SONOMA, Calif. (May 3, 2017) — Sonoma Raceway is committed to honoring first responders and members of the United States military throughout the 2017 motor-racing season as part of its Heroes in our Community program, and race fans can now become part of the initiative through the Hometown Heroes contest.
Race fans can submit the nomination for their hero at www.SonomaRaceway.com/military. The submission will include reasons the hero should be selected, as well as a picture of the person in action. A winning hero will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event (June 25), the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July 30) and the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma (Sept. 17).
The first stage of the contest will run through June 9 and the winner of the Hometown Hero contest and a guest will receive a VIP experience at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 25. The hero will also attend the NASCAR Drivers' Meeting and be recognized as the Hometown Hero to the crowd during the Pre-Race Show powered by Friedman's Home Improvement, moments before the green flag drops. The contests close on Friday, June 9 (NASCAR), Friday, July 14 (NHRA) and Friday, Sept. 1 (INDYCAR), so be sure to visit www.SonomaRaceway.com/military to submit your nomination.
The Hometown Hero contest is one of several ways the military will be recognized throughout Sonoma Raceway's major-event season. The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 will feature the third Military Career Day on Friday, June 23, through a partnership with PG&E and Sentinels of Freedom. This year's event will include a panel presentation focusing on veterans with disabilities thriving in new careers and a Q&A with NASCAR driver and active U.S. Navy Lt. Jesse Iwuji.
In addition, Saturday's K&N NASCAR West Series national anthem will be performed by Senior Airman Michelle Doolittle and the Honor Guard presented by Travis Air Force Base. Sunday's military involvement includes a 25-minute air show by the Patriots Jet Team, which features pilots who were formerly part of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Finally, large American flags will be unfurled from the sky as well as in front of the main grandstand as the national anthem is sung and will be followed by an incredible flyover of two F-15s just minutes before Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes his final laps in Sonoma.
In addition, members of the military receive discounts on tickets for all Sonoma Raceway major events. For more information on tickets for upcoming events, visit www.SonomaRaceway.com or call 800-870-RACE (7223).
