The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will look markedly different from the spectacle that unfolded at Naval Base Coronado just weeks earlier. The event, which drew a historic crowd in Coronado, featured surprise entries that generated buzz across the sport.
Who’s Missing From the Grid?
Corey Heim, who captured his first Cup Series victory in Coronado, is absent from the Sonoma lineup as he returns to his full‑time role in the Truck Series and waits for his next Cup opportunity later this season. Kevin Magnussen, the internationally recognized Danish driver, made a one‑race debut with Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 program at Coronado but will not be entered for the Sonoma event. Jimmie Johnson, a seven‑time champion, also drops out of the Sonoma roster after a limited part‑time schedule with Legacy Motor Club.
Heim’s win in Coronado was heralded as one of the defining stories of the 2026 season, while Magnussen’s brief appearance added an internationally recognized name to the NASCAR grid. Johnson’s limited schedule fit naturally with his part‑time commitments, allowing him to pick and choose his races.
A Return to Tradition
The Sonoma entry list is now shifting back toward a more traditional composition, emphasizing the championship regulars who have been competing week in and week out throughout the year. This realignment reflects the series’ desire to reward consistent performance and to provide a clearer picture of the title contenders as the season progresses.
Fans can expect a lineup that leans heavily on the established championship regulars, with the focus returning to the on‑track battles that have defined the 2026 season. The streamlined roster underscores NASCAR’s intent to balance surprise elements with a return to competitive stability at its West Coast venue.