New entrance gate for fans at Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (February 9, 2001) - Sears Point Raceway's comprehensive Modernization Plan reached another milestone as construction crews put the finishing touches on a road that will serve as the new main entrance into the facility beginning with the 2001 racing season.

The new Gate 7 will be 80-feet wide and will feature six lanes to accommodate vehicles, as well as nearly one-half mile of staging area. The staging space will enable raceway officials to move more vehicles off the highway and onto Sears Point's property, reducing traffic congestion on the highway during busy event weekends. The gate will be used for all major events, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup, June 21-24.

"Relieving race-day traffic congestion is one of our fundamental goals. The addition of this new entrance will be a tremendous boon both to Sears Point fans and to folks who are simply traveling through the area on major event days," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sears Point Raceway.

The new entry will replace Gate 1 as the main entrance for fans from Highway 121. Gate 1 will still be used, but only for credentialed personnel, further reducing congestion. In past years, Gate 1 was a point of entry for everyone entering the facility from Highway 121.

The new Gate 7 will join the Lakeville Highway Gate as the two main points of entry for fans during the 2001 season. The Lakeville Highway gate is located on the west side of the property and is a great alternative for fans coming to the raceway from the North Bay, Peninsula and San Francisco. The Lakeville Highway Gate is located approximately two miles northwest of the raceway on Highway 116.

All that is left to complete the new Gate 7 is the paving of the road and creating the connection to Highway 121, which will take place after the winter season.

Sears Point Raceway's $35 million Modernization Plan kicked off last September and will take two years for completion. The plan will transform the facility into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the world.

- John Cardinale