The NASCAR Cup Series is set to converge on Sonoma Raceway this weekend for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, a 36‑car event that marks the series’ return to one of its most celebrated road‑course venues. Scheduled for Sunday, June 28, the weekend will feature practice and qualifying on Saturday, building excitement for the main race.
A road‑course showdown
Fans can expect a full slate of on‑track activity, including practice sessions and a knockout‑style qualifying format that will determine the starting lineup for the 350‑mile race. The In‑Season Challenge returns, featuring a 32‑driver knockout bracket that adds a strategic twist to the weekend.
Van Gisbergen’s road‑course dominance
Shane van Gisbergen enters as the clear favorite, having captured six of the last eight road‑course contests, a streak that has put him at the top of many predictions and made him a fan favorite on the circuit.
Contenders and dark horses
Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick are also viewed as serious contenders, while rookie Connor Zilisch has been highlighted as a potential dark horse who could shake up the bracket. Past winners at Sonoma include Larson, Daniel Suárez and van Gisbergen, underscoring the competitive field.
The In‑Season Challenge format
The knockout bracket will see 32 drivers battle head‑to‑head, with each round eliminating half the field until a single champion emerges. Teams from Trackhouse Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing are all represented, bringing technical expertise and driver line‑ups that could influence the outcome.