Catchfence

SONOMA, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2009) — Infineon Raceway hit the jackpot on Thursday as more than 120 people donated blood at the raceway’s 9th annual High Speed Blood Drive.

Infineon Raceway partnered with the NASCAR Foundation, the American Red Cross and the Blood Bank of the Redwoods on the blood drive, which generated 126 pints of blood. Each pint can be used to save as many as three lives.

“This is always one of our biggest single-day drives and we look forward to it every year,” said Sara O’Brien, communications manager for the American Red Cross, Northern California Blood Services Region. “We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.”

Since 2001, Infineon Raceway’s High-Speed Blood Drive has generated nearly 750 pints of blood for the American Red Cross and area blood banks. In all, more than 200 people came out for the fun-filled day, which also featured American Red Cross mascot Buddy the Blood Drop.

“I think giving back to the community is what makes race fans great,” said Gary Darville, from Fairfield. “I think motor-sports fans and drivers are the best at giving back. Nothing makes you feel better than helping out a cause like this. I’m glad I was able to donate the blood.”

There was an extra treat for all donors on Thursday: a high-speed lap around the legendary 12-turn road course in a race-modified Toyota Camry by a professional instructor from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. Fans also received goodie bags from 3M.

“I came out here not knowing what to expect with the hot lap, but I knew it would be good because it was at Infineon Raceway,” said Robert Adler, from San Francisco. “When (the driver) started up the car and got on the track, he was flying. It definitely got my heart pumping. It was a great time.”

The High-Speed Blood Drive in Sonoma was part of the 4th annual NASCAR Foundation Blood Drive, presented by Nationwide Insurance, with drives scheduled at 30 tracks around the country.

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release