Sonoma’s Paul Pedroncelli Jr. said his goal for Saturday’s race at Infineon was “to stay in one piece.” Although his car lost a few parts along the way – the hood and bumper had to be removed after a pre-race collision with a track wall — the 19-year-old stayed composed, moving from his 40th starting spot to finish 27th.
The Bennett Lane Winery 200 was Pedroncelli’s first race at his hometown track. It’s part of one of NASCAR’s premiere development racing circuits, the Camping World West Series. Given more practice time, spare parts and duct tape, Pedroncelli could make the big show within a few years.
NASCAR’s major leaguers hit the track Sunday for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Kasey Kahne survived ten lead changes among eight drivers to take the checkered flag and the $310,000 first prize. In the winner’s circle he was treated to the ceremonial – at least in these parts – glass of red wine. It was nearly as earthy and full-bodied as the crowd.
Tony Stewart finished second; fan favorite Jeff Gordon came in ninth. Moving almost as fast: Tom Cruise, the celebrity glimpsing of the weekend.
Up close, the cars are all muscle under a flimsy wrap, their massive engines covered by a car-shaped shell like a bodybuilder posing as an accountant. They may call it a Chevy this or a Ford that, but the brake lights and grill are actually decal look-alikes. The inside is a stripped cockpit, with tubes, hoses and wires. Part space shuttle, part Frankenstein lab.
In other words, no map lights. No plush interior. And no navigation system – it couldn’t talk fast enough. Unless you’re an Earnhardt, this is definitely not your father’s Chevrolet. It’s as much a Monte Carlo as you are the princess of Monaco.
The pit stops were quite a show. As the driver sits encapsulated by safety gear, a team of about 10 tends to the car. Several dive for wheels. Others swing in the new rubber. One cranks a wrench in the rear window, and two cradle huge bottles of fuel as they feed the thirsty beast. With their matching shirts, headphones and choreographed moves, the crew looks like the auto-shop version of High School Musical.
Stacks of tires are everywhere. They standard is fat and, with no grooves, perfectly smooth. Neatly organized spares are nearby. Likewise replacement body parts, rear-ends and other major components. During practice on Saturday, a team yanked out a car engine and replaced it faster than you could call AAA.
Four charitable events combined to raise more than $120,000. Most of the proceeds will benefit the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which has distributed more than $3 million to qualified youth groups in Sonoma County since 2002. Hot auction item: a Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed helmet – $4,500.
“We had a good crowd, an exciting race and lots of positive feedback about traffic, the air show and the other entertainment elements we brought in for the fans,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “Overall, we were very pleased with how the event came together.”
After the race, all the gear and the cars were carefully packed up into the team trailers for transport to the next race, in New Hampshire. The drivers flew, much like topping 120 mph on the Infineon straightaway, but they did it literally. Most by private jet, out of the Napa airport.
