The NASCAR Cup Series is set to race at Sonoma Raceway in California for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, a 2.52‑mile, 12‑turn road course that features dramatic elevation changes and a layout that rewards both precision and courage.
Shane van Gisbergen enters as the clear favorite after capturing the pole position and leading 97 of 110 laps in his debut at Sonoma last season. His dominance on the circuit has turned the event into a benchmark for road‑course prowess.
Tyler Reddick looms as the most direct challenger. Known for his natural talent on twisty tracks, Reddick has posted a two‑race Top‑10 streak at Sonoma and is widely regarded as the biggest threat to van Gisbergen’s bid for victory.
Chase Elliott, while yet to claim a win at Sonoma, brings a strong pedigree to the event. He has amassed five Top‑5 and seven Top‑10 finishes in his previous starts, underscoring his consistent performance on the California road course.
Other Contenders and Dark Horses
Michael McDowell has quietly built a reputation as a road‑racing specialist, posting three Top‑5 and four Top‑10 finishes in his last four Sonoma appearances. Chase Briscoe, meanwhile, has demonstrated steady improvement, with three Top‑5 and five Top‑10 results across his recent road‑course outings.
Kyle Larson, a two‑time Sonoma winner, adds another layer of intrigue with five pole positions at the track. Ryan Blaney, AJ Allmendinger, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, and Ross Chastain round out a deep field, each bringing a mix of past success and upward momentum heading into the race.
The competition is further amplified by the involvement of a diverse set of teams. Organizations such as Penske Racing, Kaulig Racing, and Trackhouse Racing are among those fielding cars that could influence the race dynamics.
Beyond the drivers, the event showcases the broader ecosystem of NASCAR’s road‑course initiatives. The race at Sonoma not only highlights the unique challenges of the venue but also serves as a platform for teams to experiment with setups that could shape the remainder of the season.