NHRA Charity Dinner Raises More than $20,000
NHRA 'Nitro Night at the Fior' Dinner Generates More Than $20,000 for Speedway Children's Charities SONOMA, Calif. - More than $20,000 was raised for qualified youth organizations on Thursday night in San Francisco at the first "Nitro Night at the Fior" charity dinner. The event, held in advance of this weekend's FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, featured several star drivers from the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, a sit-down dinner at the Fior d'Italia restaurant in historic North Beach, and an auction with one-of-a-kind items. The first-year event generated $20,650 for Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway. Proceeds will be distributed to youth groups in Sonoma County. The evening, which was hosted by long-time NHRA announcer Bob Frey, was highlighted by NHRA drivers Ron Capps (Brut Funny Car), Robert Hight (Auto Club Funny Car), Eric Medlen (Castrol Syntec Funny Car), Cory McClenathan (FRAM Boost2 Top Fuel Dragster) and Gary Scelzi (Mopar/Oakley Funny Car). "This was just a perfect night," Scelzi said. "We had a great meal at a great restaurant in San Francisco and it was nice to see this many fans show up. Any time we can help the charity, it's a good thing." Following dinner, a short auction was held, with a Ron Capps Dream Package garnering the top bid of $2,200. The package included several items, including dinner with Capps at one event during the 2006 or 2007 race seasons. Capps' Brut Funny Car was on display just outside the restaurant the entire night. "I consider this my home track and it's good to not only come and race but also help Speedway Children's Charities," Capps said. "The people at Infineon Raceway can always count on me to help out." The three-day race weekend in Sonoma, which is presented by Supercuts, begins on Friday and continues throughout the weekend. Final eliminations are set to begin at noon on Sunday. For ticket information call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com. WHAT: FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 WHEN: July 28-30 COURSE: Quarter-mile drag strip 2005 CHAMPIONS: Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel); Gary Scelzi (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Bike) 2006 PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.3 million TRACK RECORDS: Top Fuel - ET (elapsed time): 4.524 seconds, Brandon Bernstein, 2005; SPEED: 329.02 mph, Larry Dixon, 2005 Funny Car- ET: 4.759 seconds, Tony Pedregon, 2005. SPEED: 325.69 mph, Del Worsham, 2005 Pro Stock- ET: 6.676 seconds, Kurt Johnson, 2005; SPEED: 206.95 mph, Greg Anderson, 2005 Pro Stock Motorcycle - ET: 6.968 seconds, Andrew Hines, 2005; SPEED: 196.13 mph, Andrew Hines, 2004 PRO SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES PACIFIC): Friday, July 28 - Qualifying sessions at 3:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Saturday, July 29 - Qualifying sessions at 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Sunday, July 30 - Final eliminations begin at noon TICKETS: $10-$135, parking is free. 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Gates open at 7 a.m. each day.