IndyCar Series, Infineon Raceway reach new 3-year deal
The series has been a staple on the raceway’s calendar since 2005, which marked the return of major open-wheel racing to the Sonoma Valley for the first time in 35 years (1970). With the recent unification of the IndyCar Series and Champ Car, raceway officials felt it was the right time to extend the relationship beyond year-to-year.
“This series has tremendous momentum, with larger fields, emerging new stars and terrific racing," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “The future of IndyCar racing is bright indeed and we’re excited to see that future play out on the corners and straightaways of Infineon Raceway."
Infineon Raceway is the only facility in the country that hosts every major form of motor racing – stock cars (NASCAR Sprint Cup), motorcycles (AMA motorcycles), drag racing (NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series), sports cars (Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series) and open wheel (IndyCar).
"We're looking forward to building on the IndyCar Series tradition at Infineon Raceway," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. "Technology and innovation are key attributes of the IndyCar Series, and Infineon Raceway provides an ideal venue in Northern California that is consistent with that branding and important to our continued growth and development."
Infineon Raceway will host the PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County, Aug. 22-24, marking the debut of the unified series (IndyCar and Champ Car) in Sonoma. In addition to stars like Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves, fans will get their first glimpse of drivers like Graham Rahal, Will Power and Oriol Servia on the world-famous road course. The weekend will also boast the Grand-Am Series and the Firestone Indy Lights.