The 21st 3J's Motorcycle Track Day raised nearly $30,000 for charity on Wednesday at Sonoma Raceway.
More than 80 riders converged on the raceway for a day of recreational riding around the 12-turn, 2.28-mile road course, which also featured a catered lunch, 3J's T-shirt, charity raffle and an evening reception. In total, the event raised $28,697 and all proceeds will go to qualified youth groups in Sonoma County through Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway.
"I had a great time, as usual," said San Anselmo's Peter Hively, who has participated in six 3J's Motorcycle Days. "I enjoy track days in general for a variety of reasons, but I particularly like 3J's because of the mellow atmosphere, I like the people who run it, and I appreciate the opportunity to help out good causes. Every lap is a gas."
3J's Motorcycle Track Days have generated more than $480,000 since 2003. Jere Starks, vice president of facilities at Sonoma Raceway, along with Jenah Smith, operations logistics manager at Sonoma Raceway, and Santa Rosa's Jim Randolph, run the 3J's program. For more information, visit 3Jsmotorcycledays.com.
"We had lots of motorcycles, great food and it seemed like everyone had a good time," said Starks. "For me, it's a day of all the things I like. I like riding motorcycles, I like the adventure of putting on the event and we raised a lot of money for charity. Everybody has a great time."
The event kicked off festivities for this weekend's Sonomafest motorcycle extravaganza, which features the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA), April 30-May 1, and American Federation of Motorcycle (AFM) racing, May 2-3. Tickets can be purchased at the gate each day.