Sonoma Raceway is back on the schedule, and the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 could shape the NASCAR season in a big way. One driver has the pole. Another has the momentum. A few others are just one smart move away from changing everything. The race will be tough, and not all top names will leave happy. Road course skill matters here—but so does timing, control, and strategy.
Sonoma Raceway: A Storied Road Course in Wine Country
Nestled in the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country, Sonoma Raceway is among the most iconic and challenging road courses in American motorsport. Originally known as Sears Point Raceway, the circuit was built in 1968 on 720 acres by Robert Marshall Jr. and Jim Coleman, inspired during a hunting trip. The track quickly established itself as a premier destination for a variety of racing disciplines, hosting events for the SCCA, Trans-Am, IMSA, IndyCar, and NHRA, in addition to NASCAR.
The 2.52-mile layout featured elevation changes, tight corners, and sweeping turns, demanding technical precision from drivers. Over the decades, the facility underwent several ownership changes, renovations, and rebranding—from Sears Point to Infineon Raceway, and finally to Sonoma Raceway. Major upgrades included repaving, the addition of VIP suites, and the creation of “the Chute,” a high-speed section introduced in 1998. Today, Sonoma is celebrated for its unique blend of speed and strategy, making it a favorite stop on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350: NASCAR’s Road Course Classic
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 has been a staple of the NASCAR Cup Series since 1989, marking a significant shift from the predominantly oval-centric schedule. Introduced as a replacement for the Budweiser 400 at Riverside, the event brought stock car racing to the technical road course at Sonoma, challenging drivers with its 12-turn, 1.99-mile configuration.
The race has seen several name and length changes, but since 2007, it’s been known as the Toyota/Save Mart 350, covering approximately 218.9 miles (352.3 km). The event is famous for its unpredictability, as the winding layout often leads to dramatic strategy calls, fuel mileage gambits, and the occasional appearance of “road course ringers”—specialists who join the field for road races only. Over the years, the race has produced memorable moments, from Ricky Rudd’s inaugural win in 1989 to the dominance of drivers like Jeff Gordon and Martin Truex Jr., who mastered the art of road racing in stock cars.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 has become a highlight of the summer NASCAR schedule, drawing fans from across the country to enjoy the unique spectacle of stock cars navigating the twists and turns of Sonoma. Its place in the series is secure, offering a refreshing change of pace and a true test of driver skill.
2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350: Predictions and Top Contenders
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma for the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350, anticipation is at a fever pitch. This year’s field is stacked with talent, and the race promises to deliver the high drama and unpredictability that fans have come to expect from this event. The technical demands of Sonoma’s road course mean that only the most adaptable and disciplined drivers will contend for victory.
Key Factors for Success
Road Course Expertise: Drivers with a background in road racing or a proven record at Sonoma have a distinct advantage.
Qualifying Position: Track position is crucial, as overtaking opportunities are limited and mistakes are costly.
Team Strategy: Pit stops, tire choices, and fuel management can make or break a race, especially with the likelihood of caution periods.
Weather and Track Conditions: Sonoma’s microclimate can lead to rapidly changing conditions, further complicating strategy.
Spotlight: Pole Winner Shane van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen, driving the #88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, secured pole position. This marks his third pole of the season and continues his streak of road course dominance. Van Gisbergen’s recent form is remarkable—he won from pole at both Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course, and a win at Sonoma would see him match Jeff Gordon’s record of three consecutive road course victories from pole. His combination of raw speed, technical prowess, and momentum makes him the clear favorite heading into Sunday’s race.
“I’m shaking. That was pretty full-on… Hopefully we can be good in the race. What a cool day and hopefully have a good race this afternoon too.” -Shane van Gisbergen
Five Most Favorable Drivers for the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350
Based on current form, qualifying results, and past road course success, these five drivers stand out as top contenders for Sunday’s race:
1. Shane van Gisbergen (#88, Trackhouse Racing)
Strengths: Unmatched road course skill, three poles in 2025, back-to-back wins from pole.
Outlook: The odds-on favorite. If he maintains his pace and avoids trouble, van Gisbergen could make history with a third straight road course win from pole.
2. Chase Briscoe (#19, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Strengths: Consistent road course performer, qualified second.
Outlook: Briscoe’s aggressive yet controlled style suits Sonoma. Starting alongside van Gisbergen, he’s in prime position to challenge for the win.
3. William Byron (#24, Hendrick Motorsports)
Strengths: Strong qualifying (third), improving road course results.
Outlook: Byron’s adaptability and Hendrick’s strategic acumen make him a threat, especially if he can capitalize on early track position.
4. Ty Gibbs (#54, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Strengths: Young talent, top-six qualifier, recent strong finishes on road courses.
Outlook: Gibbs has shown flashes of brilliance. The model predicts a possible top-five finish, and momentum from a second-place run in Chicago could fuel a breakout win.
5. Christopher Bell (#20, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Strengths: Multiple wins in 2025, road course victory in Austin, top-10 qualifier.
Outlook: Bell is a proven closer, with a knack for late-race heroics. He’s consistently in the mix at Sonoma and could surprise with the right strategy.
Other Notable Contenders
Chase Elliott (#9, Hendrick Motorsports): Three top-fives in his last four Sonoma starts, always a threat on road courses.
Kyle Larson (#5, Hendrick Motorsports): Defending race winner, strong road course pedigree.
Ross Chastain (#1, Trackhouse Racing): Fourth in qualifying, aggressive and opportunistic.
A.J. Allmendinger (#16, Kaulig Racing): Road course specialist, fifth in qualifying.
2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 Starting Lineup (Top 10)
| Position | Driver | Car # | Team | Qualifying Time (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane van Gisbergen | 88 | Trackhouse Racing | 74.594 |
| 2 | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 74.844 |
| 3 | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports | 75.025 |
| 4 | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing | 75.087 |
| 5 | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing | 75.120 |
| 6 | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 75.128 |
| 7 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske | 75.134 |
| 8 | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing | 75.176 |
| 9 | Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports | 75.233 |
| 10 | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 75.243 |
News in Brief: Who Will Win Sonoma NASCAR Race 2025
The 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is shaping up to be a classic, with a blend of established stars and rising talents set to battle on one of NASCAR’s most demanding circuits. Shane van Gisbergen’s pole position and recent dominance make him the driver to beat, but with contenders like Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Ty Gibbs, and Christopher Bell all starting near the front, the race is wide open. Strategic gambles, flawless execution, and perhaps a bit of luck will determine who claims victory in wine country this Sunday.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Qualifying Order for Sonoma Raceway 2025: Full Lineup Revealed for Toyota/Save Mart 350
