Over the past five years, Sonoma Raceway has continued to deliver some of the most memorable and unpredictable moments in NASCAR. Known for its technical 1.99-mile road course, dramatic elevation changes, and picturesque setting in California’s wine country, Sonoma has become a proving ground for the sport’s best road racers and a stage for breakthrough performances. Take a deep dive into the last five winners of the NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma, the stories behind their victories, and what each triumph meant for the drivers and teams involved.
2024: Kyle Larson’s Dominant Performance
Winner: Kyle Larson
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Date: June 9, 2024
Kyle Larson’s 2024 victory at Sonoma was a masterclass in road course racing. Starting from the front row, Larson quickly established himself as the car to beat, leading the most laps and fending off challenges from Martin Truex Jr. and Joey Logano.
His No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was “out of this world,” as Kyle Busch described after finishing fifth. Larson’s ability to manage tire wear, navigate late-race cautions, and execute flawless restarts set him apart from the field. The win not only solidified his reputation as one of NASCAR’s premier road course drivers but also gave Hendrick Motorsports a crucial momentum boost in their ongoing championship campaign.
“The 5 was just out of this world.” – Kyle Busch
2023: Martin Truex Jr. Adds to His Sonoma Legacy
Winner: Martin Truex Jr.
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Date: June 11, 2023
Martin Truex Jr. has long been regarded as one of the best road racers in NASCAR, and his 2023 victory at Sonoma only added to that legacy. After securing a strong starting position, Truex methodically worked his way to the front, taking the lead in the final stage and holding off a late charge from Kyle Busch. The win marked Truex’s fourth career victory at Sonoma, tying him with Jeff Gordon for the most all-time at the track. His mastery of the technical corners and ability to stay cool under pressure once again made the difference.
2022: Daniel Suárez Makes History
Winner: Daniel Suárez
Team: Trackhouse Racing
Date: June 12, 2022
Daniel Suárez’s 2022 Sonoma win was a landmark moment for both the driver and NASCAR. The Mexican-born racer became the first from his country to win a Cup Series race, doing so in dominant fashion. Suárez led 47 of the 110 laps and survived several late-race restarts to secure the historic victory. The win was especially significant for Trackhouse Racing, a relatively new team at the time, and for Suárez, who had faced years of adversity and near-misses. His emotional celebration in Victory Lane resonated with fans around the world and inspired the next generation of international NASCAR hopefuls.
2021: Kyle Larson’s First Sonoma Win
Winner: Kyle Larson
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Date: June 6, 2021
Before his 2024 triumph, Kyle Larson scored his first Cup Series win at Sonoma in 2021. Starting from the pole, Larson led 57 of 92 laps, showcasing his growing prowess on road courses. The victory was part of a remarkable season that saw him claim the regular-season championship and, ultimately, the Cup Series title. Larson’s performance at Sonoma that year was a clear signal that he had evolved beyond an oval specialist, becoming a true all-around threat in the series.
2020: Martin Truex Jr. Goes Back-to-Back
Winner: Martin Truex Jr.
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Date: June 7, 2020
Martin Truex Jr. capped off a dominant stretch at Sonoma by winning back-to-back races in 2018 and 2019 (the 2020 race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but his prior wins remain significant in the track’s recent history). In both victories, Truex’s combination of aggressive strategy, smooth driving, and ability to avoid trouble in the track’s tight confines made him the man to beat. His success at Sonoma has helped redefine the skill set required for modern NASCAR drivers and has set a new standard for road course excellence.
News in Brief: What Last 5 Sonoma Races Indicate
Sonoma Raceway’s unique layout and technical demands have made it a favorite among drivers who excel at road racing. Unlike the high-speed ovals that dominate the NASCAR schedule, Sonoma requires precise braking, smooth throttle application, and the ability to manage tires over long green-flag runs. The elevation changes and tight corners often lead to dramatic restarts and late-race chaos, rewarding those who can stay composed under pressure.
For drivers like Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr., Sonoma has become a showcase for their road course mastery. For others, like Daniel Suárez, it has provided a stage for breakthrough moments that resonate far beyond the track.
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