NHRA Sonoma Nationals returning to full capacity
The green flag is waving for fans at Sonoma Raceway.
After a year-plus break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the venerable track will once again be at full capacity for the July 23-25 NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
The race, full of 330-mph fire-breathing machines under the lights and the first nitro action in two years at Sonoma Raceway, is the ninth event of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and serves as the challenging central point of the NHRA’s famed three-race Western Swing.
“We’ve been preparing for this moment since March of 2020,” said Sonoma Raceway Director, Media & Community Relations, Jennifer Imbimbo. “I think the fans’ sentiment is if they’re having it, I’m there. There will be some changes, like everything going to digital tickets and no cash transactions, but the good thing is that the 330 miles per hour of the NHRA cars will remain the same.”
Imbimbo said that anyone vaccinated won’t be required to wear a mask, but anyone not is required to wear one. She said the raceway will be relying on the honor system to make sure that rule carries out.
Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jill Gregory says that after a reduced-capacity event in June “didn’t have as much buzz and vibe that we’re used to,” the Sonoma Nationals event “is a good sign that we’re back.”
The action kicks off with a fan-favorite nitro session under the lights on Friday and continues with two qualifying sessions on Saturday and final eliminations on Sunday. Racing will be featured in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Robert Hight captured his 50th career Funny Car win in Sonoma in 2019, joining Billy Torrence (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) in victory lane.
There were times during the long layoff that Gregory and others wondered what the future
held at Sonoma Raceway.
“The attitude we took is nothing is for granted except change,” Gregory said. “You have to be adaptable. We’re used to having big events and planning for them, but we had to train ourselves to be more flexible. Whatever we needed to do, whether it was change policies or procedures we were willing to do that.”
As a thank you to Sonoma Raceway’s fans, the track is opening up Thunder Alley and the Sunday morning Track Walk free for all spectators. Thunder Alley is located in front of the main grandstand at eye-level with the race cars. Sunday’s pre-race track walk allows fans to walk the racing surface prior to final eliminations alongside some of the sport’s top racers.
As always, tickets include an exclusive pit pass. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds.
“I think everyone here at Sonoma is A, glad to have fans back, but also B, we’re thankful for their patience,” Imbimbo said. “At this event, you have access to the pit area and although nothing is guaranteed you can possibly get an autograph or a picture with your favorite drive and their crew. But we’ve always been a fan-friendly sport and the stuff like opening up Thunder Alley is just a reminder to our fans that we thank them and appreciate them.”
NHRA Sonoma Nationals qualifying will feature one round at 6:30 p.m. (Pro Stock and Pro Stock Bike) and 8:05 p.m. (Top Fuel and Funny Car) on Friday, July 23. The final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 24 at noon and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 25. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 11 a.m. (Pacific) on Saturday and Sunday qualifying at noon on Sunday, followed by final eliminations action at1 p.m. on Sunday.
To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-870-RACE or online at www.SonomaRaceway.com.