Sonoma Raceway is turning up the flavor for its NASCAR weekend, tapping one of the Bay Area’s most iconic chefs to kick off the action. On July 13, during the Toyota/Save Mart 350, Tyler Florence will step into the spotlight as Grand Marshal. From top-tier restaurants to hit TV shows, Florence brings more than star power—he brings a connection to Sonoma’s roots that goes far beyond food.
Key Highlights
- Celebrity chef Tyler Florence will serve as Grand Marshal for the Toyota/Save Mart 350
- Florence will give the command to start engines for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race
- He owns multiple restaurants in the Bay Area and has deep ties to Sonoma County
- Florence has been a fixture on Food Network for more than 25 years
- His books, restaurants, and community ties have made him a beloved figure in the region
A Natural Choice for Wine Country’s Race Weekend
Florence isn’t just a famous name. He’s long been a part of Sonoma County’s rhythm—working with local farmers, winemakers, and culinary artisans while advocating for sustainable, regional food systems. That’s part of what made him the perfect fit to serve as Grand Marshal during NASCAR’s lone trip to Northern California this season.
“Tyler’s infectious energy and deep-rooted connection to Sonoma County makes him a perfect fit to be a part of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and celebrate NASCAR’s return to wine country.” – Brian Flynn
Florence will give the iconic “Drivers, start your engines” command ahead of Sunday’s main event at the 12-turn Sonoma Raceway. It’s a stage that has seen many stars from sports and entertainment over the years, but Florence’s ties to the region help this moment stand out. He lives and works in the Bay Area, where he’s become a leader in shaping Northern California’s modern food identity.
A Culinary Powerhouse with Sonoma Roots
Florence’s presence in the Bay Area spans more than 20 years. A South Carolina native, he moved west and quickly became one of the most celebrated chefs in the region. He currently operates several acclaimed restaurants, including Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco and Miller & Lux at the Chase Center—each known for offering a bold, polished take on American classics.
But his work reaches well beyond fine dining. Florence often features local products from Sonoma County in both his dishes and public appearances, using his platform to support farmers, vintners, and small-scale food producers. His dedication to showcasing the region’s bounty has earned him not only fans but also respect from within the local community.
Whether it’s through spotlighting a seasonal harvest or featuring a boutique winery, Florence brings Sonoma’s identity to everything he does. It’s that same spirit NASCAR aims to honor each year with its event at Sonoma Raceway.
25 Years on TV and Still Going Strong
Many fans may recognize Florence from his decades-long run on the Food Network. He first found widespread popularity with Food 911, where he helped everyday people troubleshoot cooking mishaps. Later, shows like Tyler’s Ultimate and The Great Food Truck Race made him a household name.
Florence has also appeared in competition shows such as Worst Cooks in America and Iron Chef America, as well as lighter fare like Guy’s Grocery Games. In more recent years, he has starred in digital cooking content like Unchopped, and his charisma continues to resonate with new generations of food lovers.
Throughout his TV career, Florence has maintained a distinct mix of charm, confidence, and education—traits that align well with the energy of a NASCAR race weekend. His role as Grand Marshal marks a new chapter in connecting his on-screen personality with live event excitement.
A Voice for Home Cooks and Regional Cuisine
Beyond his restaurants and TV appearances, Florence has authored nearly 20 books that showcase his signature culinary style—modern, accessible, and rooted in great ingredients. Titles like Tyler Florence Fresh (2012), Inside the Test Kitchen (2014), and his latest, American Grill (2024), reveal his passion for simple yet refined food.
These books are more than recipes. They serve as a reflection of Florence’s culinary values, blending creativity with approachability and highlighting seasonal and local elements—often inspired by his work in and around Sonoma County.
Florence’s ability to make high-level cooking understandable and exciting has made him one of the most trusted names in food media. That same relatability will be on display when he steps onto Sonoma Raceway’s main stage to launch one of the Cup Series’ most anticipated races.
News in Brief: Grand Marshal for NASCAR’s Sonoma Weekend
Tyler Florence will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, delivering the command to start engines ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series race. Known for his restaurants, cookbooks, and Food Network shows, Florence is a longtime Bay Area resident with deep ties to Sonoma County. Raceway officials praised his passion and community involvement, noting that his presence reflects the spirit of the region. The event marks NASCAR’s only stop in Northern California this season.
