Sonoma Raceway - Velocity International

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57

Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476

Velocity International website

Sonoma Raceway website

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 47,000

---

An Artistic Blend of Car Culture and Vintage Racing

Velocity Invitational is a unique event in motorsports. Held annually at Sonoma Raceway, this weekend features a unique setup that stands out from other races you may be used to. Gone is the paddock space filled with large 18-wheeler haulers and paddock setups. Instead, large green spaces with lounge chairs, art pieces, and VIP areas take up the majority of Sonoma’s main paddock. Most cars that are racing are in the garages or in a section of open-air white tents for fans to see up close and on display. This weekend is about more than just racing – it’s about appreciating the art of the automobile.

Food & Beverage   4

The track has various concession stands and a large number of food trucks located in the main paddock during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers ($17.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13.99), breakfast burritos ($7.99), and hot dogs ($12.99). The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options. Other choices include the Philly Cheesesteak ($17.99), Super Nachos ($17.99), and Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog ($16.99).

With the increase in the number of fans, concession stands are also open above the Esses with a light offering of drinks and small snacks.

Atmosphere   5

This event is unique to motorsports in multiple ways. Firstly, the track’s standard viewing areas are all open to race fans as usual. Grandstands are plentiful for all viewing angles, and access around the track is helped by shuttles for fans to get to various parts of the circuit, but that is where the similarities end, as this event features numerous groups of vintage racing on track. Each car you see on track has a display sheet next to its paddock stall, featuring a detailed history of the car itself, as well as a history of the driver.

The USAC Porsche West series also participates, bringing a more modern event into the fold. However, various supercars and rare machines also get their time to shine, with numerous parade and demo lap sessions scheduled throughout the weekend.

Celebrities and autograph sessions are also seen at the track, with F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda and actor Sung Kang both hosting meet-and-greets alongside on-track demo runs of various cars. This event is a meld of both car culture and traditional concourse vibes, as well as vintage racing and sportscar fandom.

Neighborhood   4

There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing.

To the west is Novato, and to the east is Vallejo – food options include In-N-Out Burger, a California fixture, as well as many more. Hotels are also plentiful in both areas, and attractions range from the Golden Gate Bridge and several national parks to the south, to wine country in the north.

Fans   4

While the grandstands aren’t filled to the brim like during NHRA or NASCAR weekend, and parking isn’t filled up like SRO America weekend, fans no less pack the paddock area and various other spots around the facility. Due to the spread-out nature of the event and the goings-on, a large crowd can easily be spread around different areas of the track depending on what is drawing them there – vintage fans wander the paddock, while drifting fans gather outside the back section of the course. VIP areas at Turn 11 are featured during the weekend as well.

Access   3

Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you must take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track.

The problem? Near the track it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Thankfully, when you arrive the parking is beyond plentiful around the facility, with many grandstands offering close parking spaces for those willing to drive around. The most recent event here seemed to offer a bit of a reprieve in congestion, perhaps thanks to updated construction work finishing up in various areas around the bay.

Return on Investment   2

Tickets to Velocity Invitational are not cheap. Adult general admission tickets for Friday are $49 while Saturday or Sunday are $199, with two-day tickets at $249. Thankfully youth tickets are just a $5 add-on for anyone 15 years or younger with a paying adult. “Family Bundles” for two adults and two kids with preferred parking are $479 for Saturday or Sunday, and $579 for both days. A family weekend camping package includes two adult tickets and two youth tickets for Friday through Sunday, with a campsite and preferred parking all for $799. Couples packages for two adults that include Turn 1 suite access range from $899 to $1,099, while Driver’s Club VIP access is $1,999. Various other VIP and suite access packages are offered from $219 to $1,499 while camping ranges from $199 to $499.

Unfortunately, with prices this steep the average fan may feel priced out, even with pre-event sales and discounts. That same value can be found numerous times over at other Sonoma events for far less cost. However, if you’re a car culture diehard and can afford the initial spend, you’re hard-pressed to find a more unique event in the Bay Area, if not the whole West Coast.

Extras   3

There are several autograph sessions throughout the weekend with various celebrities that fans can attend. The podium is also located in the middle of the paddock, so you can get right next to the celebrations on Sunday. Finally, various other events like movie screenings take place during the weekend around the facility, to add to the on-track action.

Final Thoughts

Velocity Invitational may be one of the most unique race weekends of the year. That said, the cost to get in isn’t exactly affordable for the average race fan, so check to make sure this is the right event for you. But if you do decide to go, you will be met with one heck of a showcase that will make your heart rumble without a doubt.