Kids can now be a part of the Sonoma Raceway Build-a-Racer Program! During the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals race weekend, kids can be able to build their very own mini, gravity-powered race and compete in races against other kids who are just excited about racing as they are! Sonoma Raceway encourages kids to take interest in the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as these are the key factors to a fast race car. We can't wait to meet the future of racing — YOU!
Eric Medlen Ice Cream Social
Join us as we honor late Funny Car racer Eric Medlen after final round eliminations on Sunday. Fans are invited onto the race surface for a free scoop of ice cream, compliments of Save Mart Supermarkets. Fans are also encouraged to donate to Speedway Children’s Charities.
Jet Dragsters
A fire-breathing jet dragster will light up the night as the last run of the evening on Friday night and potentially Saturday night as well.
Kids Autograph Session
Come hang out with NHRA drivers for a kids-only autograph session on DATE AND TIME TBD. This is a great moment for the younger fans to get to meet stars of the NHRA in Sunoco Victory Lane!
A wristband is required for this autograph session and can be picked up starting at DATE AND TIME TBD at the Sonoma Raceway Kids Zone.
Mello Yello Walking Tours
Enjoy a guided Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits; starts at the Mello Yello display in the main paddock.
Friday- 1:15 P.M.
Saturday- 10:30 A.M.
Sunday- 9 A.M.
Mickey Thompson Tires Pro Bike Battle
The Mickey Thompson Tires Pro Bike Battle returns as a race-within-a-race on Saturday. The riders who have accumulated the most qualifying points since last year’s Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals have earned a berth in the Pro Bike Battle. It’s sure to add an additional layer of excitement to the lightening-quick Pro Stock Motorcycle action this weekend.
NHRA Nitro School
Join the Nitro professor and the voice of NHRA, Alan Reinhart and a driver TBA in the NHRA midway display on Saturday, July 27th for NHRA Nitro School (Time TBA). NHRA fans of all ages are encouraged to join and learn all about NHRA Drag Racing. Alan will explain to fans the basics of drag racing like the purpose of a burnout, what it means to stage, how the Christmas tree starting line system works, plus much more!
Nostalgia Cacklefest
A collection of Top Fuel dragsters will light up the sky on Friday evening, as they fire up their engines in front of the main grandstand for a can’t-miss demonstration.
Nostalgia Get-Together
Classic dragsters and many more will also be on display in the 10th annual Nostalgia Get-Together, which will be hosted throughout race weekend. This year’s Get-Together will feature nearly 40 vintage racing machines and hot rods in the garages in the main paddock. Entry to the Get-Together is free with admission into the raceway.
Pro Stock Motorcycle School
Learn the ABCs of racing a Pro Stock Motorcycle at the Mickey Thompson display at 1:30 P.M on Friday, July 26.
Red Bucket Brigade, sponsored by First Republic Bank
Watch for our ‘Red Bucket Brigade’ on Friday night during the second round of qualifying. Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) volunteers wearing ‘Red Bucket Brigade’ shirts will pass buckets through the Main Grandstand for fans to make donations to help children in need. Look for our volunteers and donate - it’s for the kids!
Sonoma Raceway Kids Zone
Stop by the Sonoma Raceway Kids Zone to pick up your official Kids Club badge and Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals souvenir poster, plus say hi to Burnin’ Bovine, have your picture taken with real race cars, and more! Located in the main paddock, free all weekend.
Top The Cops
Watch high school students drag race against local law enforcement officers, who compete in full uniform in their official vehicles, during the Top the Cops demonstration. The Top the Cops program gives teens the rare chance to drag race area law enforcement officers on the Sonoma Raceway drag strip as part of the raceway’s weekly Wednesday Night Drags.
Toyota Racing Experience
Located in the FanZone behind the front stretch grandstand, the Toyota Racing Experience is an interactive display that features several fun activities including the photo ops, premium giveaways, the custom built 4Runner Expedition Overland and the all new Toyota Top Fuel Drive, an oculus rift experience. Open throughout the weekend
The NHRA Toyota Family of drivers is scheduled to conduct autograph sessions (Times TBA)