Infineon Raceway: Northern California Wine Country's Raciest Attraction

From: el 175 days 9 hours 4 minutes ago

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by Colie Wertz

Sonoma Valley has historically beckoned the well-cultured traveler with its luscious wines, exotic food, and visually stunning getaways. But if you're the sporting type, there’s another player in the must-do game of Northern California wine country: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma’s gift to the gods of speed.

Created in 1968 on 720 curvaceous acres of hill and vale (and less than a two minute drive to the Carneros District's southernmost wineries), Infineon Raceway has played host to an increasing list top echelon racing venues—NASCAR, IndyCar (think Danica Patrick), and AMA Superbikes, to name a few.

Its beautifully manicured track and hills also play host to more intimate events that are sure to warrant a jaunt through the surly gates. Take the Ferrari Challenge, for example. It’s a Modena-style concoction of driver owned exotic Ferrari F430’s from around the US, locals parading in their hand-sculpted Italian chariots in the “Ferrari Corral," and more red than you should ever see in one place. Here’s a tip: Be prepared for some glitz and brush up on your Italian.

More of a participant than a spectator? The famed Jim Russell racing school on-site can put you behind the wheel of a racecar for a day of training and give you the how-to’s of the racetrack’s 12-turn, 2.52 mile circuit. Their new facility located at Turn 1 is as sexy a structure as the cars parked inside.

The Red Bull tent

So if swirling and sipping isn't enough of a thrill to solidify Wine Country as your next vacation destination, check Infineon Raceway’s schedule. You might just be able to get away for something a little quicker than bocce ball.