The 20th race weekend of NASCAR's 2026 season is set to unfold at the historic Sonoma Raceway in California, bringing a sizable financial prize to the Cup Series and drawing attention from fans and teams alike.
A Record Purse for the Cup Series
Organizers have earmarked a purse of $11,233,037 for the event, a modest rise from the $11,055,250 awarded a year earlier. The series has stopped publishing the exact winnings of the race winner, leaving the distribution of the prize money to be decided internally.
Defending champion Shane van Gisbergen will return to the Sonoma weekend looking to add another victory to his résumé, having captured the 2025 edition in dominant fashion.
His rivals, including Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott, are expected to field competitive machines, having shown strong pace in last year's contest.
What’s at Stake for the Drivers
Beyond the monetary reward, the Sonoma weekend carries added significance for the championship battle, as points earned on the road course can shift the momentum heading into the playoffs.
Fans can anticipate a blend of strategy and skill, with the winding turns of Sonoma testing the mettle of even the most seasoned drivers.