Big Bucks at the Track: NASCAR’s Sonoma Weekend Sees Record Cup Payouts Amid Tournament Pressure

Sonoma Raceway is back in the spotlight, but this time, the numbers off the track are just as eye-catching as those on it. With over $11 million on the line for the Cup Series field and a fierce in-season tournament brewing, this race weekend carries financial and competitive weight. The Xfinity Series sees a shift in payouts too—down from last year—raising eyebrows across the garage. Everything feels intensified as drivers head into the hills of Northern California.

Key Highlights

• NASCAR Cup Series teams will split $11,055,250 in prize money.

• Xfinity Series purse dips to $1,651,939, down from 2024.

• Shane van Gisbergen enters Sonoma as road course favorite.

• In-Season Tournament Round 3 plays a major role on Sunday.

• TV rights increase Cup prize pool; reason for Xfinity drop unclear.

The Cup Series payout for Sonoma has jumped dramatically, with teams now competing for a total of $11,055,250. That’s a notable increase from last year’s purse of $8,426,274. While finishing position remains a key factor, other payout components—charter agreements, historical performance, and contingency awards—also shape the final distribution. According to veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, this sharp rise is mostly due to the new media rights package NASCAR secured heading into 2025.

“Purses for all payouts, all positions for Cup and Xfinity at Sonoma. Includes contingency awards, year-end point fund contributions, all payouts for charter teams, etc.: Cup: $11,055,250 Xfinity: $1,651,939” – Bob Pockrass

Purses for all payouts, all positions for Cup and Xfinity at Sonoma. Includes contingency awards, year-end point fund contributions, all payouts for charter teams, etc.:

Cup: $11,055,250

Xfinity: $1,651,939

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 9, 2025

Sonoma’s race comes at a critical time in the season. It marks the 20th points-paying event, with just six more races before the playoff field is finalized. The higher purse brings not just more attention but also more pressure for mid-pack teams still trying to secure a postseason berth.

The payout increase has generated optimism among teams trying to balance competitive performance with operational expenses. As the cost of racing continues to rise, especially for mid-tier organizations, a weekend like Sonoma offers much-needed financial opportunity.

NASCAR Xfinity Purse Dips, Raising Questions

On the other side of the garage, the Xfinity Series teams received less encouraging news. The purse for Saturday’s Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 stands at $1,651,939—a drop from last year’s total of $1,747,861. While no official explanation was given, many around the sport have noticed the contrast with the Cup Series’ gains.

Despite the smaller payout, Saturday’s race is expected to be a thriller. Shane van Gisbergen returns as the defending race winner, coming off a dominant Chicago weekend where he swept both Xfinity and Cup events. His road course dominance makes him the clear favorite, but younger drivers like Jesse Love and Connor Zilisch are closing the gap.

Justin Allgaier leads the Xfinity standings with three wins in 18 starts this season, with Austin Hill and Sam Mayer not far behind. With only 15 regular-season races remaining, the race for playoff positioning adds further tension to Saturday’s event.

In-Season Tournament Adds Another Layer

NASCAR’s new In-Season Tournament format continues at Sonoma, and with $1 million on the line for the eventual winner, this weekend carries more weight than usual. Eight drivers remain alive in the tournament, but only four will move on to next week’s showdown at Dover.

The current bracket includes some intriguing head-to-head battles. Ty Dillon takes on Alex Bowman. Legacy Motor Club teammates Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek face each other, which has the potential to stir up intra-team dynamics. Ryan Preece battles Tyler Reddick in a matchup that pits aggression against precision, while the last pairing features rookie Ty Gibbs versus second-year standout Zane Smith.

Only a winner gets to drink Sonoma's finest from the Champion's Goblet. 🍷 pic.twitter.com/OEaGDSurDI

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 9, 2025

While the main Cup payout draws eyes, the tournament structure has created new incentives that may influence race strategy. Drivers focused solely on long-run pace may take more risks in the early stages to gain an edge over their specific bracket opponent.

News in Brief: NASCAR’s 2025 Sonoma Weekend Payouts