Sonoma

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, a demanding road course challenge set in Northern California's wine country. This annual race tests drivers on one of the series' most technical tracks, where precision and strategy matter as much as speed. Shane van Gisbergen claimed victory in the 2026 edition, demonstrating the skill required to master this unique circuit.

The Circuit at Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway uses a specialized 1.99-mile road course configuration for the NASCAR Cup Series, featuring 10 turns that challenge even the most experienced drivers. The layout includes "the Chute," a section that bypasses turns five and six by connecting turn 4A directly to turn 7A via a straight-line segment.

The track presents significant elevation changes throughout its length, more than any other road course on the NASCAR schedule. Drivers face an immediate uphill climb through Turn 1 before descending into Turn 2. Turn 3a stands out as one of the most difficult corners in NASCAR, requiring drivers to navigate a blind entry where visibility and instinct become critical factors.

The Chute section runs downhill and narrows the field before drivers must brake hard for the tight Turn 7 hairpin. The final sequence from Turn 7 through Turn 10 features a fast, flowing series of left-right transitions over rolling terrain where rhythm and accuracy determine lap times. This 1,600-acre facility offers permanent seating for 44,000 spectators.

NASCAR Next Gen Cars at Sonoma

The NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen cars compete at Sonoma Raceway in 2026, bringing advanced technology to this historic road course. These vehicles feature a 358 cubic-inch naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces approximately 670 horsepower for road course racing.

Key Technical Specifications

The Next Gen car uses a five-speed sequential manual transmission that requires drivers to actively shift gears throughout the race. The independent rear suspension system includes 5-way adjustable Öhlins TTR dampers, replacing the solid rear axle design from earlier generations.

Each car rides on 18-inch forged aluminum wheels secured by a single center-locking lug nut. The aerodynamic package includes a stepped front splitter, redesigned side skirts, and a rear diffuser. On road courses like Sonoma, the cars run a 4-inch rear spoiler for downforce. The steel space frame chassis uses a modular design that allows for faster repairs. The complete car weighs approximately 3,200 pounds without driver and fuel.

Competitors and Teams

The 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350 featured NASCAR Cup Series teams and drivers competing with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota machinery. Shane van Gisbergen secured the win in this edition of the race. Leading organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, and Stewart-Haas Racing typically field entries at Sonoma.

History of NASCAR at Sonoma

Sonoma Raceway opened in 1969 as Sears Point Raceway. NASCAR sanctioned races at the venue beginning that same year, with the Cup Series establishing an annual presence starting in 1989. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 replaced the Budweiser 400 at Riverside on the schedule.

The facility has operated under several names during its history, including Infineon Raceway from 2002 through 2011, before adopting the Sonoma Raceway name in 2012. The track initially used its full 2.52-mile road course layout for NASCAR events. The Chute configuration debuted in 1998 and received modifications in 2001 to reach its current 1.99-mile length.

Jeff Gordon holds multiple NASCAR Cup Series records at Sonoma, including most wins with five victories, most poles with five, most top-five finishes with 14, and most top-ten results with 18. Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 13 wins at the track.

What Makes Sonoma Special

Sonoma Raceway stands as the only NASCAR Cup Series venue in Northern California. The dramatic elevation changes create a physical test for drivers throughout the race distance. The location in California wine country provides a scenic setting that distinguishes this race from other stops on the circuit.

The facility hosts various motorsport disciplines beyond NASCAR, including IndyCar, NHRA Drag Racing Series, GT World Challenge America, and numerous club racing events. A quarter-mile drag strip operates alongside the road course layouts. The venue experienced financial difficulties in its early years, closing briefly in the early 1970s before finding stability. A $60 million improvement program launched in 2000 transformed the complex into a modern racing facility.

The Road Course Challenge

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway demands different skills compared to oval track racing. Drivers must master braking points, corner entry speeds, and shifting patterns while managing tire wear over varied pavement conditions. The elevation changes add another layer of difficulty, affecting both handling and driver stamina.

Road course races at Sonoma often feature multiple pit strategies as teams balance fuel consumption with track position. The narrow sections and limited passing opportunities mean that track position becomes valuable, making pit stop timing and execution critical to success. The 2026 race continued this tradition of strategic racing where multiple factors determine the outcome.