NASCAR Cup - Sonoma

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California's wine country for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. This race represents a major highlight of a three-day NASCAR weekend at one of the sport's most challenging road courses. Sonoma Raceway hosts both the premier Cup Series event and support races from the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series West throughout the weekend.

The Sonoma Raceway Circuit

Sonoma Raceway sits among the rolling hills of Sonoma, California. The facility has evolved through several names since opening in 1969, including Sears Point Raceway and Infineon Raceway, before adopting its current name in 2012.

The NASCAR Cup Series races on a 1.99-mile road course featuring 10 turns. This configuration uses "the Chute," a straight section that bypasses the traditional turns five and six known as "the Carousel." The race covers 110 laps for a total distance of 218.9 miles.

Track Characteristics

Sonoma Raceway presents significant technical demands. The circuit includes more elevation change than any other road course on the NASCAR schedule, with over 160 feet of variation from the highest to lowest points. Drivers face blind corners, off-camber turns, and tight hairpins throughout the lap.

Turn 3a stands out as one of NASCAR's most blind corners. Turn 11, known as "Calamity Corner," often produces late-race drama and has decided many competitions. The facility can accommodate 44,000 spectators in permanent seating. Speedway Motorsports, LLC has owned the track since November 1996.

Technical Updates for 2026

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season brings several technical changes that affect road course racing at Sonoma.

Engine output increases from 670 horsepower to 750 horsepower for road courses and tracks measuring less than 1.5 miles. The short-track and road-course rules package continues, featuring a three-inch rear spoiler and fewer diffuser strakes.

All Cup Series cars now carry A-post flaps at every track. These flaps deploy with roof flaps to reduce the chance of a car becoming airborne during a spin. The surface beneath these flaps must be bright orange for visibility.

Chevrolet introduced a new ZL1 body style for the season, replacing the previous model used since 2022. NASCAR has also established specific guidelines for new manufacturers entering the series, with controlled testing procedures completed before March 1.

Postseason Format Change

The 2026 season sees NASCAR return to a "Chase" format for the postseason. The top 16 drivers in points after 26 regular-season races qualify. Starting points are staggered based on regular-season standings. The series has eliminated the "win-and-you're-in" rule and playoff points from the previous format.

Race Weekend Structure

TNT Sports begins its broadcast coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series with the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The Sonoma race also launches the second annual NASCAR In-Season Challenge, a five-race bracket-style tournament offering a $1 million bonus for top drivers.

The weekend features competition across multiple NASCAR series. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) runs the Sonoma 250, while the ARCA Menards Series West competes in the General Tire 150.

Expected Competitors

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will feature top competitors from the NASCAR Cup Series. Established teams like Hendrick Motorsports field drivers such as Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. Richard Childress Racing enters Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch. The complete entry list will be confirmed closer to race weekend.

Racing History at Sonoma

NASCAR Cup Series competition at Sonoma began on June 11, 1989, when Ricky Rudd won the Banquet Frozen Foods 300. The track has undergone several configuration changes since then.

The 1.99-mile "Chute" layout became standard for NASCAR events in 1998, shortening the track from the original 2.52-mile, 12-turn course. The series briefly used the Carousel section again in 2019 and 2021 before returning to the Chute configuration.

Jeff Gordon holds the record for most NASCAR Cup Series wins at Sonoma Raceway with five victories. The track has witnessed several notable moments, including Dale Earnhardt's only career road course victory in 1995 and Tony Stewart's final career win in 2016. Daniel Suárez became the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma in 2022. Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 13 wins at the circuit.

Unique Aspects of Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway offers a distinctive setting within California's wine country. Winners celebrate by drinking from the "Champion's Goblet," a tradition started in 2006. Local Bay Area glass blowers handcraft these goblets, reflecting the region's wine heritage.

The raceway maintains strong environmental and community initiatives. The facility has collected over 734 tons of recyclable material since 2004. Management donates thousands of event tickets to local non-profits and partners with community organizations for concession staffing. Excess food goes to those in need. Twenty owl boxes placed around the property provide natural rodent control.

Sonoma Raceway received a nomination for "Best NASCAR Track" in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The combination of elevation changes and technical corners creates a physically demanding test for drivers and teams.

What Makes This Race Notable

The Sonoma NASCAR Cup Series race stands apart from oval track competitions. Road course racing requires different skills and strategies. Drivers must master braking zones, racing lines through corners, and overtaking opportunities in limited passing zones.

The elevation changes at Sonoma add another layer of difficulty. Cars experience different loads and handling characteristics as they climb and descend through the circuit. Turn selection and throttle application become critical for maintaining speed and position.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 often produces unexpected results. Road course specialists can challenge traditional oval track stars. Strategy calls regarding fuel mileage, tire wear, and pit stop timing frequently determine the outcome. Late-race battles at "Calamity Corner" have decided multiple competitions over the years.