Young fan takes advantage of drag racing’s unparalleled access at the autograph session
SONOMA, Calif. (July 24, 2019) – NHRA drag racing at Sonoma Raceway offers fans unparalleled access to the sport’s biggest and fastest stars during this weekend’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event. Fans will also enjoy a few/some enhanced fan amenities throughout the facility.
NHRA drag racing has always been a fan-friendly sport, as every event ticket includes access to pit areas where crews work on the race cars, and racers greet fans and sign autographs. In addition, the NHRA and raceway have worked together to create event opportunities for fans to get up close to their favorite drivers.
Friday, July 26
Mello Yello Walking Tour, 1:15 p.m.
Enjoy a guided Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits; starts at the Mello Yello display in the main paddock.
Pro Stock Motorcycle School, 1:30 p.m.
Learn the ABCs of racing a Pro Stock Motorcycle at the Mickey Thompson display.
Pro Stock Motorcycle Autograph Session, 1:45 p.m.
Grab an autograph from Pro Stock Motorcycle riders at the Mickey Thompson display.
Toyota Autograph Session, 2-2:30 p.m.
Autograph session featuring Toyota Top Fuel drivers Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown and Richie Crampton, as well as Funny Car drivers JR Todd and Shawn Langdon.
Track Talks at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The stars of NHRA answer your questions in Sunoco Victory Lane on Friday at 2 p.m. with Pro Stock driver and defending Sonoma winner Jeg Coughlin Jr., Eddie Krawiec, Jasmine Salinas and Angelle Sampey; and at 3 p.m.; with Jack Beckman, Tommy Johnson Jr. and Bob Tasca. Each session will be hosted by legendary announcer Bob Frey.
Saturday, July 27
Mello Yello Walking Tour, 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits; starts at the Mello Yello display in the main paddock.
Kids-Only Autograph Session with Team Kalitta, 10:30 a.m.
Kids 12 and under can get autographs from Team Kalitta drivers Richie Crampton, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and JR Todd from 10:30-11:15 a.m. in Sunoco Victory Lane.
Mickey Thompson Pro Bike Battle Autograph Session, 10:45 a.m.
Fans are also invited to the Pro Bike Battle autograph session including former world champions Eddie Krawiec, Matt Smith, Andrew Hines, Angelle Sampey and Hector Arana Sr. at the Mickey Thompson display.
Nitro School with Alan Reinhart and Del Worsham, 11:15 a.m.
Head to the NHRA Midway Display and keep your nitro knowledge up to speed.
Toyota Autograph Session, 11:45 a.m.
Get an autograph from your favorite Toyota drivers at the Toyota display.
Mello Yello Autograph Session, Noon
Meet the full line-up of NHRA drag racers at the Mello Yello display.
Sunday, July 28
Mello Yello Walking Tour, 9 a.m.
Enjoy a guided Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits; starts at the Mello Yello display.
Starting Line Party, 9:45-11 a.m.
Fans enjoy the track walk
Enjoy the ultimate on-track access during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday morning by taking part in the Starting Line Party and SealMaster Track Walk. Plus, attend a special pre-race Q&A hosted by Bob Frey and get stage-front access to the weekend’s top qualifiers. These ceremonies will kick off final eliminations, which begin at 11 a.m.
NEW FOR 2019
50th Anniversary Celebrations
There will be plenty to celebrate this weekend as Sonoma Raceway honors its 50th anniversary at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. From a vintage race car display at the Nostalgia Get-Together and Blast on the Grass Car Show to the raceway’s 50th anniversary book sales.
Get to “The Point”
Fans at The Point (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Sonoma Raceway has created a new fan viewing area called “The Point,” which is the closest spot to watch racers cross the finish line and features 600 feet of brand-new stand up bars, 1,728 square feet of shade under a new redwood pergola, beverages, games and plenty of racing action.
Fresh, Fast Food Offerings
Race fans can enjoy fresh new flavors as Benicia-based Loubier Gourmet, the Official BBQ Sauce and Rubs of Sonoma Raceway, will sample a selection of award-winning line of products at their booth in the main paddock as well as on a variety of barbeque for sale at concessions including beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken.
High-Powered Gourmet Coffee
Joining NHRA weekend for the first time, Devil Mountain Coffee Company, the Official Coffee of Sonoma Raceway, will sample its high-octane coffee at a booth in the main paddock and sell a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks from their location under the Main Grandstand.
Stay Cool with Portacool
Race fans can take a break and cool off at one of six Portacool Cooling Stations located at: the Raceway Café, The Point, north end of the Main Grandstand, adjacent to the Tower Grandstand, Thunder Alley and at the Ticket Pit Stop. Portacool evaporative coolers provide relief from the high temperatures through the natural process of evaporation without the messy mist.
Sonoma Raceway continues to put fans first, and this year will offer more driver access and more flavor than ever before to wine country’s only 11,000 horsepower weekend. For tickets or more information, call 800-870-RACE or visit SonomaRaceway.com.
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