SONOMA, Calif. (June 6, 2017) - Sonoma Raceway has teamed up with Friedman's Home Improvement to kick-off Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race day in style on Sunday, June 25.
Race day entertainment kicks off at 10 a.m., so fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the complete race-day experience. Fans looking for premium access will want to purchase the Total Access Pass, which includes access to the NASCAR Drivers' Meeting, Pre-Race Pass, a reserved seat and FanVision controller rental.
Friedman's' Home Improvement will also give one lucky fan the chance to be introduced on stage with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series stars during pre-race ceremonies. Race fans can enter at participating Friedman's Home Improvement stores through June 14 for the chance to win grandstand tickets, Pre-Race Passes Track Passes and this center-stage experience.
Here is what fans can expect during this year's pre-race show, all powered by Friedman's Home Improvement:
Aerial Stunt Performance by Brad Wursten
Utah's Brad Wursten is an extremely accomplished pilot with over 1,500 hours of flying time in various aircraft. Wursten will take to the sky in one of the most highly-sophisticated airplanes in the world, the MXS-R, made by MX Aircraft. This plane features a complete carbon fiber airframe that weighs an impressive 1,100 lbs. The Lycoming engine has 385 HP and can reach a top speed of over 300 MPH, a roll rate at 420 degrees per second, and "G" loading at +/- 15 Gs.
"Party with Petty" Birthday Celebration and Q&A
We'll kick off this year's festivities with a chance to "Party with Petty," as we celebrate the 80th birthday of "The King" Richard Petty with a race-day Q&A on the pre-race stage and chorus of "Happy Birthday."
Patriots Jet Team Air Show
The Patriots Jet Team will electrify race fans with a 25-minute air show just one-hour before the green flag drops! The demonstration will feature six-L-39 albatross jets strutting their fast-paced formation flying, choreographed six-jet diamond-formation aerobatic maneuvers and their signature "Tail Slide," where the aircraft actually slides backwards toward the ground.
Music by Toree McGee
Blessed with a rafter-reaching soprano range and a voice that emanates grit and fire, Toree McGee describes her music as a blend of "Woodstock rock 'n' roll, and sparkly country." The northern California native will delight fans with her powerful rendition of God Bless America.
Driver Introductions
The field of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will walk the "cat walk" before taking their pre-race parade lap. Be sure you've purchased your Total Access Pass to get an up-close look at driver introductions.
Save Mart Giant Shopping Cart
Save Mart Supermarkets will take its giant 12-foot shopping cart for a lap around the road course.
National Anthem performed by Natalie Gallo
Broadway star Natalie Gallo will salute our county by performing the national anthem before the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Gallo, who has performed on both Broadway in both Mamma Mia and Jersey Boys, will appear in concert in Transcendence Theatre Company's Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Park, which runs through Sept. 10.
Team Fastrax
As part of opening ceremonies, Team Fastrax America's Skydiving Team will perform their signature 2,000 sq. foot American Flag jump during the singing of "God Bless America."
Anthem Flyover Provided by Oregon Air National
The Oregon Air National Guard celebrates its 75th birthday this year with two jets that will soar through the sky immediately following the national anthem. Portland Air National Guard (PANG) Base is the North American Aerospace Defense Command's principal Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) location in the Pacific Northwest. From PANG Base, the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing provides 24/7 ACA Alert for the greater Pacific Northwest, from northern California up to British Columbia.
Drivers, Start Your Engines!
Toyota/Save Mart 350 Grand Marshal Cristela Alonzo will join special guests from Toyota to give the most famous words in motorsports, "Drivers, start your engines!"
Tickets, parking and transportation are all still available for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 weekend, June 23-25. For more information, call 800-870-7223, visit www.sonomaraceway.com.
