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Drag Race Bracket Bonanza to Honor Eric Medlen Through Support of Speedway Children’s Charities at Sonoma

One of the best things to come out of the online game Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), is the supportive drag racing community that has truly rallied around it. The free interactive bracket game that was introduced to fans at the 2023 U.S. Nationals has continued to grow throughout the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, and now it’s time to give back. In honor of the late Eric Medlen, Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma is the presenting sponsor for this weekend’s Sonoma Nationals, July 25-27.

“Speedway Children’s Charities is a fantastic organization that I have always loved to support,” said DRBB creator Elon Werner. “Over the years and particularly since Eric Medlen’s tragic passing in 2007, the Sonoma chapter has really stepped up around this race in honor of him. A very generous sponsor approached us about making it possible for us to highlight Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma for this race, and we jumped at the opportunity. I am hopeful that a good chunk of our player base will find it in their hearts to donate this weekend.”

Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma is the philanthropic arm of Sonoma Raceway. Their mission is to provide children with the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, productive life no matter what obstacles they’re facing. All proceeds directly benefit Sonoma County children and families in critical need. DRBB is encouraging their players to make a $4 donation or more, in honor of Eric Medlen since No. 4 was his number.

“We’re grateful for DRBB’s push for SCC Sonoma this weekend,” said Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma Director Courtney Kiser. “The work we do is year-round, so strong bumps in fundraising surrounding the events held at Sonoma Raceway are essential for us to be able to do what we do to help the kids of Sonoma County.”

Since DRBB is a free game, there is no age requirement to play Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. Kids are able to play in leagues with their families and compete for the signature plaques that DRBB gives out to winners for every race. Supporting a charity that directly benefits children is a natural extension of a key part of DRBB’s mission: getting kids interested in the sport of drag racing.

This weekend, DRBB players will have the opportunity to compete for the Sonoma Nationals Overall, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle plaques, all signed by the eventual race winners. Each plaque winner will also receive a Summit Racing Equipment gift certificate.

Brackets will open after qualifying concludes at Sonoma Raceway on Saturday, July 26. They will then have until the first round of eliminations kicks off on Sunday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m. EST to submit their picks. Fans can follow DRBB on social media for cool stats, prize updates, and info on Twitter/X at @dragracebb or @DragRaceBracketBonanza on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. They can watch the NHRA broadcast on FS1.

This story was originally published on July 24, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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