TC America - Round 1 & 2

The TC America Series returns to Sonoma Raceway for Rounds 1 & 2, marking the season opener for this competitive touring car championship. Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California provides a challenging test for teams and drivers as they compete under a new format that reshapes the series.

TC America Series Format Changes

The 2025 season introduces significant changes to the TC America championship structure. The former TCX and TC classes have merged into a single TC class, while the TCA class has been eliminated. Race duration has been adjusted to 25 minutes, with select weekends featuring three races. This new format streamlines competition and creates a unified field of touring cars.

Sonoma Raceway Circuit Characteristics

Sonoma Raceway presents one of the most demanding layouts in American motorsports. The 2.52-mile road course features 12 turns and includes a dramatic 160-foot elevation change from its highest to lowest points. The asphalt surface received a complete repaving in February 2024, providing fresh grip for the tc-america competitors.

The track opened in 1968 as Sears Point Raceway and has operated under several names throughout its history, including Infineon Raceway before becoming Sonoma Raceway. The facility spans approximately 1,600 acres and can accommodate around 44,000 spectators. The track's location in California wine country adds to its distinctive character.

Technical Track Features

The circuit's undulating terrain creates unique challenges for touring car setup and driving technique. The Carousel section stands out as a signature feature of the layout. Tight corners combine with elevation changes to test both driver skill and vehicle dynamics. The technical nature of Sonoma Raceway rewards precise car control and strategic racecraft.

Participating Manufacturers and Teams

Five manufacturers compete in the TC America Series at Sonoma Raceway: Acura, BMW, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota. The manufacturer diversity creates varied competition with different engineering approaches and vehicle characteristics.

2025 Team Entries

Skip Barber Racing enters Michael Garcia in the tc-america field. Kaplan Racing Systems fields Aaron Kaplan. Ricca Autosport brings a multi-car effort with Jeff Ricca, PJ Groenke, Antonio Abrom, and CJ Sepulveda. JMF Motorsports competes with Jonathan Neudorf and Antonio Costantino.

Race Cars and Technical Specifications

The TC class at Sonoma Raceway features production-based touring cars modified for racing. Acura enters the Integra Type S, while BMW campaigns the M2 CS Cup variant. Hyundai fields the Elantra N1 TC EVO, and Mazda continues its touring car program.

Toyota GR Corolla TC

Toyota introduces the GR Corolla TC as a new addition to the championship. The car uses a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing approximately 300 horsepower. The GR Corolla TC features four-wheel drive, distinguishing it from most front-wheel-drive competitors in the touring car field. This new platform expands Toyota's presence in the tc-america series.

Sonoma Raceway Racing Heritage

A sports car race inaugurated the track in December 1968. The facility has hosted NASCAR since 1989, along with IndyCar, NHRA drag racing, and various sports car championships over its decades of operation. Robert Marshall Jr. and Jim Coleman built the original circuit, with ownership passing through Filmways Corp, Jack Williams, and Skip Berg before Speedway Motorsports, LLC acquired the property.

The track received the Acceleration Award for significant year-over-year gains across multiple performance measures. As Northern California's largest motorsports facility, Sonoma Raceway maintains a prominent position in American racing.

What Makes Round 1 & 2 Significant

These opening rounds at Sonoma Raceway set the tone for the entire TC America season. The new class structure means every team starts from equal footing in the points standings. The demanding circuit characteristics of Sonoma Raceway will quickly reveal which teams have optimized their setups for the revised regulations.

The combination of close touring car racing and the technical challenges of this California road course creates compelling competition. Multiple manufacturers and diverse team entries ensure varied racing strategies throughout the 25-minute races. The tc-america series at Sonoma Raceway offers fans a chance to see production-based touring cars pushed to their limits on a demanding American circuit.