More than 200 Northern California drag racers competed on Sonoma Raceway's drag strip, May 16, during Wednesday Night Drags.
The Wednesday Night Drags program, which is in its 30th year, gives drag racers the opportunity to drag race on Sonoma Raceway's world-famous quarter-mile drag strip. The objective of the program is to give people, from teenagers to working professionals, a safe, legal and controlled environment in which to race their vehicles, as opposed to using city streets or back-county roads.
Racing is featured in six classes. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. with racing spanning from 4-10 p.m. Eliminations start at 7 p.m. allowing more track time for the racers. Anyone with a driver's license can compete, providing their vehicle or motorcycle passes a simple technical inspection.
Wednesday's class winners included Vacaville's Jonathan Pinten (Jackpot); Calpella’s Ralph Gomez (Gear Jammer); Novato’s Doug Love (Motorcycle); San Carlos’ John Peet (Comp Rod); Rohnert Park’s Spencer Marcil (Street) and Richmond’s Jordan Martinez (High School). Deputy Jack Neely from Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office left victorious in his last ever Top the Cops race. Deputy Neely retired from law enforcement after 27 years of service and three years in the Top the Cops program. Winner circle photos are posted on the Sonoma Raceway Drag Racing Facebook page. Click HERE for race results.
Wednesday Night Drags will resume next Wednesday, May 23. High school students interested in drag racing local law enforcement officers, visit http://www.sonomaraceway.com/track/wednesday_night_drags/. For more information about Wednesday Night Drags, visit www.sonomaraceway.com/track/you-can-race/ or call 800-870-RACE (7223). For track weather conditions, please call 800-870-RACE ext. 209.