INFINEON RACEWAY PAST NEWS/RUMORS
Mailing Address:
Highways 37 & 121
Sonoma, California 95476
Street Address:
29305 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, California 95476
Phone: (800) 870-RACE
Email: trackinfo@InfineonRaceway.com
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
Websites:
Infineon Raceway
some road race facts:
- 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)
- Save Mart Supermarkets Signs Extension with Infineon: Save Mart Supermarkets has signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Infineon Raceway, track officials announced today. The partnership continues the raceway's long-standing relationship with Save Mart Supermarkets, a Modesto-based grocery chain. Save Mart has been either title sponsor or co-title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Infineon Raceway since 1992. Save Mart Supermarkets' status as either title or co-title partner of the annual Cup event in Sonoma is one of the longest runs (22 years, including the five-year extension) in all of NASCAR Cup racing.(Infinfeon Raceway PR)(6-23-2008)
- Military Members to Participate in Pre-Event Ceremonies at Infineon: Four members of the United States military have been selected to participate in pre-event ceremonies at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, June 22. Each military member will escort a Sprint Cup driver around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course following driver introductions in a Toyota Tundra. Toyota has generously made this rare opportunity possible. The military members include Ryan Labar (Vacaville); Richard Russell II
(Chico); Gregory Bilbrey (Phoenix) and Ryan Foxworth (Red Springs, NC). Labar has earned an Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his efforts in the Middle East. Foxworth's awards include a Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Humanitarian Service Medal.(Infineon Raceway)(6-20-2008)
- National Anthem singer at Infineon: Actress/singer Nikki Blonsky, best known for her Golden Globe-nominated role in Hairspray, a 2007 big-screen adaptation of the highly-popular stage musical, will perform the national anthem at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 22.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-19-2008)
- Raceway Continues Bustling Recycling Program: Infineon Raceway has long been motivated to do its part to help the environment and maintain its beautiful landscape, even if it means bringing in nearly 3,000 sheep to help do the job. Infineon Raceway has recycled more than 56 tons of materials (112,956 pounds) since the inception of its comprehensive program in 2004. The tonnage is the equivalent of 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars. The efforts will continue at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 20-22, as well as all other major events during the 2008 motor-racing season. Infineon Raceway is the only major motor-racing facility in the country with such a comprehensive recycling program. George Mutter, owner of Environmental Event Management Group, based in San Diego, has managed the program at Infineon Raceway since its inception and has 26 years of experience in the recycling business. The facility has taken its efforts to a new level in 2008 as nearly 3,000 sheep have been brought on property to help maintain the grasses and fire lanes around the facility. Provided by a company called Rocky Mountain Wooly Weeders in Colorado, the sheep live on the property full-time and are tended by two shepherds. The sheep naturally mow and fertilize at the same time, helping Infineon Raceway maintain its beautiful landscape in an efficient and earth-friendly way. 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)(6-18-2008)
- Clapp to be Inducted Into Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame: Ken Clapp was present at then-Sears Point Raceway when the first shovel was put into the ground in August of 1967, but he had no idea that more than 40 years later, the facility would evolve into one of the premier motor sports and entertainment venues in the country. Clapp was instrumental in the creation of Sears Point Raceway, and he was also one of the principals that helped bring the then-NASCAR Winston Cup Series to the Sonoma Valley in 1989. It seems only fitting that Clapp, who resides in Danville in the East Bay, be inducted into the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame. That honor will come on Friday, June 20, of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway. It is perfect timing as the raceway celebrates its 40th anniversary season in 2008, as
well as the 20th anniversary of Cup racing in Sonoma. Sears Point Raceway held its first event in 1968, a Sports Car Club of America Enduro, but Clapp was responsible for bringing the first big-time event to the Sonoma Valley in 1970 with the USAC IndyCar 150. Clapp also helped bring the NASCAR West Series to Sears Point Raceway with a pair of events in 1969, as well as a huge Funny Car drag meet featuring 27 floppers from all over the United States. Clapp has also had several positions within NASCAR, most notably Vice President of Western Operations for nearly 20 years, followed by Vice President of Marketing and Development, until his retirement in 1999, at which time he became a senior consultant - a responsibility he enjoys to this day. He worked with NASCAR colleague Les Richter to bring the Cup Series to Sonoma in 1989. Clapp officially retired from NASCAR in 1999 but still serves in a consultant role on various projects, and he also keeps close ties to Infineon Raceway. In all, the Oakland native has devoted his lifetime to motor sports.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-4-2008)
- Infineon Raceway Recycles Nearly 16 Tons During 2007 Season: Infineon Raceway continued its bustling recycling program in 2007, collecting nearly 16 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 56 tons of materials (112,956 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 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars. Infineon Raceway is the only major motor-racing facility in the country with such a comprehensive recycling program. Materials were collected at the raceway's major events in 2007, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, IndyCar(r) Series and the AMA Superbike Series. In all, the total collected was 31,604 pounds:
* 17,450 pounds of glass (32,981 glass bottles)
* 11,955 pounds of plastic bottles (160,668 plastic bottles)
* 2,199 pounds of aluminum cans (64,431 cans)
* Total: 31,604 pounds (258,080 beverage containers)
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)(2-6-2008)
- Infineon donates $524K to youth groups: The Infineon Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will distribute $524,050 to 67 qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County for the 2007 season. This marks the third 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 $2.6 million since 2002 to Sonoma County youth groups. The chapter's Board of Trustees recently approved the distribution of funds at its annual meeting. Speedway Children's Charities is the charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which owns and operates Infineon Raceway. The monies awarded in 2007 were generated through a combination of Infineon Raceway events, including the Raceway Builders Grand Marshal's Banquet and the Race & Rock Charity Auction, which
combined to raise more than $148,000. Both were held during the raceway's Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend in June. The 3rd annual Classic Sports Racing Group's (CSRG) Charity Challenge also generated an additional $66,000.(Infineon Raceway PR)(11-27-2007)
- Bay Area Military Members to Participate in Pre-Event Ceremonies at Toyota/Save Mart 350: Four members of the United States military, all from Northern California, have been selected to serve as drivers during pre-event ceremonies at Infineon Raceway for the
Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 24. Each military member will escort a Nextel Cup driver around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course following driver introductions in a Toyota Tundra. Toyota has generously made this rare opportunity possible. The military members include Windsor's Larry Graham (National Guard); Santa Rosa's Paula Rouse (Army); Vacaville's Dennis Ayala (Army); and Santa Rosa's Karl Kaylor (National Guard). Kaylor is a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge for his efforts in Middle East.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-21-2007)
- NFL Legend Jerry Rice Named Grand Marshal at Infineon Raceway: Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Nextel Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 22-24. Rice, best known as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, will be honored throughout the weekend, most notably at the Raceway Builder's Grand Marshal's Banquet on Friday night, June 22, at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. All proceeds from the banquet benefit Speedway Children's
Charities. In addition to being honored at Friday's banquet, Rice's Grand Marshal duties will also include attending the Nextel Cup drivers'
meeting on Sunday morning and joining the Northern California Toyota Dealers in giving the start command, "Gentleman, start your engines," prior to the start of the Toyota/Save Mart 350. This will mark the first-ever Nextel Cup race that Rice
has attended. "I understand it's a pretty big adrenaline rush watching these stock cars race around the track, and it should be even more exciting on the Infineon Raceway road course," Rice said. "It's going to be a great weekend." To reserve a table at the Raceway Builder's Grand Marshal's Banquet during NASCAR weekend, call 707-933-3950.(Infineon Raceway PR)
ALSO Jerry Rice was treated to four laps around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in the Sonoma Valley in the passenger seat of a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stock car, supplied by the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Rice was in the passenger seat of the Burger King Toyota, with driver Shane MacMillan as his tour guide. The two reached speeds in excess of 100 mph over the twists and turns of Infineon Raceway. The stock car featured 700-horsepower. "I had no idea it was going to be that fast," said Rice, who will be attending his first NASCAR race this weekend. "My heart was pumping big-time. To feel the sheer power of these cars was just amazing, and it takes a pretty special athlete to go 110 laps around this place. I have so much respect for these NASCAR drivers and what they do."(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-20-2007)
- With Gas Prices Soaring, Leave Driving to Infineon Raceway: With gas prices soaring to extremely high levels, Infineon Raceway is offering an alternative for race fans at this year's Toyota/Save Mart 350 Nextel Cup Series race. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the raceway's Ride the Bus program, which will feature bus transportation from 19 cities across California and Nevada on race day, Sunday, June 24. Prices start at just $122 for the program and include:
* Transportation to/from the raceway.
* Premium reserved seat for Sunday, June 24.
* Commemorative souvenir race program.
Pick-up locations include: Bakersfield, Concord, Fairfield, Fresno (2 locations), Merced, Milpitas, Modesto (2 locations), Novato, Porterville, Red Bluff, Redding, Reno, Rohnert Park, Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Tracy, Turlock, Visalia and more.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-20-2007)
- Plenty of Pre-Race Activities Scheduled for Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma: The action won't be limited to the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Nextel Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, June 24. Whether it's a pre-race concert or a helicopter stunt show, there will plenty of things to keep race fans occupied:
Booker T. Jones Pre-Race Concert: Legendary performer Booker T. Jones will kick things off at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a 30-minute mini-concert in front of the main grandstand. Jones, who is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, will perform a 30-minute set.
Emmy Rossum Performs National Anthem: Actress-singer Emmy Rossum will perform the national anthem. Rossum is best known for her role as Christine in the screen version of "Phantom of the Opera." She has also appeared in a number of motion pictures and has performed with legendary figures Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.
Airshows America's Patriots Jet Team Air Show: The Patriots Jet Team Air Show will bring the sky to life with their show, which is performed in four 1983 L-39 Ex-Military Jets. The show will feature 20 minutes of choreographed maneuvers, including diamond formation loops and rolls.
Red Bull Helicopter Stunt Show: The Red Bull helicopter stunt show will be performed by Charles "Chuck" P. Aaron, the only pilot licensed in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform aerobatics in a helicopter. Among his stunts are loops, barrel rolls and back flips. He will pilot a BO-105 CBS helicopter.
Red Bull Skydivers: The Red Bull Sky Diving team will demonstrate free flying in the sky, 10,000 feet above Infineon Raceway. Free flying is either descending head-first or feet-first; this allows the jumpers to reach much higher speeds.
Military Fly-bys: Race fans will be treated to more than just one of the traditional military fly-bys prior to the start of the race. More than two different fly-bys are sure to delight fans as F-15 fighter jets, a Chinook helicopter, L39 Ex-military jets and more zoom overhead. The fly-bys will take place after the singing of the national anthem.
Tickets are $30-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE, info at 800-870-RACE or www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway PR)(6-19-2007)
