Infineon Raceway has been the site of numerous record-breaking runs over the past five years, and race fans can expect even more record-setting action at the 20th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, July 27-29.
The Sonoma Valley quarter-mile drag strip was completely renovated prior to the 2002 season, and the improved racing surface, along with the raceway’s proximity to sea level, have made it one of the quickest and fastest stops on the 23-race NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series circuit.
Last year’s event marked one of the quickest in Infineon Raceway history, as six of eight professional track records were broken. Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher eclipsed the previous track record with a 4.486-second pass, while David Grubnic reset the Top Fuel track speed record at 331.36 mph. This marked the fourth consecutive year that more than six track records were reset in the professional divisions.
An NHRA national record was also set last year in the Sonoma Valley when Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson covered the quarter-mile in just 6.631 seconds. Anderson went on to reset his own national record later in the year, but he still holds the Infineon Raceway elapsed time and speed records (207.82).
“Anytime you can run a national record you certainly have something to be proud of, ” said Anderson, a two-time champion at Infineon Raceway (2004-05). “The track is fantastic. The Pro Stock drivers love it. ”
History was also made in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, where four riders cracked the six-second barrier, including Antron Brown and Tom Bradford, who became the third and fourth riders (respectively) in drag racing history to post six-second runs. The event also featured one of the quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle fields in NHRA history.
Infineon Raceway has a long history of record-setting performances, and race fans can expect that tradition to continue as the track celebrates 20 years of NHRA drag racing in the Sonoma Valley. Action gets under way on Friday, July 27, with two sessions of professional qualifying, including one round of qualifying under the lights. The nighttime conditions and cooler air will set the stage for some of the quickest and fastest passes of the weekend. Qualifying will conclude on Saturday, July 28, with final eliminations set to begin at noon on Sunday, July 29.
| 
|