Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway (originally known as Sears Point Raceway from 1967 to 1980 and 1982 to 2002, Golden State International Raceway in 1981 and Infineon Raceway from 2002 to 2012) is a road course and dragstrip located at Sears Point in the southern Sonoma Mountains of Sonoma County, California. The road course features 12 turns on a hilly course with 160 ft (49 m) of total elevation change. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses. It has also played host to the IndyCar Series, the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, and several other auto races and motorcycle races such as the American Federation of Motorcyclists series. Sonoma Raceway continues to host amateur, or club racing events with some open to the public. The largest such car club is the Sports Car Club of America. The track is 30 mi (48 km) north of San Francisco and Oakland.

With the closure of Riverside International Raceway in Moreno Valley, California after the 1988 season, NASCAR wanted a West Coast road course event to replace it, and chose the Sears Point facility. Riverside Raceway was razed for the Moreno Valley Mall.

In 2002, Sears Point Raceway was renamed after a corporate sponsor, Infineon Technologies. On March 7, 2012, it was announced that Infineon would not renew their contract for naming rights when the deal expired in May 2012.

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)

Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway (1967–2001) and Infineon Raceway (2002–2012)