The NASCAR Cup Series is heading west again, but this time the twists and elevation changes of Sonoma Raceway will set the tone. As the third round of the In-Season Challenge approaches, all 37 drivers will get their shot at locking down a strong starting spot in a single-round qualifying session split into two competitive groups. With only one shot to make it count, every lap on Saturday afternoon could define how Sunday plays out.
Key Highlights
The 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma is the 20th race of the season
Qualifying will be held Saturday, July 12 at 2:40 p.m. ET
All 37 cars are eligible to post a time in a one-round format
Field is divided into two groups based on a metric formula
Top lap times from each group set the starting lineup for Sunday’s race
How Sonoma Qualifying Works in 2025
Qualifying for the Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway sticks to a single-round structure for 2025. That means no knockout stages or final rounds—just one 20-minute timed session per group. The format relies heavily on both recent performance and season-long consistency, as the qualifying order is determined by a metric that weighs a driver’s previous race finish (70%) and current owner points (30%).
Saturday’s session will broadcast live at 2:40 p.m. ET on truTV, PRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fans watching from home can also stream it via HBO Max.
With no second chances, each team must maximize track time, manage tire wear on the tricky road course, and avoid traffic to post their best lap. The group format adds pressure—drivers won’t just be chasing the stopwatch, they’ll be racing the clock against others on track at the same time.
Who’s In Each Group?
The drivers have been divided into two groups, A and B, based on NASCAR’s metric system. Sonoma’s 1.99-mile, 12-turn layout will challenge them all equally—but track conditions and timing within the session can offer an advantage depending on which group rolls out first.
Group A includes:
| Driver Name | Car No. | Team / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Todd Gilliland | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| Brad Keselowski | 6 | RFK Racing |
| Cole Custer | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| Noah Gragson | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| Josh Berry | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
| Michael McDowell | 71 | Spire Motorsports |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daugherty Racing |
| Cody Ware | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
| Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
| William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| Justin Haley | 7 | Rick Ware Racing |
| Katherine Legge | 78 | Live Fast Motorsports |
| Ty Dillon | 10 | Kaulig Racing |
| Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
| Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
| Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
| Riley Herbst | 35 | Rick Ware Racing |
Group B includes:
| Driver Name | Car No. | Team / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Briscoe | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| Zane Smith | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
| Chris Buescher | 17 | RFK Racing |
| Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
| Ryan Preece | 60 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| A.J. Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
| Shane van Gisbergen | 88 | Kaulig Racing |
| Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
Sonoma is notorious for producing unexpected results. Pole position can provide a clear early advantage, but it’s track position throughout the race—and smart pit strategy—that often wins the day. In 2024, Joey Logano earned the pole before Kyle Larson went on to win the race. That mix of speed and execution could be critical again this weekend.
News in Brief: NASCAR Sonoma Race Qualifying Groups
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series qualifying format at Sonoma Raceway will feature all 37 cars in a single-round time trial split across two groups. Using a metric that combines past race finish and current standings, the groups were assigned to ensure competitive balance. Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Chase Elliott headline a loaded Group B, while Michael McDowell and William Byron top Group A. The session is scheduled for Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET, setting the grid for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350. Fans can watch live on truTV or listen via PRN and SiriusXM.
