Thu, 6 Mar 2003, 07:51 PM Charity Event Gives Fans Chance to Race Against Top NHRA Drivers on Infineon Raceway's

Courtesy of John Cardinale

SONOMA, Calif. -- Kart Track Fifty lucky race fans will get the rare opportunity to test their skills on the track with some of the top drivers on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series circuit, and at the same time, help raise funds for a charitable cause.

Infineon Raceway will host its first "NHRA Tour de Charity" on its 16-turn, three-quarter mile kart track on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The first 50 lucky fans who register will have a reserved seat in the action-packed day. Cost is $250 and includes a day of karting with four of the NHRA's top stars, autographs, lunch, a T-shirt and the chance to compete in a 10-lap feature race for a grand prize. All proceeds benefit Speedway Children's Charities.

Drivers confirmed for the "NHRA Tour de Charity" include:
Gary Scelzi, three-time Top Fuel national champion and current driver of the Oakley Dodge Stratus
Funny Car.
Ron Capps, 1997 winner at Infineon Raceway and current driver of the Skoal Green Racing Camaro
Funny Car.
Cruz Pedregon, 1992 Funny Car national champion and current driver of the Advance Auto Parts
Pontiac Funny Car.
David Baca, Brentwood resident and current driver of the Henkleman/Baca Top Fuel dragster.

"I'm used to going 300 mph with these guys in the lane next to me on the drag strip every weekend, but 10 laps in identical karts is going to be hair-raising to say the least," Capps said.

The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, which operates the karting center, will provide the karts, race suits, classroom instruction and on-track pointers for all competitors. Everyone will compete in 100cc sprint karts capable of top speeds of 70 mph.

There will be giveaways during the day, and the top 10 qualifiers (race fans) will compete in a 10-lap feature race at the end of day for the "NHRA Experience." This package includes: Infineon Raceway jacket, framed picture of your favorite NHRA driver, meet-and-greet with the NHRA's top stars at the FRAM Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway (Aug. 1-3) and the rare chance to stand on the starting line for one pass at the FRAM Autolite Nationals.

The NHRA drivers will also compete in a 10-lap feature race at the end of the day for "King of the Track" bragging rights. To reserve your seat in the NHRA Tour de Charity, please call 800-870-RACE.

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