NASCAR is back in California for the second consecutive week, shifting its focus from the temporary street‑style setting of Naval Base Coronado to the historic Sonoma Raceway. The iconic road course, measuring just under two miles of asphalt, will host a compact but packed weekend of racing that spans multiple series.
Weekend Schedule Overview
Practice and qualifying sessions are slated for Friday and Saturday, setting the stage for the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the premier Cup Series to take turns on the track. Each series will run its own set of stages, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts race covering 79 laps split into 20‑, 45‑ and 79‑lap segments, while the Cup event will run 110 laps divided into 25‑, 55‑ and 110‑lap stages.
Notably, the NASCAR Truck Series will not be on the Sonoma weekend, leaving the focus on the three national series that traditionally feature road‑course road trips.
Track Profile
Sonoma’s layout is a favorite among drivers for its elevation changes and technical corners, and the track’s 1.999‑mile length and asphalt surface provide a distinct challenge compared to the concrete ovals that dominate the tour. The venue’s mix of high‑speed straights and tight, technical sections demands both braking precision and aerodynamic balance, while its elevation shifts add an extra layer of strategy during stage breaks.
With the schedule now confirmed and the track’s characteristics well known, spectators can look forward to a weekend that blends competitive racing with the unique atmosphere of Northern California’s wine country.