Sonoma Raceway is celebrating 50 years of racing during its 2019 race season. The raceway kicked off its anniversary celebrations earlier this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the facility’s groundbreaking on Aug. 14, 1968. Paving was completed on the road course in November of that year, and the raceway hosted its first non-spectator event, an SCCA Enduro, on Dec. 1, 1968. The raceway went on to host its first full season of racing in 1969, which included NHRA drag racing, AMA motorcycle racing and SCCA road racing.
To honor 50 years of racing history in the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Raceway has released its limited-edition 50th anniversary book. The photo-filled memoir chronicles the raceway’s history over five decades. (more info)
When NASCAR returns they will be racing on the original circuit to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. (more info)
World Speed was interviewed by the track as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration as well…
Name of business (including previous variations on the name): World Speed Motorsports, World Speed Inc.
Current shop number(s): L8 and L7 since 2008
Previous Shops: World Speed has had multiple shops in the E, F, and G sections from 1992 to 2007
Year the business started at the raceway: 1992
What is historically significant about your business, who are noted racers who have competed in your cars, landmark victories, etc?
World Speed specializes in formula racing cars, and has been winning races and championships since they opened their doors in 1991. Racers who have come through the World Speed program and won races include 2017 Indy Lights Champion Kyle Kaiser, NASCAR Cup driver Michael McDowell, IMSA champion Guy Cosmo, and professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek. World Speed has won more Pro Formula Mazda races than any other team, and has secured many SCCA Formula Atlantic Championships as well. The team competed in the prestigious Racing Driver’s Club 4 Hour Enduro twice (2009 and 2010) and won their class and overall both times. World Speed has been partnered with Goodyear Racing tires for 28 consecutive years with race wins scored in every single season. World Speed developed their own open wheel racer (The FormulaSPEED) and that car has trained drivers who have gone on to win in Indy Lights, International F3, and also have been selected as Team USA Scholarship award winners. As a race series promoter, World Speed Inc has been managing the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear since 2005.
Other Interesting Notes About World Speed’s Sonoma Raceway Tenure:
Since 2014 World Speed has been partnered with VMB Driver Development: VMB provides racing scholarships to talented up-and-coming racers. More info: http://worldspeed.com/enrollment-is-open-for-the-2019-vmb-driver-development-academy-with-world-speed-motorsports/
WSM Season-by-Season highlights:
http://worldspeed.com/about-world-speed/
World Speed Supports Women Racers at WSM:
http://worldspeed.com/lyn-st-james-tests-at-sonoma-raceway-with-world-speed-motorsports/
World Speed was the first racing business to be Green Certified (January 2009)
http://worldspeed.com/world-speed-is-first-officially-certified-green-racing-team-in-california/