IndyCar: GoPro GP of Sonoma to go ahead as scheduled following earthquake

IndyCar and Sonoma Raceway officials have confirmed that today's GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma will go ahead as scheduled despite the earthquake that hit the area early on Sunday morning.

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake with the epicenter about six miles south of Napa woke residents and visitors about 3:20 a.m. local time. The jarring quake lasted about 25 seconds, and multiple aftershocks have been recorded.

No damage was reported at the racetrack – which is located about 15 miles from the American Canyon site named as the epicenter of the quake – or its main arteries, California Highways 37 and 121. The 2.385-mile, 12-turn road course and buildings at the facility have been inspected, according to a track spokesman. Emergency responders, including Holmatro Safety Team members, are on-site at the facility. No fans or campers were injured during the quake or its aftershocks.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office reported power outages in the city of Sonoma and surrounding area but no significant damage. Structural damage and fires have been reported in the adjacent town of Napa.

It's the largest quake in Northern California since the Loma Prieta temblor in 1989. It is the strongest non-Alaska earthquake in the U.S. this year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents felt moderate tremors from the quake as far north as Sacramento and as far south as Santa Cruz.

Competition today includes the championship-deciding Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires race and the 85-lap GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma at 1:40 p.m. PT.