Plenty of Activities for Fans at AMA Weekend in Sonoma
FACT SHEET ON AMA WEEKEND AT BOTTOM OF FILE Contact: John Cardinale (707) 933-3907 AMA Weekend Offers Plenty of Entertainment Choices for Fans SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) - The road course won't be the only area bustling with entertainment at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, presented by Supercuts, at Infineon Raceway, May 19-21. There are a variety of promotions, media events and charitable events planned to keep people busy, as well. For more details on any of these events, please visit www.infineonraceway.com <http://www.infineonraceway.com/> . Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Saturday, May 20: Race fans are invited to the Winner's Circle on Saturday of race weekend at 12:15 p.m. as legendary AMA riders Miguel Duhamel and Rich Oliver are officially inducted into the raceway's Wall of Fame. Duhamel and Oliver will become the first two AMA riders inducted into the prestigious Wall of Fame, which was created in 2005 and features NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin and NHRA drag racer Warren Johnson. Bike Night in Novato - Saturday, May 20: The party will continue after the racing ends on Saturday, May 20, with the 3rd annual Bike Night in Novato. Motorcyclists take over historic Grant Avenue in Novato for the biggest off-site get-together of the weekend. This free event will feature bike-only parking, entertainment and restaurants will extend business hours. The party spans from 5-10 p.m. More than 300 people made the trek to Bike Night in 2005, so be sure and show-up early. Infineon Raceway Idols to Sing National Anthem - Saturday and Sunday: Two talented singers will perform the national anthem at Infineon Raceway prior to the start of the AMA Superbike main events. Roseville's Nikki Wehrenberg (Saturday) and Colusa's Lori Rodrigues (Sunday) were selected to sing the anthem through the Infineon Raceway Idol Contest, which was held in association with 98 Rock FM out of Sacramento. Wehrenberg and Rodrigues beat out more than 70 other entrants for their chance to sing at Infineon Raceway. Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction - Sunday, May 21: Signed memorabilia from some of the top AMA riders will be available at the 3rd annual Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction, which will take place on Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Winner's Circle. Last year's auction featured signed leathers from Yamaha's Jamie Hacking, as well as a variety of signed helmets, including one by six-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin. More than 20 items are expected for this combined silent/live auction, with all proceeds benefiting qualified youth groups in Sonoma County through Speedway Children's Charities. AAA Designated Driver Program - Sunday, May 21: This highly-successful program enters its second year in 2006 and is designed to educate people about the dangers of drinking and driving. The program is a partnership between AAA and Infineon Raceway. Those who decide to become designated drivers must fill out a pledge card - under the direction of the AAA- and they will be given a free bottle of water supplied by smartwater. Participants will also receive a designated driver card signed by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Mark Martin. Look for the booth in the main paddock on Sunday, May 21. Recycling Program - All weekend: Infineon Raceway will intensify its recycling program in 2006, beginning with the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown. The raceway recycled more than 15 tons of materials in 2005 by collecting glass, aluminum and plastic at its NASCAR, NHRA and IRL events. This year, the raceway has expanded to include collection at its AMA weekend, as well. Infineon Raceway is the only major motor sports facility in the country with a comprehensive recycling program, according to George Mutter, owner of Environmental Event Management Group, which executes the recycling program at the track. Motorcycle Art Show - All weekend: Five-time AMA champion Rich Oliver will be one of several artists featured at Infineon Raceway in a motorcycle-themed art show during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend. The show will take place in the Infineon Technologies Business Center, which is located directly across from the Winner's Circle in the main paddock. Hours are 9 a.m.-approximately 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday and admission is FREE. Oliver, best known for his exploits on the track, has become a very accomplished abstract artist. He'll be joined by other artists in the show. WHAT: Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 WHEN: May 19-21. COURSE: 12 turns, 2.22 miles. 2005 WINNERS: Mat Mladin (Superbike, both main events, Suzuki); Tommy Hayden (Supersport, Kawasaki); Jake Zemke (Formula Xtreme, Honda); Aaron Yates (Superstock, Suzuki). SUPERBIKE SCHEDULE (All times Pacific): Friday - Superbike practice, 9:40-10:40 a.m.; Superbike qualifying, 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday - Superbike qualifying, 9:50-11 a.m.; Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #1, 3:50 p.m. (28 laps); Sunday - Superbike practice, 10:20-10:50 a.m.; Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #2, 3 p.m. (28 laps). TICKETS: $10-$65, 12-and-under free, parking is free. 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com <http://www.infineonraceway.com/> or www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/> . Gates open at 7 a.m. each day. --------------------------- John Cardinale VP of Media/Community Relations Infineon Raceway Highways 37 &121, Sonoma, CA 95476 wk: 707-933-3907 cell: 707-334-9805