SONOMA, Calif. -- The dichotomy struck Bay Area native JR Hildebrand. In an area renown for affluent technology industry careers, the number of families and individuals seeking food assistance continues to rise because of the global economy.

Many in San Jose, Calif., turn to Second Harvest Food Bank's Cypress Center, where Hildebrand and the Barracuda Racing team visited Aug. 20 to raise awareness about the critical local issue. Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties provides assistance to more than 250,000 people each month (about one in 10 residents).

With headquarters in nearby Campbell, Barracuda Networks is a supporter of Second Harvest Food Bank and the primary sponsor of the No. 98 car that Hildebrand will drive this weekend in the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma. Barracuda Networks CEO BJ Jenkins will co-chair Second Harvest's Holiday Food and Fund Drive this fall along with Dan Campbell, COO for Backup and Recovery Systems at EMC Corporation.

"It's very cool for Barracuda Racing to be coming out here and supporting Second Harvest Food Bank," said Hildebrand, who grew up in Sausalito. "In an area like this that seems to be affluent, you don't expect to have a lot of people going hungry, but it happens everywhere. What they're doing is a big deal, so being able to help raise awareness is unique and necessary."

The No. 98 crew presented several pit stop demonstrations, while Hildebrand signed autographs for Second Harvest volunteers and spectators.

"We were happy to partner with Barracuda Networks and shine a spotlight on the great work done here at the Second Harvest Food Bank," team co-owner Bryan Herta said.

Castroneves good to go

IZOD IndyCar Series championship points leader Helio Castroneves was medically cleared by INDYCAR to compete in the race at Sonoma.

Two weeks ago, Castroneves suffered leg contusions from a crash during practice for a Stock Car Brasil race in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.

"I have to be careful, but everything is OK for this weekend," Castroneves said.

Vasser presents former teammate Zanardi for Hall induction

KV Racing Technology co-owner and former CART champion Jimmy Vasser will introduce former Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Zanardi for induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America ceremonies in Detroit.

Zanardi will join motorsports industry legends Harbey Firestone, Jack Chrisman, Masten Gregory, Brad Lackey, Bud Moore and Robert E. Petersen in the Silver Anniversary class. Also, chassis constructor and technology innovator Bob Riley will receive the Bob Russo Motorsports Heritage Award for his numerous contributions to racing.

Zanardi drove in Formula One before moving to the Target Chip Ganassi Racing Indy car team in 1996, capturing rookie of the year honors and series championships in 1997 and 1998.  More recently, Zanardi has made headlines as an elite Paralympic athlete in handbike cycling, winning a pair of gold medals and a silver while representing his native Italy in the 2012 London Paralympics.

Karting event added to MAVTV race weekend

The inaugural PRD Pan-American Crown of Karting event has been added to the MAVTV 500 race weekend at Auto Club Speedway on Oct. 18-19.

The event on a six-tenths of a mile track that will weave its way into the Auto Club Speedway FanZone area will feature drivers of all ages in six classes. Get tickets to the race weekend, including the karting competition HERE.

GoPro CEO is grand marshal; special ticket offer

GoPro founder and CEO Nick Woodman will be the grand marshal of the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.

Also, GoPro will offer special ticket discounts and has created a GoPro Zone for fans to capture the high-speed action in Turns 1 and 2. .Save $20 off a race day ticket by visiting www.racesonoma.com/indycar (provide the serial number from your camera) or show your GoPro at the gate when you arrive at the raceway.

Of note

Chevrolet and Honda are tied in manufacturer points and both have seven victories. Of Honda's wins, four have included podium sweeps. ... Marco Andretti will greet fans at Food 4 Less (5184 Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo) from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 22. ... E.J. Viso will be at the Neiman Marcus in Walnut Creek (1000 S. Main St.) from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22.