Drag racing fans can go head-to-head against racers from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series on the Sonoma Raceway Karting Center track at the 12th annual NHRA Tour de Charity.

Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, will host the fundraising  event on Saturday, March 22, with all proceeds benefiting Sonoma County youth groups. The event has generated more than $122,000 since 2003.

Funny Car stars Ron Capps and Jack Beckman will return as the featured NHRA competitors at this year's event, and they'll be joined by Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Scotty Pollacheck. Among the most recognizable stars in the sport, Beckman is the 2012 NHRA Funny Car Champion, while Capps is fresh off his 2013 Sonoma Nationals victory. Capps and Beckman have been regular Tour de Charity participants since its inception, and look forward to returning each year.

"It's a wonderful day, awesome group of people and it's for a great cause," said Beckman. "No matter the results on track, you can't leave here without feeling fantastic."

The event is limited to 40 fans; cost is $325 and includes a full day of karting with the drivers, autographs, lunch, and the chance to compete in a 10-lap timed qualifying event for a grand prize.

The karting center provides the karts, race suits, classroom instruction and on-track pointers for all competitors. There will be giveaways during the day, and the top-10 qualifiers (race fans) will compete in a 10-lap timed race at the end of day for the NHRA Experience, which includes two tickets to the NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July 25-27). All karting levels are welcome.

To reserve your seat in the NHRA Tour de Charity, visit http://sonoma.speedwaycharities.org/events/nhra_tour_de_charity_karting/.  For more information, contact Cheri Plattner at 707-933-3950 or [email protected].