Lions, Tigers and ... a Racecar Driver?

West Coast NASCAR fans are really in for a treat on Thursday, March 24. A visit to the Oakland Zoo could prove to be one trip you're not likely to forget. An invitation to visit the zoo from Sonoma’s Infineon Raceway will be the second event sponsored by the Northern California track this season. The first was the visit by the 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne to San Francisco’s own Ghirardelli Square.

This event should be a lot of fun and I, for one, can’t wait to see Tony “The Tiger” Stewart in his zoo garb, scooping the poop.

See the invitation with all the information below.

See NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart at Oakland Zoo

Race fans are invited to join Infineon Raceway and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart at the Oakland Zoo on Thursday, March 24, when Stewart kicks off the countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 (June 24-26).

Stewart, an animal lover, will trade his race suit for a zoo keeper’s uniform during a behind-the-scenes experience at the Oakland Zoo. The two-time NASCAR Cup champion will interact with animals and participate in a media Q&A session in the Wildlife Theater in the children’s area of the zoo beginning at approximately 1:15 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the Q&A session.

The event will also launch the all-new “Trackside with Tony” ticket package, which includes Saturday and Sunday race tickets for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, plus a Q&A with Stewart in the Club 7 hospitality area, for just $114. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation. Call 800-870-RACE (7223) for more information.

VISUALS:

Stewart will work with Elephant Manager Jeff Kinzley to perform some of the daily care for Osh, the zoo’s only male elephant, who weighs in at more than six tons. Stewart and Kinzley will complete a “pedicure,” mouth check and more in caring for Osh, who will then kick-off the countdown to race weekend by passing Stewart the official green flag. Stewart will also interact with other zoo animals before participating in a media and fan Q&A session.

STEWART (No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, Stewart-Haas Racing):

• Two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion (2002, ’05)
• Posted two victories on the Sonoma Valley road course (2001, ’05); claimed the pole in 2002
• An avid animal lover, his Tony Stewart Foundation is, in part, dedicated to raising money for animal causes

Fans are encouraged to come out to the Oakland Zoo on Thursday, March 24, and can receive a $2 discount on admission by mentioning “Infineon Raceway” at the ticket booth. For more information, call 800-870-RACE (7223). For more information about the Oakland Zoo, visit www.oaklandzoo.org.

WHAT: Tony Stewart Kicks Off Countdown to Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHERE: Oakland Zoo, Wildlife Theater
WHEN: Thursday, March 24
TIME: 1:15 p.m.
ZOO INFO: www.oaklandzoo.org