The NASCAR Cup Series returns to wine country with more than just points on the line. Set against the rolling hills of Sonoma, the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 is shaping up as a pivotal event. As the third race in the new NASCAR In-Season Challenge, every lap carries weight. Road course racing always throws a curve, and this weekend’s lineup, including Xfinity and ARCA action, only adds to the tension building in Northern California.
Key Highlights
20th points-paying race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season
Third race of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge
110 laps split across three stages: 25, 35, and 50 laps
Practice and qualifying set for Saturday afternoon
Kyle Larson enters as defending race winner
ARCA, Xfinity, and Cup Series events span July 11–13
Back to Sonoma: A Road Course Tradition
Sonoma Raceway has been a key stop on the NASCAR calendar since 1989. The 1.99-mile road course, nestled north of San Francisco, is known for its elevation changes, tight turns, and strategy-heavy racing. With 12 corners and 1600 acres of terrain, the track demands both technical precision and pit road discipline. It’s one of just a few road courses featured in the Cup Series schedule and stands out for its unique driving style and historic backdrop.
This year’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 marks the 36th running of the event. It is also the fourth time the Next Gen car will take on this California circuit. With the Cup Series entering its 20th points-paying race of the season, the stakes are higher than ever. Not only is this a chance to gain playoff momentum, but it’s also one of five events that count toward the In-Season Challenge, adding yet another layer of competition.
Stage Breakdown and Race Format
The 110-lap main event on Sunday will be divided into three segments. Stage 1 will end at lap 25, followed by Stage 2 ending at lap 60. The final stage will run uninterrupted for 50 laps to the checkered flag. That layout pushes drivers and teams to make key decisions on pit cycles and tire management, especially with stage points factoring into playoff seeding.
The track’s characteristics—low grip, high brake wear, and narrow passing zones—often reward those who qualify well but can also shake up the order through cautions and fuel gambles.
Sonoma has a long history of delivering surprising winners and dramatic finishes. Jeff Gordon remains the most successful driver here with five wins, while Martin Truex Jr. leads all active drivers with four victories. However, Kyle Larson’s dominant run in 2024 proved that momentum can shift quickly in this part of the schedule.
NASCAR Cup Series Schedule and Race Info
Saturday, July 12, will feature a compact Cup Series schedule. Practice kicks off at 1:35 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 2:40 p.m. ET. These sessions will determine the grid for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350. All Cup Series sessions will be broadcast by TNT Sports.
Larson will return to defend his win at this track, and his #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet is expected to be strong again this year. Behind him, the likes of Michael McDowell, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Ross Chastain are all drivers with recent success at Sonoma, setting the stage for a tightly contested showdown.
Sunday’s main event starts at 3:30 p.m. ET. The race will be televised by TNT Sports and aired on PRN radio. With the season heating up and the playoffs looming, Sonoma could be a turning point for many contenders.
Other Series and Events at Sonoma
Sonoma won’t be quiet outside of the Cup race. On Friday, July 11, ARCA and Xfinity Series drivers will also take to the road course. ARCA practice begins at 2:40 p.m. ET with qualifying at 3:10 p.m. ET. NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers follow with practice at 4 p.m. ET and qualifying at 5:10 p.m. ET. The day wraps up with the General Tire 200 ARCA race at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Saturday features the headline Xfinity Series race, the Pit Boss / FoodMaxx 250, at 4:30 p.m. ET. It’s a critical event for Xfinity drivers aiming to lock up playoff positions and test their skill on a technical layout not found elsewhere on the calendar.
With three full days of on-track activity, fans are set for a weekend packed with racing across multiple levels. Each event plays into season-long narratives—whether it’s playoff positioning, in-season challenge scoring, or simply fighting for a win at one of the sport’s most demanding venues.
News in Brief: Full Weekend Schedule for 2025 Sonoma Raceway
The 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is the 20th points race of the season and the third round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge. Set for Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET, the 110-lap event features stage breaks at laps 25 and 60. Cup practice and qualifying take place Saturday, July 12. Kyle Larson returns as the defending winner. The weekend also includes ARCA and Xfinity Series action, with the Pit Boss / FoodMaxx 250 scheduled for Saturday. Held on the 1.99-mile road course in Northern California, Sonoma’s tripleheader weekend offers critical playoff implications and high-stakes road course drama.
ALSO READ: Toyota/Save Mart 350 Entry List Released: Katherine Legge Returns as Only Open Entry
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How long is the Toyota Savemart 350?
A. The Toyota Save Mart 350 is a 218-mile NASCAR Cup Series race run at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California.
Q. Is Sonoma Raceway a fire safety?
A. The Sonoma Raceway Fire and Safety Team includes over 100 active members from fire agencies across California and beyond. This team delivers on-track fire suppression, vehicle extrication, and EMS services during events held year-round at Sonoma Raceway.
Q. What is the best turn at Sonoma Raceway?
A. The Turn 9 Terrace at Sonoma Raceway is among the most popular spots, offering fans a sweeping view of nearly 85% of the road course. From here, spectators can see cars exit the challenging “Esses” and accelerate into one of the track’s fastest sections.
