Mailing Address Highways 37 & 121 Sonoma, CA 95476
Cup Qualifying Record Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 94.325 mph; June 24, 2005
Cup Race Record Ricky Rudd, Ford, 81.007 mph; June 23, 2002
History Infineon Raceway is one of two remaining road courses on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series circuit and was the last of several which was added to the calendar. Watkins Glen International is the other road course the Series still visits annually.
Strategy at this track consists of braking, shifting and execution of right and left-hand turns at top speeds.
The Infineon Raceway complex consists of a 2.52-mile road course, the 1.949-mile road course and a quarter-mile drag strip.
Because the track configuration prevented the usual passing and side-by-side competition by stock cars, the course was reconfigured, and Turns 4 through 7 (the carousel and hairpin turn 7) were eliminated. A straightaway now starts at the top of the track's highest point and runs downhill to what used to be Turn 7. This change allows competitors more opportunities for swapping positions.
The track is 30 minutes north of San Francisco at the junction of Highways 37 and 121. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 to Highway 12 to Highway 29. Travel north on Highway 29 to Highway 121, then west to the track. For quick access, avoid using Highway 37 westbound from Vallejo to Highway 121. From East Bay cities, take I-580 west across the San Rafael Bridge to Highway 101, then travel north to Highway 37 and east to Highway 121 or Lakeville Highway (both have track entrances).
