Infineon Raceway

About the Venue

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Infineon Raceway is a 2.52-mile road-racing course constructed on 720 acres of land in Northern California’s famous wine country. Built in 1968, the raceway was originally called Sears Point Raceway. From the fender-rubbing action of NASCAR Nextel Cup and ground pounding thunder of NHRA Drag Racing to the SCCA road races and AFM motorcycle events, Infineon Raceway has been the home to many great racing moments.

Infineon Raceway has gone through many years of renovation projects in its history. In 1998, the creation of "The Chute," an 890-foot high-speed stretch that is used for all NASCAR events was an exciting venture. But 2001 saw the greatest renovation projects with the completion of a 64,000-seat hillside terrace in Turns 2-4, 40 permanent garages and increased run-off on the road course, among others.

The Raceway is arguably the world's busiest racing facility, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. It is one of the nation's only high-performance automotive industrial parks.

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City Guide

Sonoma

A day at Infineon Raceway is different from a day at Bristol or Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  At Infineon the wine and cheese crowd rubs elbows with the blue-collar crowd.  The result is tailgating that might expand your palate, but is still all racing.

Infineon is, arguably, the busiest track in America. On average the track is used something like 340 days a year.  On race days, parking is free in the general lots, but there is no overnight parking.

For the overnighters, there are several campgrounds at the track. Prices vary based on what race you’re here to see, but the most expensive race is, of course, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend.  For that race, campground rates are $218 in the 50 Acres Campground (reserved) and the Cougar Mountain Campground (general admission).  The Trackside RV Terraces run $930-$1,585, and the Carousel Campground costs $1,040-$1,585.  The latter two are reserved and include four weekend passes.

If you’d rather just take the bus to the track, you can.  For $130 you get a ticket to the race and the bus ride from pickup points in Solano, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Marin.  If you already have a race ticket, the bus ride is $35.  Call (800) 870-RACE for more information and to reserve a spot.

What to Do

DURING THE DAY

Napa Valley Wine Train:  Ride a train through the wine country while you enjoy the scenery and gourmet meals.  All meals are, of course, paired with wines from the area you’re touring.  Lunch, dinner and Murder Mystery tours are available.  Railcars range from “glass-topped” to traditional Pullmans ($$$, 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, trains board at depot at Soscol Ave. and First St., (800) 427-4124, www.winetrain.com)

Benziger Family Winery:  This Sonoma Mountain estate ranch forms a bowl in the landscape that produces beautiful views and the Benziger wines.  Tours here include a tram ride through the vineyards and a tour of the facility.  The tasting room – which has been recognized by Best of Napa and Sonoma Valley as the area’s “Best Tasting Room” – is open everyday except holidays.  Seating is limited on the tours, so call ahead to make a reservation. ($, 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, (888) 490-2739, www.benziger.com)

Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center: Legendary cartoonist Charles Schulz’s creations are featured at this interpretive museum.  But this isn’t just about seeing Charlie Brown; exhibits examine the evolution of the comics and their societal messages.  You can also stroll through the Snoopy Labyrinth. ($, 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa, (707)579-4452, www.schulzmuseum.com)

Napa valley Balloons: Tour the wine country from above, gently floating about the hills and vineyards in a hot-air balloon.  Flights include a picnic before take-off and champagne upon landing. ($$$, 6525 Washington St. (call for directions to board balloons), Yountville, (800) 253-2224, www.napavalleyballoons.com)

SHOPPING

Sonoma Plaza:  Sonoma’s downtown square is a National Historic Landmark – in 1846, settlers raised the flag of the Republic of California for the first time here – and is a part of Sonoma State Historic Park.  There are plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries, historic buildings, and more.  (www.sonomavalleyvisitors.com/html/Sonoma_plaza.php)

The content for this city is an excerpt from The Ultimate Tailgater's Travel Guide.  For more information on The Ultimate Tailgater's Travel Guide or to buy the book visit www.theultimatetailgater.com.