Leading up to the 25th Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this weekend, State Senators Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) and Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) proclaimed Thursday, June 20, 2013 as NASCAR Day at the State Capitol.

“Today’s parade has developed into one of the biggest and most anticipated events to celebrate the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series held this weekend at the Sonoma Raceway,” said Sen. Nielsen. “It is a great opportunity for race fans in Northern California to show their support for the sport.”

Spirited fans lined up along the streets of downtown Sacramento to watch the parade of haulers drive by. Nearly 50 haulers for drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson drove around the Capitol and greeted fans by blowing their big-rig horns.

Drivers were escorted by a Sacramento Police Department motorcade, with help from the California Highway Patrol.

Fans wore NASCAR Day lapel pins to show their support of the NASCAR Foundation’s many charitable endeavors like children’s causes, animal welfare and rescue, and nature conservancy, among others.

To pay tribute to the brave service men and women who served our country and local communities this year, Sonoma Raceway, in partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, will give away tickets. Tickets to the Sonoma Raceway’s NASCAR and INDYCAR races will be distributed to military families and veterans as well as first responders and volunteers of the American Red Cross.

“NASCAR is the absolute king of motor sports and nothing tops the excitement of a hard fought race.  It was great for me to recognize NASCAR today as a legislator and I can’t wait to be in Sonoma as a fan,” said Sen. Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin).

State Senators Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) and Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) presented a Senate resolution to Mr. Robby Maschhaupt, a member of the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Racing Team.