Sonoma Raceway Track News, Records & Links

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was Infineon Raceway June 22, 2002 thru May 31, 2012
before that was known as Sears Point
as of June 2012 it is known simply as Sonoma

Mailing Address:
Highways 37 & 121
Sonoma, California 95476

Street Address:
29305 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, California 95476

Phone: (800) 870-RACE

Track Specs:
1.99 mile Road Course with 10 turns
Pit Road/Stalls: 16' wide by 29' long, 58' wide
increased from 1.949 miles to 1.99 after the 2000 season

Track Websites and Social Media:
Sonoma Raceway
Speedway Motorsports
Race Sonoma - Facebook
Race Sonoma - Twitter
Sonoma Raceway - Youtube
Track Stats - Racing-reference.info


    Track Records & Stats

  • June 2016 Race Winner: #14-Tony Stewart, 80.966mph, started 10th

  • Race Record: Clint Bowyer, June 2012, 83.624mph (current layout)

  • Race Record: Jeff Gordon, June 2000, 78.789mph (old layout)

  • Oldest Winner: Ricky Rudd, 45 years, 9 months, 11 days, 6/23/2002

  • Youngest Winner: Kyle Busch. 23 years, 1 months, and 20 days, 6/22/2008

  • June 2016 Pole Winner: #19-Carl Edwards, 95.777mph, finished 4th

  • Track Qualifying Record: Kyle Larson, 6/27/2015, 96.568mph (current layout)(1st round of qualifying)

  • Track Qualifying Record: Rusty Wallace, June 2000, 99.309mph (old layout)

  • Oldest Pole Winner: Rusty Wallace, 43 years, 10 months, 11 days, 6/25/2000

  • Youngest Pole Winner: Joey Logano, 21 years, 1 month, 0 days, 6/24/2011

  • Worst Starting Spot to Win: Juan Pablo Montoya, started 32nd, 6/24/2007

  • Most Wins: 5 - Jeff Gordon

  • Most Wins Active Driver: 3 - Tony Stewart; 2 - Kurt Busch

  • Most Poles: 5 - Jeff Gordon

  • Most Poles Active Driver: 3 - Jamie McMurray

  • Most Top 5s: 14 - Jeff Gordon

  • Most Top 5s Active Driver: 7 - Kurt Busch; 6 - Clint Bowyer

  • Most Top 10s: 18 - Jeff Gordon

  • Most Top 10s Active Driver: 10 - Tony Stewart; 9 - Jimmie Johnson

  • Most Cautions: 9, 6/10/1990

  • Most Caution Laps: 26, 6/27/1999

  • Fewest Cautions: 2 - 6/24/2012

  • Fewest Caution Laps: 7 - 6/7/1992 and 6/24/2012

  • Most Laps Led: 92, Jeff Gordon, 6/27/2004

  • Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 92, Jeff Gordon, 6/27/2004

  • Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 2, Davey Allison, 6/9/1991

  • Most Lead Changes: 12 - three times. 6/20/2010, 6/26/2011, 6/26/2016

  • Fewest Lead Changes: 3 - 6/11/1989

  • Most Leaders: 9, four times, most recently 6/22/2014

  • Fewest Leaders: 3, 6/11/1989

  • Most Finishers on a lead lap: 36, 6/21/2009

  • Most Running at the Finish: 42, 5/5/96 and 6/26/2005

  • Fewest Running at the Finish: 32 - 5/16/1993

  • Most Wins by Manufacturer:
    Chevy, 11
    Ford, 7
    Toyota, 4
    Dodge, 3
    Pontiac, 2
    Buick, 1

  • Races won from starting pos 1: 5 [of 28 races]
  • Races won from starting pos 2: 3
  • Races won from starting pos 3: 2
  • Races won from starting pos 4: 3
  • Races won from starting pos 5: 2
  • Races won from starting pos 6: 1
  • Races won from starting pos 7: 3
  • Races won from starting pos 10: 1
  • Races won from starting pos 11: 4
  • Races won from starting pos 14: 1
  • Races won from starting pos 13: 1
  • Races won from starting pos 30: 1
  • Races won from starting pos 32: 1
  • Races won from the top 5: 15 of 28

  • Races won from the top 10: 20 of 28

  • Road Course Wins: All-Time(3 or more wins)
    Driver, Wins
    Jeff Gordon, 9
    Tony Stewart, 8* (with Sonoma win)
    Rusty Wallace, 6
    Bobby Allison, 6
    Richard Petty, 6
    Ricky Rudd, 6
    Darrell Waltrip, 5
    Tim Richmond, 5
    Dan Gurney, 5
    David Pearson, 4
    Mark Martin, 4
    Kyle Busch, 4*
    Ernie Irvan, 3
    Geoff Bodine, 3
    Tim Flock, 3
    Cale Yarborough, 3
    * active

  • Track Name: was know as Sears Point Raceway until June 22, 2002 when Infineon bought the track naming rights and changed it to Infineon Raceway.(6-22-2002)
    AND as of June 1, 2012, is now known as Sonoma Raceway.


Track News and Announcements

  • Drive Your Car on Track at Sonoma Raceway: Race enthusiasts often wonder how to get their car on track at Sonoma Raceway. Those drivers can turn their fantasies into reality as the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) hosts the 4th annual Laps for Charity event on Saturday, Jan.21. This once-a-year-event invites participants to take their vehicle for a few laps around the 12-turn road course, all in the name of charity. For just $150, this unique experience includes a pre-lap safety briefing with professional drivers, three lead-follow laps around the 2.52-mile circuit and a picture of your car on track. All proceeds benefit kids in need through Sonoma County youth organizations. SCC, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, has distributed more than $5.5 million to Sonoma County youth groups since 2001. A limited number of spots are now available between 12:30-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. For more information or to register for your spot, visit http://sonoma.speedwaycharities.org/events/4th_annual_laps_for_charity.(Sonoma Raceway)(12-13-2016)

  • Diana Brennan named VP at Sonoma, Kiser Promoted: Longtime Sonoma Raceway spokeswoman Diana Brennan has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Communications and Marketing. Brennan, who has worked in the Sonoma Raceway Media Relations department for more than 15 years, will assume responsibility for all of the raceway's event marketing and promotions, including advertising, event entertainment, publications and digital media. She will continue to oversee all media communications, as well as the facility's community initiatives, including the local chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. Gary Phillips, who headed the raceway's ticketing department from 2003-2013 before becoming vice president of marketing, will depart the raceway in January to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations and join the digital marketing agency, Blue Collar Digital. To support the department alignment, Jennifer Imbimbo has been promoted to Director of Media & Community Relations. Imbimbo, who joined the raceway's media relations department in 2006, will oversee the planning and execution of all media and community relations events at the raceway. Courtney Kiser has been named Director of Marketing and will oversee the planning and execution of all the raceway's marketing initiatives; she joined the raceway in 2014. Kiser will be supported by Melissa Lamb, who has been promoted to marketing events manager, digital marketing and social media manager Tyler Pistoia and graphic designer Deidre Birkholt.(Sonoma Raceway)(10-10-2016)

  • Speedway Motorsports Put Fans, Families First with $10 NASCAR Cup Series Kids' Tickets: In conjunction with a NASCAR industry-wide effort to offer free NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and XFINITY Series tickets for children 12 and under next season, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. announced a company-wide Fans First initiative Monday to price select children's tickets at just $10 each to Cup Series events at its eight premier speedways beginning in 2017. "Coming to the races should be about fun, not finances," said Speedway Motorsports' President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith. "Now a parent can get his or her child through the gates for an entire weekend of NASCAR events - including pole night, a Camping World Truck or XFINITY Series race and a Cup Series race - for just $10. This is one of the best, if not THE best, family values in all professional sports. NASCAR fans have passed down their passion for motorsports from generation to generation for decades, and through this new Fans First initiative, we'll continue that legacy by introducing young fans to the sport and engaging them for years to come." With an adult ticket purchase, fans can buy up to two $10 tickets for children ages 12 and under to that same event in select seating sections. This offer is available at all of the 13 Cup Series events shown below next season. Tickets for many of Speedway Motorsports' 2017 events are already on sale.(CMS/SMI)(8-30-2016)

  • NASCAR Weekend in Sonoma Nets More Than $216,000: Charitable programs combined to raise more than $216,000 for local youth groups during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 24-26. The proceeds from the majority of events will benefit Sonoma County youth organizations through the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of the raceway, which has distributed more than $5.1 million to local youth-serving non-profit groups since 2001. The Children's Champions Grand Marshal Banquet was held on Friday, June 24, at Cline Cellars in Sonoma. Proceeds from the banquet benefit Speedway Children's Charities and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Overall, the banquet generated more than $156,000, while the Ride-of-a-Lifetime Online Charity Auction raised over $10,000. A live auction was also held the night of the banquet for a special NASCAR Race-Day Experience, which included a meet and greet with the NASCAR on FOX broadcast team and a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Hollywood Hotel. In addition, a special Pixar Studios package included a CARS-themed gift basket and a private tour of the Emeryville headquarters. Both packages combined to bring in nearly $15,000. More than $25,000 was also raised through various donations during the weekend, including a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Transporter Drivers of Motorsports Association (TDMA), which participated in the 6th annual NASCAR Hauler Parade in Sacramento on June 23. Great Clips raised over $6,000 in donations throughout the weekend at its mobile hair salon in the main paddock.(Sonoma Raceway)(7-4-2016)

  • Tony Stewart wins at Sonoma: #14-Tony Stewart won the Toyota / Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for his 1st win of the season, 3rd win at Sonoma, 8th road course win and 49th career win. It had been 111 races and 84 races run by Stewart since his last win, at Dover in June 2013. With the win and being 9 points out of the top-30 of drivers points, Stewart has a good shot of getting in the Chase. It was the first career win for crew chief Mike Bugarewicz.
    #11-Hamlin took the lead on the final lap, went wide on the last turn, Stewart passed the #11 beat and banged with Hamlin who tagged the wall with Stewart racing to the win. Hamlin led the most laps, 33 of 110. Race favorite #47-Allmendinger finished 12th after having a late race penalty for an uncontrolled tire during a pit stop and having to restart in the rear of the field.
    #11-Hamlin finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #19-Edwards (pole winner), #78-Truex Jr., #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #31-Newman, #5-Kahne and #41-Busch.
    There were 12 lead changes among 8 drivers and 4 cautions for 10 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 80.966 mph.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    Monday, June 27 at 8:30am/et on FS1;
    Tuesday, June 28 at 4:00am/et on FS1

    See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more [NOTE: money/winnings are no longer reported] at:
    Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
    Lap Summary Report (pdf)
    Penalty Report (pdf)
    Pit Stop Times (pdf)
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Sonoma Race & Points Report (pdf). (6-26-2016)

  • Toyota Signs Multi-Year Extension with Sonoma Raceway: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. and the Northern California Toyota Dealers have signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Toyota, which celebrates its 10th year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2016, has served as co-title sponsor of the Toyota/Save Mart 350, as well as the raceway's official vehicle, since 2007. The three-year extension will mark 13 years of sponsorship with Sonoma Raceway, making Toyota one of the facility's longest-running sponsors. Toyota also signed on as title sponsor of the raceway's NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing event, the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July 29-31), this year. "Sonoma Raceway is one of the premier motorsports venues in the nation and our partnership enables us to showcase the freshest line up of cars, trucks and SUVs in the industry," said Steve Cornelius, president of the Northern California Toyota Dealer Advertising Association.
    "Our partnership with Sonoma Raceway is a great opportunity for us to collaborate with the local Toyota dealers to reach and engage with NASCAR fans," said Keith Dahl, general manager, motorsports & marketing asset management, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Over the past 10 years we have enjoyed the opportunity to showcase the Toyota brand, experienced great racing in the beautiful Sonoma valley and celebrated four Toyota wins, including Kyle Busch's triumphant return to the winners circle after his injuries last year. We look forward to continuing this rewarding relationship in both NASCAR and NHRA for years to come."
    The agreement also includes hospitality, extensive signage, promotional rights and other assets during major event weekends in Sonoma, including comprehensive, interactive displays for race fans during the June NASCAR event. "We could not be more proud of our association with the Toyota brand, their terrific lineup of cars and trucks and the outstanding group of dealers in our region," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. "We are grateful for their support of the raceway and our NASCAR and NHRA events, and look forward to working together for many years to come."(Sonoma Raceway)(6-26-2016)

  • Stewart and Irvan Inducted Into Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame: Steve Page Sonoma Raceway's president and general manager introduced 2016 Wall of Fame Honorees Ernie Irvan and Tony Stewart before a crowd of vocal and enthusiastic fans and media. Page said, the Wall of Fame was started "a decade ago as a way to honor the legacy and thank those" who have contributed to the history of the circuit. Both drivers are two-time winners here. Page called the 1992 race, in which Irvan from the back of the grid "one of the most remarkable races" he'd ever seen. When asked about his part in the fast growth of NASCAR in the 1990s, Irvan said, "I'm just one part of it. Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and others " set the stage for the explosive growth the sport experienced. Stewart thanked Page with mixed emotions, "I've always looked forward to coming here," noting he marked the date in his calendar. And now looking ahead to last race, at the Sprint Cup level, he felt a bit sentimental. That said, Stewart who will retire from his ride at the team he co-owns with Gene Haas stressed that this was his last year in driving in Sprint Cup but not as a driver in other series, "I can't wait to start the second part of my career."(Sonoma Raceway)(6-26-2016)

  • NHTSA Returns as Title Sponsor of NASCAR Pole Day in Sonoma: Sonoma Raceway and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will highlight the importance of tire safety during the wine country facility's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 24-26. NHTSA, which was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970, returns for the second consecutive year as title sponsor of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying for "Drive for Safety Pole Day" on Saturday, June 25. NHTSA is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety and works daily to help prevent crashes and their attendant costs, both human and financial. Sonoma Raceway joins NASCAR and NHTSA in their Drive for Safety, a partnership focused on promoting life-saving highway safety and vehicle safety messages. The program will highlight topics including distracted driving, seat belts, tire safety and five-star crash ratings throughout the 2016 NASCAR season. The agreement also includes digital and social media programming to raise awareness for the Drive for Safety campaign, signage, promotional rights and other assets during the NASCAR event weekend in Sonoma.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-23-2016)

  • New food items debuting at Sonoma: Sonoma Raceway and Levy Restaurants will introduce a number of new concession items worthy of the facility's gourmet location at this weekend's Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, June 24-26. The raceway's must-try item of the weekend is sure to be the new Crab Cake Corn Dog, featuring real crab dipped in a honey batter, fried to perfection and served on a stick. This new item will be available at the Sears Point Grill at the north end of the Main Grandstand for $16. In addition, Levy Restaurants will take the wraps off its new Waffle-Wich Stand offering freshly prepared waffle sandwiches piled with delicious fillings, including Philly Cheese Steak, Char Sui Pork, vegetarian options and a breakfast sandwich. This stand is located just beneath the Main Grandstand and sandwiches will cost $12. New for 2016, Sonoma Raceway's dining options will be also enhanced to include multiple Chevys Fresh Mex concession stands. The outposts, located beneath the Main Grandstand, in the main paddock and above Turn 2, will serve fresh Mexican food favorites, including mesquite grilled chicken and steak fajita burritos, nachos with picadillo beef and pickled jalapeņos, as well as specialty corn on the cob. These additions help complete the raceway's usual slate offerings, including half-pound hamburgers, freshly-made meatballs, calamari poppers and much more.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-21-2016)

  • NASCAR Hauler Parade rolls through Sacramento on June 23: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers will rumble through the streets of Sacramento at the 6th annual NASCAR Hauler Parade on Thursday, June 23. The NASCAR haulers, which will be en route to Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 24-26, will make their way over the Tower Bridge and around the State Capitol on the way to greet Northern California NASCAR fans ready for the big race in Sonoma. You can expect to see haulers from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and many other drivers on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. This marks the sixth consecutive hauler parade in Northern California and raceway officials are thrilled to bring it to Sacramento, home to some of our most avid race fans. The parade will begin promptly at noon on Thursday, June 23, as the haulers depart their staging area and cross the Tower Bridge, heading for the State Capitol. The haulers will arrive at the raceway at approximately 2:00pm. Race fans can catch the haulers all along the parade route, but are encouraged to head to the corner of 11th and L streets for the best view. Sonoma Raceway will have a display there, as well as the popular Raceway Girls, giveaways and race tickets.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-19-2016)

  • Save Mart Celebrates 25 Years of Sponsorship in Sonoma: In 1992, Ernie Irvan overcame an early-race penalty to pass 41 cars en route to his first victory at then-Sears Point Raceway. That same year, Save Mart Supermarkets took the green flag on what would become the raceway's most enduring commercial sponsorship. At the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 24-26, Save Mart Supermarkets and Sonoma Raceway will celebrate 25 years of sponsorship at the annual wine country NASCAR event. Save Mart Supermarkets' status as either the event title or co-title sponsor in Sonoma is one of the longest running in all of NASCAR Cup racing. Save Mart served as title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup event from 1992-1997. It has combined with partners as co-title sponsor of the event since 1998. The event has been known as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 since 2007. Based in the heart of the Central Valley, Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products ensuring that 'fresh comes first' for neighborhoods throughout California and Northern Nevada. The company employs nearly 16,000 team members and operates 205 traditional and price impact stores under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, S-Mart Foods, and MaxxValue Foods.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-18-2016)

  • Luke Wilson to drive Pace Car at Sonoma: Actor Luke Wilson will drive a 2016 Toyota Camry pace car to kick off the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 26. Wilson is a film actor best known for his comedic roles in films including Old School, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Legally Blonde, Idiocracy, Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums. The Texas native currently stars in Showtime's new series Roadies, which premieres on June 26. The show follows the lives of a tight-knit group of rock-n roll-roadies working on the tour for a famous rock band. This will mark the first time Wilson has served as an Official Pace Car Driver at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. He will also be recognized during pre-race ceremonies and greet each NASCAR driver on stage during driver introductions.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-16-2016)

  • Sonoma Raceway announces pre-race show: The Toyota/Save Mart 350 is sure to feature its usual high-intensity action on Sunday, June 26, and Sonoma Raceway has teamed up with Friedman's Home Improvement to assemble an unforgettable pre-race show featuring everything from jets to aeronautical aerobatics to live musical entertainment. There will be plenty of on-track action throughout the day, so fans should be sure to arrive early, as pre-race entertainment gets underway at 8:30am on Sunday, June 26. For even more access, the Pre-Race Pit & Track Pass includes a pre-race Cold Pit Pass and access to the track for the Friedman's Pre-Race Show and driver introductions. New for 2016, youth 18 and under are allowed on-track access with the Pre-Race Pit & Track Pass. Here is some of what to expect during the Pre-Race Show Powered by Friedman's Home Improvement:
    Pre-Race Concert by Jackson Michelson;
    NASCAR Drivers' Meeting Concert by Toree McGee;
    Aerial Stunt Performance by Brad Wursten;
    Patriots Jet Team Air Show;
    25 Years of Save Mart Supermarkets video to highlight the top 10 on-track moments;
    Save Mart Giant Shopping Cart;
    Team Fastrax Professional Skydiving;
    National Anthem performed by Q. Smith; and
    Anthem Flyover Provided by Oregon National Guard.(Sonoma Racewway)(6-11-2016)

  • Tony Stewart, Ernie Irvan to be Inducted into Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame: Sonoma Raceway will add two NASCAR legends to its Wall of Fame during the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend, June 24-26. Tony Stewart and Ernie Irvan will become the newest members of the raceway's Wall of Fame, joining fellow NASCAR stars Rusty Wallace (2005), Mark Martin (2005), Jeff Gordon (2006), Ricky Rudd (2007) and Rick Hendrick (2010). In more than 15 years of competition on the Sonoma Raceway road course, Stewart has become known as one of the most talented drivers on the challenging circuit. In recognition of his accomplishments, and to honor his final year as a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Stewart will be inducted into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame. Irvan made his mark in Sonoma with two victories, including one of the road course's most memorable. In 1992, Irvan claimed his first Sonoma win in the Save Mart Supermarkets 300 after being black-flagged at the start for crossing the starting line ahead of pole winner Ricky Rudd. He came back to pass 41 cars to take the checkered flag. Just two years later, Irvan became the first two-time winner of a NASCAR Cup event in Sonoma, winning by the largest margin of victory in raceway history (9.56 seconds) over Geoffrey Bodine. The Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame is designed to honor those who have excelled not only in their form of motor racing, but more importantly, in Sonoma. Each inductee is recognized during a ceremony with a marble plaque engraved with his/her likeness. The engraving is also added to the Wall of Fame, which is located behind the main grandstand.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-10-2016)

  • Sonoma State President Ruben Armiņana named Grand Marshal at Sonoma: Sonoma State University president Ruben Armiņana, who will retire as the longest-tenured president of the California State University system on June 30, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway. Armiņana will be honored on Friday, June 24, at the Children's Champions Grand Marshal's Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 26, and participate in the official command of, "Drivers, Start Your Engines." Armiņana, who left Communist Cuba as a child, became the sixth president of Sonoma State University in 1992. During his tenure, he has been successful in furthering the academic and co-curricular programs of the University, making Sonoma State University one of the most popular campuses in the California State University system. In his 24 years at Sonoma State, Armiņana has helped transform the campus from a part-time commuter college on the brink of closure to a residential campus bustling with activity.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-9-2016)

  • Sonoma Raceway adding new Panasonic LED scoring pylon: Sonoma Raceway will offer fans an entirely new perspective on the racing action, as the wine country facility upgrades its spectator experience with more than 5,000 square feet of Panasonic LED digital signage. Most notably, the raceway will replace its outdated lap/leader board, which has stood above Turn 1 of the road course since 1994, with an 85-foot tall, four-sided LED scoring tower. The new pylon will provide real-time running order for up to 20 positions, dynamic race-related graphics and fan information. The new scoring tower will be located in approximately the same position above Turn 1, but is more than 26-feet taller than the old board and will be easily visible from almost every seating area around the road course. The new fan amenity will make its debut at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, June 24-26. In addition, the raceway will add an 84- x 12-foot Panasonic LED video board on the front of its three-story Drag Tower building. This video board will be easily viewed from the Main Grandstand, as well as the temporary grandstand during the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in July. This new technology will allow the raceway to create and deliver videos, graphic overlays, real-time statistics, custom content and sponsor advertisements.(Sonoma Raceway)(3-25-2016)

  • John's March Against Stomach Cancer Raises $17,600: A little rain could not dampen record-setting fundraising efforts at the 5th annual John's March Against Stomach Cancer at Sonoma Raceway on Saturday, Jan. 16. More than 200 people turned out under gray skies to participate in the fundraiser, which generated an event record of $17,629 for No Stomach For Cancer (www.nostomachforcancer.org). Walkers, runners and even dogs enjoyed a spin around the 2.52-mile, 12-turn road course on foot during the event, which is held in honor of John Cardinale, the long-time Sonoma Raceway spokesman who passed away in 2013 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. John's March has raised more than $67,000 over the past five years and is the only major fundraiser for gastric cancer on the West Coast. Participants ranged from competitive runners to families, including children on bikes and in strollers. In addition to the traditional road-course circuit, the raceway also offered 5K and 10K distances. Participants were also encouraged to sign the Memory Wall in honor of those affected by gastric cancer. No Stomach For Cancer is a non-profit group that works to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer, provide a support network for affected families and support research efforts for screening, early detection, treatment and prevention of stomach cancer. Donations can still be made in honor of this event at www.crowdrise.com/JohnsMarch.(Sonoma Raceway)(1-24-2016)

  • Speedway Children's Charities Distributes Nearly $2.9 Million Nationwide: Speedway Children's Charities officials have announced that the nonprofit will distribute nearly $2.9 million in grants to more than 390 different charitable organizations across the country in 2015, bringing the total funds distributed since 1982 to more than $46 million.
    "My parents started Speedway Children's Charities from modest beginnings with the goal of helping children in physical, financial, emotional and medical need," said Marcus Smith, vice chairman of Speedway Children's Charities. "From that first chapter at Charlotte Motor Speedway to now eight chapters at Speedway Motorsports' facilities nationwide, we've far surpassed their early expectations. But as long as there is a need, Speedway Children's Charities will continue working to improve the lives of children by supporting local nonprofits that help children in hundreds of local communities."
    Funds distributed by Speedway Children's Charities chapters at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway totaled $2,886,902 in 2015. Speedway Children's Charities raises grant money through various fundraising activities, including clay shoots, track events, auctions, holiday light displays and more.
    "It was a banner year for Speedway Children's Charities, and we can't thank the race fans, sponsors, volunteers, team owners, drivers and staff enough for all of their efforts to help children in need," said Maj. Gen. Chuck Swannack, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities. "Every single dollar or volunteer hour makes a difference, and these fundraising results will have a true impact to help children in need of a brighter future." For more information on SCC or to see how to volunteer or make a donation, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.(CMS)(12-16-2015)

  • Nearly 300 Children Attend "Race to the Holidays" Christmas Party at Sonoma Raceway: More than 450 people enjoyed a day of holiday cheer at Sonoma Raceway on Saturday at the 11th annual "Race to the Holidays" Children's Christmas Party. The raceway hosted nearly 300 Sonoma Valley children and their families at the event, which featured caroling, refreshments, a car display, balloon animals and a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived via a Schell-Vista Fire Department fire truck. The event, which has drawn more than 2,400 children since its inception in 2005, culminated with Santa Claus presenting each child with a bag full of toys, as well as a new toothbrush and toothpaste. Children ranged in age from newborn to 12-years-old. Upon hearing the children caroling his favorite tune, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Santa greeted the children on his way into the event hall before handing out gifts. The children left the raceway with new toys and wide smiles after a complimentary lunch at the Raceway Café. All children were pre-registered through six Sonoma Valley youth groups, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, El Verano Elementary School, Friends in Sonoma Helping (F.I.S.H.), La Luz, Stand By Me Mentoring and the Sonoma Valley Teen Parent Program. The raceway received a generous outpouring of support from the community as more than 1,500 toys were donated for the party. Supporters of this year's event included: AAA Sonoma, California Highway Patrol, Dick Sharke, Don Sebastiani & Sons, Dr. Julie Forstadt DDS, Dr. Eva Marie Largoza DDS, Dr. Bob Nadjibi DDS, Dr. Kenneth Reyes DDS, Dr. Kristin De Vincenzi, Exchange Bank, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Save Mart/Lucky Supermarkets, Schell-Vista Fire Department, Sonoma City Hall, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Sonoma Stompers, Sonoma Valley Fire Department, United Site Services and verihealth, inc.(Sonoma Raceway)(12-13-2015)

  • Drive Your Car on Track at Sonoma Raceway: Fans who've dreamed of taking a few laps around the Sonoma Raceway road course can turn those fantasies into reality, as the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) hosts the 3rd annual Laps for Charity event on Saturday, Jan.16. Race fans and community members are invited to drive their very own vehicle for a few laps around the challenging track, all in the name of charity. This unique experience includes a pre-lap safety briefing with professional drivers, three lead-follow laps around the 12-turn, 2.52-mile circuit and a picture of your car on track. Cost is just $150, and all proceeds benefit kids in need through Sonoma County youth organizations. Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, has distributed more than $5.1 million to Sonoma County youth groups since 2001. A limited number of spots in half-hour increments are now available between 11:30am - 4:00pm. on Saturday, Jan. 16. Participants must be 18 years old or older, and passengers are not permitted. All cars must have shoulder strap seat belt restraints, mufflers and pass a basic technical inspection. For more information or to register for your spot, visit http://sonoma.speedwaycharities.org/events/laps_for_charity/.(Sonoma Raceway)(12-3-2015)

  • Kyle Busch wins at Sonoma: #18-Kyle Busch won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for his 1st win of the season, 2nd win at Sonoma, 4th road course win and 30th career win. It is crew chief Adam Stevens' first Sprint Series win as a crew chief.
    #41-Busch finished 2nd followed by #15-Bowyer, #4-Harvick, #22-Logano, #48-Johnson, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #5-Kahne, #31-Newman and #9-Hornish Jr.
    #48-Johnson led late in the race when the caution came out for #13-Mears broken axle. Most of the leaders pitted but Johnson stayed out. After the restart, #18-Busch started 7th, passing five cars before catching Johnson on lap 106 to take the lead and held off his brother, #41-Busch to win the race. Johnson finished 6th. It was the first time then Busch brothers have finished 1-2 in their Sprint Cup Series careers.
    Pole winner #47-Allmendinger led 1 lap and ran up front most of the day until having fuel problems on lap 60. Allmendinger's team made repairs and he came back out to finish 37th, 12 laps off the pace.
    Harvick increases the drivers points lead to 53 points over #78-Truex Jr. who finished 42nd after an early wreck.
    #18-Busch now has 125 points and is 37rth in drivers points. To get in the Chase, he needs to be in the top 30.
    Busch is 136 points out of 30th and needs around a 14th average finish to crack the top 30 in the 10 races before the Chase.
    There were 9 lead changes among 5 drivers. There were 5 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 74.774mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-28-2015)

  • Save Mart Supermarkets Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship Extension with Sonoma Raceway: Save Mart Supermarkets has signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, extending the raceway's most enduring commercial sponsorship. Save Mart Supermarkets' status as either title or co-title sponsor of the annual Cup event in Sonoma is one of the longest runs in all of NASCAR Cup racing. The new agreement is for five years, extending through 2020. First partnering with the raceway in 1992, Save Mart will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a race sponsor in Sonoma in 2016.
    "Our relationship with Sonoma Raceway has become part of the Save Mart culture. We're thrilled to extend this tradition for several years to come," said Nicole Pesco, co-president and chief strategy and branding officer of Save Mart. New for 2015, Save Mart will debut the Save Mart/Lucky Breaking Zone during race weekend. This all-new fan display will be the hub of social media activity, including a place for fans to charge their phones, take a picture in the photo booth and share race-day memories. Fans will also enjoy Q&As with drivers and NASCAR personalities, music and more.
    "This partnership has evolved and grown in so many ways over the years, but it still boils down to both companies delivering consistent value to NASCAR fans, grocery shoppers and to the outstanding team of Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx employees," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. "We are dedicating this season to Bob Piccinini with whom this partnership originated, and we look forward to carrying Bob's legacy forward in the years to come."
    Save Mart served as title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup event from 1992-1997. It has combined with partners as co-title sponsor of the event since 1998. The event has been known as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 since 2007. The raceway also unveiled a new granite monument at the corner of the Turn 11 Lawn, which renames the area Piccinini Plaza, in honor of the Piccinini family's legacy at Sonoma Raceway. Bob Piccinini, Save Mart's Chairman and CEO passed away earlier this year. Save Mart has hosted hospitality for its employees and clients in this area since the beginning of its sponsorship.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-27-2015)

  • Toyota Signs Multi-Year Extension with Sonoma Raceway: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. and the Northern California Toyota Dealers have signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Toyota has served as co-title sponsor of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 since 2007, as well as the raceway's official vehicle. The three-year extension will mark 10 years of sponsorship with Sonoma Raceway. The 2014 season marks Toyota's 10th anniversary participating in NASCAR national series competition. "Sonoma Raceway is one of the premier motor-sports venues on the West Coast and our partnership enables us to showcase the freshest line up of cars, trucks and SUVs in the industry," said Henry Hansel, president of the Northern California Toyota Dealer Advertising Association. Toyota will also continue as title sponsor of the raceway's annual Toyota/Save Mart 350 preview show on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. The 30-minute special, which airs a minimum of six times during the month of June, has been nominated for a sports Emmy award in past years. The agreement also includes hospitality, extensive signage, promotional rights and other assets during major event weekends in Sonoma, including comprehensive, interactive displays for race fans during the June NASCAR event. "We could not be more proud of our association with the Toyota brand, their terrific lineup of cars and trucks and the outstanding group of dealers in our region," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. "We are grateful for their support of the raceway and the NASCAR event and look forward to working together for many years to come." For tickets or information on the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 20-22, please call 800-870-RACE or visit www.racesonoma.com/nascar.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-18-2014)

  • Infineon dropping naming-rights deal with Sonoma: For the second time in recent years, a Speedway Motorsports Inc. facility has lost its naming-rights sponsorship. On Tuesday, it was reported that Infineon Technologies is pulling its name from the Sonoma, Calif., road course when its contract expires in May. The track was known as Sears Point Raceway until June 2002, then Infineon Raceway until this week. The 10-year deal was reportedly worth $34.4 million to SMI. Vice president for marketing and communications John Cardinale told the Sports Business Journal that the speedway has several companies interested in assuming the naming rights. "There are three or four companies we're talking to," he said. "I wouldn't say they're ready to sign, but they're certainly interested. After the 2009 NASCAR season, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse Inc. chose not to renew its naming rights at what was known before--as it is now--as Charlotte Motor Speedway. The track had been called Lowe's Motor Speedway since the 1998 season. With Lowe's and Infineon pulling their naming rights, the only NASCAR track that still has a commercial sponsor is Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.(Autoweek)(3-7-2012)


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