A Legendary Manager Takes the Ceremonial Spotlight
The Toyota/Save Mart 350, the next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, will take place on June 28 at Sonoma Raceway, a 1.99‑mile road course that tests both precision and endurance.
Dusty Baker, a Hall of Fame‑caliber figure in baseball, brings a storied playing career that spanned 19 seasons and included stints with the Giants, Cubs and Astros, to the world of motorsports.
In 2022, Baker guided the Houston Astros to a World Series title, cementing his reputation as a manager who can turn a team into champions after a long drought.
Baker will serve as the Honorary Grand Marshal for the event and will deliver the iconic phrase “Drivers, start your engines!” to signal the start of the race, a tradition that marks the beginning of the competition.
Joining him on the stage, former San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain will provide the official invocation, adding a personal touch that ties the race to the Bay Area’s rich sports heritage.
The race will be televised live across the nation at 12:30 p.m. on TNT Sports, giving millions of viewers a chance to see Baker’s ceremonial role and experience the challenging Sonoma layout.