The NASCAR season will conclude this weekend at the historic Sonoma Raceway in California, marking the fourth and final road‑course event on the 2026 schedule and the last chance for drivers to shape the championship picture.
Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand‑born driver who captured his maiden Cup victory here last year, enters as the clear favorite, having already secured the defending‑champion status and a strong track record on twisty circuits.
His cause is bolstered by the recent breakthrough win of Corey Heim, who became the 209th different driver to taste a Cup‑Series victory last weekend, a result that reshuffled the championship standings.
Tyler Reddick, who had been leading the points battle, now finds his margin trimmed to just eight points over veteran Denny Hamlin, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the season finale.
A season‑ending showdown at Sonoma
The weekend’s on‑track agenda includes practice, qualifying and the Toyota/Save Mart 350, details of which are outlined in the official schedule released by NASCAR.
Fans will be able to watch the action live on TNT, with a simultaneous stream available through HBO Max, ensuring broad accessibility across the United States.
The entry list features 36 drivers, among them Brent Crews, who is slated to replace the injured Christopher Bell, who is currently nursing a fractured left wrist.
Beyond the competition, the event underscores the growing partnership between NASCAR and its broadcast partners, reflecting a strategic push to expand digital viewership.
As the checkered flag prepares to fall, the championship battle, the storylines of van Gisbergen and Heim, and the emerging talents vying for their first win all converge on the scenic hills of Sonoma.