June 16, 2004 – Pedal-power will take over Infineon Raceway this summer when
the Sonoma Valley facility opens its gates to cyclists of all ages.
The Infineon Raceway Summer Cycling Series will kick-off in August as the
raceway opens its gates on six occasions over two months for cyclists to
traverse the same 12-turn road course that is usually reserved for the speed
and power of machines like NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stock cars. This marks the
first cycling series offered in the 36-year history of the facility.
The Infineon Raceway Summer Cycling Series, which will be open to beginners,
as well as experts, will feature three dates for competitive racing (Aug.
19, 26, Sept. 16), as well as three practice dates (Aug. 5, 12, Sept. 9).
The racing will take place from 5:30-8:30 p .m., with gates opening at 4:30
p.m. All times are PDT.
Whether you’re a high-school student exploring cycling, an expert road-racer
or a senior citizen looking for some exercise, the Infineon Raceway Summer
Cycling Series will have a division tailored just for you.
Cyclists have long needed a site to call their own, and Infineon Raceway
hopes to provide that for them, beginning in 2004 with this abbreviated
schedule. If the program is a success, there are plans to expand the
schedule for 2005, and beyond.
“The Bay Area is such hotbed for bicycle enthusiasts, but there are so few
stretches of quality pavement where cyclists can ride without mingling with
car traffic. I expect this to be a terrific new use for our facility,” said
Steve Page, president and general manager at Infineon Raceway.
Cyclists will compete on the same 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course that is
used by NASCAR, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the American
Le Mans Series, among others.
There will be five racing categories, and cyclists will compete on the road
course at various times. Cost will be $20 per rider for competition weeks,
and $5 per vehicle for practice weeks. Spectators will be admitted free.
“The cycling community has needed a site to ride and train on, and Infineon
Raceway makes perfect sense,” said Michael Sebastiani, race director for the
Infineon Raceway Summer Cycling Series. “It’s a unique opportunity for all
levels of riders to ride in a safe and supportive location. Plus, how
incredible is it to ride the same track as NASCAR drivers like Jeff Gordon?”
For more information on the Infineon Raceway Summer Cycling Series, please
e-mail mks@kostermotorsports.com.
Infineon Raceway Cycling Team
In addition to the cycling series, Infineon Raceway is also pleased to
announce the formation of the Infineon Raceway Cycling Team, an active club
of amateur bicycle racers based in the wine country. Originally founded in
1990 as Napa Valley Velo, the club has pursued a mission of bringing
together local bike racers, organizing race events, and sponsoring
up-and-coming junior athletes. Team alumni have graduated to the
professional ranks for major teams such as Mercury Pro Cycling and the U.S.
Postal Service team.
The Infineon Raceway Cycling Team boasts a roster of 30 racers and
supporting members, with representation in all age and ability categories,
participating in road races, criteriums, cyclocross races, and mountain bike
races. Riders include Nick Agate, 18, who recently won the overall season
individual championship in the hotly contested NorCal High School Mountain
Bike Series, and is currently being scouted by the prestigious DEVO mountain
bike pro-development team.
Among the veterans on the roster is Jeff Caton, 38, who competes at the
highest national level in several disciplines including road cycling,
mountain biking, and cyclocross, where he earned a podium spot at the
Cyclocross National Championships in Kansas City. For more information on
Infineon Raceway Cycling see the team’s website at www.napavalleyvelo.org.
Infineon Raceway Summer Cycling Series Schedule
PRACTICE WEEKS
August 5 5:30-8:30 p.m.
August 12 5:30-8:30 p.m.
September 9 5:30-8:30 p.m.
COMPETITIVE WEEKS
August 19 5:30-8:30 p.m.
August 26 5:30-8:30 p.m.
September 16 5:30-8:30 p.m.
ALL TIMES PDT.
COST: $20 per rider for competition weeks, and $5 per vehicle for practice
weeks. Spectators will be admitted free. GATES: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for
each session.