The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway delivered a dominant performance from Shane van Gisbergen and a reshuffled top five, offering a compelling snapshot of driver progress and shifting road course fortunes. Comparing the 2025 results to last year’s race reveals both familiar faces and significant moves up the leaderboard—along with the arrival of a new road course king.
Shane van Gisbergen – 1st Place (2025)
2024 Sonoma Result: Did not compete
2025 Sonoma Result: 1st place
Shane van Gisbergen’s 2025 victory at Sonoma was historic. Making his first Cup Series start at the California road course, SVG led a staggering 97 of 110 laps, outclassing the field and notching his third win of the season—all on road or street courses. His rapid adaptation to NASCAR’s top level and immediate dominance at Sonoma stand in stark contrast to most international drivers, who typically require years to reach victory lane. SVG’s 2025 win sets a new benchmark for Cup rookies and instantly establishes him as the series’ new road course ace.
Chase Briscoe – 2nd Place (2025)
2024 Sonoma Result: 34th place
2025 Sonoma Result: 2nd place
Chase Briscoe made one of the biggest leaps among the frontrunners. After a forgettable 34th-place finish in 2024, Briscoe returned in 2025 with renewed confidence and speed, securing a runner-up result behind SVG. His improvement reflects both personal growth and his team’s increased focus on road course setups. Briscoe’s ability to stay in contention throughout the race and capitalize on late cautions signals his evolution from a mid-pack driver to a legitimate threat on technical tracks.
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Chase Elliott – 3rd Place (2025)
2024 Sonoma Result: 4th place
2025 Sonoma Result: 3rd place
Chase Elliott, long regarded as one of NASCAR’s premier road course racers, continued his strong form at Sonoma. After finishing 4th in 2024, Elliott climbed to 3rd in 2025, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent contender on these circuits. Elliott’s average finish at Sonoma is among the best of active drivers, and his ability to adapt to evolving track conditions and car setups keeps him at the sharp end of the field year after year.
Michael McDowell – 4th Place (2025)
2024 Sonoma Result: 2th place
2025 Sonoma Result: 4th place
Michael McDowell’s fourth-place finish in 2025 marked his highest result of the season and a clear step forward from his 2th-place run in 2024. Known for his road course expertise, McDowell and his Spire Motorsports team executed a bold fuel strategy and overcame a mid-pack starting spot to secure their second top-five in five races. McDowell’s progression at Sonoma underscores his status as a road course specialist and highlights his ability to maximize opportunities even without the fastest car.
Christopher Bell – 5th Place (2025)
2024 Sonoma Result: 9th place
2025 Sonoma Result: 5th place
Christopher Bell continued his steady climb up the Sonoma leaderboard, improving from 9th in 2024 to 5th in 2025. Bell’s growth as a road course racer has been incremental but noticeable, with each season bringing more confidence and better results. His 2025 performance reflects both his own development and the strength of his team’s road course program.
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2025 Sonoma Full Results
Shane van Gisbergen dominated the 2025 Sonoma race, leading 97 laps. Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott followed. Katherine Legge outperformed Carson Hocevar again, while Noah Gragson ended early after a crash.
News in Brief: 2025 Sonoma NASCAR Results Comparison to 2024
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway marked a dramatic reshuffle in the top five compared to 2024. Shane van Gisbergen dominated in his first Sonoma start, while Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell made major improvements from the previous year. Chase Elliott remained a steady force, and Michael McDowell once again showcased his road course skills. This year’s race highlighted rising momentum, returning strength, and shifting power among NASCAR’s road course elite.
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