Almirola shakes it down Tuesday |
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers
Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola visited the raceway for a two-day test session
in advance of the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 21-23. The test marked the first
time the new Gen-6 NASCAR stock car ran on the Sonoma Valley road course. The
team completed approximately 100 laps on Tuesday, all in race trim, and will
return for a second day of testing on Wednesday. Lap times were not available.
“We’re going to be faster in
qualifying, no doubt,” said Ambrose, who has posted four consecutive Top-eight
finishes on the road course. “It looks like the cars and tires slide around
more, so I think you’re going to see the normal Sonoma action, just a little
faster.
“I’m excited about the Gen-6
car. It’s been a good race car for us, and we came out here to give ourselves
the best shot at winning. We had the pole here last year, but our race package
wasn’t up to standard on the longer runs, so that’s what we’re really focused
on.”
Hold the Vegemite, mate! |
Ambrose and Almirola took a
break from testing to help unveil the raceway’s newest concession concept, the
Sears Point Grill. The Sears Point Grill will feature handmade burgers,
locally-sourced sausages and other savory grilled items. Three grill locations
will open officially during NASCAR race weekend, and will be open at select
major events throughout the season.
The drivers sampled two
specially-created burgers from the Sears Point Grill. Almirola’s featured
Smithfield bacon, a team sponsor, while Ambrose’s featured a taste from his
homeland of Tasmania – Vegemite.
“That’s really good,” said
Almirola after tasting the bacon-topped burger. “I think that should definitely
be on the menu. Two thumbs up.”
“They put bloody Vegemite on
it,” said Ambrose of his burger. “I wouldn’t suggest you sell that. It’s pretty
rough.”
The raceway and Levy
Restaurants also hosted a ceremonial ground breaking for the new Sonoma Raceway
Garden on Tuesday. Located on a hillside just above the main paddock, the
Raceway Garden will play a key role in the culinary profile of the raceway,
while providing locally-grown produce for day-to-day catering and corporate
events for Levy Restaurants, the on-site caterer.
All those elements will come
together for NASCAR’s 25th annual visit to the Sonoma Valley, June
21-23. For more information or to purchase your tickets, call 800-870-RACE
(7223) or visit www.racesonoma.com/nascar.
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