Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2010) –

These are incredibly difficult times, making this year’s drive extremely important — all of the non-perishable food items collected will be given to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) in Sonoma and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

The annual food drive has generated more than 15,000 pounds of food since its inception in 2001, including 5,500 pounds in 2009.

“We feed 250 families every month, and with costs going up it makes it difficult,” said Leona Shipley, FISH central manager and food room volunteer. “So far we’ve been able to do it with the help of the people in the valley, including Infineon Raceway, and with the holidays coming, we want to be able to give as much as we always have.”

Those who would like to donate to the food drive can drop off non-perishable food items to the following locations:

• Destination RKA, 930 Shiloh Rd, Bldg 41-C, Windsor, (707) 836-7659. www.rka-luggage.com.
• Santa Rosa BMW Triumph Motorcycles, 800 American Way, Windsor, CA 95492, www.santarosabmw.com, (707) 838-9100.
• Infineon Raceway Front Office, 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476. 800-870-RACE or www.infineonraceway.com.
• Food items can also mailed to: Jennifer Imbimbo, Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

“In this time of need, community-minded businesses such as Infineon Raceway are stepping forward to help fill the cupboards of our hungry neighbors and I would like to express our gratitude for their assistance,” says Larry Sly, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

FISH has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970. For more information, call (707) 996-0111. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has been serving the community for 35 years providing food to more than 132,000 hungry people in need every month directly at community sites and through a network of 180 charitable agencies. For more information, visit www.foodbankccs.org

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

IZOD IndyCar® Series

1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 01:16.5282 (108.337)

2. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 01:16.5652 (108.284)

3. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 01:16.9437 (107.752)

4. (77) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.2068 (107.384)

5. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.2109 (107.379)

6. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.3470 (107.190)

7. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 01:16.9447 (107.750)

8. (37) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.1317 (107.489)

9. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.3181 (107.230)

10. (2) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.3710 (107.156)

11. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.7429 (106.644)

12. (4) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.8280 (106.527)

13. (34) Bertrand Baguette, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.5239 (106.945)

14. (06) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.5187 (106.952)

15. (8) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.6825 (106.727)

16. (02) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.5284 (106.939)

17. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.7112 (106.687)

18. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.6216 (106.810)

19. (24) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.7659 (106.612)

20. (32) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.7533 (106.630)

21. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 01:17.9149 (106.408)

22. (19) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 01:18.0423 (106.235)

23. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 01:18.3995 (105.751)

24. (18) Milka Duno, Dallara-Honda, 01:22.2980 (100.741)

25. (36) Francesco Dracone, Dallara-Honda, 01:21.2262 (102.071)

- Indy Racing League, Press Release

2010 NSCS Carl Edwards - Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR

Carl Edwards – NSCS INFINEON ADVANCE

Team: No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Bob Osborne

Chassis: RK-656    This car ran at Watkins Glen in Aug. ’09 – finished 3^rd

Carl Edwards on racing at Infineon Raceway:

“Infineon is one of our best race tracks performance-wise, we’ve run really well there.  Last year I got a road course win in the Nationwide Series at Montreal, and a road course win on the Cup side is one of my career goals.  To me that would be very gratifying considering how terrible I was when I started road racing.  We finished third at Watkins Glen in our last road course race and hopefully we can have a good run in Sonoma.  I love racing there, and I love the area.  It’s a driver’s race track and I like it a lot.”

Crew chief Bob Osborne on racing at Infineon Raceway:

“Our road course program has come a long way since 2004. Carl is coming into his own as a driver and our ability to lead laps and get strong finishes is evidence of that. His win in the Nationwide race in Montreal last year is a credit to his road racing skills.  We are bringing RK-656 this weekend – it is the same car that finished third at Watkins Glen last year, so I feel confident that we’ll be competitive at Sonoma.”

FAST FACTS

• CARL EDWARDS enters Infineon 10^th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings, 313 markers behind point leader Kevin Harvick.  In 15 Cup Series starts in 2010, Edwards has accumulated one top-five and six top-10 finishes.
• FOR THE RECORD…Edwards will make his sixth Cup start at Infineon this weekend.  In his previous five starts, Edwards has two top-10 finishes and has led 14 laps.
• ON THE TRACK…The Aflac team will be bringing chassis RK-656 this weekend to Sonoma.  It raced at Watkins Glen last year where Edwards finished third.  The Aflac Ford will also feature characters from the new movie “Toy Story 3” on the hood.
• SO YOU KNOW…For the third week in a row, Edwards will run two races in two different places.  He will travel between Sonoma and Elkhart Lake, Wisc., to compete in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events. He will practice at Road America Thursday, practice & qualify at Infineon Friday, return to Road America for the race Saturday and then back to Sonoma Saturday evening.  The trip is 1,592.5 nautical miles each way for a total of 4,777.5 nautical miles traveled between tracks over the weekend.
• REWIND, INFINEON 2009… The No. 99 Aflac Ford struggled during the first part of the race, but with strategy and fuel conservation Edwards was able to stay in the top 15 the majority of the race. Racing went into overtime on the 1.99-mile road course and when the checkered flag flew on lap 113 Edwards had landed in the 13^th position.

- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

2010 Toyota/Save Mart 350

SONOMA, Calif. (June 14, 2010) –

Cathcart was selected as the winner of the raceway’s Hometown Hero contest; he served 24 years combined in the U.S. Marines, California National Guard and U.S. Army. He was nominated by his daughter, Cindy.

Cathcart earned several awards over his stellar career, including: two Purple Hearts; Bronze Star; a Commendation Medal; and the Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest medal that can be awarded). He served from 1942-1968 (he took two years off).

“I was a kid when World War II broke out and I guess I was patriotic,” said Cathcart, 85. “I quit in the middle of my senior year of high school and joined the Marines. I spent 37 months in the Pacific in World War II. … I enjoyed the service all those years. I didn’t enjoy the fighting but I enjoyed the service. I guess you could say I grew up in the service.”

As it turns out, this is the perfect honor for Cathcart, whose son-in-law, Rick Bray, is a team member for Joe Gibbs Racing and works on Denny Hamlin’s race team.

“We follow NASCAR pretty close,” Cathcart said. “I just love the racing and the competition and it makes it even better that Rick is in the sport. He’s married to my daughter Cindy.

“This is quite a surprise and obviously a very great honor for me, especially to have my daughter Cindy nominate me. It’s very special and I’m looking forward to coming out to the races.”

Cathcart will be honored during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, June 20, as the raceway continues its season-long “Sonoma Salutes Our Troops” campaign.

The race weekend will feature a variety of other military-themed elements, including fly-bys provided by the Air National Guard and Coast Guard, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue Parachute Team, plus an Army cannon national salute during pre-race ceremonies.

Some of the season-long elements of the Sonoma Salutes Our Troops program include:

• Increased discounts for active-duty and reserve military members, as well as veterans, at all major events
• Tickets for Troops program, where fans can purchase tickets to the Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma that will be distributed to members of the military and their families as part of our Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 22.
• Partnership with Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms (serving Solano, Napa and Yolo counties) to coordinate shipments of cards, other items, to troops serving overseas.
• Enhanced military participation in pre-event ceremonies at all major events.
• A Sonoma Salutes Our Troops dedicated page on infineonraceway.com/military.

Infineon Raceway is also taking the opportunity to promote a very important program, Troops to College. Troops to College was created by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to attract more veterans to California’s public universities and colleges by making campuses more veteran friendly.  For more information on the Troops to College program, visit www.troopstocollege.ca.gov.

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)

2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)

2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

One Small Business Will Win A $1,000 Office Depot Gift Card Every Day During Sweepstakes Entry Period

No. 14 Office Depot Chevy Special TV Panel (sideview) - Photo Credit: Action Sports Photography

Office Depot® (NYSE: ODP), the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR, is teaming up with 3M®, also an Official NASCAR Partner, and NASCAR® stars Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, and Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford, to put a competitive new twist on its sixth annual “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes.

This year, two small business owners will be randomly selected as finalists in the sweepstakes, with Stewart and Biffle going head-to-head on the race track to determine their fate during the nationally televised AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race at Dover International Speedway later this year (Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Stewart will carry the name or logo of one small business finalist on his No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet during the AAA 400, while Biffle will feature the name or logo of a second small business finalist on his No. 16 3M Ford. The small business that appears on the highest-finishing driver’s car will be named the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot.” Additionally, if Stewart or Biffle wins the race, the small business featured on the winning car will take home a thrilling $1 million!

Both finalists will receive a $10,000 small business makeover from Office Depot* and a VIP race weekend experience for two during the September 24-26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race weekend at Dover International Speedway. To enter for a chance to win, simply register online at OfficeDepotRacing.com now through July 10.

“Building a successful small business takes a lot of hard work, and it’s great to be able to reward small business owners for their dedication,” said Stewart, who is a successful entrepreneur with 13 small businesses of his own. “I would definitely encourage every small business owner to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and enter the ‘Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot’ sweepstakes. I promise the two finalists that Greg (Biffle) and I will be ready to take care of business and battle it out at Dover on your behalf!”

Stewart and Biffle both have two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ victories under their belts at Dover International Speedway. Biffle won at the track – also known as “The Monster Mile” – in 2005 and 2008, while Stewart swept both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ races at Dover in 2000.

“As a small business owner myself, I know that it takes a lot of hard work and good people to keep a small business going,” Biffle said. “Office Depot and 3M recognize that and have put together an incredible opportunity for two lucky finalists this year to have a chance at a $1 million prize. I have won two races at Dover, and I would love to get the 3M Ford to victory lane there to win a million for a lucky small business owner.”

More Ways To Win: Daily Prize For Small Businesses

The “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes also allows more small businesses a chance to win big: Every day during the promotion window, one lucky small business owner will be randomly selected to receive a $1,000 Office Depot gift card just for entering the sweepstakes.

“Office Depot is very proud to partner with 3M and to provide two small business owners with an amazing chance to leverage the power of NASCAR by having their company logos featured on the Office Depot and 3M NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race cars,” said Jeff Herbert, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Office Depot. “We are also excited to award a small business with a $1,000 Office Depot gift card every day during the sweepstakes promotional period.”

From Start To Finish: Sweepstakes Details

The “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes launched on June 13 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race weekend at Michigan International Speedway and runs through July 10. Two small business finalists will have their name or logo featured on the TV panel of either the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet or the No. 16 3M Ford during the Sept. 26 AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race at Dover International Speedway.

The small business that appears on the highest-finishing driver’s car at Dover will be named the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot.” Additionally, if Stewart or Biffle wins the race, the small business featured on the winning car will take home $1 million.

The “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes finalists will both receive:

• A $10,000 small business makeover from Office Depot (*if applicable, the $1 million payout would negate the $10,000 small business makeover)
• VIP race experience for two at the September 24-26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race weekend at Dover International Speedway

In addition to the above, the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes winner will receive:

• The use of the “Official Small Business of NASCAR® Courtesy of Office Depot®” logo for one year
• NASCAR® bar rights on company stationery materials (to be printed by the Copy & Print Depot at Office Depot)

Enter For a Chance To Win

Entries can be submitted online at OfficeDepotRacing.com now through July 10. No purchase is required.

The “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (except Quebec) who are over the age of majority and own an eligible small business with no more than 99 employees.

Entries/nominations may be submitted by any person on behalf of an eligible small business owner but only the small business owner is eligible to win. Official Rules and complete prize description available at OfficeDepotRacing.com.

For media information about Office Depot and its NASCAR sponsorship, please visit http://socialpressofficedepot.com/office-depot-racing/.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com.

To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

About Office Depot

Every day, Office Depot is Taking Care of Business for millions of customers around the globe.  For the local corner store as well as Fortune 500 companies, Office Depot provides products and services to its customers through 1,587 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and a $4.2 billion e-commerce operation.  Office Depot has annual sales of approximately $12.1 billion, and employs about 41,000 associates around the world. The Company provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company, and currently sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 52 countries.

Office Depot’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index.  General press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com.  Media looking to access digital assets and news, please visit http://socialpress.officedepot.com.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com.
Post-it is a trademark of 3M Company.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America’s premier sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport – with more of the top 20 highest attended sporting events in the U.S. than any other sport, and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.

NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto.

- Matter-Edelman Sports and Entertainment Marketing for Office Depot, Press Release

NASCAR on TNT

Lindsay Czarniak (host), Kyle Petty (analyst) and Larry McReynolds (analyst)

Lindsay Czarniak sat down with NASCAR President Mike Helton to talk about the importance of rivalries in NASCAR

Helton on the history of rivalries in NASCAR: “I think rivalry is part and parcel to any professional sport and certainly to NASCAR. I think one of the things we’re experiencing, and some of us have seen this in the past, where you’ve got a changing of the guard, sort of speak…you know, when Darrell Waltrip came in and chased Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough and Richard Petty, (Waltrip) wasn’t very popular early on. Then you’ve got Jeff Gordon who challenged Dale (Earnhardt) Sr. when he first showed up and there was a great rivalry between the up-and-comer and the “Intimidator” (who was) a seven-time champion. We’re back in the cycle right now.  We’ve got new faces like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano who are challenging Jimmie Johnson who is challenging Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.  We’re in that timeline change again, and that’s exciting, it can be.”

Helton on how he handles confrontations between drivers: “It’s probably evolved into I want to be fair but clear.  If there’s an issue we don’t need to dance around it, let’s just get straight to it, but I want to be fair about it.  And understand hopefully based on the experience I’ve had in conversations privately and professionally with drivers as to the challenges they go through and recognize that and be reasonable about that.

Czarniak: “So you’re not necessarily putting an arm around their shoulder but not hitting them upside the head either?

Helton: “Not in that order (laughs).”

McReynolds on the biggest difference between “old school” drivers and “new school” drivers: “The biggest complaint that I’ve had over the last couple of years and it’s getting a little better, is some of the veteran drivers complaining about other young drivers racing them hard.  (Racing hard is) what we do.  I don’t care if its lap two or lap 200, you’re here to do a job and race hard.  The thing that’s the difference between “old school” (driver) and “new school” (drivers) is the “old school” driver lets things settle down out there after a re-start.  With a “new school” driver like Kyle Busch, its full steam ahead the minute you see a green flag.”

No. 16 Greg Biffle on the struggles of Fords this season: “We’ve got to do a better job at executing and I predicted a few weeks ago that within the next four to six weeks, you’re going to see a win out of the Ford camp.  I still believe that.”

No. 29 Kevin Harvick joined the crew on the set during Countdown to Green to discuss his confrontation with No. 20 Joey Logano following the June 6 race in Pocono

Harvick on if he could relate to what Joey Logano was going through mentally following the race at Pocono: “You can definitely relate (to Logano).  You’ve been in those situations before and you have to handle things a certain way.  I just kind of laughed afterwards because it’s just one of those things and you just have to go through it.”

Harvick on if his dispute with Logano will carry over onto the track in future races: “I think it’s on the track.  You go out there and race the car and you don’t really worry about it.  He doesn’t want to make it too personal because it won’t be in favor of him.”

Harvick on the “I Wear the Firesuit in This Family” t-shirts his website is selling for charity that came from last week’s comments from Logano: “We didn’t make them in men’s sizes because anyone who’s married knows how this whole deal works.  One thing about being 20 (years-old like Logano) is you don’t understand anything about marriage.”

Ralph Sheheen sat down with No. 48 Jimmie Johnson, No. 24 Jeff Gordon and No. 88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (more of the interview will air during TNT’s NASCAR coverage on Sunday, June 20)

Gordon on if Earnhardt. Jr. is able to be himself on and off the track: “I think he is able to be himself more than anybody (else) out there.  But I don’t know him that well.  I’ve been to his house and hung out with him and he’s cool but I have no idea what he does the other 20 hours when I wasn’t there.”

*****   *****   *****   *****   *****   ******

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Michigan International Speedway

Announcers: Adam Alexander (play-by-play), Wally Dallenbach (analyst) and Kyle Petty (analyst); Larry McReynolds (analyst) contributes from the in-field with the TNT Offtrack Robotic Car (TORC) with Lindsay Czarniak (host)

Pit reporters: Marty Snider, Ralph Sheheen, Phil Parsons and Matt Yocum

Petty on racing at Michigan International Speedway: “The first two laps of the race at Michigan are trying to get in the place that you want to run.  You just want to get clear of these cars.  The cars are running two-wide and you see them get three-wide.  The first, second and third place cars will check out from (the rest of the field) a little bit.  So what you really want to do is find the place that you are most comfortable and work (the car) in.”

Dallenbach on how some cars improve over the course of a race: “It’s funny how all of these cars are supposed to be built the same but they have their own character.  You’ll have times when you get a race car and it doesn’t do anything for you for the first four or five laps but the longer you run, the better the car gets.  I don’t know why that is but there are a lot of times when your car is good for the short runs.”

Dallenbach on the importance of a spotter is to the pit crews and the driver: “When you’re a driver, sometimes you get stuck looking for something that you think is working.  But the spotter will look to see who is beating you and he’ll come up with something that you haven’t tried.  It’s very helpful.”

Dallenbach on teammates taking each other out of races: “The number one rule when you’re teammates, do not take your teammate out for any reason.”

Alexander: “I think we’re all going to get into a fight because it seems to be a theme among teammates this year.”

Petty on the safety innovations of NASCAR that don’t always garner attention: “That’s an interesting thing for fans that watch NASCAR and might not know that NASCAR makes safety innovations and doesn’t make a big deal about it.  We know about the harness collar, we know about the safety walls and we know about the C.O.T. (Car of Tomorrow).  But there are those little things that change internally in that garage area that doesn’t get a lot of press that will make these cars safer in the long run for the crews, the drivers and the safety teams.”

Dallenbach on No. 18 Kyle Busch driving well in traffic: “(Busch’s) car has been awfully strong especially in traffic.  If this guy ever gets out front, it could be trouble for everybody else if he gets into that clean air.  But his car is working really well in traffic, he’s been patient and he’s been picking (other drivers) off one by one.”

Dallenbach on No. 16 Greg Biffle not being able to keep up with the leaders: “Biffle has been ripping off some pretty good lap times.  I’m just not sure his car comes in fast enough to be able to stay up in front and actually race with these guys.  I think the long runs are working in his favor but it seems like he’s losing ground to the leaders.  That’s tough to make up when you’re running the same exact times as the leaders.”

Petty on No. 9 Kasey Kahne not being able to get around No. 2 Kurt Busch: “We’ve had a couple of restarts today and a couple of opportunities for (Kasey) Kahne to close the gap and run up on the No. 2 (Kurt Busch) car.  As he closed that gap, he’d get right to him and he couldn’t get around him.”

No. 11 Denny Hamlin on his win at Michigan: “Anything can happen and I knew a caution (flag) was coming so I might as well back off and save my tires.  But we’ve got to do what’s right for the fans and they need to see a great race in the end and the best car won.  That’s all you can ask for.”

No. 9 Kasey Kahne on the improved performance of his pit crew: “I was happy with (the pit crew).  (After) all of the pit stops, we only lost a little bit, three or four spots.  That’s much better than the past two months.  I was really happy with them and they did a nice job.  We still have a lot to work on.  I do and the team does if we want to win a race.”

No. 88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. on finishing in the top ten at Michigan: “I enjoyed the car all day and it was fun to drive.  (No. 17) Matt Kenseth was better and all the cars in front of us were better but we felt like we had a top ten car and we were able to show it today.  That caution (flag) came out and it got me worried, (I thought,) ‘what the (heck) is going to happen here?’  But we were on the good end of it for a change.”

No. 14 Tony Stewart on making the cut for the Chase for the Sprint Cup: “We have to keep plugging away and keep doing what we do.  I’m not as panicked about the top 12 (for the Chase) as some of the other guys who are close to that bubble.  We just have to keep going out and if we keep rifling off top five (finishes), we’ll be there.”

Unofficial Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Results:

1. #11 Denny Hamlin
2. #9 Kasey Kahne
3. #2 Kurt Busch
4. #24 Jeff Gordon
5. #14 Tony Stewart
6. #48 Jimmie Johnson
7. #88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
8. #31 Jeff Burton
9. #16 Greg Biffle
10. #20 Joey Logano

- Turner Sports, Press Release

Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (June 11, 2010) –

The 8^th annual KFOX Race-n-Rock Charity Auction will take place in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle at 10 a.m. (PST). Proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway. The auction has generated more than $300,000 since its inception in 2003.

Race fans can bid on a number of NASCAR-themed items at the auction, including:

• Jeff Gordon signed firesuit
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed print
• Jimmie Johnson signed bottle of Korbel Champagne
• Darrell Waltrip signed race helmet
• Joey Logano signed sheet metal
• More!

There will also be items from the music industry, thanks to 98.5 KFOX, a classic rock radio station based in the South Bay. Some of the items include:

• Guitar signed by Brooks & Dunn
• Guitar signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Guitar signed by Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers
• More!

The radio station has also donated a number of items signed by the San Jose Sharks, which reached the NHL’s Western Conference finals this year before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. Among the items include a signed jersey from Joe Thornton and an autographed/framed photo from Joe Pavelski. Other sports-related items include a Marcus Allen signed football and a signed helmet from long-time Oakland Raider Howie Long.

Race fans can also purchase raffle tickets to win a Kasey Kahne-wrapped Squier Fender Guitar. Cost is just $5 per ticket and the winning raffle ticket will be picked at the auction. Proceeds from the guitar raffle will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities and the Kasey Kahne Foundation.

For more information on the auction, visit www.infineonraceway.com.

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)

2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)

2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Tony Stewart - Photo: Harold Hinson Photography

SONOMA, Calif. (June 8, 2010) —

Q. There was quite a battle between you and Kasey Kahne during last year’s race at Infineon Raceway. What were those last laps and double-file restarts like for you?

A. “We were really close to each other, but it was going to take a mistake for us to get by (Kahne).  There were areas of the track where we were stronger than he was, but there were areas where he was stronger than us. It seemed like he was vulnerable the first few laps after a restart, but once everything settled in he could pull away pretty easily.  Every restart it was kind of a pressure situation for us to try to make something happen, because we knew once he settled in, we couldn’t get by.”

Q. Last year was the first year of double-file restarts at Infineon Raceway.  What did you think?

A. “There were definitely times when you wanted to be on one side or the other.  One restart you’d be in the wrong line and it’d hurt you, but the next time you’d be on the side you wanted and it would help you, so I think it added a lot of excitement.  It made it fun for us drivers, because instead of being 20^th and 20 rows back, you’re 20^th and only 10 rows back and you’ve got a shot and could make a run at the leader.”

Q. You have two wins at Infineon Raceway, and great success there, is there something special about the Sonoma road course?

A. “I just like the road courses.  I’ve always liked Sonoma.  It’s really a driver’s track.  It’s tough to make your car drive perfect all day. You can have a really good car, but it’s going to slide around and you’re going to struggle for grip, and that’s what makes it so fun.  You have to do the work behind the steering wheel.”

Q. Have you reached a point where you’re content in your public and personal life?

A. “I’m definitely content in my driving career.  There are some races that haven’t been checked off the list of accomplishing the wins on yet, but I can’t say that if it all ended tomorrow that I’ve had a bad career by any means.  I’ve been very fortunate.  The personal side, it always takes a back seat because you put your personal life on hold to do what you do on the professional side – owning racetracks and owning race teams – that’s the sacrifice I have to make to do what I want to do.”

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)

2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)

2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekström with the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota and his Red Bull Audi A4 DTM at Germany’s EuroSpeedway Lausitz.

“We were worried about getting him up to speed in a day,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team’s vice president and general manager. “He was up to speed in an hour — less than an hour. He’s a phenomenal talent.”

For that, Ekström’s dream of driving in America’s premier form of motorsports has come true. With the blessing of Audi, Red Bull Racing Team announced Tuesday that the Red Bull driver and two-time DTM champion will pilot the No. 83 in the June 18-20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Infineon Raceway. He’ll take over the seat from Casey Mears, who has been filling in for Brian Vickers while Vickers recovers from blood clots.

“First of all, I’d like to express my sincere thanks — to Red Bull for inviting a Swede with zero NASCAR experience to compete in the United States and to Audi for the possibility and approval that enable me to fulfill this dream,” said Ekström, 31, whose first name is pronounced Mat-tee-us.

“It’s always nice to try something new. At the test I felt really at home. So now going to a race will be very nice. The biggest difficulty will be to race with 42 other cars. Here (in DTM), we have 18. I’m sure it will be interesting and I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

Ekström, a Red Bull-backed driver for the past nine years, claimed his first victory of 2010 in the second round of the DTM Championship on May 23 in Valencia, Spain. The Audi factory driver currently sits fourth in the DTM standings and has 14 career victories.

In addition to his success in the Germany-based touring car series — only twice in nine seasons has he finished outside the top five — Ekström has proven his versatility and class in other motorsports disciplines. He’s an active rally racer and three times has won the individual title at the Race of Champions.

Ekström will begin his maiden NASCAR weekend with practice and qualifying June 18, with the 110-lap, 218.9-mile race coming June 20 around the 12- turn, 1.99-mile road course in Napa Valley.

- Red Bull Racing Team, Press Release

SONOMA, Calif. (June 7, 2010) –

In just five years, this has developed into one of the biggest celebrations leading up to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend).

The event has been kicked up a notch this year as Said, a road-course specialist, will be on hand for a Q&A with race fans, as well as to sign autographs. Said is a crowd favorite in Sonoma, having started on the pole in 2003. He has twice placed sixth in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 (2003, 2004).

The day will be highlighted by a drive of NASCAR stock cars around the streets of Sacramento under a full police escort, winding its way to the State Capitol, site of the festival.

“I’m really looking forward to coming out to NASCAR Day,” stated Said. “They have great fans in Sacramento; I came to this event a few years ago and it was a pretty big deal. I know it’s only going to be bigger this year.”

Vacaville’s Jim Inglebright, who will compete over the race weekend in the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, will also be on hand. Inglebright won three consecutive NASCAR Southwest Series races in Sonoma from 2000-2002. Sonoma resident Paul Pedroncelli, who will also compete in the West Series race in Sonoma, will also attend NASCAR Day at the State Capitol.

Also, keep an eye out for the giant shopping cart from Save Mart Supermarkets. This cart stands 13 feet high, weighs 2,500 pounds and is powered by a 454 V8 engine. It can hit 60 miles per hour in just six seconds.

The event will also feature music, interactive displays, ticket giveaways, face painting and two bounce houses for children. The day spans from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and is FREE to the public. All the action will take place in the roundabout in front of the State Capitol.

For more information about this event, be sure to visit www.infineonraceway.com or call 800-870-RACE.

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)

2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)

2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

HLN’s Robin Meade

Meade, a NASCAR fan, joined HLN in 2001 and has quickly become one of the most recognizable anchors on the network. In addition to “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” she anchored the network’s coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January, 2009. She also performed a tandem skydive with President George Herbert Walker Busch to commemorate his 85th birthday.

Her love of music and singing has led to live performances with country superstar Kenny Chesney, 1990s singer-songwriter sensation Richard Marx, producer David Foster, John Rich of “Big and Rich,” and country artist Billy Dean, among others.

Meade was honored earlier this year by the American Women in Radio & Television with the prestigious Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor, News or News Magazine. She has been inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and her first book, “Morning Sunshine! How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It, Too,” was released in 2009 and instantly became a New York Times bestseller.

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)
2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)
2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.
TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig - Getty Images

Craig, who helped guide the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories, will be honored on Friday, June 18, at the Children’s Champions Grand Marshall’s Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, including participating in the official command of, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”

“I am really looking forward to being the Grand Marshall. It is an incredible honor,” Craig said. “This will be the first NASCAR race I’ve ever attended, and I am very excited. I’ve heard so many great things about NASCAR and to be able to get to see it in person will be great.”

“Roger Craig’s career spans some of the greatest moments in Bay Area sports history…and he has three Super Bowl rings to show for it. We’re looking forward to having Roger join us for NASCAR weekend and we know it will be a thrill for our fans,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway.

In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a single season, and he also set an NFL record for running backs with 92 receptions. In Super Bowl XXIV against the Denver Broncos in 1989, he scored four touchdowns, totaled 413 yards and had 20 receptions.

He had an 11-year NFL career, mainly with the 49ers and totaled 8,189 yards rushing and 4,911 yards receiving, as well as 73 touchdowns. He was voted to the Pro Bowl team five times, was named All-Pro in 1988 and was NFC Offensive Player of the Year, also in 1988. Craig remains the only running back to lead the NFL in receptions in a season and the only one to ever record more than 100 yards receiving in a Super Bowl.

“I can’t wait to see all the drivers, like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. I hear Jeff is a 49ers fan,” Craig said. “Football was pretty incredible but I’m thinking this might rank right up there as one of the coolest things I’ve done.”

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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)

2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)

2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (May 15, 2010) —

Race fans can nominate a current or former member of the United States military or National Guard, and that military member could be recognized at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day). Today was specifically chosen for this announcement as it is National Armed Forces Day.

Race fans must submit their selection at www.infineonraceway.com/military,  as well as reasons why that member of the military should be recognized. Race fans must also submit a picture of the military member.

The winner (military member) of the contest will receive a VIP experience for him/her, plus a guest at the Toyota/Save Mart 350, including lodging. He/she will also be recognized as the Hometown Hero to the crowd during pre-race ceremonies, moments before the green flag is dropped on the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

The contest closes on Sunday, June 6, so be sure and visit www.infineonraceway.com/military to submit your Hometown Hero. For questions, contact Rachal Pollen at rpollen@infineonraceway.com.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHEN: June 18-20 (Father’s Day weekend)
2009 POLE WINNER: Brian Vickers (Red Bull Toyota)
2009 WINNER: Kasey Kahne (Budweiser Ford)

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200 NASCAR Pro Series West race on Saturday.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Rick Hendrick - Getty Images

SONOMA, Calif. (April 27, 2010) —

Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, is the most successful team owner in NASCAR history at Infineon Raceway with five Sprint Cup victories, all courtesy of Vallejo native Jeff Gordon. Gordon holds the record for most wins in Sonoma, including a three-peat in 1998-2000 (other wins, 2004 and 06).

Hendrick drivers have also posted nine pole positions, including three consecutive poles by Ricky Rudd (1990-92), and 23 top-5 finishes in Sonoma.  Brian Vickers also earned a victory for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR West Series at Infineon Raceway in 2006.

“If it weren’t for Jeff Gordon, our record (at Infineon Raceway) wouldn’t look quite so good,” joked Hendrick. “But we’ve really been fortunate to have some great road racers over the years with guys like Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte and, of course, Jeff. All of our people take pride in how we perform on the road courses, and I have to give them the credit for any success we’ve had.  To be inducted in the Wall of Fame is a real honor.”

Hendrick will join Gordon, who was inducted in 2006, on the Wall of Fame, as well as NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and Rudd.  He will be inducted into the Wall of Fame during a ceremony in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle on Friday, June 18.  Race fans are invited to attend.

“Rick Hendrick’s record of success at our track speaks for itself,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway.  “But this recognition is also about the extraordinary professional and humanitarian legacy Rick has established in all of his business efforts.  Everyone in our industry has benefited from his contributions and we are proud to add Rick Hendrick’s image to the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame.”

To learn more about the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, visit www.infineonraceway.com/NASCAR or call 800-870-RACE.

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

Infineon Raceway

Race fans can secure preferred access for this special Q&A by purchasing the “24 Special” ticket package, which gets you one ticket to the race at the regular price, plus a second for just $24 (total price, $119). That’s a savings of $70.

“I enjoyed this question and answer session with the fans last year, and I’m looking forward to it again this summer,” said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet and five-time winner in Sonoma. “We had a great turnout in 2009 — a turnout I hope we exceed this year.”

The chalk-talk session will be open to the public, but to get preferred access, you’ll need the “24 Special.” The Q&A will take place on the road course at Turn 11, one of the most exciting turns on the circuit.

“Last year’s event left no doubt that Sonoma is Jeff Gordon country,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “The turnout was phenomenal and Jeff makes such a terrific connection with the fans.  We’re very grateful he’s decided to join us for another session this year.”

Race fans can purchase the “24 Special” by calling 800-870-RACE or visiting www.infineonraceway.com. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend is scheduled for June 18-20.

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release