Redwood High School grad J.R. Hildebrand wants desperately to avoid a repeat of last season's Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Unfortunately, for him, things aren't lining up that way. "Qualifying is always important, but especially here," the 23-year-old IndyCar Series rookie said. "Last year here, we were solid all weekend, except for qualifying." The Sausalito native was solid during Saturday's practice with one of the day's top times, taking advantage of mild temperatures and good tires. He turned in a lap of 1 minute, 19.1243 seconds behind the wheel of the No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing …

A trip to a Giants game, a night out on the town and the chance to hang out with old friends from the neighborhood, "… it's always awesome coming back. I don't really get the chance to come back here that much. It's nice just to spend a little time in the area," said Redwood High School grad J.R. Hildebrand.Hildebrand is back in town this weekend for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. The rookie driver for Panther Racing is 13th in the overall standings, fighting to stay alive for the IndyCar Series championship chase in the final five races this season. He has two top-five …

No one could blame Shirley Muldowney if she complained of writer's cramp after more than two hours of signing autographs Friday at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway.The line of drag racing fans that wound from the winner's circle around the main grandstand astounded the legendary driver."I can't think of anyone I'd stand in line for hours just to get an autograph," Muldowney said earlier in the week. "Well, maybe (Funny Car driver) Matt Hagan. I'd stand on broken glass for him."Nevertheless, Muldowney remains one of the most popular and captivating personalities in racing. She shattered the gender …

Larkspur's Art Hebert isn't slowing down, and neither is his 1963 Lola. Hebert led wire-to-wire for his second consecutive class win Sunday at the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival at Infineon Raceway. Saturday's rain moved qualifying to Sunday, making for a busy day of racing. Hebert grabbed the pole for the 10-lap main event for 1955-64 Formula cars. Despite darkening clouds, the rain didn't reappear and Hebert was able to navigate the twisting 12-turn road course for his second win in as many years. The race feature more than 400 entries, highlighted by the legendary McLarens that have …

Her brother might be the black sheep of the family, but if  weren't for him, Melissa Paris might never have become a professional motorcycle rider — and one of the top up-and-coming competitors on the AMA circuit today. Paris, a Clayton Valley High School grad, is back in her home territory this weekend for the AMA West Coast Moto Jam at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway. Paris finished 15th in the Daytona SportBike class during the season-opener in March at Daytona International Speedway, matching her career best. She's hoping to celebrate with her family and husband in the winner's circle during …

He hears it all the time: "I'm gonna beat you." That's just part of the sport for a professional drag racer like Ron Capps. It's a little more interesting, however, coming from a kid half his age at the starting line. Capps proudly wears his crown as "King of the Track" as the defending NHRA Funny Car champion at Infineon Raceway's dragstrip. He also happens to be the defending champion on the facility's karting track. Capps and fellow Funny Car driver "Fast Jack" Beckman will be the guests of honor at this year's Tour de Charity karting event, March 26. The annual karting event has generated…