A Milestone Return at Sonoma
NASCAR is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Sonoma Raceway this weekend, reviving the historic Toyota/Save Mart 350. The event marks the opening of TNT Sports’ exclusive Cup Series broadcast window and launches the series’ $1 million In‑Season Challenge, a points‑rich stretch that could shape the championship picture.
Ty Gibbs will lead the field from the pole position, but all eyes are on Shane van Gisbergen, the reigning road‑course ace who enters as the early favorite. The 23‑car grid includes heavyweights such as Tyler Reddick and veteran Denny Hamlin, promising a competitive mix of young talent and seasoned veterans.
The race will also serve as a tribute to the late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, with special displays honoring his legacy scattered throughout the track. Adding another layer of story, AJ Allmendinger is slated to make his 500th career Cup Series start, a milestone that underscores the depth of experience in the field.
Coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. Eastern on both TNT and truTV, with live streaming available through HBO Max, ensuring fans across the country can follow the action in real time. The broadcast partnership with TNT Sports represents a significant shift in how NASCAR reaches its audience, bringing the series to a broader, cable‑plus‑streaming platform.
Beyond the on‑track drama, the event highlights the collaborative efforts of teams and partners. Trackhouse Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are among the organizations fielding entries, while sponsors like Toyota and Chevrolet continue to reinforce the sport’s commercial backbone. The convergence of tradition, competition, and new media makes this Sonoma weekend a pivotal moment for modern NASCAR.