NASCAR’s Clint Bowyer Posts Victory in Unique Race

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer traded his stock car for a high-speed shopping cart during a media and fan event at a Save Mart Supermarkets store in Sacramento on Monday.

Bowyer, who was in Sacramento in advance of the 25th Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway (June 21-23), called on his wealth of racing experience to square off against Auburn’s Dennis Kurrell in a “Shop ‘Til You Drop”-style race through the store to secure the basic supplies for a fun-filled race weekend. Kurrell is a long-time NASCAR fan and has attended all 24 Cup Series events in Sonoma.

Each competitor took the green flag and raced through the aisles on a specially-created “track” through the store, while filling his cart with the listed items.  Bowyer claimed the shopping-cart topped trophy after completing the circuit in just one minute, 49 seconds.

“That was a lot of fun, but I have to admit that I have done an event like this before, so that might’ve been a case of experience paying off,” said Bowyer, who drives the No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota.

Bowyer and Kurrell even arrived in racing style, pulling up to the store in Save Mart’s “Big Red” hot rod custom grocery cart, which is 12′ 6″ tall and features a 520-horse power engine. 

“This is one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done,” said Kurrell. “It’s a real pleasure to finally meet Clint Bowyer. He’s a great guy and we’ve had some great discussions. This full media event here was wonderful, and I want to do this again.”

More than 100 fans came out to see Bowyer at the event, which also included a fan Q&A session.  Bowyer posted his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road-course win in Sonoma last year, becoming the eighth different winner in eight years on the twisting road course.

“I really look forward to coming back to Sonoma,” said Bowyer. “Coming from a dirt-racing background, I never would’ve thought that I’d like road-course racing so much, but I’ve always been comfortable racing in Sonoma, and getting the win there last year was huge. The fans there are always great, and the drivers put on a great show.”

Prior to taking the green flag on Sunday, June 23, Bowyer will headline the driver appearances in Club 7, a trackside bar and lounge overlooking Turn 7 on the road course. It is the one of the most popular ticket upgrades for the 25th Toyota/Save Mart 350, featuring lunch, special guests, raffles and music. Fans can add the Club 7 option to their ticket for as little as $49 (Saturday or Sunday) or $79 for two-day access, which includes Kinder’s BBQ lunch each day.

Sonoma Raceway PR