Three-Time Indy 500 Winner Rutherford Named Grand Marshal of Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
SONOMA, Calif. August 11, 2006; Legendary open-wheel driver Johnny Rutherford has been named Grand Marshal of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma race weekend, Aug. 25-27, at Infineon Raceway.
Rutherford, who now heads special projects for the Indy Racing League, is a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 (1974, '76, '80) and is one of only two drivers to win the prestigious race from the pole twice (1976, '80).
"I'm honored. I remember in the early 1970s racing at what was then-Sears Point Raceway and having a great time," Rutherford said. "To see how much the track has progressed over the years is really gratifying. For Infineon Raceway to ask me to be Grand Marshal of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma is a real honor."
Rutherford will be honored at the annual Grand Marshal's Banquet, which will be held on Friday night, Aug. 25, at the beautiful Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. All proceeds from the gala will benefit the Valley of the Moon Teen Center in Sonoma through Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway.
The selection of Rutherford as Grand Marshal continues a trend that began last year at Infineon Raceway when Al Unser Sr. had the honor. Unser competed in the first-ever major open-wheel race at then-Sears Point Raceway in 1970, the USAC IndyCar 150, placing third. Rutherford competed in that same race, taking fifth place.
It's a way for raceway officials to honor some of the legends of open-wheel racing - last year's inaugural IRL race at Infineon Raceway marked the first major open-wheel event in the Sonoma Valley since 1970.
In addition to honoring Rutherford, the evening will also feature IRL drivers Marco Andretti (Andretti Green Racing), Vitor Meira (Panther Racing) and possibly others. The evening will be hosted by ABC/ESPN commentator Dr. Jerry Punch.
"We are ecstatic to be part of this event and know that this money will not only enhance the programs that we have, but it will also enable us to develop new programs," said Stefanie Shackelford, board president of the Valley of the Moon Teen Center.
Cost to attend the banquet is $200 per person, or $2,000 for a table of 10. Please contact Denise Silver at 707-933-3950 or dsilver@infineonraceway.com.
WHAT: Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 WHEN: Aug. 25-27 COURSE: 12 turns, 2.26 miles 2005 WINNER: Tony Kanaan RECORDS: Qualifying - Ryan Briscoe, 2005, 108.25 mph.; Race - Tony Kanaan, 2005, 105.74 mph IN ADDITION: The weekend will also feature the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, Indy Pro Series(tm) and the Historic Grand Prix. SCHEDULE (All times Pacific): Friday, Aug. 25: Grand-Am Practice 9 a.m.-9:45 a.m.; IndyCar(r) Practice, 10 a.m.-12:05 p.m.; Indy Pro Series(tm) Qualifying, 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m.; IndyCar(r) Practice, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.; Indy Pro Series(tm) Qualifying, 3:40 p.m.-4:25 p.m.; Grand-Am Qualifying, 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26: IndyCar(r) Practice, 9:30 a.m.-10:35 a.m.; IndyCar(r) Qualifying, 12:05 p.m.-1:20 p.m.; Indy Pro Series(tm) race, 1:45 p.m., Grand-Am main event, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27: Indy Pro Series(tm) race, 10:20 a.m.; Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) TICKETS: $10-$85, 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.