Catchfence

SONOMA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2010) – City Park in Vallejo is a little more “green” these days, thanks to both Infineon Raceway and NASCAR.

The city of Vallejo received a donation of 74 trees through “NASCAR Green Clean Air” — an initiative that neutralizes all the carbon produced by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.

A ceremonial planting of three Japanese maple trees was held on Thursday at Vallejo’s City Park and attended by Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis, officials from the City of Vallejo, the Greater Vallejo Recreation Department, the Beautification Commission, Vallejo City Council and Infineon Raceway.

“To Infineon Raceway and NASCAR, we appreciate your efforts here in our city,” Davis said. “I think all too often we don’t really understand the importance of trees. Many people think it’s just a planting of trees, but it’s a preservation of the environment as well. So it’s very important and significant.”

The NASCAR Green Clean Air tree planting initiative plants trees for every green flag waved during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.  There were eight green flags at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in June, so 74 trees are being planted at Vallejo City Park and throughout the city.

“NASCAR Green Clean Air genuinely responds to the voice of the devoted fans of the sport, who value conservation of the environment,” said Dr. Mike Lynch, Managing Director Green Innovation for NASCAR. “Today’s event showcased the best of NASCAR, as the City of Vallejo, Infineon Raceway and Buckeye Nursery worked together to neutralize the emissions from the Toyota/Save Mart 350. NASCAR is already looking forward to 2011 in partnership with Infineon Raceway.”

NASCAR purchased the trees from Buckeye Nursery, a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified business in Petaluma. This program dovetails with Infineon Raceway’s ongoing sustainability campaign, which includes a major solar installation, comprehensive recycling program, water conservation efforts and the use of sheep to maintain the grasses and fire lanes at the raceway.  Infineon Raceway is one of the most environmentally friendly motor-sports venues in the country.

“This is a terrific initiative from NASCAR and we’re delighted to participate,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway.  “We look forward to watching these trees grow and becoming part of the daily environment at Vallejo City Park.”

For more information about Infineon Raceway’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.infineonraceway.com/sustainability.

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release