A New Chapter for Sonoma
NASCAR has locked in a date for its next visit to Sonoma Raceway, scheduling the 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350 for June of that year. The event will mark the series’ continued commitment to road‑course racing and will serve as a key early‑season showcase for teams and drivers alike.
The qualifying session will be divided into two groups, each given a dedicated window to set a fast lap. The single fastest time across the entire session will dictate the order in which drivers take the green flag, a format designed to increase on‑track action and give fans a clearer picture of who will start where.
Qualifying Groups Take Shape
Group A will feature a mix of rising talents and veteran competitors, including Connor Zilisch, Noah Gragson and Shane van Gisbergen. Group B will bring together seasoned stalwarts such as Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin, among others. The split‑group approach ensures that drivers contend directly with peers of similar performance levels before the final grid is set.
In 2025, Shane van Gisbergen claimed the pole for the Sonoma Cup race, setting a benchmark for the upcoming year. His performance adds a narrative thread to the 2026 event, as fans will watch whether the New Zealand driver can repeat his speed on the Californian circuit.
The new format also offers teams a strategic edge, as they can tailor setups to the specific conditions of each group’s allotted time slot. Weather, track temperature and tire wear are expected to play decisive roles, making the qualifying drama as compelling as the race itself.
With a deep field of competitors and a fresh qualifying rhythm, the 2026 Sonoma race promises to blend tradition with innovation, delivering a weekend that could reshape the championship picture.