NHRA's Scelzi to be Inducted into Wall of Fame
NHRAıs Scelzi to be Inducted into Infineon
Raceway Wall of Fame SONOMA, Calif. (July 3, 2007) ‹ Gary Scelzi has
posted a memorable career in the Sonoma Valley, both on-and-off the
world-famous quarter-mile drag strip, and he will be recognized for his
efforts at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, July 27-29.
Scelzi will be inducted into the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame on Sunday,
July 29, during pre-event ceremonies, making him the third NHRA driver to
be enshrined. Heıll join Pro Stock driver Warren Johnson (2005) and Funny
Car driver John Force (2006) in the Wall of Fame, which was created in
2005. Other members of the Wall of Fame include Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd,
Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin from NASCAR, as well as O. Bruton Smith,
Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns Infineon Raceway.
Scelzi has posted a legendary career in the Sonoma Valley, both in the
sportsman ranks, as well as the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. He has two
national event wins in Top Alcohol Funny Car, and one divisional win in Top
Alcohol Dragster. The Fresno native is also a two-time winner in Sonoma in
the pro ranks for Funny Car (2003, 2005). His victory in 2005 helped propel
him to the NHRA POWERade Funny Car championship. ³When you look at the
names that are on the Wall of Fame I am shocked,² said Scelzi, who drives
the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing. ³Iıve
been racing out there in Sonoma since 1984 and that place is very special
to me. Itıs close to home (Fresno) and for whatever reason, I seem to have
more success there than anywhere else, whether itıs the pro ranks or
sportsman. I am very flattered and this is going to be a special weekend
for me.² Scelzi is also being recognized for his philanthropic efforts
at Infineon Raceway. He has participated in all five NHRA Tour de Charity
events, held annually at Infineon Raceway. The event allows race fans to
compete against NHRA POWERade drivers on the racewayıs world-class karting
track; the event has generated more than $50,000 since its inception in
2002 for Speedway Childrenıs Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon
Raceway. ³I always agree to do the charity events not for anything other
than I want to help,² Scelzi said. ³The money always goes to a great cause
and they are also really fun events. Whenever Infineon Raceway puts on an
event you know itıs going to be first-class.² Scelzi has also donated
signed memorabilia to the racewayıs charity auctions and he also
participated in the racewayıs inaugural Nitro Night at the Fior Charity
Dinner, which is held on Thursday before race weekend in San Francisco.
³Gary Scelzi has built a terrific legacy in Sonoma, through both his
success on the track and the commitment heıs made to our fans and
community. He will be a very fitting addition to the Infineon Raceway Wall
of Fame,² said Steve Page, president and general manager at Infineon
Raceway. Scelzi has announced that he will take a sabbatical from the
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series after the 2007 season, but he has left the
door open for a return to the cockpit. For his career, he is a three-time
Top Fuel national champion and he is just one of 13 drivers to win national
events in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. Scelzi also became the first Funny
Car driver to eclipse the 330 mph barrier (2004, Chicago). The Wall of
Fame includes competitors from all forms of motor racing at Infineon
Raceway, including NASCAR, NHRA, AMA, open-wheel cars, sports cars, and
more. The Wall of Fame will also include those who have made significant
contributions to the raceway over the years. A raceway committee oversees
the selection process on an annual basis. FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals
WHAT: FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals WHEN: July 27-29 CIRCUIT: Quarter-mile
drag strip 2006 TOP QUALIFIERS: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight
(Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle)
2006 WINNERS: JR Todd (Top Fuel); Eric Medlen (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro
Stock); Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle). NOTABLE: This marks the 20th
anniversary of the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.
TICKETS: $45-$60 single day/$135 weekend; parking is FREE MORE
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com
<http://www.ticketmaster.com/> ### Kawasaki AMA Superbike
Showdown, presented by Supercuts May 18-20 Wine Country Classic
vintage car races June 2-3 Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Weekend
June 22-24 Infineon Cougar Mountain Classic July 5-8 FRAM Autolite
NHRA Nationals July 27-29 CAL-STEAM/KOHLER Div. 7 NHRA drag races,
presented by Korbel Aug. 3-5 Motorola Indy 300, presented by Jackson
Rancheria Casino & Hotel Aug. 24-26
