SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) Race fans can satisfy their motor-racing craving long before Infineon Raceway officially opens its gates for the 2006 Big O Tires Race Season in May. The raceway will host “Ignition Tour 2006″ with three promotional events in February-March designed to build momentum for race fans leading up to the first major event of the 2006 season in the Sonoma Valley “” Ferrari Challenge, May 12-14. The promotional events will feature special ticket offers, top drivers from the primary racing organizations that visit Infineon Raceway “” including the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, Indy Racing League, NHRA and AMA Superbikes “” fan forums, autograph sessions, giveaways and more. By purchasing a ticket to any 2006 major event at Infineon Raceway at one of the “Ignition Tour 2006″ promotions, fans will receive a FREE “Ignition Tour 2006″ baseball cap. These events will help usher in the 2006 season at Infineon Raceway, which is sure to be one of the best. The raceway will feature one of the most diverse schedules in the country, with something for every taste, including NASCAR, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing, IRL, AMA Superbikes, vintage car racing and even bicycling. Race fans are invited to these promotional events at Infineon Raceway, FREE of charge: – Speed-Fest (February 27, Infineon Raceway) – This event will feature drivers from some of the top series that visit Infineon Raceway, including 2005 IRL champion and defending Indianapolis 500 champion, Dan Wheldon. There will be a fan forum, press conference, brief autograph session, car/dragster/motorcycle show and a blood drive benefiting the American Red Cross. Every fan who donates a pint of blood will be treated to a hot lap around the world-famous road course, possibly by a racing star, at high speeds. – NHRA Tour de Charity (March 4, Infineon Raceway) This event, which is also a benefit for Speedway Children’s Charities, offers race fans a chance to square off against top NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series drivers on the Infineon Raceway kart track. Entry fee is $325 and includes a full day of karting, lunch, autographs and a raffle. NHRA POWERade Drag Racing star drivers Ron Capps, Cory McClenathan and Gary Scelzi are confirmed to attend. Fans can also come out to watch the action for free. For this specific event, contact Denise Silver at [email protected]. Registration does not open until Monday, Feb. 6. – Two-Wheel Thunder (March 17, Infineon Raceway) The fastest pavement motorcycle road racers in the country will visit Infineon Raceway for a two-day test session, March 16-17. On Friday, March 17, fans will be allowed to watch these riders in action on the 12-turn road course, enjoy a fan forum and autograph session, as well as giveaways. Top teams from Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Ducati are expected at the two-day test, and Supermoto USA and Stuntspot.com will also be on-hand with demonstrations and displays by top area pro riders. This event is in advance of the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May 19-21 in the Sonoma Valley. More detailed information on these events will be released soon, as well as the special ticket offers. Stay tuned to www.infineonraceway.com or call 800-870-RACE . The 2006 Big O Tires Race Season will kick-off May 12-14 at Infineon Raceway with the Ferrari Challenge. The season will feature eight events for 2006, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series (June 23-25); FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals (July 28-30); and the IRL Grand Prix of Sonoma/Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series (Aug. 25-27).