WHAT:
More than 500 drag racers from all across the western United States are expected at Infineon Raceway for the NHRA Division 7 Drags Races, Aug. 1-3. The race weekend, which is part of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is presented by Korbel.
WHEN:
Aug. 1-3. This marks the fifth of seven events for the Pacific Division in 2008. The Pacific Division encompasses the western United States (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Baja California, Mexico). Drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships.
WHERE:
Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com
TRACK:
Quarter-mile drag strip.
CATEGORIES:
Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are the premier divisions. Other race divisions include: Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Sportsman Motorcycle, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.
PURSE:
Competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $181,400, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.
NOTABLE:
Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars can reach speeds of 250 mph in less than six seconds. ... In 2007, Morgan Lucas, a regular on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, took his third Division 7 win at Infineon Raceway in five years ('03, '06-'07)... In the Top Alcohol Funny Car class, Von Smith (Tennessee) posted his first ever win at Infineon Raceway... Perennial contenders in Sonoma are Duane Shields (TAD), Mark Niver (TAD), Dennis Taylor (TAFC), Mark Woznichak (TAFC) and Steve Gasparrelli (TAFC). ... Gasparrelli is a two-time winner in TAFC in Sonoma (2001-2002).
LOCAL COMPETITORS:
Ron August Jr. (TAFC, Pleasanton); JD Zink (Comp Eliminator, Chico); Brian Moscini (Comp Eliminator, Redwood City); Steve Wann (Super Stock/Stock, Modesto); Ted Seipel (Super Stock, San Leandro); Rick Beckstrom (Super Comp, Novato); Justin Morgan (Super Comp, Concord).
2007 EVENT WINNERS:
Morgan Lucas, Top Alcohol Dragster; Von Smith, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Dean Carter, Comp Eliminator; Tim Smith, Super Stock; Bernie Cunningham, Stock Eliminator; Greg Boutte, Super Comp; Ken Heard, Super Gas; Ted Kellner, Super Street; Bill Wilson, Sportsman Motorcycle; Rich Takahashi, Top Sportsman; Rod Hartzell, Top Dragster.
SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES PACIFIC):
Friday, Aug. 1 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 3 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled at noon.
TICKET PRICES (includes pit pass):
General Admission: Friday: $5; Saturday and Sunday: $20 each day. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE and parking is FREE.
MORE INFORMATION/TICKETS:
For tickets or more information, call (800) 870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.
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