Something big is being built at Sonoma Raceway, and the next chapter begins this weekend. The 2025 Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 is more than just another stop on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule. A mix of veterans, rising talent, and road course experts are set to race on one of the most demanding tracks in the sport. Some names are familiar. Others are still proving themselves. But not all outcomes are easy to guess. One driver may have the edge—but not for long.
Sonoma Raceway: A Road Course with History and Challenge
Sonoma Raceway, nestled in California’s wine country, is one of the most distinctive and challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Opened in 1968 as a 2.52-mile, 12-turn road course and drag strip, the track has undergone several reconfigurations—most notably the addition of “The Chute” in 1998 that shortened the NASCAR layout to 1.99 miles and altered the rhythm of the circuit.
Sonoma’s layout features dramatic elevation changes, technical corners, and limited passing zones, demanding precision, patience, and strategy from drivers. Over the decades, the track has hosted legendary moments—Ricky Rudd’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series win in 1989, Jeff Gordon’s record five Cup victories, and first-time wins for international stars like Juan Pablo Montoya and Daniel Suárez.
Its blend of fast straights, tight hairpins, and off-camber turns make it a true test for NASCAR’s best—and a highlight of the racing calendar for fans and competitors alike.
The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250: Xfinity’s New Wine Country Tradition
The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 (previously known as the Sonoma 250 and Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250) is a relatively new addition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, first held in 2023. The race was introduced to give the Xfinity Series a high-profile West Coast road course event, replacing the Truck Series at Sonoma and complementing the Portland round.
Held each June as part of a triple-header weekend with the Cup and ARCA Menards Series, the Xfinity race quickly became a fan favorite for its unpredictability and the opportunity it gives road course specialists and Cup regulars to shine.
The inaugural 2023 event saw Stewart-Haas Cup driver Aric Almirola take a surprise victory for RSS Racing, passing pole-sitter Kyle Larson late after Larson clipped a tire barrier and lost steering. This marked RSS Racing’s first-ever Xfinity win—a testament to the race’s potential for upsets and dramatic moments.
In 2024, the race was rebranded with new sponsorship but continued to deliver action-packed racing, with Cup and Xfinity stars battling for supremacy on a track where experience and finesse are paramount.
2025 Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250: Who Will Win?
This Saturday’s Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway promises to be a showcase of road course talent, strategy, and unpredictability. With the Xfinity Series now featuring a deep roster of road course aces, Cup regulars making guest appearances, and rising stars eager to make their mark, the race is wide open.
Top 5 Contenders
SVG is the clear favorite. The New Zealander’s road course record in NASCAR is unmatched—he won last year’s Xfinity race at Sonoma, led the most laps, and is coming off a historic sweep of both the Cup and Xfinity races at the Chicago Street Course just last week.
His background in Australian Supercars gives him a unique edge in car control, tire management, and adapting to technical circuits. If SVG stays out of trouble, he’s the driver everyone else will be chasing.
A perennial road course threat, Allmendinger has multiple Xfinity and Cup wins on left-and-right circuits. His aggressive style and deep experience make him a favorite whenever he’s entered. Allmendinger’s restarts and tire-saving skills are crucial at a place like Sonoma.
One of the most consistent Xfinity drivers on road courses, Allgaier excels at staying out of trouble and capitalizing on others’ mistakes. He’s still seeking his first Sonoma win, but with his smooth driving style and strategic racecraft, this could be his breakthrough year.
4. Cole Custer
The 2020 Xfinity Series champion has become increasingly competitive on road courses. He finished in the top five at Sonoma in 2024 and returned with strong Stewart-Haas Racing equipment. If strategy comes into play, Custer could emerge as a serious contender.
5. Sam Mayer
An emerging road course talent, Mayer has shown flashes of brilliance at tracks like Portland and Road America. His fearlessness in traffic and bold closing laps make him a dark horse to watch—especially if the front-runners slip.
News in Brief: 2025 Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 Predictions
Sonoma Raceway’s storied history and unforgiving layout offer the perfect canvas for the Xfinity Series’ road course specialists to put on a show. The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 has quickly evolved into one of the season’s marquee events—and with names like SVG, Allmendinger, and Allgaier headlining the grid, fans can expect drama, strategy, and perhaps a surprise winner in wine country.
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