Sonoma Raceway’s Top the Cops program brings teens and officers together through racing

August 21, 2026

Sonoma Raceway’s Top the Cops program transforms drag racing into a community safety initiative, giving young drivers a legal place to race while building positive connections with law enforcement through competition and education.

Sonoma Raceway’s Top the Cops brings teens and officers together.
Sonoma Raceway’s Top the Cops brings teens and officers together.

The program turns racing into a lesson in safety.

For many young drivers, the start line feels intense.
For many young drivers, the start line feels intense.

Nerves quickly give way to excitement.

Students race their own cars on the drag strip.
Students race their own cars on the drag strip.

Across the lane sits a police patrol vehicle.

The challenge adds a competitive edge.
The challenge adds a competitive edge.

Everyone wants to cross the finish line first.

The idea began decades ago in Northern California.
The idea began decades ago in Northern California.

Its goal was to address illegal street racing.

Organizers offered a legal place to race.
Organizers offered a legal place to race.

The track became an alternative to public roads.

Retired officer Kevin McKinnie helped launch the effort.
Retired officer Kevin McKinnie helped launch the effort.

He wanted speed moved from streets to a safer setting.

The program runs through the warmer months.
The program runs through the warmer months.

High school students return week after week.

Beyond racing, conversations matter too.
Beyond racing, conversations matter too.

Drivers and officers meet outside everyday situations.

The lasting message goes beyond winning.
The lasting message goes beyond winning.

Safe competition can strengthen a community.