My wife and I will be traveling to Sonoma this summer to watch the ALMS/Speed World Challenge weekend at Sears Point (sorry - Infineon,) and I'm curious if any locals have opinions on where to best sit at the track to take in the action. I prefer watching cars corner vs. watching them fly by in a straight line, and from looking at the seating options, it looks like the best bet for this is the hill overlooking the downhill esses on the back straight.

Have any locals been to Sears as a spectator, and if so, what suggestions do you have on optimal seating locations? My criteria are:

- Have the opportunity to see cars take corners (overtaking spots are nice, but not required)
- Easy access to restroom facilities (for the wife)
- Good sight lines (I don't like having to look at the same one corner for the whole race, which is why I think being able to watch the downhill twisty section is ideal)
- Easy access from the parking area (nice, but not required)

I'm really looking forward to this trip, and I want to make sure I take full advantage by having a good position from which to watch the races. Also, I'm curious if anyone has input on good hotels to stay at, other fun things to do in the area, or any general advice on visiting this part of the country.

Thanks for any help!

Gary

 

Well ... I usually don't stay put in one spot when I go to Sears Point (you're right... the new "Infineon"... )

the back "esses" right after turn 7 have some bleacher seats... but its in DIRECT sun all day. In Fact... the only real shade is in the grandstands, right by the finish.

I also recommend hanging around turn 2 and 3 ... those are pretty exciting spots to see how they take the corners, and even sometimes... overtake.

I don't think there is any one spot you'll want to stay. When I go to the track, I usually end up walking the equivilant of about 4 miles, give or take.

 

Concur with what neur0sis says about Infineon or any road course....you've got to walk around. I'm planning on going. Will be asking if Fowlman01 wants to go..maybe even Dan (neur0sis) would like to go. Maybe a mini Z meet for us locals?

As for your other plans there is so much to do here, places to go etc. it would be hard to recommend specific things. Here are a couple of links that you may find helpful.

http://www.sonomacounty.com/

http://www.co.napa.ca.us/visiting/

http://www.infineonraceway.com/fan%5...travel%5Fhelp/

 

+1

Walking around is the best thing about road courses in my book. You can watch different drivers taking different lines, use different braking points, and make mistakes...all over the place.

That being said, it's pretty cool to see them come up the hill at T2/3 and then accelerate out to 4.

I love the ALMS cars. The Audi's and the Dyson machine are frickin' amazing.

 

+1 walk around. Just make sure you wear comfy shoes and cloth you don't mind getting a little dusty. Oh yeah, bring ear plugs!!

 

Wow, thanks for all the great input…it's very helpful. I agree that it's great to be able to walk around at a road course, but I'm looking for a single spot because my wife has bad knees, and thus can't do as much walking (especially around such a hilly track.) So I’m hoping to find a good spot (or at least a couple of options,) and you've given me some great ideas.

I appreciate all the advice. I'm really looking forward to the race weekend, and visiting that part of the country!

Gary

 

There run the old cars today 6/5/05 w/ wine & food 15$ all day so 30$ to get in & 15$ for all food And wine 45$ it wood cost that for dinner.



anyone going? I'm going now if anyone is going 925-580-9468 cell