Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, is the most successful team owner in NASCAR history at Infineon Raceway with five Sprint Cup victories, all courtesy of Vallejo native Jeff Gordon. Gordon holds the record for most wins in Sonoma, including a three-peat in 1998-2000 (other wins, 2004 and 06). Hendrick drivers have also posted nine pole positions, including three consecutive poles by Ricky Rudd (1990-92), and 23 top-5 finishes in Sonoma. Brian Vickers also earned a victory for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR West Series at Infineon Raceway in 2006. Hendrick will join Gordon, who was inducted in 2006, on the Wall of Fame, as well as NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and Rudd. He will be inducted into the Wall of Fame during a ceremony in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle on Friday, June 18. Race fans are invited to attend. To learn more about the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, visit infineonraceway.com/NASCAR or call 800-870-RACE.(Infineon Raceway)(5-4-2010)

Infineon Raceway Salutes Our Troops Program for 2010: The military has long featured a strong presence at Infineon Raceway, but the Sonoma Valley facility will put the Armed Forces front-and-center in 2010 with the Sonoma Salutes Our Troops campaign. The season-long salute to the Armed Forces will feature military elements at several major events, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar Series, motorcycles, historic car races and more. The season-long program will culminate with Military Appreciation Day at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Sunday, Aug. 22. Some of the other exciting season-long elements include:
· Increased discounts for active military members at all major events.
· Tickets for Troops program, where fans can purchase tickets to all major events that will be distributed to active military members.
· Hometown Heroes will be recognized during pre-event ceremonies at all major events.
· Partnership with Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms (serving Solano, Napa and Yolo counties) to coordinate shipments of cards, other items, to troops serving overseas.
· Enhanced military participation in pre-event ceremonies at all major events.
· A Sonoma Salutes Our Troops dedicated page on infineonraceway.com
Infineon Raceway is also taking the opportunity to promote a very important program, Troops to College. Troops to College was created by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to attract more veterans to California's public universities and colleges by making campuses more veteran friendly. For more information on the Troops to College program, visit www.troopstocollege.ca.gov. Infineon Raceway would like to invite race fans to join us in our Sonoma Salutes Our Troops program. For updates, call 800-870-RACE or visit infineonraceway.com/military.(Infineon Raceway)(4-12-2010)

McMurray Enjoys Victory Tour Through San Francisco: Daytona 500 champion #1-Jamie McMurray celebrated his victory with a true taste of Northern California in San Francisco on Wednesday, complete with Dungeness crab, world-class chocolates and a bottle of Sonoma Valley wine. McMurray took the checkered flag in the Great American Race on Sunday, and arrived in the Bay Area just three days later for a San Francisco Victory Tour onboard a motorized cable car led by a California Highway Patrol escort. The appearance also marked the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend).
McMurray and his wife, Christy, enjoyed a one-of-a-kind tour of San Francisco, crossing the historic Golden Gate Bridge and visiting Grotto #9 at Fisherman’s Wharf. McMurray learned how to crack a Dungeness crab under the guidance of co-owner Anthony Geraldi. The tour continued to Ghirardelli Square where the McMurrays received a basket of gourmet chocolates and were treated to ice cream sundaes.
The cable car ride culminated at Willie Mays Plaza, at the home of the San Francisco Giants, where McMurray greeted race fans and the Northern California media. Giants Vice President Russ Stanley presented McMurray with an official team jersey, complete with his name and car number on the back. “I have to say, New York was cool, but San Francisco has been awesome,” said McMurray after the tour. “The weather is beautiful and it’s so great to see the fans come out here. As a driver, you can’t imagine what this means to me. It’s been wonderful.”
Raceway President Steve Page also presented McMurray with a commemorative magnum of Sonoma Valley wine. “What great representatives Jamie and Christy are for the sport,” said Page. “It’s terrific to have someone who is a great road racer and has a good history at our track win the Daytona 500. We’re really excited to see him back in Sonoma in June.” Fans joined the Victory Tour onboard a fan-only cable car, which followed McMurray’s lead cable car on its celebratory route. The fans purchased seats on the tour as part of a special ticket package offered by the raceway, which included a weekend ticket to the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Tickets are now available for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, including special packages featuring drivers Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson. Be sure to call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com for more information.(Infineon Raceway)(2-18-2010)

Infineon Tickets Set to Go On-Sale: Infineon Raceway has turned Friday the 13th into a lucky day for race fans, as tickets for the 2010 Big O Tires Racing Season go on-sale to the public on Friday at 8:30am/pt. Whether it's the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (June 18-20), NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series (July 16-18), IZOD IndyCar Series (Aug. 20-22), motorcycles (May 14-16), or more, fans can reserve their favorite spot at the Sonoma Valley facility for 2010. The raceway has also partnered with 2009 Sonoma NASCAR winner Kasey Kahne on the Kasey's Korner ticket package for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. For a complete list of ticket offerings or to purchase tickets, visit www.infineonraceway.com or call 800-870-RACE.(Infineon Raceway)(11-13-2009)

Napa’s Goines Enjoys Ride of Lifetime at Infineon: Napa’s Howard Goines took the ride of a lifetime on Friday at Infineon Raceway. Goines, who is 88 and battling prostate and bone cancer, piloted his newly-restored 1929 Model A Ford around the world-famous road course, marking the first time he has been behind the wheel in six months. “I never thought this would happen. To be able to drive around the track three times, that’s a lifetime memory,” said Goines, a Bay Area resident for more than 65 years. “The doctor said I couldn’t drive, but I guess I proved him wrong.” Goines began restoring the Model A three years ago, but was unable to finish the project because of illness. Good friends Larry Aldrich, Jerry Belden, Ken Midile, George Smith, Randy Stegman and his grandson, Jordan Heath, completed the restoration. Once complete, Heath decided to contact Infineon Raceway to see if his grandfather could tour the road course. It was a total surprise for Goines, as he came through the front gate at Infineon Raceway on Friday morning. “I’ve been around these cars for 45 years, and it was really nice to get out here on the track and see what it’s like,” said Goines, who has restored more than 10 Ford Model A machines over the years. “I can’t believe my grandson helped set this up. What a great surprise.” In all, four of Goines’ restored Model As paraded around the track, driven by friends and family. More than 15 people also came out to watch Goines fulfill his dream. It was truly an emotional day. “My grandfather taught me how to drive a stick shift in a Model A when I was younger, so to be here with him and ride around the track with him was really special,” Heath said. Goines, who was born in Spiro, Okla., served in the Army-Air Force and spent most of his professional career as an iron worker and finally at Dymo Industries. He has been married to his wife, Elsie, for 67 years.(Infineon Raceway)(11-6-2009)