SONOMA, California — NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson visited Infineon Raceway on Wednesday to hone his skills on the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course.
Sorenson came to the track for the one-day test session in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 19-21 (Father’s Day). Sorenson has competed twice on the challenging road course (2006, 2007), with a best finish of 29th in 2006. He was joined by his crew chief, Mike Shiplett, at the test.
“This is my favorite of the two road courses we visit because it’s more technical. We don’t run as fast, but it’s fun to race here,” said Sorenson. “There are a few places where we can get better on the track. I have to learn not to go too fast.”
Sorenson, driver of the No. 43 Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports, piloted a late model stock car supplied by Pioneer Motorsports out of Lake Oroville. He was coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook and completed approximately 90 laps in the full-day test.
“Reed’s only 23 years old, but I consider him a veteran. It doesn’t surprise me that he picks things up really well. We’re just trying to practice the track as perfectly as we possibly can,” said Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers David Reutimann, Johnny Sauter, Paul Menard and AJ Allmendinger.
Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHEN: June 19-21 (Father’s Day)
2008 POLE WINNER: Kasey Kahne
2008 WINNER: Kyle Busch
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature competition in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR West Series event on Saturday.
START TIMES (Pacific): Friday, June 19: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Day, 3:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, 10:50 a.m.; Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21: Toyota/Save Mart 350, 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com
