As we look ahead to the 2021 race season, we wanted to share some significant changes regarding the drag racing program at Sonoma Raceway.

Kyle Seipel, who took over the Drag Racing Manager position from his mother, Georgia, in 2018, has decided to step away from his position at the end of the year to focus on his health, his family and building the Fling-branded events he promotes with business partner Peter Biondo. Seipel played an integral role in growing the drag racing programs at Sonoma Raceway, including the creation of a double-Divisional NHRA Division 7 event and increased participation in the weekly Wednesday Night Drags Program.

“Kyle and the Seipel family are part of the DNA of Sonoma Raceway, and we have been so fortunate to benefit from his knowledge and leadership,” said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. “Like the rest of Kyle’s army, we have been awestruck by the courage and tenacity he’s shown in the face of health challenges and we will have his back for as long as it takes him to win this battle.”

In light of this departure and the increasing demand for rental of the road course, Sonoma Raceway has decided to suspend its Bracket Drag Racing Series program and the California Gold Rush event for 2021 and beyond. The Wednesday Night Drags, NHRA Division 7 and NHRA Sonoma Nationals event remain on the schedule for 2021.

“Drag racing has been central to Sonoma Raceway’s profile since the track opened more than half a century ago.  We have always enjoyed tremendous support from the regional racing community, but unfortunately the economics of the bracket program are too challenging right now and we’ve had to put those events on hold for the foreseeable future,” said Page. “We will continue to welcome racers to our Wednesday Night Drags, as well as the National and Divisional NHRA events each summer.”