Local drag racers provided tire-melting action on Sonoma Raceway's drag strip during Wednesday Night Drags, November 4.

The Wednesday Night Drags program, which is in its 32nd consecutive year, gives drag racers the opportunity to 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, back-county roads or parking lots.

Racing is featured in seven classes. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. with racing spanning from 4-10 p.m. Eliminations begin at 7 p.m., allowing more track time for the racers. Anyone with a valid driver's license can participate, providing their vehicle or motorcycle passes a simple technical inspection. COVID-19 guidelines are in place including:

  • Face masks covering your mouth and nose must be worn at all times
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Maintain at least six feet of social distance from people not in your household. Security staff will be in place to monitor social distancing requirements throughout the property.
  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Spectators are not allowed to enter Sonoma Raceway.  
  • Each participant is limited to no more than two people per car/entry (driver plus one support person).  Drivers and their support person must enter the facility in the same car, with appropriate credentials, to ensure/enforce attendance limits. Support person pays a $10 entrance fee.
  • Drivers are recommended to stay in their cars when in staging lanes.

Wednesday night's class winners

Jackpot: Craig Ray Merrilees
Gear Jammer: Carlos Hillson
Motorcycle: Matt Rambo
Comp Rod: Harold Binsfeld
Sport Street: Doug McCay
Street: Michael Gervals
High School: Angelina Love

Winner photos are posted on the Sonoma Raceway Drag Racing Facebook page.

For more information about Wednesday Night Drags, visit SonomaRaceway.com or call 800-870-RACE (7223). For track weather conditions, please call 800-870-RACE ext. 209.