There will be plenty for race fans to enjoy during race week and race weekend of the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, July 16-18. From pre-event parties to an ice cream social, there’s sure to be something for everyone. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 800-870-RACE.
AutoTrader.com Eric Medlen Nitro Night Dinner
Race fans are invited to honor the memory of NHRA driver Eric Medlen at the 4th annual AutoTrader.com Eric Medlen Nitro Night Dinner at the Stone Tree Golf Club in Novato. The dinner is always a sold-out affair, attended by many of Medlen’s friends and family from Oakdale, including his mother (Mimi) and father (John). The dinner will be held on Thursday, July 15, with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Featured drivers include Ashley Force and Jack Beckman, and cost is $125 per person. All proceeds benefit needy youth groups in Sonoma County through Speedway Children’s Charities. To secure your spot, call Denise Silver at 707-933-3950 or dsilver@infineonraceway.com.
Kenny & Brandon Bernstein at Copart Open House
NHRA drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein and his son, Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein, will be featured at an open-house event at Copart’s corporate headquarters in Fairfield on Wednesday, July 14, from noon-2 p.m. The event, which is free to the public, gives fans a chance to meet the drivers, and get an up-close look at the Copart Top Fuel dragster. This FREE event will also feature games, prizes and food for fans. Copart headquarters are located at 4665 Business Center Drive in Fairfield.
Eric Medlen Ice Cream Social
The raceway will honor the memory of NHRA driver Eric Medlen after final-round eliminations on Sunday, with the 4th annual Eric Medlen Ice Cream Social. Fans are invited onto the race surface for a free scoop of ice cream, compliments of Dreyer’s Ice Cream. Fans are also encouraged to donate to Speedway Children’s Charities.
Nostalgia Get-Together
Race fans will be treated to a bit of history at the first Infineon Raceway Nostalgia Get-Together. The Get-Together, which will be located behind the staging lanes and adjacent to Gate 1 all weekend, will feature more than 30 vintage hot rods, some dating as far back as the 1950s. It’s a great chance to take a stroll down memory lane with the “Flathead Jack” twin-engine flathead dragster, or the Vagabond 1962 AA/Fuel Dragster formerly driven by Gary Ormsby. The area will feature vintage front-engine Top Fuel dragsters, nostalgia Funny Car floppers, A/Fuel dragsters, Gassers and more. Plus, you’ll get to the owners of these historical machines, and get autographs. There’s also a special Legends Q&A planned for Saturday of race weekend.
Track Talk
Race fans are invited to the Wine Country Winner’s Circle for Q&A sessions with top NHRA drivers. Sessions will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Don Schumacher Racing Team Autograph Session
Fans can meet all of the drivers and riders from Don Schumacher Racing during an autograph session on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the team’s hospitality area. You’ll see many of the top stars, including Antron Brown, Ron Capps and Tony Schumacher.
Euro Bungy & Shooting Gallery
You can practice your aim at an awesome mobile shooting gallery or reach new heights with the Euro Bungy trampoline experience. These exciting new additions, located on the Tower side of the track, are sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike.
Infineon Raceway Girls
Be sure and say hello to the popular Infineon Raceway Girls! You’ll see them in the paddock at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals weekend, and don’t miss your chance to have your picture taken with them! Be sure to pick up an Infineon Raceway Girls poster at the Ticket Pit Stop.
Ticket Pit Stop
Be sure and stop by the Ticket Pit Stop, located behind the Main Grandstand in the paddock. You’ll get answers to all of your questions, plus news about upcoming events. It’s also the site of the Speedway Children’s Charities booth.
Sonoma Salutes Our Troops
Be sure to stop by the Sonoma Salutes Our Troops booth located inside the Turn 10 Vendor Midway to write a note or make a donation to help send supplies to our troops stationed overseas.