Sonoma Raceway names new Drag Racing Manager

Kyle Seipel takes reins from his mother|

Long-time Sonoma Raceway Drag Racing Manager Georgia Seipel will turn over the reins to her son and fellow drag-racer Kyle Seipel in 2018, as he takes over management of the raceway’s quarter-mile drag strip and drag racing operations.

The Seipels, including Georgia, husband Ted and Kyle, are considered the First Family of drag racing in Northern California, and are known nationally for their contributions to the sport.

“Georgia’s legacy at this facility and within the community of racers is truly remarkable. I think half of our racers refer to her as ‘Mom,’ so it’s very fitting that her son should step into the role she has filled so capably for decades,” said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. “We’ve watched Kyle grow up on and around our race track, and we are excited to have him officially join the Sonoma Raceway family.”

Georgia Seipel has been involved in the sport for more than 60 years, including 10 years as a drag racer (1976-1987) behind the wheel of a hot pink 1956 Austin-Healey, and 10 years managing Baylands Raceway in Fremont. Since joining then-Sears Point Raceway in 1988, she has been instrumental in the growth of Sonoma Raceway’s drag racing programs, including Wednesday Night Drags and Top the Cops, as well as Summit ET Bracket Drag Racing.

“When Baylands closed in 1988, I was offered the job in Sonoma and it was the best decision I ever made,” she said.

Kyle Seipel is one of the most accomplished racers in the history of NHRA’s Pacific Division with 22 Division 7 titles. He began racing at age 12 and competed alongside his father as a four-car team during the late-1980s and early-1990s. Seipel boasts 10 NHRA Lucas Oil Series Division 7 championships and 12 Division 7 E.T. Finals titles, and has claimed national event victories in five different Sportsman categories.

Since 2010, Kyle Seipel has also worked as a drag-race event promoter, serving as co-host to some of the richest races in bracket racing with partner and best friend Peter Biondo: the Spring Fling Million at The Strip in Las Vegas, Spring Fling at GALOT Motorsports Park, along with the Fall Fling at Bristol Dragway.

In his new role with Sonoma Raceway, Kyle Seipel will oversee day-to-day operations of the drag strip, including the weekly Wednesday Night Drags program and 12-race Summit ET Bracket Drag Racing series. He will also serve as liaison with NHRA for the facility’s NHRA Division 7 Drag Races, presented by Korbel (July 20-22), and Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July 27-29).

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