WHAT:
Wednesday Nights, smoking tires and fast cars can mean only one thing at Sonoma Raceway - the return of Wednesday Nights Drags and Sonoma Drift. The popular "Drags and Drift" program features drag racing on the quarter-mile drag strip, as well as drifting behind the main grandstand. Both events run simultaneously most Wednesday nights from March 16-Nov. 16. The full schedule and details are available at sonomaraceway.com/schedule.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DRAGS:
For nearly 30 years, the popular Wednesday Night Drags program has helped local drivers fulfill their need for speed. Wednesday Night Drags provides licensed drivers a safe, legal and controlled environment to race their cars on the quarter-mile drag strip.
"The first time I came out, a buddy and I went just see how fast our cars could go. The best thing is you're not going to get in trouble going over 100 mph in your car. In fact, they encourage it," said Novato's Bobby Grabrian. "Where else can you go play on a million-dollar playground for a few bucks? It's fun to come out, shut the computer down and just live a little."
Anyone with a driver license and a car that passes a simple tech inspection is invited to compete.
SONOMA DRIFT:
Sonoma Drift saw its most successful year to date in 2015, with record attendance and driver participation. Drifting is a driving competition held worldwide, which is judged on speed, angle, showmanship and line taken through a set course, rather than who finishes first.
"I had a friend who was already drifting and he got me to give drifting a chance. I ended up liking it," said Vallejo's Elijah Wright. "It's a perfect outlet to get on the track and off the street. I used to worry if someone would see me or if the cops would find out about me. Now, I just pay my $40 and don't have to worry about anything except possibly running out of tires."
Each Sonoma Drift event is limited to 40 competitors per week. Drivers can get more information and pre-register at www.sonomaraceway.com/racewayrace/drift/.
WORD UP WEDNESDAYS, presented by Fatlace
Four select Wednesdays throughout the summer will be branded Word Up Wednesdays, presented by Fatlace. Headquartered in San Mateo, Fatlace will have a presence at the track with its sponsored cars and display. The highlight of Word Up Wednesdays are the Red Baron Fun Competitions. The Fun Comps will highlight the more casual side of drifting, with competitions such as wall rides, table contests, backwards entries and more.
WHEN:
Most Wednesdays from March 16-Nov. 16
Wednesday Night Drags: Time runs, 4 p.m.; Eliminations start, 6:30 p.m.
Sonoma Drift: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
COST:
Wednesday Night Drags: $25 competitors ($15 with valid high school ID).
Sonoma Drift: $40 pre-register (www.sonomaraceway.com/sonomadrift). No on-site registration.
SPECTATORS:
Wednesday Night Drags and Sonoma Drift are great spectator events. Cost is just $10. Children 12-and-under are admitted FREE and parking is FREE.
MORE INFORMATION:
Visit www.sonomaraceway.com/youcanrace or call 800-870-RACE (7223).
