FONTANA, California --- Excitement and anticipation are buzzing through the Inland Empire as NASCAR gets ready to head out West for the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend. This will be the first time since 1987 that NASCAR's premier series has made two trips to Southern California during one season when the circuit stopped twice at Riverside International Raceway.
To celebrate the occasion, the City of Fontana, the Fontana Downtown Business Association and the Fontana Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up with California Speedway to invite residents to the first "Fontana Race Week" celebration. The weeklong festival is slated for September 1-5, capping with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pop Secret 500 at the superspeedway.
"Fontana is elated to have the Pop Secret 500 event at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend," Fontana Mayor Mark Nuaimi said. "When this region was awarded a second NASCAR event, we wanted to do more than just congratulate the speedway. We created a weeklong festival that would allow residents and race fans alike to enjoy the entire week of NASCAR excitement."
Activities during "Fontana Race Week" include a golf tournament, rally, block party, NASCAR themed "Cruise Night" and will culminate with the racing events at California Speedway during Labor Day weekend.
"We appreciate the efforts of the city, the chamber and the downtown business association in developing this race week and welcoming NASCAR for this Inaugural event" California Speedway President Bill Miller said. "The events will certainly create a buzz around the area and present opportunities for people who are already race fans to enjoy all that is taking place but also introduce the sport to some potential new fans."
Race fans and community members alike are encouraged to participate and get their fill of NASCAR racing during "Fontana Race Week." Here's a look at the five day celebration:
Golf Tournament: The Fontana Chamber of Commerce at Sierra Lakes Golf Club will host the "Legends of NASCAR" golf tournament on Wednesday, September 1. The tournament will commence at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start. The event will conclude at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon, prizes, drawings and a celebrity speaker. All proceeds will benefit "Best Bet" - a fund that helps Fontana Unified School District teachers buy classroom supplies, since many purchase supplies with money out of their own pocket. The cost is $175 per person ($650 per foursome). To sign up, call the Fontana Area Chamber of Commerce at 909-822-4433.
Rally: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series transporters, including the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet hauler, will make a pitstop at City Hall on Thursday, September 2 at noon to be part of a rally. These haulers are 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs that NASCAR teams use to transport two racecars, engines, tools and support equipment to the racetracks. Cars are towed in the top section, while the bottom floor is used for workspace. Join the Rally and watch these NASCAR transporters travel the final four miles of their 2,400-mile trip across country for the weekend's racing. City Council will present the "Keys to the City" honoring California Speedway and NASCAR.
Block Party: NASCAR driver appearances will highlight an evening packed with excitement to get the party started on Thursday, September 2 from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Block Party will take place in the area of the Civic Center Campus, Community Church Hall, Fontana Women's Club and will block off Sierra Avenue near City Hall. SPEED Channel's Summer Blast Tour, which features a 50 ft. x 20 ft. display, will be on-site with tons of giveaways. Get your NASCAR and California Speedway apparel at the Americrown display and fill your goodie bags with tons of other great items from a host of other vendors. NASCAR show cars, including the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford, will be on display. NASCAR drivers will be signing autographs between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a short period of time at the California Speedway display. Drivers who are scheduled to appear include Scott Riggs and Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR Cruise Night: Fontana's monthly "Cruise Night" will get a visit from NASCAR on Friday, September 3 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Everyone will get a chance to check out some of the most spectacular classic cars and cruisers at the intersection of Arrow Blvd. and Nuevo Rd. NASCAR drivers will make special stop by appearances that evening. As an added bonus, "Cruise Night" participants will have the opportunity to bring their cars to California Speedway on Saturday where they can take in all the NASCAR action, the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert sounds and take their cars out on the track for a cruise.
For additional information about "Fontana Race Week" call 909-350-7620. California Speedway guests who are camping in the infield for the weekend can take advantage of a shuttle service to and from the activities on Thursday (4:00 - 9:30 p.m.) and Friday (6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
To cap off the week, California Speedway will host three great days of racing excitement. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series teams will practice and qualify for the weekend's races on Friday, September 3. Friday's general admission tickets are $10 (children 12 and under are free with a paid adult). Saturday will feature NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice, the NASCAR Busch Series Target House 300 and the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert featuring Camp Freddy. Saturday reserved seating tickets are $40 and $50. The Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500, featuring the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, will take place late Sunday afternoon. Sunday's reserved seating tickets are $65 and $105.
For more information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com. When you call, ask how you can get even closer to the action with California Speedway's $45 pit pass or fan hospitality Party Zone.
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