Simply put, Infineon has more non-Superbike stuff to do than any other track on the AMA tour.

Believe it or not, these guys rocked @ Infineon image by brian j nelson

There's a stage pumping out rock music, Supermoto up on the go-kart track, rider interview sessions for the fans, stunt riders, and charity auctions. There's some darn good food, a full vendor area and I'm sure there are things we're forgetting.

Infineon Raceway is a track that looks like it is fully sponsored. Not only does their race have a manufacturer Sponsor (Kawasaki), they have a presenting sponsor in hairstyling chain Supercuts. Those selling signage in Sonoma look as if they are doing a great job.

And while the track indeed changed its name for money, they have invested in making a safer circuit and one that's better for the fans and the racers.

Jagermeister sponsors the rock stage. There have been several different types of bands playing, including an '80s cover band called the Spazmatics that rocked despite their goofy costumes. There was also a metal band that played, perhaps not Soup's style of choice but a talented group nonetheless. I knew they'd hit their (youthful) target audience perfectly when some old coots in the pressroom were bitching about how the music was "too angry" and "too loud". Josh Herrin seemed to be digging it, anyway.

A cynic could say the Infineon people need to have a lot of extra-curricular activities since rain grinds the action to a halt here. That's true, but at this event the track appears to have been well thought out and so far has been run in a very professional manner. The staff here at Infineon really seems competent and caring. Unlike some tracks.

Ben Spies signs autographs for the fans as the line stretches out in to the distance image by tim huntington

There's a big crowd at the race today.

Sears Point (I mean Infineon Raceway. It's not an easy change since the place was named after an original settler over a hundred years ago) is not Barber-quality when it comes to sightlines but there are good areas to watch the race. There are some hard braking areas that make for good passing areas. There's a front grandstand in the traditional style but most of the seating areas are terraced out of the hillside.

The hillside ... the local topography is excellent. The Sonoma wine country is really a beautiful place and Infineon Raceway runs a fittingly pleasant event.