- Infineon Raceway Hosts 2nd annual NASCAR Day at State Capitol: NASCAR will take over the State Capitol in Sacramento on Saturday, June 9, and race fans are invited to join the celebration. The 2nd annual NASCAR Day will be highlighted by a parade of NASCAR show cars through the streets surrounding the State Capitol. The parade will be led by the 2007 Toyota Tundra Pace Truck, which will set the pace for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, June 22-24. The parade will take place at 1:15 p.m. (Pacific).
The event will span from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will be highlighted by a visit from three NASCAR Grand National Division West Series drivers,
Brian Ickler, Justin Lofton and Kenny Shepherd, who will compete in the Blue Lizard Suncream 200 on Saturday of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 event weekend. The drivers will be on hand to compete with fans in racing simulators and take part in a Q&A session.
In addition, race fans can expect:
* NEXTEL Racing Experience with real racing simulators
* AAA Racing Experience with real racing simulators, show car and Kid's Safety Course
* NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship trophy and Toyota/Save Mart 350 trophy for photo opportunities
* NASCAR show cars on display, including the Burger King Toyota driven by David Reutimann.
* Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel has created its own NASCAR show car, which will also be on display
* Infineon Raceway Toyota FJ Cruiser complete with Playstation 3, 26" LCD Monitor and 800 watts of Zapco amplifiers
* Appearance by popular radio show hosts Armstrong & Getty
* An old-fashioned grape stomp
* Music, games, face painting, and much more.
The event serves as a kick-off for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, which will mark NASCAR's 19th consecutive visit to the Sonoma Valley, and the series' only stop in Northern California. For more information about this event or the Toyota/Save Mart 350, be sure to visit www.infineonraceway.com or call 800-870-RACE.(6-8-2007)
- Bart Simpson Takes a Spin Around Infineon Raceway: Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on the hit sitcom "The Simpsons," indulged in one of her other passions on Tuesday at Infineon Raceway by taking part in a half-day course at the Jim Russell Racing Schools. Cartwright, who has been a recreational race-car driver for nearly four years, obtained her NASCAR Racing License on March 5 and has been primarily racing in Late Model stock cars at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California. She hopped in an open-wheel car on Tuesday with the Jim Russell Racing Schools, which is based at Infineon Raceway, to test the serpentine
circuit. Cartwright has been the voice of Bart Simpson, among others, for nearly 20 years as "The Simpsons" has become one of the most successful television programs in history. She is also part of "The Kellys," an internet-based sitcom (www.teamkellyracing.com that is centered on motor racing and was inspired by the Nextel Cup Series. The series was produced and developed for nascar.com. Cartwright was in Sonoma on Tuesday filming a segment for "Trackside at Infineon Raceway," which airs weekly on the San Francisco Fox affiliate, KTVU-TV, as well as the Sacramento Fox affiliate, KTXL-TV.(Infineon Raceway PR)(4-27-2007)
- Infineon Raceway Recycles 18+ Tons during 2006 Season: Infineon Raceway continued its bustling recycling program in 2006, collecting more than 18 tons of recyclable materials at its major events during the motor-racing season. Since the raceway began this program in 2004, it has recycled more than 40 tons of materials (81,352 pounds); the raceway has been recognized by the State of California Department, Division of Recycling, for its efforts. The tonnage is nearly the equivalent of 21 Nextel Cup stock cars.
Materials were collected at the raceway's major events in 2006, including the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, IndyCar Series and the AMA Superbike Series. In all, the total collected was 36,179 pounds. Infineon Raceway is the only major motor sports facility in the country with a comprehensive recycling program, according to George Mutter, owner of Environmental Event Management Group, based in San Diego. Mutter has managed the program at Infineon Raceway since its
inception in 2004 and has 25 years of experience in the recycling business. In addition, Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., which is
headquartered in Texas, provides oil recycling and re-refining services to Infineon Raceway, as well as 64 other racetracks/drag strips around the country. Everything that Safety-Kleen collects during an event at Infineon Raceway during its NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA events, such as motor oil, gasoline or antifreeze, is eventually put back into a usable product. The company re-refines approximately 180,000,000 gallons of used motor oil each year.(Infineon Raceway PR)(2-6-2007)
- Toyota Co-Title of Nextel Cup Race at Infineon Raceway: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. and the Northern California Toyota Dealers have reached a multi-year agreement with Infineon Raceway to serve as co-title of the annual NASCAR event in the Sonoma Valley, beginning in 2007. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 Nextel Cup Series weekend will take place, June 22-24, at Infineon Raceway, which is one of just two road courses on the 2007 NASCAR schedule. The partnership expands Toyota's NASCAR involvement - the manufacturer will have three teams with seven cars utilizing the Toyota Camry in Nextel Cup competition next season
and four cars in the Busch Series, as well as defending the manufacturer's championship in the Craftsman Truck Series. Toyota will also become the "Official Vehicle of Infineon Raceway." Toyota will also serve as title sponsor of the raceway's annual Nextel Cup Series preview show on Fox Sports Net Bay Area. The 30-minute special, which will air a minimum of six times during the month of June, has been nominated for a sports Emmy award in past years. For ticket information on the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 22-24, please call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-19-2006)
- Speedway Motorsports distributes to Speedway Children's Charities:
The Infineon Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will distribute $501,497 to 55 qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County for the 2006 season. This marks the second consecutive year the Infineon Raceway Chapter has topped the $500,000 mark - it distributed a one-year record of $554,045 in 2005. Moreover, the chapter has distributed more than $2.1 million since 2002 to Sonoma County youth groups. The chapter's Board of Trustees recently approved the distribution of funds at its annual meeting.(Infineon Raceway PR)
Speedway Children's Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which owns and operates Infineon Raceway. Speedway Children's Charities is a non-profit organization with the purpose of raising funds to be distributed to qualified children's organizations. Founded in 1984 by Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., Speedway Children's Charities originated at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Fifty-five youth groups will receive funding from Speedway Children's Charities in 2006.(12-8-2006)
- Infineon Racway Tix on sale today: Tickets for the 2007 Big O Tires Racing Season at Infineon Raceway will officially go on-sale to the general public on Friday, Dec. 1. It's your first opportunity to secure the best seats in the house for all of the exciting motor racing action at the world-famous road course and drag strip, including the Nextel Cup Series (June 22-24), NHRA Nationals (July 27-29) and the IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Sonoma (Aug. 24-26). Ticket prices for individual events range from $10-$140. For more information, call 800-870-RACE, visit www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-1-2006)
- Recycling Program Kicks Into High Gear at Infineon: Infineon Raceway has intensified its recycling program for the 2006 season, which includes the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend, June 23-25. The raceway began its recycling program in 2004, collecting plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass at its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events. The results were impressive as more than seven tons (14,799 pounds) of recyclable materials were collected. Infineon Raceway was recognized for its efforts in 2004 by the State of California Department, Division of Recycling. The results were staggering last year, as the raceway intensified its program, generating more than 15 tons of recyclable materials (30,952 pounds). The figure more than doubled what was collected in 2004 as the raceway also collected materials from its Indy Racing League IndyCar Series event, in addition to NASCAR and NHRA. The program has been ramped up in 2006, as materials were also collected at the raceway's
Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend (May 19-21). Tickets: $25-$180, parking is free. 800-870-RACE or www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-16-2006)
- Chris Isaak to Perform Short Concert and National Anthem at Sonoma: National recording artist and Northern California native Chris Isaak will not only sing the national anthem, he will also give a short performance in front of the main grandstand prior to the green flag being dropped for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 25, at Infineon Raceway. Isaak will entertain the crowd on Sunday of race weekend with a mini-concert that is expected to span approximately 20 minutes. He will then conclude pre-event ceremonies by singing the national anthem.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-15-2006)
- Cheech the Grand Marshal at Infineon Raceway: Cheech Marin [no Chong?] has been named Grand Marshal of the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 23-25. Marin, best known as one-half of the counter-culture, no-holds barred duo of Cheech and Chong, will be honored throughout the weekend, most notably at the Raceway Builders Grand Marshal's Banquet on Friday night at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. "This is a big honor for me and I'm looking forward to coming out to Sonoma," said Marin, a native of Los Angeles. "I've always loved the Bay Area, and NASCAR is truly growing into one of the biggest sports in the country. It's a great way to spend the weekend." Most recently, Marin supplied the voice of Ramone in the Disney/PIXAR animated feature film "CARS," which will be formally released this weekend. Marin is busy promoting CHICANO, his vision of Chicano art and expression as brought to life in a museum exhibition. CHICANO, which features Marin's own personal Chicano art collection, first opened in 2001 and has toured the United States, including the Smithsonian (www.chicano.com). In addition to being honored at Friday's banquet, Marin's Grand Marshal
duties will also include attending the NEXTEL Cup drivers' meeting on Sunday morning and joining the Northern California Dodge Dealers in giving the start command, "Gentleman, start your engines," prior to the start of the Dodge/Save Mart 350.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-6-2006)
- Students can start a race at Infineon: Blue Lizard Australian Suncream is offering young artists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start the Blue Lizard Suncream 200 at Infineon Raceway during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend, June 23-25. In conjunction with The SHADE Foundation of America, Blue Lizard is asking California students in grades K-8 to design a poster that promotes sun safety. The grand-prize winner of the "SunWise with SHADE" poster contest and his or her immediate family will not only attend the Blue Lizard Suncream 200 on June 24, they will utter the most famous words in racing: "Drivers, Start Your Engines!" The Blue Lizard Suncream 200 will feature the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series in a 64-lap feature on the twisting road course. See more on the contest at infineonraceway.com.(5-22-2006)
- Children Treated to Christmas Party at Infineon Raceway: Infineon Raceway helped spread some holiday cheer on Saturday to more than 200 less-fortunate children at the first "Children's Race to the Holidays" Christmas Party. The raceway hosted 215 Sonoma Valley children and their families at this inaugural holiday event, which featured caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus and two of his elves. The event culminated with Santa presenting each child with a new toy. The festive event was held under cloudy and rainy skies, but that did not dampen the spirits of the more than 200 children who attended. They all left the raceway with new toys and wide smiles. Following the toy distribution, everyone was treated to a free lunch at the Infineon Raceway Café. All children who attended the party were pre-registered through one of the following Sonoma Valley groups: Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club, Valley of the Moon Teen Center, Stand By Me Mentoring, Valley of the Moon Teen Center and Willmar Center for Bereaved Children. The raceway received a generous outpouring of support from the community as more than 300 new toys were donated for the party. Some of the organizations included: Bonanza Ford, Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, Schell-Vista Fire Department, Sonoma Rotary, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Valley Fire Department and The Swiss Hotel, among others.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-20-2005)
- Race Fan Spends Night Outside to Earn Infineon Raceway Lifetime Pass: Robert Ade endured a night outside in cold and rainy conditions to earn the first Lifetime Pass issued in the 37-year history of Infineon Raceway. Ade arrived at Infineon Raceway at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday and braved low 40-degree temperatures to become the first fan to purchase a ticket in-person when the raceway officially opened ticket sales for the 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season on Thursday. With just a jacket and cloth car cover for protection, Ade spent the entire night outside the Infineon Raceway ticket office and said that despite the miserable conditions, the reward was worth it. Ade, a resident of nearby Santa Rosa, was even offered $500 from another race fan for his place in line, but he refused. A second lifetime pass to the raceway was won by Mel Petersen of Sebastopol as part of a free drawing as the raceway celebrated the 2006
on-sale date with a festive day in the Sonoma Valley. The day featured guided track tours, coffee and donuts, as well as a gift for every fan
who purchased a ticket in-person. Call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com for complete information on tickets to all events for the 2006 season.(Ininfeon Raceway PR)(12-5-2005)
- Infineon Raceway / Speedway Children's Charities Distributes $554,000: The Infineon Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will distribute a record $554,045 to 54 qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County for the 2005 season.
The figure represents the largest single-year distribution since the Sonoma chapter was formed in 1996 - the prior record of $458,000 was
established in 2004. Moreover, the Sonoma chapter has distributed more than $1.2 million since 2003 to 121 youth groups in Sonoma County. The chapter's Board of Trustees recently approved the distribution of funds at its annual meeting. Speedway Children's
Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc, which owns and operates Infineon Raceway. The monies awarded in 2005 were generated through a combination of Infineon Raceway events, plus a donation by Sonic Automotive Corporation. This year's fundraising events included the Raceway Builders NASCAR Grand Marshal's Banquet, NHRA Tour de Charity, Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival, Classic Sports Racing Group's Charity Challenge and the IRL IndyCar(r) Series Grand Marshal's Banquet. The chapter also held memorabilia auctions at its AMA Superbike, NASCAR and NHRA events. Fifty-four youth groups will receive funding from Speedway Children's Charities in 2005.
AND Infineon Raceway will partner with several Sonoma Valley youth groups this Christmas season for the 3rd annual High-Powered Toy Drive. All items collected during the toy drive will be used for the "Race to the Holidays Christmas Party" at Infineon Raceway in December. The party is for Sonoma Valley children in-need. People are encouraged to drop-off new, unwrapped toys at one of the many locations [listed at Infineon Raceway site] and times (Monday-Friday) between Nov. 14-Dec. 15.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-26-2005)
- Lifetime Pass to Infineon Raceway at Stake: A lifetime pass to Infineon Raceway will be on the line when the Sonoma Valley facility opens its doors for business on Thursday, Dec. 1. That's the day tickets for all 2006 major events go on-sale at Infineon
Raceway, and officials will celebrate by rewarding the first person who purchases a ticket with a lifetime pass to the raceway. The purchase must be made in-person at the Infineon Raceway ticket sales office. This lucky fan will receive a front-row seat to every major
event at Infineon Raceway for as long as he/she lives. The winner will also be treated to a hot lap at speed around the world famous road
course that morning. A second race fan will be rewarded with a lifetime pass, as well, for showing up at the raceway and entering a free drawing. It's all part of a celebration as Infineon Raceway ushers in the 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season by opening up ticket sales to the general public. Infineon Raceway will officially open its doors for ticket sales at 8:00am/pt on Thursday, Dec. 1. All race fans who purchase a ticket to any event in-person will receive a free gift, and coffee/donuts will be available for all those early-risers. Show-cars will be on display, including Rusty Wallace's familiar #2 Miller Lite Dodge, and track tours will be free-of-charge.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-11-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Collects More than 15 Tons of Recyclables: Infineon Raceway stepped up its recycling program during the 2005 Big O Tires Racing Season, and the results were staggering as the raceway generated more than 15 tons of recyclable materials.
The raceway recycled 30,952 pounds of materials, more than doubling the facility's output from 2004 - 14,799 pounds. Infineon Raceway was recognized for its efforts in 2004 by the State of California Department, Division of Recycling. The raceway began its recycling program in 2004, collecting plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass at its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events. Raceway officials intensified the program for 2005, not only adding more points of collection but also including recycling efforts at its Indy Racing League event. The NASCAR and NHRA events combined for more than 13 tons of recyclable materials alone (26,621 pounds) at Infineon Raceway. The overall breakdown of recyclable materials is as follows for 2005: 12,570 pounds of plastic bottles; 4,092 pounds of aluminum cans; 14,290 pounds of glass.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-11-2005)
- Bruton would be interested to run F-1 race at Infineon: SMI's Bruton Smith. a veteran promoter, said he's willing to give Formula One and Bernie Ecclestone a hand - Smith is suggesting a Formula One race at his Sonoma road course. But Smith said that Ecclestone would have to bring money. If Ecclestone accepts, that would be quite a turnaround, since Ecclestone typically charges tracks a big fee for bringing the Grand Prix circus to town. Indianapolis Motor Speedway pays about $15 million a year for the right to run an F1 race. Smith said that if Ecclestone really wants to save Formula One in America, he'll have to dance to a different tune. Ecclestone, according to some reports, has made about $3.7 billion since taking over Formula One's TV operations 20 years ago.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-26-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Unveils Wall of Fame: Legendary drivers Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin will retire from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series after the 2005 season, but their legacies will live forever at Infineon Raceway. Wallace and Martin, who have combined for three victories and three pole positions at Infineon Raceway over their careers, were honored during a ceremony on Friday in the Winner's Circle as the raceway announced the construction of a Wall of Fame. Wallace and Martin were honored as the Wall of Fame's first inductees - the ceremony took place during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend. The Sonoma Valley facility has featured the best in motor sports over the last 37 years, and raceway officials decided to establish a Wall of
Fame, which will honor those who have excelled not only in their form of motor racing, but more importantly, at Infineon Raceway.
Both drivers were presented with granite plaques by Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. The plaques were
etched with each driver's likeness, as well as their form of motor racing, and the date of induction. The plaques will be on display in the
Wall of Fame, which is being constructed behind the main grandstand and will be open to the public.
"The Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame provides a wonderful means to celebrate the rich motor racing history of this facility," Page said. "
Both Rusty and Mark have performed so well on this track and have done so much to build this sport in Northern California. I can think of no two names we'd rather feature as our first inductees."
Both Wallace and Martin have been road-course specialists at Infineon Raceway over the years. Wallace won the event in 1990 and 1996 and has two poles (1989, 2000). He has also led the most races (eight) and is fourth at the raceway in all-time earnings ($882,205). Moreover, Wallace placed outside the top seven just twice from 1989-1996. "I've always enjoyed coming to Sonoma and we've always run well here, so this is a big honor for me to be one of the first drivers to be inducted into the Wall of Fame," Wallace said. "The bottom line is that it has always been one of the most fun races of the year."
Martin, meanwhile, won the event in 1997, and has 13 top-10 efforts in 16 starts at Infineon Raceway. He has placed outside the top 10 just once since 1994, and is second in all-time earnings ($955,737). "This is a great honor for me," Martin said. "We've had some great races here and I will miss the road course, but it's an honor to know that I will always be a part of the history in Sonoma."
The Wall of Fame will include competitors from all forms of motor racing at Infineon Raceway, including NASCAR, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), open-wheel cars, sports cars, and more. It will also include those who have made significant contributions to the raceway over the years. A raceway committee will oversee the selection process on an annual basis.(Infineon Raceway)(6-25-2005)
- Blue Lizard Promotes Sun Safety at NASCAR Weekend: Blue Lizard Australian Suncream will offer two programs designed to raise awareness about sun safety during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. At the raceway, the company will offer a free sun safety program, which will educate fans about the dangers of over-exposure to the sun. A similar program began at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2001 and during the past four years almost 100 melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer, have been found. Blue Lizard, Walgreens drug stores and local dermatologists will partner to provide education, prevention and detection through skin cancer screenings at the raceway throughout the weekend.
Blue Lizard will also partner with the SHADE Foundation of America and Infineon Raceway on a poster-drawing contest for school children in Northern California. The poster must suggest ways to promote sun safety; the winning artwork will be professionally reproduced for use in a state-wide skin cancer prevention program. (Infineon Raceway)(6-24-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Increases Recycling Efforts: Infineon Raceway is ready to kick its recycling program into high gear for the 2005 season, highlighted by an enhanced collection program for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend, June 24-26. The Sonoma Valley facility was recognized by the State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling, for its recycling efforts during the 2004 season, after collecting nearly 17,000 pounds of recyclables at its NASCAR and NHRA POWERade Drag Series events. For 2005, Infineon Raceway will again work with the Environmental Event Management Group (EEMG) and Anheuser-Busch to provide more than 300 recycling receptacles around the facility and institute a new recycling program in the camping areas. In addition to receptacles around the facility, EEMG will also provide recycling bags to all race weekend campers. Fan simply put recyclable materials in the bags, place them outside of their camp area and the bags will be picked up each day. EEMG will recycle all plastic, aluminum, glass and cardboard materials throughout the weekend. In addition to the items placed in receptacles, more than 100 EEMG personnel will sweep the facility to pick up recyclable materials after each day's events. The recycling program will also be in place at other major events at Infineon Raceway during the 2005 season, including the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals (July 29-31) and Argent Mortgage Indy Grand Prix (Aug. 26-28).(Infineon Raceway)(6-23-2005)
- Renowned Pianist Set to Perform National Anthem at Dodge/Save Mart 350: Renowned jazz pianist Eric Lewis has been selected to perform the national anthem at the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, June 26. Lewis, a native of New Jersey, has put together quite a career at the young age of 32, having played for President Clinton at the 1996 Democratic National Convention. He has also played for the world-famous Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Lewis has recently ventured out on his own to record his own music, in addition to film and television projects (www.ericlewisgroove.com.(Infineon Raceway)(6-22-2005)
- Ticket's still available for Infineon Raceway: There are still some great deals to be had on tickets for this weekend's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event. Whether you are bringing your family or coming by yourself, take a look at some of the great deals still available:
Kids 12 and under are FREE on Pole Day and just $5 on Saturday
Adult tickets for the weekend start at just $30 on Friday, $40 on Saturday and are only $55 on Sunday.
Selected single seats in every seating area are now HALF PRICE! Call at 1.800.870.RACE or go to infineonraceway.com.(6-21-2005)
- Couple Set to Exchange Wedding Vows at Infineon Raceway: John Todd will have both of his dreams come true on Thursday, June 23. Not only will he exchange vows with his fiancée, Ryleigh Mosher, he will have his wedding ceremony take place in the Winner's Circle at Infineon Raceway. It has always been Todd's dream to get married in the Winner's Circle at Infineon Raceway, and that dream will come true on Thursday at 4:00pm/pt, just one day before the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend, June 24-26. The ceremony will be witnessed by 30 of Todd's and Mosher's friends and family, and the aisle Mosher will walk down will be lined with diecast cars.(Infineon Raceway)(6-21-2005)
- Waltrip to run Southwest race at Infineon: #15-Michael Waltrip announced that he will compete in the Blue Lizard Australian Suncream 200, which will take the green flag on Saturday, June 25th at 4:00pm/et at Infineon Raceway. The NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race will span 64 laps around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. The two-time winner of the Daytona 500 (2001, 2003) will be joined by other NASCAR NEXTEL Cup regulars Kyle Busch (MRG Motorsports), Boris Said, Travis Kvapil (Snap-on Tools) and Hermie Sadler. Kvapil will pilot his Snap-on Tools Dodge as the company celebrates its 85th anniversary.(Infineon Raceway)(6-8-2005)
- Pollen Promoted to Marketing Manager at Infineon: Rachal Pollen, who has worked at Infineon Raceway since 1999, has been named Marketing Manager. Pollen will be responsible for maintaining and updating Infineon Raceway's Web-site, as well as execution of pre-event and post-event marketing strategies for all of Infineon Raceway's major events. She will also assist in other marketing areas, including print, television and radio advertising. Pollen, 24, graduated from Sonoma State University with a
degree in business administration.(Infineon Raceway)(4-1-2005)
- Larry the Cable Guy? The Grand Marshal of Sonoma Cup race: Larry The Cable Guy, best known for adding catchphrases like "Git-R-Done" and "Lord, I Apologize" to the American lexicon, has been named Grand Marshall of the Dodge/Save
Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. Larry The Cable Guy will be honored at the annual Raceway Builders Grand Marshall's Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in the Sonoma Valley on Friday night, June 24. The event is a benefit for Speedway Children's Charities and has generated nearly $200,000 the last three years. The native of Pawnee City, Neb., will also participate in race-day activities on Sunday, June 26, including attending the driver's meeting, being introduced to the crowd at driver introductions and taking a lap around the twisting 10-turn, 1.99 mile road course. He will also join with Northern California Dodge Dealers for the most famous words in racing: "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines." Larry's comic style has produced a tremendous career, which is currently highlighted by his television smash "Blue Collar TV" on the WB network. Larry teams with comics Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall on this weekly show, which is full of parodies, sketches and stand-up. The show evolved from the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour," which hit the road coast-to-coast in 2000 and grossed $15 million that first year. The tour resulted in two feature films, "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie" and "Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again." Larry will also provide the voice for Mater, the tow-truck, in the upcoming Pixar motion picture, "Cars," set to be released in June, 2006. Larry has also produced a number of highly-successful CDs, including "Lord, I Apologize," and a solo DVD titled: "Larry the Cable Guy: Git-R-Done." His new album "The Right To Bare Arms" was released on March 29 on Warner Bros/Jack Records. Larry will be the featured guest at the Grand Marshall's Banquet and will share some of his life observations with dinner guests.(Infineon Raceway)(3-16-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Maintains Friday Qualifying: Infineon Raceway will continue with its traditional NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend schedule at the 2005 Dodge/Save Mart 350, June 24-26. Qualifying will remain on Friday, as has been customary in the Sonoma Valley. NASCAR announced in November that it would shift to a Saturday qualifying schedule for some 2005 events, instead of the traditional Friday afternoon slot. Raceway officials have decided to maintain Friday qualifying on the twisting 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. Saturday, June 25, of race weekend will feature final practice for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, and the featured main event of the day: NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series 200. The Dodge/Save Mart 350 will take the green flag for the 110-lap feature on Sunday, June 26.(Infineon Raceway PR)(2-1-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Continues With Track Enhancements for 2005 Season: Construction crews have begun work at Infineon Raceway on track enhancements to the road course that will be in place for the 2005 Big O Tires Racing Season. The four projects will be particularly beneficial to the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The IRL will make history at Infineon Raceway in 2005 with its first-ever permanent road-course race in the 10-year history of the
series, Aug. 26-28.
Infineon Raceway has spent more than $60 million over the last five years on a comprehensive modernization project that has transformed the facility into one of the premier motor sports and entertainment venues in the country. Many of the added amenities over the last five years have been designed for competitors, including increased runoff at virtually every turn, removal of old, wooden bridges, creation of a safer Turn 9-9a for the AMA, repositioning of the Turn 1 bridge and an enlarged pit road that accommodates 43 race cars.
The theme continues in 2005. Ninety-percent of a grading project at Turn 2 is complete, making the runoff area level with the racetrack. A new storm drain system has also been installed at Turns 1-2, which should aid rain runoff. Specific for the IRL race in August, a wall will be constructed on driver's right from Turns 1-2, followed by tire-pack that will span Turns 2-4. Finally, three Musco light poles, which are currently at the exit of the Carousel (Turn 6), will be moved back 40 feet onto a slope. The wall and tire-pack at Turns 1-4 will exist ONLY for the IRL race. Raceway officials will also pave small areas of runoff at AMA and IRL Turn 9a, and the exit of the Carousel (Turn 6). All work will be completed for the 2005 road-racing season, which begins with the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May 13-15.(Infineon Raceway PR)(1-19-2005)
- Infineon Raceway Distributes Record $458,000: The Infineon Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will distribute $458,000 to 36 needy youth organizations in Sonoma County for the 2004 season. The figure represents the largest single-year distribution since the Sonoma chapter was formed in 1996, and an increase of more than $100,000 over the chapter's 2003 total grant awards. Speedway Children's Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc, which owns and operates Infineon Raceway. The Sonoma County chapter has raised more than $1.2 million over the past four years. The monies awarded in 2004 were generated through a combination of Infineon Raceway events, plus a donation by Sonic Automotive Corporation. This year's fundraising events included the NASCAR Grand Marshall's Banquet, Rock-n-Race Auction, NHRA Tour de Charity, Dancin' & Draggin', the Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival and the Classic Sports Racing Group's Charity Challenge.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-9-2004)
- Thanksgiving Food Drive Nets Record Donation for FISH Infineon Raceway made a record donation of nearly 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) following the facility's 4th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The amount marked one of the largest single donations FISH will receive this Thanksgiving. The record-setting donation was raised with the help of partners Destination RKA in Healdsburg, Froggy 92.9 FM (Santa Rosa) and 10 Northern California Mary's Pizza Shack locations. Sonoma Gourmet of Cotati also made a generous donation of 850 bottles of gourmet spaghetti sauce. Infineon Raceway has donated more than 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food items since 2000 to FISH, which will assist needy Sonoma Valley residents during the holiday season with food baskets and daily meals. For more information on FISH, which has served the Sonoma Valley since
1970, please call (707) 996-0111. Individuals who donated at least four non-perishable food items were rewarded with a ticket voucher for admission to qualifying for the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown on Friday, May 13, 2005.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-27-2004)
- CA Recognizes Infineon Raceway for Recycling Efforts: Infineon Raceway has become one of the first motor sports facilities in the country to be recognized by a state governmental agency for its recycling efforts. The State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling, recognized Infineon Raceway's recycling efforts for its 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events. During the NASCAR and NHRA events in 2004, Infineon Raceway collected 12,260 pounds of plastic bottles, 2,900 pounds of aluminum cans and 1,800 pounds of glass. George Mutter, vice president of operations for Environmental Event Management Group, which oversaw the recycling efforts at Infineon Raceway, said this was the first motor sports facility in California to receive such an honor by the state. "This was an outstanding effort by Infineon Raceway, especially for the first time," Mutter said. "This was the right thing to do for the environment and I hope to see more tracks take the initiative to implement such programs in the future." Infineon Raceway received the recognition from the state by James D. Ferguson, assistant director, Division of Recycling.(Infineon Raceway PR)(10-29-2004)
- Major Announcements at Sonoma and Watkins Glen: there are 'major announcements' scheduled for late morning on Tuesday, August 3rd at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International - would imagine it has something to do with IRL race's being announced for 2005.
UPDATEs IRL at each track:
see the Watkins Glen site: Open Wheel Racing [IRL] Returns to The Glen; and
see the Infineon Raceway site: Infineon Raceway to Host First-Ever Indy Racing League Road-Course Event
for full news on each.(8-3-2004)
- Two races at Infineon? Talk of expanding the Nextel Cup tour to include two stops at Infineon Raceway just north of San Francisco is one of the more interesting issues being discussed in the NASCAR garage this weekend. San Francisco is the fourth largest TV market in the country, and if this were a two-mile oval it would probably already be a two-stop track. And NASCAR officials are looking at possibly adding road races in Mexico City and Montreal.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-26-2004)
- 'Ride the Bus' Program Returns to Infineon Raceway: Infineon Raceway's "Ride the Bus" program was so successful at last year's Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend that the operation has expanded for 2004 to include Diablo Valley College in the East Bay - at no additional cost. Why hassle with the stress of driving to the raceway for the biggest sporting event of the year in Northern California when you can Ride the Bus? Nearly 2,000 race fans opted to Ride the Bus last year and came away with glowing reviews. The program has expanded to include four pickup locations, but the cost is exactly the same: $125. Pickup locations include Solano Community College (Solano County); Sonoma State University (Sonoma County); Fireman's Fund in Novato (Marin County); and the newest
location at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill (Contra Costa County).
The $125 package includes:
* A premium reserved seat for Sunday's race.
* Transportation to/from the raceway in an air-conditioned bus.
* Complimentary soft drinks aboard the bus.
* Commemorative race program.
* Souvenir memorabilia item.
Be sure not to miss out on the program for this year's race. Even if you already purchased a race ticket, you can add the Ride the Bus
option for an additional $35. For more information on the Ride the Bus program, call 800-870-RACE.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-23-2004)
- Kids Have Place All Their Own at Infineon Raceway: There will be more than just thrilling NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing to keep the kids busy at the Dodge/Save Mart 350 event, as Infineon Raceway will host Levi Strauss Signature(tm) Kidsfaire on Saturday, June 26. This marks the second consecutive year that kids will have a place all their own during the race weekend. Whether it's bounce houses, watching a high-flying trapeze or listening to great music, the Save Mart Family Area will be the hot-spot for kids on Saturday of race weekend. This non-alcoholic, non-smoking area is located beneath the lap leaderboard at Turn 1. Moreover, the first 2,000 children who bring a used children's book will also receive a prize bag. Plus, admission to KidsFaire is just $5 for kids 12-and-under and the area opens at 9 a.m. (PDT). All books collected during the day will be donated to children who need literacy support. Below are some of the great activities planned for Levi Strauss Signature(tm) Kidsfaire:
* Go Interactive: This 20-screen motor-sports themed interactive game zone will allow kids to test their skills with the latest in
video-arcade excitement.
* Plant it! Pavilion: Kids will test their "green thumb" in this garden area. Plus, they'll be able to take the plants home.
* Craft City: Everything from clay to canvas, beads to brushes and paint to plaster will be available to make a unique souvenir from your
day at the races.
* Character Central: An up-close look at some of the world's most popular children's characters, including Spider-Man.
* Jumping Jamboree: The jumping jamboree will feature the biggest and best bounce houses.
* Main Stage Entertainment: Television/ music star Lalaine brings her high-energy concert to Kidsfaire. Lalaine, known as Miranda on the hit television series, "Lizzie McGuire," was named one of Teen People's "20 Teens Who Will Change the World." Other performers
include The Ragg's Kids Club and Mac 7.
* NASCAR Autograph Session: There will be a NASCAR driver autograph session strictly for children, beginning tentatively at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-23-2004)
- Grateful Dead's Bob Weir to Sing National Anthem at Infineon: Legendary singer/songwriter Bob Weir will sing the national anthem at Infineon Raceway for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event, June 27. Weir is best known for forming one of the Bay Area's most legendary musical groups, the Grateful Dead, which also featured the late Jerry Garcia. Weir secured his place in history as co-vocalist and guitarist for the Grateful Dead, with such classics as "Truckin," "Sugar Magnolia" and "American Beauty." The group, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, was formed in 1965 and still tours to this day. Weir, who was born in San Francisco in 1947, also plays with his current band, RatDog. Weir has also performed the national anthem for the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Raiders. Most recently, Weir released a two-CD retrospective on his legendary career entitled "Weir Here" in March. The package includes 26 songs he has recorded over the past 33 years, both in concert and in the studio.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-15-2004)
- Smothers Brothers Grand Marshalls for Dodge/Save Mart 350: Comedy legends, the Smothers Brothers, have been named Grand Marshalls for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 25-27. Tom and Dick Smothers, who hosted their own primetime comedy series for more than four decades, have appeared on numerous television shows and were recently inducted into the Hollywood Bowl of Fame. They were also named one of the 50 top icons by CBS-TV. "I'm really excited to be Grand Marshall with Tom at the Dodge/Save Mart 350," said Dick Smothers. "Coming to Infineon Raceway brings back wonderful memories of my racing days. I raced there twice and this will be like a homecoming."
"As a longtime resident of the Sonoma Valley and a winery owner, I'm really excited about being the Grand Marshall," added Tom Smothers. "Plus, Dick says it's much more exciting than being Grand Marshall at the annual Asparagus Festival in Salinas in 1972." The duo was honored with the 2003 Freedom of Expression Award and received honorary doctorate degrees from their alma mater, San Jose
State University. Tom and Dick will be honored during race weekend at the annual Grand Marshall's Banquet, presented by The Raceway
Builders, on Friday, June 25, at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. Tom, wife Marcy and their children are long-time residents of the
Sonoma Valley and also owners of Remick Ridge Vineyards and Smothers Winery in Kenwood.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-13-2004)
- Infineon Raceway Ready to Unveil New Medical & Care Center at Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Weekend: Infineon Raceway has completed work on an 8,850-square foot multi-use building, which is highlighted by a new Medical & Care Center. The new Care Center, which was unveiled in May and will be operational for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend, June 25-27, includes two large examination rooms, a family waiting room and several beds for treatment and recovery. The 2,200-square foot Medical & Care Center will operate under the supervision of the raceway's new medical director, Dr. Brian Schmidt. Schmidt, a 20-year veteran physician, is the director of trauma at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. In addition to the Care Center, the multi-use building, which is
located in the main paddock, also features a tire storage and distribution facility; driver's meeting room; fire and safety storage area; Safety-Kleen Center for oil collection and recycling; and four additional competitor garages. That will bring the total number of permanent garages to 44, enough to accommodate a 43-car starting grid for the Dodge/Save Mart 350. The new building will also feature additional permanent restrooms and showers. The $700,000 project continues Infineon Raceway's four-year modernization plan, which began in September, 2000, and has transformed the facility into one of the premier motor sports and entertainment venues in the country.(Infineon Raceway PR)(5-27-2004)
- Multiple-Event Terrorism Drill a Success at Infineon Raceway: Sonoma and Marin County Fire Training Officers came together on Saturday at Infineon Raceway for the largest-ever two-county terrorism drill in Northern California. The Mutual Aid Drill (MAD) simulated a multiple-event terrorism incident and involved nearly 400 responders from law, fire, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and a multitude of other agencies from Marin and Sonoma counties. There were more than 40 agencies (local, county, state and federal) involved, in all. The "mock disaster" began at 1 p.m., when a chemical agent was released in the south end of the main grandstand at Infineon Raceway, the largest motor sports and entertainment venue in the North Bay. The 400 responders from Marin and Sonoma counties then went into action to diffuse the situation. The objective of the exercise was to test and improve unified command for both Marin and Sonoma counties in the event of a catastrophic incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
"The purpose of this training was to identify any weaknesses in our Weapons of Mass Destruction response plan, and this allowed us to
improve on that plan in all areas, from quicker response times to faster security of the areas," said JW Seely, captain with Sonoma County Emergency Services. In addition to the nearly 400 responders and more than 40 agencies, the exercise also featured:
* Latest in terrorism preparedness and response.
* Four hours of participant training prior to the exercise (8a.m.-noon).
* Three Hazardous Materials Teams and the 95th Civil Support Team (WMD).
* Fifty victims simulating various types of injuries.
* Utilization of new equipment from Homeland Security Grants
(i.e. - New Sonoma County Incident Command Vehicle).(Infineon Raceway PR)(5-8-2004)
- AAA Senior Safety Challenge: How can senior citizens be sure they can still safely drive a car? Now they can attend a free safety training program sponsored by AAA of Northern California and Infineon Raceway. The AAA Senior Safety Challenge on Tuesday, March 23 is a half-day course designed to help older drivers assess their driving skills and learn how to protect themselves, their passengers and other people on the road. Participants will receive hands-on training from professional instructors from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School and traffic safety experts at Infineon Raceway. More info at infineonraceway.com.(3-19-2004)
- Work Begins on New Turn 1 Bridge at Infineon Raceway: Infineon Raceway has begun work on a new bridge at Turn 1 that will not only help with pedestrian traffic flow, but also make for a much safer circuit for all competitors on the twisting road course. The bridge is tentatively planned to be unveiled at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Cycle Gear, April 30-May 2. The new bridge will span 180 feet and will be positioned closer to Turn 2. The new location will create an additional 120 feet of runoff at Turn 1, and remove the old bridge abutments from the runoff area in Turn 1. The new bridge will have ramps instead of stairs, which will create for smoother pedestrian flow, and feature an enclosed metal framework, a big improvement from the old wooden bridge that spanned the area for many years. Grading for the new abutments has already been completed and footings for the bridge have been poured. The bridge is being built in Alabama and should arrive at Infineon Raceway in mid-April. Raceway officials have also announced that the Turn 6 bridge (Carousel), which was taken down two months ago, will not be replaced. This will afford race fans better sightlines of the road course and give competitors more runoff in that area.(Infineon Raceway PR)(3-16-2004)
- Infineon Raceway Continues Modernization: Infineon Raceway has begun work on an 8,850-square foot multi-use building, which will include a new Medical & Care Center that will be operational for the 2004 motor racing season. The structure, which will be located in the main paddock, will include a Medical & Care Center; tire storage and distribution facility; driver's meeting room; fire and safety storage area; Safety-Kleen Center for oil collection and recycling; and four additional competitor garages. That will bring the total number of permanent garages to 44, more than enough to accommodate a 43-car starting grid for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event, June 25-27. The $700,000 project continues Infineon Raceway's four-year modernization plan, which began in September, 2000, and has transformed the facility into one of the premier motor sports and entertainment venues in the country. Other enhancements fans and competitors can expect in 2004 include a repaved road course and additional runoff at Turns 1 and 6, further enhancing driver/rider safety. Since 2000, Infineon Raceway has added runoff at virtually every turn on the twisting road course and spent more than $60 million in enhancements. The Medical & Care Center is the featured element of the new structure and will include a driver exam room, family waiting room, imaging facilities and several beds for both treatment and recovery. The new building will also feature additional permanent restrooms.(Infineon Raceway PR)(3-4-2004)
- Mayors, Police Chief Get Behind Wheel During Drinking-Driving Experiment at Infineon Raceway: Bay Area mayors, city council members and one police chief were drinking and driving under wet conditions on Friday at Infineon Raceway, all with the blessing of the California Highway Patrol. Twelve people participated in the 7th annual “Holiday Sobriety Challenge” at Infineon Raceway, a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates the dangers of drinking and driving, even at levels well below the legal limit of .08-percent. The event was co-sponsored by Bay Area law enforcement agencies and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. Only three of 12 people who took the test passed, further illustrating the dangers of drinking and driving.
The event helped kick off the Bay Area Regional Avoid effort for the holiday season, with DUI checkpoints set up throughout the nine Bay Area counties, as well as roving DUI enforcement. Bay Area Regional Avoid is comprised of all 125 law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area, and the message is clear: if you are planning to consume alcohol, be sure to have a designated driver. Santa Rosa Mayor, Sharon Wright was joined by Mayors David Glass (Petaluma), Rob Schroder (Martinez) and Vice-Mayor Harry Price (Fairfield), as well as San Ramon Police Chief Kathy Samuels. San Francisco Giants pitcher Jesse Foppert and tennis star Brad Gilbert, both residents of San Rafael, also participated in the challenge. Ken Brown, Doug McKesson and Dick Ashford, members of Sonoma’s City Council, completed the field of testers. Sonoma Mayor Joe Costello attended but did not drink.
Testers were given anywhere from one-to-three glasses of wine or beer upon arrival, before submitting to a field of sobriety tests, including a breathalyzer analysis administered by the CHP. Once it was determined participants were at the appropriate level, they were asked to get behind the wheel of an automobile and drive through a pre-determined course at the raceway. All drivers were accompanied by an instructor from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
CHP Captain Rich Garcia, Napa Area commander, was not surprised at the results of the experiment. Alcohol was involved in 162 collision-related fatalities in the nine Bay Area counties in 2002, and 5,278 persons were injured in alcohol-involved collisions, also in 2002. Moreover, 171 children between the ages of 4-12 were injured and four children (ages 4-12) were killed in 2002 as a result of alcohol-involved collisions. Figures used were supplied by the CHP. Wine for the Holiday Sobriety Challenge was provided by Robert Mondavi Winery, while the beer was donated by Napa Valley Brewing Company.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-22-2003)
- Infineon Raceway Joins Forces with Police, Fire Departments for High-Powered Toy Drive and 7th annual “Holiday Sobriety Challenge” on Friday: Infineon Raceway has joined forces with the Sonoma Police Department, Schell-Vista Fire Department and the Sonoma Fire Department to help spread some cheer during the Holiday Season. The four entities will combine for the first High-Powered Toy Drive, which will benefit needy children in the Sonoma Valley through FISH (Friends in Sonoma Helping). People are encouraged to drop-off unwrapped, new toys during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) at one of four locations, Nov. 28-Dec. 17. see more on this and drop off points on my Racing Charities page.(11-25-2003)
UPDATE: Northern California mayors and police chiefs will be drinking and driving at Infineon Raceway, all with the blessing and endorsement of the California Highway Patrol. The facility will host the 7th annual “Holiday Sobriety Challenge” on Friday, Dec. 19th, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event features a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates how alcohol consumption affects driving performance, even at levels well below the legal limit (.08-percent). This year’s event will have a twist, as six mayors, one vice-mayor and three police chiefs have accepted the challenge. Other community members will also participate in the challenge, as well as San Francisco Giants pitcher Jesse Foppert, a San Rafael native and graduate of San Rafael High School. Foppert went 8-9 with 101 strikeouts in 21 starts for the Giants in 2003. Tennis star and San Rafael resident Brad Gilbert, who won 20 titles during his 13-year career and coached Andre Agassi to a No. 1 ATP ranking, will also participate. In addition to mayors, city council members and police chiefs, other participants in the challenge will include college students, working professionals, retirees and media personnel. Robert Mondavi Winery will provide the wine for the experiment, while the Napa Valley Brewing Company will supply the beer.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-16-2003)
- Infineon Raceway Opens Box Office for 2004 Race Tickets, Friday Nov. 21: Infineon Raceway is not only offering tremendous value for race fans purchasing a season-ticket package for the 2004 motor racing season, it is also giving them a coveted NASCAR Pit Pass for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend. 2004 Big O Tires Racing Season kicks off on Friday, Nov. 21, as Infineon Raceway officially opens its ticket windows to the public. The new season will be headlined by the NASCAR Dodge/Save Mart 350, presented by Snap-On Tools (June 25-27) and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series FRAM Autolite Nationals, presented by Supercuts (July 30-Aug. 1).
The biggest savings for 2004 will come with a season-ticket package, which will cost $395, a $130 savings over the same package in 2003. Plus, you’ll get a NASCAR Pit Pass that will allow access to cold pit lane at designated times over the weekend (this pass will not allow entry into the NASCAR garage). In addition, you will receive premium reserved seats to NASCAR and NHRA, tickets to the remaining five major-event weekends planned for 2004, a raceway hard card, and preferred parking.
Individual race tickets for all events on the 2004 major-event calendar will be available beginning Nov. 21, including the AMA Kawasaki Showdown (April 30-May 2), featuring the Supercuts Superbike Challenge, and the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma American Le Mans Series (July 16-18), presented by Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. Infineon Raceway will also feature the best in vintage automobile racing and the Team Superstores NHRA Division 7 Summernationals.
The popular “Ride the Bus” program returns for a second consecutive year at NASCAR, offering fans an alternative to driving on race day (June 27). For $125, fans will get a premium reserved seat for Sunday’s race in the location of their choice, complimentary soft drinks aboard the bus, an Infineon Raceway gift pack and transportation to/from the raceway. Nearly 2,000 fans opted for the “Ride the Bus” program in 2003, and more are expected in 2004. Another great package for the NASCAR weekend is the Raceway Club, which costs $225. To purchase tickets for the 2004 season, or for more information, please call 800-870-RACE, visit www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com.(Infineon Raceway)(11-20-2003)
- Grading Completed at Turns 1, 6 on Road Course at Infineon Raceway; New Bridges Coming Soon: Construction crews have just completed work on two critical areas of the road course designed to increase competitor safety at Infineon Raceway. The hillsides at Turns 1 and 6 have been graded substantially, providing dramatically increased runoff for competitors. There is now more than 120 feet of runoff at Turn 1, and 80 feet of runoff at Turn 6. The newly shaved slopes have been hydro-seeded to aid in erosion control and stabilization. The old, wooden bridges at Turns 1 and 6 have also been removed and will be replaced by bridges with a sturdy metal framework and ramps to provide easier fan access. The bridges should be erected by March. The new Turn 1 bridge will be 70 feet longer and will be constructed approximately 100 feet closer to Turn 2. The new positioning will remove the bridge abutment from the runoff area. The Turn 6 bridge, meanwhile, will continue to overlook the Carousel, however its abutment will also be removed from the runoff area. Both redesigns will further enhance competitor safety. This marks the second major off-season project at Infineon Raceway as the road course was repaved in August. As part of the repaving, more than 3,000 feet of French Edge Drains were installed to keep water from draining under the track surface — the raceway is just 15 feet above sea level. Curbing was also added at Turns 2, 6, 8 and 10. Portions of the road course that were repaved included Turns 1-3, 6-8 and 11. Turns 4-5, 9-10, 12 and the Chute were repaved prior to the 2003 season.(Infineon Raceway)(11-20-2003)
- More Consruction at Infineon Raceway: Competitor safety continues to be the central theme at Infineon Raceway as crews begin work this week on two areas of the twisting road course. The bridges at Turns 1 and 6 (Carousel) will be removed, and the adjoining hillsides will be graded back to create additional runoff for both racecars and motorcycles. Once the grading is complete, new bridges will be installed, with the Turn 1 bridge being moved west toward Turn 2 by approximately 100 feet. Although this portion of the project has been planned for several years, it entails the demolition of the raceway's original wastewater treatment facility, work that could not be performed prior to activating the track's new waste water facilities earlier this year. The grading of the hillside at Turn 1 will give competitors approximately 130 feet of runoff, which is 100 more than they currently have. Moreover, the bridge abutment at Turn 1 should no longer be a factor once the new bridge is built and positioned 100 feet up the track. An additional 80 feet of runoff will be created at Turn 6 by grading the hillside. The new bridge will be positioned in the same spot, overlooking the Carousel, but will obviously be much longer, taking the abutment out of play. This marks the second major off-season project at Infineon Raceway as the road course was repaved in August. As part of the repaving, more than 3,000 feet of French Edge Drains were installed to keep water from draining under the track surface — the raceway is just 15 feet above sea level. Curbing was also added at Turns 2, 6, 8 and 10. Portions of the road course that were repaved included Turns 1-3, 6-8 and 11. Turns 4-5, 9-10, 12 and the Chute were repaved prior to the 2003 season.(Infineon Raceway PR)(10-6-2003)
- Infineon Raceway completes repaving: One of the final pieces of a comprehensive modernization project has been completed at Infineon Raceway with the repaving of the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course. The new race surface will be used for this first time on Friday, Aug. 22, with a test session for this weekend's San Francisco Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) event. The facility had been closed since Aug. 4. The $1 million project included repairing and stabilizing existing pavement, adding new drainage and repaving portions of the road course that had not been resurfaced over the last two years. This marks the first time the surface has been repaved since 1986. Portions of the road course that were repaved included Turns 1-3, 6-8 and 11. More than 3,000 feet of French Edge Drains were also installed to keep water from draining under the track ” the raceway is just 15 feet above sea level and is based at the bottom of a mountain range that borders the Sonoma Valley. Moreover, additional curbing was added at Turns 2, 6, 8 and 10. The track was resurfaced with 5,400 tons of polymer-modified asphalt that is designed to withstand the heavy usage at Infineon Raceway. Turns 4-5, 9-10, 12 and the Chute were repaved prior to the 2003 season.(Infineon Raceway PR)(8-20-2003)
- Infineon Raceway Names New Senior Marketing Manager: Marla Kowalski has been named Senior Marketing Manager at Infineon Raceway, it was announced by raceway officials. Kowalski will be responsible for event marketing, including pre-event promotions, trade shows and special events. She will also help execute sponsorship and advertising commitments and organize pre-race activities. Prior to coming to Infineon Raceway, Kowalski worked in the Global Events department at E*TRADE Financial, including work on such programs as the “Rolling Stones Licks World Tour.” She has also worked at Microsoft Web TV Networks in the Marketing and Communications department as a marketing events contractor. At Microsoft, Kowalski worked with a team to start Ultimate TV’s NASCAR program and managed product trade shows, promotions & special events.(Infineon Raceway PR)(8-13-2003)
- Road races to return: Despite growing complaints about the working conditions and overall appearance of facilities at Watkins Glen, Mike Helton said the Glen and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., will appear on the 2004 Winston Cup schedule. Helton said he would like to announce the full schedule before the end of the month. "The road courses will return on the schedule next year," said Helton, who added that officials with the sanctioning body had spoken with Watkins Glen president Craig Rust about "some things we feel aren't up to Winston Cup quality."(Fort Worth Star Telagram)(8-11-2003)
- Infineon Raceway to Repave: Infineon Raceway, in Sonoma, CA, will close for nearly three weeks in August to repave the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course. Repaving will begin immediately following the NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals on Monday, Aug. 4 and is expected to be completed by Aug. 20. The $1 million project will include repairing and stabilizing the existing pavement, adding new drainage to eliminate seepage problems and repaving those portions of the road course that have not been resurfaced over the last two years. The track will be resurfaced with polymer-modified asphalt that is designed to withstand the constant usage. Infineon Raceway features 340 days of on-track activity each year. Segments of track already repaved over the last two years. Turns 4-5, 9-10, 12-1 and " the Chute ” will not be repaved. The track repaving comes on the heels of the extensive three-year modernization plan that has transformed the facility into one of the premier road-racing, drag-strip and entertainment venues in the country.. Some of the improved amenities fans have experienced include a new permanent grandstand at start/finish, hillside terraces around the perimeter of the raceway, underground pedestrian tunnels, a 16-turn go-kart facility, a new system of shuttle roads and a new drag strip, complete with a 660-foot concrete launch pad and permanent separation of the road course from the drag strip. There have also been several safety improvements, including increased runoff at virtually every turn, and pit stalls to accommodate a 43-car starting grid.(Infineon Raceway PR)(7-28-2003)
- Infineon Raceway Sponosr Re-Ups: Save Mart Supermarkets signed a five year agreement extending through 2008 to continue as the title sponsor of the Cup event at Infineon Raceway.(Insider Racing News)(6-23-2003)
- Showers Now Available During NASCAR Weekend ay Infineon: The one downside ... you'll have to brave 50 Acres in your bathrobe. This year Infineon Raceway has partnered with OK's Cascade Company to provide guests with a Mobile Shower Trailer, located on the southeast border of the Coleman Campground (near the Gate 2 entrance). Jump start your morning or unwind after a long day with a hot shower in a clean, sanitary environment - with sink and mirror - all with the privacy you need and expect. Showers will be available Thursday through Sunday, 6am-Noon and 4pm-10pm, subject to change based on water availability (the 2200 gallon tank will be refilled daily) and the ambassador staffing situation. The cost will be $5 per shower, which covers the cost of leasing the trailer.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-20-2003)
- Actor Tom Arnold Named Grand Marshal of Dodge/Save Mart 350: Tom Arnold, a regular on the popular "Best Damn Sports Show Period" on Fox Sports Net, has been named Grand Marshal of the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 19-22. "Tom is a very funny man and I know our fans will get a kick out of having him here for the NASCAR weekend," said Steve Page, president and general manager at Infineon Raceway. "Tom will also be a terrific addition to the lineup for our Friday night benefit dinner" (see my Racing Charities page for more info). On Sunday of race weekend, Arnold will participate in driver introductions, attend the driver meeting and take a pace lap around the twisting road course, as well as join the Northern California Dodge Dealers in uttering those famous words, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines."
"I've always enjoyed the Sonoma Valley, and I'm certainly a big NASCAR Winston Cup fan, so this should be a lot of fun," Arnold said. œSince I'm too fat to fit into a car I wonder if anybody needs a pit crew team member. I'm pretty good with an air gun".(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-4-2003)
- Infineon Raceway hosting Special Olympics Northern California Torch Run: Roaring racecars and dragsters will give way to the soft sound of racing footsteps on Tuesday, June 3, as Infineon Raceway will host the final leg of the Special Olympics Northern California Torch Run. The symbolic torch will be passed from Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Cotati police departments (Sonoma County) to officers from Marin County. The Sonoma County officers will complete the leg with a symbolic run around a shortened version of the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course at Infineon Raceway beginning at noon [3pm/et]. The officers will be joined by Special Olympics competitors. This marks the third consecutive year Infineon Raceway has been used for the run. In all, more than 3,000 Northern California law enforcement personnel will participate in the 2003 run, which will culminate at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games in Stockton on June 6.. The Law Enforcement Torch Run takes place in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries, generating more than $3.5 million annually. It is the largest grass-roots fundraising program benefiting Special Olympics. Before it reaches Infineon Raceway, the Northern California Torch Run will begin at the Mendocino County line on Monday, June 2, where it will be run through the streets of northern Sonoma to the Santa Rosa County Complex.. On Tuesday morning, law enforcement participants from Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Cotati will leave from Courthouse Square as they run with the torch through southern Sonoma County to Infineon Raceway. Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with development disabilities.. One million athletes in nearly 150 countries train and compete in 24 summer and winter sports.. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics gives people with a development disability continual opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-3-2003)
- Official Tire of Infineon Raceway...not Goodyear: Almost a year after selling the 10-year naming rights to German semi-conductor manufacturer Infineon for $35 million, Sears Point has made Yokohama the official tire, replacing Goodyear, in a multiyear deal. A track executive said Goodyear had been more defensive in its financial support, while Yokohama plans to be more aggressive and become a more proactive partner with the track in "some community projects." The Japanese tire manufacturer produces about 75 percent of the tires it sells in the U.S. at a plant in Virginia.(Oakland Tribune)(4-21-2003)
- Bobby O Gorman Named Director of Operations at Infineon Raceway: Bobby O Gorman, who has worked in both marketing and operations capacities at Infineon Raceway since 1999, has been named Director of Operations, raceway officials announced. O Gorman, a native of Sonoma, is responsible for managing all off-track operations for the facility s major events, including traffic flow, parking, guest shuttles, security, facility layouts and guest services. During his tenure at Infineon Raceway, O Gorman has also held positions as the Manager of Vendor Displays and the Director of Guest Services. In those positions, O Gorman helped to increase vendor display sales, create facility layouts, and improve the fan experience with a Fan Guide and information booths. Prior to joining Infineon Raceway full-time, O Gorman, 26, worked as an intern before graduating from Washington State University, where he obtained a degree in Communications.(Infineon Raceway PR)(3-27-2003)
- Marlin wants road courses gone: With NASCAR considering a realignment of its schedule for 2004, Sterling Marlin would like to eliminate trips to Sonoma, Calif., and Watkins Glen, N.Y., where left- and right-hand turns are required. "I think they should look at adding some Saturday night races and dropping the road courses," Marlin said. "It would save money for the teams. I ain't got nothing against going out to California, but I think if we had a good track like Richmond where we could put on a good show, it would be OK." (Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-16-2003)
- Infineon Raceway announcement: Diana Rose, who has helped coordinate Public Relations efforts at Infineon Raceway since 2001, has been named Manager of Media and Community Relations, raceway officials announced. Rose, a native of San Ramon in the East Bay, is responsible for managing media relations and several community events at the raceway.(Infineon Raceway PR)(2-21-2003)
- Infineon Raceway Open House: Kick off the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season at Infineon Raceway’s first-ever Open House Party on Saturday, Feb. 15, and get your chance for a “hot lap” around the road course. The best part: admission is FREE. More info at the Infineon Raceway Site)(1-29-2003)
- New Infineon Raceway VP: John Cardinale, who has managed Public Relations efforts at Infineon Raceway since 1998, has been named Vice President of Media and Community Relations. Cardinale, a 37-year-old San Francisco native, is responsible for all media communications originating from Infineon Raceway and oversees the facility's various community initiatives. During his tenure at the raceway, Cardinale has worked to expand news coverage of motor racing in the San Francisco Bay Area, which now includes weekly motorsports programming on a prominent San Francisco all-sports radio station, live broadcasts of 15-20 NASCAR Winston Cup races each year and weekly motorsports sections in nearly every major newspaper. He has also helped develop an Emmy-nominated NASCAR Winston Cup Preview Show on the local FOX Sports Net affiliate.(Infineon Raceway PR)(1-29-2003)
- Infineon Raceway trying to cut taxes: Officials from Infineon Raceway made their pitch Friday for one of the largest property tax reductions ever contemplated in Sonoma County, but it may be months before a ruling is issued. The popular Sonoma Valley race track, which annually draws more than 100,000 people to its NASCAR Winston Cup event, wants a $37 million cut in its property tax assessment. If successful, it would reduce the company's tax bill from $500,000 to $150,000. The Sonoma County Assessment Appeals Board conducted a full-day hearing into the matter Friday but put off making a decision. Expectations are that the three-member panel will not make its final ruling until its March meeting.(Sonoma Press Democrat)(1-11-2003)
- Wallstreet.com Becomes Title Sponsor of Pole Day at Infineon Raceway: Wallstreet.com* has stepped up its involvement with Infineon Raceway by assuming title sponsorship of pole-day qualifying at the raceway's 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup event. "Wallstreet.com* Pole Day" will take place on Friday, June 20 during which the full NASCAR field will compete to set the order of start for
Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup race. The partnership continues a relationship between Infineon Raceway and Wallstreet.com*, an online sportsbook and casino Web-site. For a second consecutive year in 2003, Wallstreet.com* will also serve as
presenting sponsor of an NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series event at Infineon Raceway.(Infineon Raceway PR)(1-6-2003)
- Alcohol Flows at Holiday Sobriety Challenge Twenty-seven people participated in the 6th annual "Holiday Sobriety Challenge" at Infineon Raceway, a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates the dangers of drinking and driving, even at levels well below the legal limit of .08-percent. The event was co-sponsored by the law enforcement agencies and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. The event also signaled the start of the Bay Area Regional Avoid effort for the holiday season, which begins Friday (Dec. 13) with DUI checkpoints throughout the nine Bay Area counties, as well as roving DUI enforcement. Bay Area Regional Avoid is comprised of all 125 law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area, and the message is clear: if you are planning to consume alcohol, be sure to have a designated driver. Participants on Friday included San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Worrell, NHRA POWERade drag racer David Baca and NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series driver Bryan Germone. Other people who took the challenge included politicians, lawyers, college students and county employees.(Infineon Raceway)(12-16-2002)
- Infineon Raceway Christmas Toy Drive: The public is encouraged to drop off an unwrapped new toy at Infineon Raceway through Wednesday, Dec. 18. All toys will be delivered to FISH (Friends In Sonoma Helping), which will distribute them to needy children in the Sonoma Valley just in time for Christmas. People may bring toys to the raceway during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm). Items can be dropped in bins
located in the main office. All those who donate toys will be rewarded with a ticket to the Bank of the West NHRA Division 7 Drag Racing Summernationals, July 4-6. The ticket will be good for Saturday, July 5. Just ask for your free voucher in the main office after making your donation. There is a limit of two vouchers per family.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-12-2002)
- Infineon Raceway - Speedway Children's Charities News: Sonoma County [CA] youth organizations will receive grants totaling more than $300,000 in the coming weeks from the Infineon Raceway chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. The figure marks the largest single-year donation since the Sonoma chapter was formed in 1996. The chapter's Board of Trustees approved the distribution of $306,991 in grant awards and event proceeds at its annual meeting on Nov. 12. Speedway Children's Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc, which owns Infineon Raceway. The Sonoma County chapter has awarded $479,258 over the past two years. The monies awarded in 2002 were generated through a combination of Infineon Raceway events, plus a donation by Sonic Automotive Corporation. This year, the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand Marshall's Banquet, the Save Mart NASCAR Winston Cup Golf Tournament and the Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival raised a combined $81,697. Dancin' & Draggin', a 1950s-themed sock hop and drag race party, generated another $113,604. National funds included a substantial donation from Sonic Automotive Corporation.(Infineon Raceway PR)(12-4-2002)
- Infineon Raceway helps out: Infineon Raceway made a donation of more than 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) following the facility's 2nd annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The food will be used by FISH to assist needy Sonoma Valley residents during the 2002 holiday season. Infineon Raceway has generated more than 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food items over the last two years with its Thanksgiving Food Drive. FISH supplied more than 1,900 households with three days of groceries in 2001, and more than 2,500 calls for food requests continue to come in each year. Those who donated at least three non-perishable food items in 2002 were rewarded with a ticket voucher good for one admission to the raceway's AMA Supercuts Superbike Challenge qualifying on Friday, May 2 (2003). In addition to Infineon Raceway, other partners in the program were: Destination RKA in Healdsburg, Maverick Media, home to Froggy 92.9 FM, The Fox 101.7 FM and Magic 97.7 KMGG in the North Bay, Sonoma County Mary's Pizza Shack restaurants and Bay Area Cycle Gear locations. Next up on the community calendar at Infineon Raceway will be the 2nd annual "High Speed Blood Drive" on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 12noon-6:00pm. In association with the American Red Cross and "The Bone (107.7 FM in San Francisco)" Infineon Raceway will open its gates to help the Red Cross meet its blood demands. To help get hearts pumping before giving blood, those who visit the raceway between noon and 5 p.m. will be treated to a rare "hot lap" around the world famous Infineon Raceway road course by a professional racecar instructor.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-30-2002)
- Infineon Raceway drops bid for secret tax hearing: Facing legal challenges, Infineon Raceway has dropped its request to have its appeal for a big property tax cut heard in secret. Owners [Speedway Motorsports] of the 1,400-acre Sonoma Valley racetrack want their tax assessment reduced by 70 percent. When Infineon officials took their plea to the county Assessment Appeals Board earlier this month, they said the hearing should be closed to the public because their presentation includes trade secrets the company does not want to divulge. But the company withdrew the request for a closed session in a letter sent to the appeals board late Friday. Infineon officials say their track, formerly called Sears Point, is worth less than one-third of the $50 million value assessed by the county. If they succeed in getting the assessment reduced, their yearly property tax bill would drop from $500,000 to $150,000. Representatives of Infineon and its North Carolina-based owner, Speedway Motorsports, say the county's assessment is inflated because it took intangible assets into account. County officials maintain they did a fair assessment based on the large property and structures, which include new grandstands and luxury suites that were part of a recent $50 million overhaul.(Press Democrat)(11-26-2002)
- Infineon Raceway wants a tax break: Owners of the 1,400-acre Infineon Raceway race track, formerly called Sears Point, maintain that their property is worth less than one-third of the $50 million value assessed by the county. If the company succeeds in getting its assessment reduced, its annual property-tax bill would drop from $500,000 to $150,000, a 70 percent cut. "We obviously feel the property has been over-assessed," said Steve Page, president and general manager of the race track, which hosts a popular NASCAR Winston Cup event each year that draws more than 100,000 people. The county assessor's office, meanwhile, stands by its numbers. "They're just trying to get their taxes reduced," said Bill Rousseau, chief deputy assessor.(Press Democrat)(11-9-2002)
- NASCAR Full-Event Tickets, Other Promotional Ticket Packages for 2003 Season On Sale November 5th at Infineon Raceway: Fans can receive a pit pass for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup weekend (June 19-22) at Infineon Raceway by purchasing a season ticket package, which went on sale Nov. 5. The pit pass would allow fans access to pit road at select times, including pre-race festivities on race day. Season ticket buyers will also receive first priority seating assignments. The only way to obtain a pit pass is to purchase a full season ticket package that not only includes NASCAR, but the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series (Aug. 1-3), as well all other Infineon Raceway main events. This package features premium reserved seats in Infineon Raceway's state-of-the-art grandstand and cost is $525 ($110 savings). There are a limited number of pit passes available. Ticket renewals and special ticket packages for the 2003 season will be available from Nov. 5-25, while tickets to Sunday of the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend will be available beginning Dec. 2. Tickets to all other events on the 2003 schedule will be available Dec. 2. Call 800-870-RACE. NASCAR pit pass available only to ticket holders 18 and older. Pass provides pit access during specified times. Pit area is cleared out one hour before each race. Pit Pass good for all NASCAR event days.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-7-2002)
- Refunds from Infineon Raceway: Horrific traffic at last Sunday's Cup race at Infineon Raceway [was Sears Point] has prompted an offer of refunds to disgruntled ticket holders who missed most or all of the race while sitting in their cars waiting to get in. Track officials said they already are considering improvements -- including a mass transit park-and-shuttle system -- to avoid a repeat of the colossal tie-up on Highways 37 and 121 leading to the entrance of the raceway near Sonoma. Infineon Raceway president Steve Page said the majority of ticket buyers were in their seats by race time, but he acknowledged others had tired of sitting in their cars and just turned around and went home. Page said he's received 200 to 300 complaints ranging from broken seats to snail-like lines in the parking lots. He said he's willing to reimburse anyone who had tickets and wasn't able to get into the race track. Page said the biggest problem was too many vehicles using the main entrance, Gate 7, off Highway 121. The entrance was widened for last year's race and expanded again this year, but he conceded the pre-race publicity campaign to get fans to use it may have been too effective. Traffic from Highways 121 and 37 was directed toward Gate 7 with six lines of vehicles headed up the hill through the gate. When the Gate 7 lot filled, there was just one lane to take the remaining cars to other parking lots closer to the Lakeville Highway entrance. That's when traffic backed through Gate 7 and brought movement on the highways to a virtual standstill. Traffic on 37 reportedly was backed up to Mare Island, a distance of about 12 miles. "I know some people were frustrated, but it's an awful lot of traffic," said Lt. Doug Uhlik of the California Highway Patrol office in Napa County, which handles traffic near the track on race day. "We thought we had it licked," Uhlik said. "Given the sheer numbers, I thought we did a good job." Uhlik said the CHP was told by the track to expect a crowd of approximately 80,000. Uhlik and Page both said they thought the crowd was actually larger than that. The track does not disclose attendance figures, but in the past has said up to 100,000 people show up. Page said some sort of mass transportation -- buses are used at some major sporting events such as the U.S. Open -- needs to be implemented. He promised such a system would be in place next year. There were other complaints concerning lack of parking attendants and directional signs to terrace seats and the pedestrian tunnels. Track officials said they will entertain refund requests from anyone who missed the race or a majority of it. Ticket holders should make a copy of the tickets and send the originals, along with the purchaser's name, to Brad Lawrence, Director of Tickets, Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma 95476, or e-mail blawrence@infineonraceway.com. Requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis, so unhappy ticket holders are encouraged to describe in full the circumstances of their race-day situation.(Santa Rosa Press Democrat)(7-1-2002)
- Sears Point Announcement UPDATE 4 Infineon Raceway? Yep, it is OFFICIAL: Sears Point Raceway is planning a Saturday press conference for what it's calling "a major announcement concerning the future" of the California facility. Bruton Smith, the chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns the track, is scheduled to be on hand for the announcement. The facility's owners have expressed interest in building an oval track on the road course site in the past but have run into opposition from area residents. SMI recently completed a $50 million renovation at Sears Point that included new grandstands, hillside terrace seating, garages and other improvements.(Sears Point PR/Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-18-2002)
UPDATE: hearing thannouncementnt will be a name change for the track, possibly a track sponsor, like Lowes Motor Speedway name (used to be Charlotte Motor Speedway)(6-19-2002)
UPDATE 2: hearing the "major announcement" is a track naming deal, as in "Lowe's Motor Speedway". Supposedly the company is in a very competitive sector of the computer industry and has been a car sponsor in several major road racing series.(6-20-2002)
UPDATE 3: hearing that is could be "Infineon Raceway" for Infineon Technologies,a German chip maker.(6-20-2002)
UPDATE 4, it is official: Sears Point Raceway has been renamed Infineon Raceway as part of a long-term strategic partnership with Infineon Technologies (DAX/NYSE: IFX), one of the world’s top semiconductor manufacturing companies. The new Infineon Raceway name and logo were unveiled today at a Winner’s Circle press conference attended by senior executives of Speedway Motorsports (NYSE: TRK), Infineon Technologies and Infineon representative Mario Andretti, who is serving as Grand Marshal of this weekend’s Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup event. The agreement, which represents just the second major motorsports naming rights partnership in the country, provides a significant branding and marketing platform for Infineon Technologies, which is based in Germany and has its North American headquarters in nearby San Jose, CA. The naming rights agreement comes at a time when the Sonoma, Calif. raceway is near completion on a $50 million modernization project that is transforming the facility into one of the country’s premier motorsports and entertainment venues. The extensive remodeling includes new grandstand and terrace seating that afford great views of the twisting and challenging 2.52-mile and 2-mile road courses and championship quarter-mile drag strip. In addition to improved recognition for the Infineon brand, the Infineon Raceway partnership creates a new business meeting and customer event center for Infineon. The on-site Infineon Business Center is a year-round conference facility, and the new Infineon Tech Pavilion provides opportunities for the company and its customers to showcase products during each of the raceway’s major events. In addition, Infineon may pass through specific contract elements, such as ad signage and event sponsorships, to its key customers and business partners. Two annual events will now include the company name in the event marquee. The annual American Le Mans Series event will be renamed the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma, and beginning in 2003, Infineon Raceway will host the Infineon Mountain Bike Challenge, a world-class competitive biking event.(Infineon Raceway PR), the new site is also www.infineonraceway.com, taking the place of www.searspoint.com, which still works, but re-directs.(6-22-2002)
- Track Size: The reconstruction of 'The Chute' has lengthened the Sears Point Raceway from 1.949 miles to 2.0 miles, the laps run will remain the same, 112. The length of the race is increased from 218miles to 224 miles and from 351km to 358km but the name of the event will still be the Dodge/Save Mart 350(6-20-2001)
- Sirius Pole Day at Sears Point: Sirius Satellite Radio has agreed on terms with Sears Point Raceway to become sponsor of pole-day qualifying during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup weekend, June 20-23, it was announced by raceway officials. Pole qualifying will take place on Friday, June 21, and will be known as "The Good Guys/Sirius Pole Day." Sirius will also receive a signage package at the raceway and the right to use the Sears Point Raceway name and logo for mutually agreed upon promotions. Sirius is the primary sponsor of the #7 Dodge driven by Casey Atwood.(Sears Point PR)(6-6-2002)
- Mario Andretti Grand Marshal at Sears Point: Mario Andretti, one of the first professional drivers ever to compete at Sears Point Raceway, will return to Sonoma Valley to help christen the newly modernized facility as Grand Marshal of the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup weekend, June 20-23. Andretti, the only driver in history to win races in five different decades, drove in the first - and only - Indy Car race at Sears Point Raceway in 1970, just two years after the facility opened in 1968. It was Andretti's only competitive appearance at Sears Point, but he will return during the NASCAR Winston Cup weekend as the facility takes the wraps off its two-year $50 million modernization project. Andretti's resume reads like a best-seller: Four-time Champ Car champion (1965, '66, '69, '84); Formula One champion (1978); Daytona 500 champion (1967); Indianapolis 500 champion (1969); Record-holder for Champ Car starts (407); Driver of the Quarter Century (1992). "It will be a privilege to serve as Grand Marshal at Sears Point Raceway - one of the most challenging and technical tracks around," Andretti said. "Sears Point was brand new when I raced there over 30 years ago. With all of the improvements they're making, it will be like visiting a brand new track again. I believe it is going to be a world-class facility." Sears Point Raceway is in the final stages of its Modernization Plan that will transform the facility into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the country. Improvements fans/racers can expect for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 include: new permanent grandstand at start/finish; two underground pedestrian tunnels to help expedite pedestrian traffic flow around the property; enlarged pit road to accommodate a 43-car starting grid; and increased runoff at almost every turn on the road course, to name just a few of the enhancements.(Sears Point PR)(5-30-2002)
- Sears Point Construction:The finishing touches are now being completed on Sears Point Raceway's newest seating area, the Turn 7 hillside terrace seats. These seats are designed to mirror the hillside terrace seats that debuted for the 2001 season in Turns 2-4, and have been added as part of Sears Point Raceway's $50 million Modernization Plan. The Turn 7 seats have been carved into the hillside and will provide spectacular views of the road course. The terrace seats are also designed to provide a comfortable and unique seating option for fans. Each seat is 24-inches wide, which is 33-percent wider than the average bleacher seat (18 inches), and each seat features more than three-feet of legroom. These seats will be offered as reserved seating for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup event and as general admission seating for all other events. Work continues on another section of hillside terrace seats that are being built above Turns 8a-9 on the road course. This set of terraces offers a direct view of the legendary esses at Sears Point. Both the Turn 7 and Turns 8a-9 hillside terraces will offer views of about 80-percent of the road course, and they will be ready for the 2002 Big O Tires Racing Season, which begins in April.(Sears Point PR)(2-13-2002)
- Sears Point and Wine: Sears Point Raceway will introduce its "Preferred Winery" program beginning with the 2002 season. People will still find the standard amenities at Sears Point Raceway, but they will also be offered another choice beginning in 2002, similar to what you might find at other "high-end" sports like tennis or golf. The program will be introduced with a bang as five well-established wineries in the Sonoma and Napa valleys have already signed on: Kenwood, Korbel Champagne Cellars, Andretti Winery, Valley of the Moon and Lake Sonoma. With its prime location in the greatest wine region in the world, it is Sears Point Raceway's goal to showcase its partners to corporate clients, as well as the more than 500,000 fans that pass through its gates each year. The Preferred Winery program, which is part of the facility's $50 million Modernization Plan, will include a 2,000-square foot tasting pavilion, private hospitality and luxury suite tastings and corporate client limousine tasting tours, provided by Bauer's Limousine. There will also be advertising and promotional and sales opportunities for all partners. The pavilion will be open for all of Sears Point Raceway's major events for the 2002 season. A majority of all proceeds from the pavilion will go to Speedway Children's Charities. A total of 20 wineries are targeted for the program.(Sears Point Raceway PR)(1-31-2002)
- Sears Point Tunnels all done: Construction work is complete on two underground pedestrian tunnels at Sears Point Raceway and both will be operational for the 2002 main-event season. The tunnels, which are part of Sears Point Raceway's $50 million Modernization Plan, will expedite pedestrian traffic flow around the property on major-event weekends, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup and NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals. One tunnel will be located on the west side of start/finish line adjacent to the new permanent grandstand. The start/finish tunnel will connect the paddock with the Turn 10 vendor area. The other tunnel will be located in Turn 10 and connect that area to the Gate 3 fan entrance and shuttle stop. The location of the tunnels will give fans much better access to the facility. Each tunnel will be 20 feet wide, with the start/finish tunnel spanning 270 feet long. The tunnel under Turn 10 is 130 feet long. The tunnels replace the bridges that were previously used at Sears Point Raceway in those areas and will increase the sightlines of the road course and drag strip dramatically. Fans sitting in the new permanent grandstand at start/finish will now see about 65-percent of the road-course action, including the most high-speed segment of the circuit at Turn 10.(Sears Point Raceway PR)(1-30-2002)
- Drinking and Driving at Sears Point: People were drinking and driving at Sears Point Raceway on Monday, Dec. 17, with the full approval of the California Highway Patrol. Twenty-two people participated in the 5th annual "Holiday Sobriety Challenge" at Sears Point Raceway, a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates the dangers of drinking and driving, even at levels well below the legal limit of .08%. The event was co-sponsored by the CHP and Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. Participants included Novato Mayor John Mani, Petaluma Mayor Clark Thompson and Sonoma Mayor Al Mazza, as well as Jim Inglebright, a two-time NASCAR Southwest Series champion at Sears Point Raceway in the Snap-on Tools 200. Ken Brown, the former mayor of Sonoma, also participated.
(Sears Point Site)(12-26-2001)
- Sear Point Tix: Individual race tickets for NASCAR, NHRA and other 2002 events at the newly renovated Sears Point Raceway went on sale Monday, Dec. 10th. A variety of new seating options, including all-reserved advance tickets for the NASCAR Winston Cup event, will be offered for the first time in 2002. For the first time, all advanced tickets sold for the June 23 NASCAR Winston Cup event will include reserved seats in either the start/finish grandstand or one of the hillside terrace sections. General admission tickets for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 will be sold only on the day of the event. Advance tickets for all events may be ordered over the phone by
calling 1-800-870-RACE.(more info at Sears Point PR)(12-16-2001)
- Drinking and Driving at Sears Point: People will be drinking and driving at Sears Point Raceway later this month with the full
knowledge and approval of the California Highway Patrol. Sears Point Raceway will host the 5th annual "Holiday Sobriety Challenge" on Monday, Dec. 17 from noon-2 p.m. The event features a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates how alcohol consumption affects driving performance, even at levels well below the legal limit. The event is co-sponsored by the CHP and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. The "Holiday Sobriety Challenge" is held in conjunction with "Lights On For Life Day," which is on Dec. 17 and encourages motorists nationwide to drive with their headlights on to remember those who were killed by impaired drivers. Statistics within the state of California reflect a need for programs such as the "Holiday Sobriety Challenge." In 2000, alcohol was
involved in 30-percent of all collision-related fatalities. Moreover, alcohol was involved in 9.7-percent of all collision-related injuries in California. The participants who will take part in the experiment at Sears Point will each be served 1 to 3 glasses of wine or beer upon arrival. They will then be taken through a series of field sobriety tests by CHP officers, including a Breathalyzer analysis, before being asked to drive around a pre-determined course at speed. They will be joined in the cars by racing instructors from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School for safety.(Sears Point PR)(12-10-2001)
- Bye-Bye Signs: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. will remove ads that mention its Winston cigarette brand from two California racetracks to comply with a judge's order, an attorney for the company said yesterday. R.J. Reynolds, the nation's second-largest tobacco company, will take down signs and billboards advertising the NASCAR Winston Cup series at the Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma County and at Pomona Raceway in Los Angeles County, the attorney, Joe Escher, said. Judge Ronald Prager of San Diego County Superior Court ruled Friday that signs for the Winston Cup series and NHRA Winston Drag Racing violated the 1998 settlement of a nationwide tobacco lawsuit because they were posted longer than allowed.(AP/Winston Salem Journal)(12-11-2001)
- Sears Point Expansion: Construction has begun on the new permanent grandstand at Sears Point Raceway as the facility continues with its $50 million Modernization Plan. The new grandstand will be situated on the west side of start/finish and offer race fans a view unparalleled in motorsports. The grandstand will be constructed directly above pit road, giving fans a front-row seat for one of the most exciting aspects of road-racing: pit stops. Moreover, raceway officials have also removed the grandstand on the east side of start/finish, as well as two pedestrian bridges, giving fans in the new grandstand increased sightlines of the road course. This view will include the racing from Turn 7 to Turn 11, and up to start/finish.(Sears Point PR)(11-30-2001)
- Sears Point donates: Sonoma County youth organizations will receive donations totaling more than $172,000 in the coming weeks from the Sears Point Raceway chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, raceway officials announced. The chapter's Board of Trustees approved the distribution of $172,267 in grant awards and event proceeds at its annual meeting on Nov. 15. Speedway Children's Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc, which owns Sears Point Raceway.(Sears Point PR)(11-30-2001)
- Sears Point Season Tix on Sale: Sears Point Raceway will combine a sparkling new facility with four brand new season ticket packages that will give race fans the best seats in the house for the 2002 Big O Tires racing season. These one-time only season ticket packages are being offered for the first time in 2002 and will give fans priority seating in the new permanent grandstand at start/finish, which offers views unparalleled in motorsports and features flip-down seats, cup holders and other amenities. These season ticket packages went on sale Friday, Nov. 9, and will be offered for a limited time. For ticket information visit the www.searspoint.com website(11-9-2001)
- Sears Point Construction News: Preliminary work is just about complete on several key areas of the $50 million Modernization Plan as construction crews work at a feverish pace to prepare the "new" Sears Point Raceway for the 2002 racing season. Excavation is finished on the two underground pedestrian tunnels that are being built, one under start/finish and the other under Turn 10. Actual construction of the tunnels will tentatively begin the first week of November. Each tunnel will be 20-feet wide, with the start/finish tunnel spanning 128 feet, while the Turn 10 tunnel will be 270 feet long. The tunnels will help expedite pedestrian traffic flow around the property on busy event weekends, as well as provide spectators with dramatically improved sightlines of the racing action. The tunnels replace the bridges that were used as thoroughfares at start/finish and Turn 10. Grading is also complete above Turn 7 on the road course and workers will soon begin construction of hillside terrace seats in that area. These will be the same hillside terrace seats that were embraced by fans above Turns 2-4 on the road course for the 2001 season. Each seat will be 24 inches wide, which is 33-percent wider than the average bleacher seat. Fans will also have three feet of leg room for comfort. Terrace seats will also be built above Turn 9 once the grading is complete in that section of track. Another major project is the new permanent grandstand on the west side of start/finish. Crews will begin laying the foundation in early November, which will lead to the construction of the grandstand. The grandstand will feature flip-down stadium seats with cup holders. These seats will offer fans tremendous sightlines of road-race action, plus they will be situated right above pit row. This will give fans a view of pit stops unparalleled in motorsports.((Sears Point Speedway PR)(10-25-2001)
- Sears Point Sponsor: Dodge and Save Mart Supermarkets have agreed to a two-year agreement that renews both partners as co-title sponsors of the NASCAR Winston Cup event at Sears Point Raceway. The event will be called the Dodge/Save Mart 350 through the 2003 season. The multi-year agreement continues the relationship between Dodge and Save Mart Supermarkets, which began as co-title sponsors for the 2001 event at Sears Point Raceway. The partnership also continues the raceway's long-standing relationships with both Save Mart Supermarkets, a Modesto-based grocery chain, and Dodge. The Dodge sponsorship will involve the Bay Area and Northern California Dodge Dealers. Dodge will also remain the "Official Car of Sears Point Raceway."(Sears Point Raceway PR)(10-18-2001)
- Sears Point Modernization Plan II: Sears Point Raceway has begun phase two of its $35 million Modernization Plan as huge Caterpillar machinery has, once again, taken over the road course and drag strip. Phase two officially kicked off on Sunday, Aug. 5, at the conclusion of the NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals when drag racers John Force and Gary Scelzi ripped up portions of the drag strip while piloting Caterpillar bulldozers. The ripping of the drag strip was a premonition as the second phase will focus heavily on both the road course and drag strip. Phase one, conversely, was centered on infrastructure, traffic access and circulation and environmental mitigation. The bulk of the track improvements and spectator amenities is expected to be complete by the NASCAR Winston Cup event in June, 2002. Phase two of the $35 million Modernization Plan will feature the following elements: Construction of 30,000 hillside terrace seats alongside Turns 7-9, bringing the total to 64,000 hillside terrace seats. Construction of a go-kart track on the south side of the property. Construction of a 10,000 seat permanent grandstand at Turn 7. Construction of a 15,000 seat permanent grandstand along the west side of start/finish line, bringing the total to 25,000 permanent grandstand seats. Twenty-two suites will be built along the top of the grandstands. Creation of a 660-foot concrete launching pad for drag racing and separation of the road course from the drag strip. Construction of drag strip return road. Increased run-off on the road course at Turns 8, 8a, 9 and 10. Enlargement of pit road to accommodate a 43-car starting grid for road-race events(no more Gilligan Island). Repaving of the road course and drag strip. The width of the road course will also increase from 40 to 50 feet. Expansion of paddock by more than 70 percent. Pedestrian tunnels under start/finish line and Turn 10. Remodeling Trackside Tower, Media Center and Driver's Lounge. The specific improvements to the road course in phase two will give competitors a state-of-the-art surface, featuring a wider track, more run-off for safety and a repaved circuit. The improved drag strip, with a 660-foot concrete launch pad and re-paved surface, will also make Sears Point Raceway one of the top venues on the NHRA circuit.(Sears Point Raceway PR)(8-22-2001)
- Sears Point Hire: Diana Rose has been named Coordinator, Media Relations and Community Affairs, at Sears Point Raceway, it was announced by raceway officials. "Diana has contributed a great deal to the success of our last two racing seasons," said Steve Page, president and general manager at Sears Point Raceway. "She has maturity and skills beyond her years and we are delighted to have her join us full time." Rose has worked in media relations at Sears Point Raceway the last two years during major events while attending University of Pacific in Stockton (Calif.). She graduated from Pacific in May with a Bachelor of Art's degree in communications. Rose will assist on all work pertaining to Sears Point Raceway's major events, as well as developing innovative community relations programs and the handling of Sears Point Raceway's Web-site.(Sears Point Raceway PR)(8-9-2001)
- Sears Point Looking for a Name:Sears Point in late June launched an effort to sell the naming rights to the entire facility and is talking to five companies regarding a 10-year deal -- at least -- that could be worth more than $30 million. That would go a long way toward helping track owner Speedway Motorsports Inc. recoup the $35 million in renovations it has made since buying the track five years ago. A deal also could take some pressure off racing fans who pay an average of $55 for a Winston Cup event ticket nationally -- one of the highest prices in sports. Home improvement retailer Lowe's closed a 10-year, $35 million deal two years ago for the naming rights to the former Charlotte Motor Speedway, the North Carolina host to three Winston Cup events(San Francisco Business Times)(8-7-2001)
- Gilligan's Island to be Cancelled: The pit areas for the slowest nine cars in qualifying are across from the main pits. The area, dubbed Gilligan's Island because of its isolated location, will disappear by next year after more track changes. Drivers using Gilligan's Island lost 18 seconds over the rest of the field, which reflects the extra time it takes to get in and out(Santa Rosa Press Democrat), more explanation of Gillian's Island below(6-25-2001)
- Sears Point Grand Marshal: Football legend Bob St. Clair will trade in his pigskin for a 3,400-pound stock car at Sears Point
Raceway during the NASCAR Winston Cup weekend, June 21-24. St. Clair, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1953-64 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1990, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Dodge/Save Mart 350. The 6-foot-8, 270-pound former lineman will be attending his first NASCAR Winston Cup race. St. Clair will be honored during the Grand Marshal's Banquet on
Friday, June 22, at Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The event benefits the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club and the Stand By Me Mentoring Program. During his tenure in the NFL, St. Clair achieved just about every award. He was a three-time All-Pro selection, and he also made the Pro Bowl five times. Moreover, he was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and his familiar #79 jersey will officially be retired by the 49ers on Dec. 2 at halftime of their game against the Buffalo Bills.
AND Sara Grafals has been named as Controller at Sears Point Raceway, track officials announced. Grafals will oversee all financial activities at the raceway, as well as human resources, ticketing and information systems(Sears Point PR)(6-14-2001)
- Sears Point to Honor Earnhardt: Dale Earnhardt, who died tragically in a last-lap accident at the Daytona 500 last February, meant the world to so many people, and the fans of Northern California were no different. To that end, Sears Point Raceway will honor the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion by naming the first completed project in its $35 million Modernization Plan after Earnhardt. The Turn 2 Hillside Terrace seats will simply be known as the "Earnhardt Terrace." The official ceremony took place today(Wed) during a NASCAR Winston Cup test session that included Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Dale Earnhardt's legacy is so broad, from his remarkable driving
skills and competitive spirit to his career accomplishments and his distinctive personality. But above it all was Dale's unique and
deep-rooted relationship with the fans," said Steve Page, president and general manager at Sears Point Raceway. "I can think of no more
fitting tribute than to name this spectacular new fan environment the 'Earnhardt Terrace.'" The entrance into the Earnhardt Terrace will feature a four-foot high monument for fans as a testament to the greatest driver in NASCAR Winston Cup history. A black granite plaque at the top of the monument will bear the familiar No. 3. A second plaque on the side will have the words "Earnhardt Terrace" engraved. The area will also have a flag pole with the No. 3 waving at the top. The monument will sit on a concrete platform overlooking sweeping views of the raceway and the surrounding Sonoma Valley. The monument will be made of the same split-face concrete block that has been used
to construct the 34,000 Hillside Terrace Seats above Turns 2-4 on the road course for the Dodge/Save Mart 350, June 21-24. Sears Point Raceway was the site of the only NASCAR Winston Cup road-course victory of Earnhardt's career in 1995(Sears Point PR)(4-26-2001)
- Road Course Wins: Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon are looking to break the tie they hold with Richard Petty and Bobby Allison: Six career road-race wins(6-23-2001)
- Gilligan's Island REPOST and a few UPDATES is it 15 or 18 seconds? is the nickname for the final nine pit stalls, which are marooned in the center of Turn 11. Teams cannot get back across the track from the location. If a driver crashes, his car has to be repaired there. If a driver falls out, his team must stay until the race is over(Times-Dispatch), also hear drivers are held 20 seconds to 'even' things out(6-27-1999) also see story on it at That's Racin': Pitting on Gilligan's Island feels like a 3-hour tour(6-28-1999/6-23-2000)
UPDATE: the area between the frontstretch pits and the entrance to Turn 11 is the auxiliary pit area is known as Gilligan's Island due to its castoff nature. Due to the configuration of that area of the pits, their assigned official holds teams pitting there 18 seconds before they can rejoin the race(NOL) and an update story at That's Racin': 2nd-round qualifying turns into Winston Cup version of `Survivor'. The cars who start 35th to 43rd pit in Gilligans Island and teams pitting on the island will be held for 18 seconds after completing their stops because of the location of the island. Teams pitting there come off the hairpin Turn 11 and veer off to their right into their pit stalls. Because the teams pitting on the main pit road loop around Turn 11 at pit road speed, it takes them longer to get to their pit stalls.(6-24-2000) - it was mentioned during FSN's Qualifying coverage that the time may be 15 seconds this year(6-22-2001)
UPDATE 2 for 2001: Nine cars, including the Fords driven by Dale Jarrett, Jeremy Mayfield, Mark Martin and Jimmy Spencer, will pit on Sears Point's secondary pit lane in today's Dodge 350, an area nicknamed "Gilligan's Island." The entrance to the regular pit lane is at the entrance to the hairpin Turn11, with cars looping around on the outside of the track to their pit stalls on the frontstretch. Cars starting 35th to 43rd, however, pit on the inside of the loop of Turn11. The rest of the field has to observe the 35 mph pit-road speed, so cars on the island are held 18 seconds by NASCAR after completing pit stops. That is aimed at evening up the pit lanes, but being on the island has historically proved a big disadvantage(That's Racin') AND The real hardship at Sears Point is for those who qualified 35th through 43rd, including Dale Jarrett, No. 2 in points, in 35th. Because the course has only 34 pit boxes, the overflow must pit in a barrier-protected area in the middle of Turn 11, the so-called "Gilligan's Island". Teams may not cross the track from this area, so the "pits" on the island must be equipped with foresight. Worse, because of a perceived "advantage" teams get from shortening Turn 11, they will be held 15 seconds after completing their stops(SpeedVision)(6-24-2001)
- Sears Point Completes More Work: Construction crews have completed work on the modified Chute and NASCAR Winston Cup drivers will get their first opportunity on the re-configured segment during a two-day test session, April 24-25. The new Chute, which connects Turns 4 and 7 on the road course, will be used for the first time in competition at the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup event, June 21-24. Drivers confirmed for the NASCAR test are: #2-Rusty Wallace, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #5-Terry Labonte, #29-Kevin Harvick, #17-Matt Kenseth, #31-Mike Skinner, #55-Bobby Hamilton, #01-Jason Leffler and #87-Ron Fellows. The entire segment will span 1,170 feet, nearly 300 feet more than the original Chute (890 feet). Construction crews have also broken ground on 40 permanent garages that will be ready for the Dodge/Save Mart 350. In the past, teams have worked on their cars under the hot sun, but that will no longer be the case. Each garage will be 12 feet wide and 25 feet deep, giving race teams ample room to work on their cars. Sears Point Raceway will build additional garages for the 2002 season to handle the entire qualifying field. The original 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course will still be used for all road-racing events at Sears Point Raceway that are not NASCAR-sanctioned(Sears Point PR)(4-7-2001)
- Sears Point Construction:Sears Point Raceway has officially begun construction on the modified Chute, which was first introduced in 1998 and connects Turns 4 and 7 on the twisting road course for all NASCAR-sanctioned events. Construction crews are currently grading the terrain behind turns 4 and 7 and staking the proposed layout of the re-configured Chute. Paving is scheduled for March 30. Sears Point Raceway will unveil the new Chute for the first time during a two-day NASCAR Winston Cup test session, April 24-25. Among the drivers confirmed for the test are: Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, Mike Skinner, Jason Leffler, and Ron Fellows. The modified Chute will be used for the first time in NASCAR competition June 21-24 for the Dodge/Save Mart 350. The modified Chute will feature the following elements: a. A 300-foot straightaway from Turn 4 to what will become the new Turn 4a. This segment will feature straight-line braking before entering Turn 4a; b. A sharp 70-degree right-hand turn from Turn 4a
into the Chute. There will also be 150 feet of runoff room available outside Turn 4a; c. Once out of Turn 4a, drivers will navigate an 870-foot pure straightaway, which will feature speeds in excess of 110 mph. This will be one of the fastest segments of the track; e. Turn 7
will boast a 90-degree right-hand turn placed 100 feet beyond the current Turn 7 apex. The turn will feature 120 feet of runoff; f. The
modification will increase the length of the road course from 1.95 to 2 miles. The number of turns remains the same (10)(Sears Point PR)(3-22-2001)
- Sears Points helps out: AAA has partnered with Sears Point Raceway, CHP and the Jim Russell Racing Driver's School for the "High School Safe Driver Program." Up to 400 students from eight Bay Area High Schools will descend upon Sears Point Raceway February 26-March 1 for the program, which offers cutting edge training and challenges teen drivers to be a part of the solution. Students, under the direction of professional instructors form the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, will get behind the wheel and learn enhanced braking, skid control skills, and accident avoidance techniques all within the safe confines of Sears Point Raceway. Students will also receive classroom instruction on vehicle dynamics. After completing the program, professional race car drivers will take the students for thrilling "hot laps" around the raceway's twisting 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course, which is home to the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup, June 21-24. The eight Bay Area schools participating in this year's program and their dates/times of instruction are:
Fairfield High School-Fairfield (Monday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m.)
New Technology High School-Napa (Monday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m.)
San Marin High School-Novato (Tuesday, Feb. 27, 8 a.m.)
Terra Linda High School-San Rafael (Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m.)
Del Amigo High School-Danville (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m.)
Temescal High School-Napa (Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m.)
San Mateo High School (Thursday, March 1, 8 a.m.)
Junipero Serra High School-San Mateo (Thursday, March 1, 8 a.m.)(Sears Point PR)(2-27-2001)
- Sears Point: Sears Point Raceway's comprehensive Modernization Plan reached another milestone as construction crews put the finishing touches on a road that will serve as the new main entrance into the facility beginning with the 2001 racing season. The new Gate 7 will be 80-feet wide and will feature six lanes to accommodate vehicles, as well as nearly one-half mile of staging area. The staging space will enable raceway officials to move more vehicles off the highway and onto Sears Point's property, reducing traffic congestion on the highway during busy event weekends. The gate will be used for all major events, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup, June 21-24. The new entry will replace Gate 1 as the main entrance for fans from
Highway 121. Gate 1 will still be used, but only for credentialed personnel, further reducing congestion. In past years, Gate 1 was a point of entry for everyone entering the facility from Highway 121.(Sears Point PR)(2-14-2001)
- Sears Point: Tomas O. Garley has been named Manager, Sponsorship Sales and Services, at Sears Point Raceway, it was announced by raceway officials. Garley, 31, comes to Sears Point Raceway from Silicon Valley-based Novellus Systems Inc., where he served as Director of Global Field Operations(Sears Point PR)(2-6-2001)
- Sears Point Tix: Tickets for the 2001 racing season at Sears Point Raceway, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup, officially went on sale to the public via telephone and internet on Monday, January 15. Fans attending 2001 Sears Point events will enjoy significant improvements in seating, traffic access and circulation as the raceway unveils the first phase of its $35 million Modernization Plan. The comprehensive plan, which began last September and will be fully complete by 200
