On September 11, Infineon Raceway will host amateurs and pros alike as U.S. Drift comes to Sonoma.
With four different events over the one weekend, any drifting fan is sure to have fun. The regionals are the perfect place to take your street ride out on the track for some slide time. Open track sessions will provide a safe alternative to those illicit runs at 3 a.m. For those looking for some instruction on how to drift correctly, Drift School 101 provides classroom time where car setup, drift technique and car control are taught. These theories are then taken to the pavement, where students rip up a skidpad to practice driving sideways.
After the novices drive, the real drifters will take to the track, as the U.S. Drift Grand Prix commences. Experienced judges will pick out the best eight from the pack, and eliminate seven in the finals. The winner will receive a large purse, as well as many other prizes.
Also invading Infineon on September 11 is Hyper-Fest. Events catering to fans of bling range from a huge car show to model searches, and race fans get to see competitors dice it up in road racing from the National Auto Sports Association. You could even sign up to ride shotgun in a racecar as it rips around the track.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.infineonraceway.com. Registration and information regarding U.S. Drift events can be found at www.usdrift.com and registration and information regarding Hyper-Fest events can be found at www.hyper-fest.com.
The PlaceTucked into the rolling hills of Sonoma, Infineon Raceway is a mere 45-minute drive north from San Francisco. With an average of 340 race days per year, this track is one of the busiest and most modern facilities in the world. Sonoma is also home to picturesque scenery, fine wineries and quaint towns. For those seeking more excitement, San Francisco is close enough to have a fun night out, as well as provide attractions to satisfy even the most insatiable of sightseers.
More Things To DoOne of the most famous sites in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island. This historic prison was home to many of the most famous criminals, murderers and gangsters from the past. Now a national monument, visitors can walk and explore the island as well as learn about its history.* www.alcatraztickets.com* www.travelsf.com/alcatraz.asp
For nightlife, San Francisco is home to bars, night clubs and lounges suiting anyone's tastes. One of the best clubs in the city, Club Cocomo, offers great Indian food, live bands and a huge dance floor.* www.cafecocomo.com/650 Indian Street San Francisco,CA 94107
Crash PadAccommodations suiting any budget can be found in Sonoma. For more complete information, refer to the Infineon Raceway Web site (www.infineonraceway.com/travel_help) for a detailed listing of the area's hotels.
September4: Drift Session Event, Hawaii Raceway Park, HI., info:* www.driftsession.com
4-5: JGTC Round 5, Twin Ring Motegi, Japan, info:* www.twinring.jp/english
11: U.S. Drift, Infineon Raceway - Sears Point, Sonoma, Calif., info: * www.usdrift.com
11: Hyperfest, Infineon Raceway - Sears Point, Sonoma, Calif., info: * www.hyper-fest.com
11: German Autofest, Seaside Park, Ventura, Calif., info: * www.germanautofest.com
18: NOPI Nationals, Atlanta Motorspeedway, Atlanta, Ga., info: * www.nopinationals.com
18: Battle of the Imports, Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Ill., info: * www.battleoftheimports.com
22-25: SCCA Speed World Challenge, Road Atlanta Motorsports Center, Braselton, Ga., info: * www.world-challenge.com
24-26: SCCA ProRally Colorado Cog, Steamboat Springs, Colo., info: * www.scca.org/Rally
25: Houston Showoff Car Show, Reliant Park, Houston, TX, info: * www.driftshowoff.com
26: IDRC, Maplegrove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa., info: * www.importdrag.com
26: Battle of the Imports, Atco Raceway, Atco, N.J., info: * www.battleoftheimports.com