Race fans raise $11K for Children’s Charities

Speedway Children's Charities has raised $4.8 million|

Nearly 40 race fans mingled with stars from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series on March 21, and helped support the 13th annual NHRA Tour de Charity at the Sonoma Raceway Karting Center.

The charity event, which pitted race fans against NHRA racers for a day of karting on the raceway’s challenging course, raised $11,050 for Speedway Children’s Charities, bringing the 13-year total for the event to more than $141,000.

“This is my first time out here and I’m hoping to at least beat my husband or else it’s going to be a long ride home,” said Jenny Hamilton of Livermore. “I grew up going to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Sonoma and I wanted to support Speedway Children’s Charities because of their continued support of the Boys and Girls Clubs all these years.”

Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, raises funds for distribution to qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County.  The charity has distributed more than $4.8 million since 2001. 

NHRA Funny Car drivers Jack Beckman (Infinite Hero Dodge Charger) and Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger) as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Scotty Pollacheck (Petrolhead Buell) traded paint and rubbed elbows with fans.

“Often, when you’re doing some productive it’s not fun, and when you’re doing something fun, it’s not productive,” said Beckman. “That’s not the case here. This is a time, where we as drivers get to take time out to interact with fans and race these amazing go-karts. The best thing is it all goes to charity.”

The Simraceway Performance Driving Center provided the karts, race suits, classroom instruction and on-track pointers for all competitors.

The NHRA racers also signed autographs and donated memorabilia for gifts bags for each participant.

For more information about charity events at Sonoma Raceway, visit racesonoma.com/raceway/scc or call 800-870-RACE (7223).

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