Dusty Baker to Command the Engines at Sonoma's NASCAR Event
Legendary baseball manager Dusty Baker, a World Series champion and longtime architect of championship teams, has been named the Honorary Grand Marshal for the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. The event, scheduled for June 28, will see Baker deliver the traditional "Drivers, start your engines!" that heralds the start of the competition.
Baker’s appointment follows a distinguished career that includes stints with five different franchises and a 2022 World Series title as manager of the Houston Astros. His leadership with the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2002 produced three National League West division titles and a National League pennant, cementing his status as one of baseball’s most influential figures.
Joining Baker on the ceremony will be former Giants pitcher Matt Cain, who will deliver the official invocation before the green flag drops. Cain’s own ties to the Bay Area and his reputation as a fan favorite add a nostalgic layer to the weekend’s celebrations.
A Bay Area Celebration
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will showcase the series’ top drivers navigating Sonoma Raceway’s 10‑turn, 1.99‑mile road course, a layout known for its challenging elevation changes and tight corners. The race will be broadcast live nationwide on TNT Sports at 12:30 p.m., giving viewers across the country a chance to experience the action.
The ceremony underscores a broader tribute to Bay Area sports legends, linking baseball’s rich history with NASCAR’s growing popularity in the region. Fans can expect a weekend that blends competitive racing with a celebration of the athletes who have shaped the local sports landscape.