NHRA POWERade Drag Racing stars Ron Capps, Cory McClenathan and Gary Scelzi will battle for supremacy on Infineon Raceway’s lightning-quick kart track on Saturday, March 4, 2006, and 50 lucky race fans are invited to join them.
Infineon Raceway will host the 4th annual “NHRA Tour de Charity” on its 16-turn, three-quarter mile kart track on Saturday, March 4, 2006, from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Pacific). The first 50 fans who register will have a reserved seat in the action-packed day. Cost is $325 and includes a day of karting with the drivers, autographs, lunch and the chance to compete in a 10-lap timed race for a grand prize. All proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, which serves needy youth organizations in Sonoma County.
The event has raised more than $30,000 over the last three years, and organizers hope to generate $13,000 at this year’s Tour de Charity. Here’s the NHRA driver lineup for the day:
• Ron Capps (Brut Dodge Stratus Funny Car): 1997 NHRA Funny Car winner at Infineon Raceway and placed second in 2005 Funny Car points standings.
• Cory McClenathan (Carrier Boyz FRAM Boost Top Fuel Dragster): 1997 NHRA Top Fuel winner at Infineon Raceway.
• Gary Scelzi (Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus Funny Car): 2005 NHRA Funny Car POWERade Drag Racing Series champion and two-time Funny Car champion at Infineon Raceway (2003, 2005).
“I wish I could do this more than once a year,” said Scelzi, who has attended all three Tour de Charity events and is a three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion. “This is totally different than what you’re accustomed to in a Funny Car. This is a thinking man’s game and there is so much you have to pay attention to. Plus, it’s great hanging out with the fans. That’s the most enjoyable part.”
The Jim Russell Racing School, which operates the karting center, will provide the karts, race suits, classroom instruction and on-track pointers for all competitors. There will be giveaways during the day, and the top 10 qualifiers (race fans) will compete in a 10-lap timed race at the end of day for the “NHRA Experience.” This package includes: two tickets to the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts (July 28-30) and a meet-and-greet with a top star on the NHRA circuit.
“That was an excellent day. It was my first time and I loved it,” said Clayton Valley resident Rami Vij, who participated in 2005. “It’s a real adrenaline rush in these karts and the NHRA guys were great. They are the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.”
The NHRA drivers will also compete in a 10-lap timed race at the end of the day for “King of the Track” bragging rights. The winners the first three years of this highly-competitive race have been Capps (2003, 2005) and McClenathan (2004).
To reserve your seat in the NHRA Tour de Charity, please call 707-933-3950 or 800-870-RACE, or e-mail [email protected].