Charitable giving and high-speed racing will come together during this weekend's 16^th annual Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) Charity Challenge, as the vintage racing organization races to raise $1 million for Speedway Children's Charities (SCC), Oct. 5-6. Since 2004, this event has generated more than $960,000 for the Sonoma chapter of SCC.

Charity Track Rides take center stage in CSRG's fundraising efforts during the Charity Challenge. Fans can pick their dream ride from a variety of vintage race cars, including Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Morgan, Porsche, Lotus, Corvette, BMW and Mini Cooper, among others. The experience includes three thrilling laps around Sonoma Raceway's road course on Saturday and Sunday. Rides start at just $75 (a tax-deductible donation) and go up for bid at 9 a.m. each day. The rides sell out quickly, so arrive at the track early to reserve your spot.

"If you want the super-sized, mind blowing rush of a lifetime, and have it be a feel good moment as well, look no further than the 16^th annual CSRG Charity Challenge," said CSRG President Locke de Bretteville.  "At midday on both days, attendees can purchase a three-lap ride in one of the vintage race cars in return for a donation to the Sonoma Chapter of the Speedway Children's Charities, and we hope to surpass the miracle $1 million mark."

Charity ride participants must be at least 16 years old and wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants and closed-toe shoes to ride. The rides are slated to begin at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday and 12:50 p.m. on Sunday.

More than 260 vintage race cars will hit the track throughout the weekend on the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course. The event will feature vintage Formula cars, Prototype and Production sports cars and IMSA cars spanning from the 1930s through the 1980s.

Veteran racer John Morton, famous for driving Trans-Am, Can-Am, IMSA GTP, F5000 and many other race car types, will serve as Grand Marshal of the Charity Challenge, and will race in the season finale of the Morton Trophy, a series created for small sedans from the 1960s and 1970s.

The weekend will be highlighted by three feature groups, including the Crossflow Cup that celebrates 51 years of Formula Ford; The USRRC G4 Series that pays homage to the USRRC Series from the '60s, the forerunner of the Can-Am, and the John Morton Cup.

Race fans, spectators and participants can also support SCC by purchasing raffle tickets throughout the weekend. Unique items and experiences will up for grabs including an open cockpit biplane ride for two, a Sonoma Raceway 50th anniversary gift set, a Childress Vineyards wine gift basket, dinner for two at the Melting Pot, a VIP tour and wine tasting for four at Cline Cellars, and a private tour, wine tasting and gourmet boxed lunch for four at Korbel Champagne Cellars. Raffle tickets and items are located at the charity booth inside the garages in the main paddock.

Guests can also stroll the paddock to get up-close to the historic cars and chat with drivers moments before they take to the track for high-speed racing. The Charity Challenge is a great family event. Children 12 years and younger, students of all ages as well as military and veterans are admitted free with appropriate identification and parking is free. Admission covers entry to all spectator areas, as well as paddock access and parking. Tickets at the gate are $25 each day or $40 for a weekend pass. Discounted advance pricing (through Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.) is available by calling the raceway at 800-870-RACE (7223) or visiting SonomaRaceway.com.

The beneficiary of race weekend, the Sonoma chapter of SCC, is the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway and is dedicated to raising money for Sonoma County youth organizations. SCC has distributed more than $6.4 million since 2001. For more information on the Classic Sports Racing Group Charity Challenge, visit www.charityracing.org.