Sonoma Raceway
History
Sonoma Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point International Raceway, boasts a rich and storied history that spans over five decades. The track, located in the scenic southern Sonoma Mountains of Sonoma County, California, broke ground in August 1968 and officially opened its doors on December 1, 1968. Constructed on 720 acres of land by Marin County owners Robert Marshall Jr., an attorney from Point Reyes, and land developer Jim Coleman of Kentfield, the track quickly became a fixture in the world of motorsports.
Originally known as Sears Point Raceway, the track underwent several name changes over the years, including Golden State International Raceway and Infineon Raceway. In 1981, ownership of the track shifted to Jack Williams, Rick Betts, and John Andersen after a financial dispute with the Black Mountain group. This period saw the track continue to evolve and establish itself as a premier destination for road racing and dragstrip events.
In 2012, the track bid farewell to its Infineon sponsorship and embraced its new identity as Sonoma Raceway. Under the ownership and operation of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. since 1996, Sonoma Raceway has solidified its reputation as a world-class motorsports complex. With a construction cost of $70 million and a 2.520-mile road racing course featuring 12 turns and significant elevation changes, the track offers a challenging and exhilarating experience for both drivers and fans alike.
From hosting NASCAR and IndyCar races to providing a venue for drag racing events, Sonoma Raceway continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling competitions and breathtaking scenery. As it enters its sixth decade of operation, Sonoma Raceway remains a beloved fixture in the world of motorsports, embodying the spirit of speed, innovation, and camaraderie.
Track Information
Sonoma Raceway, with its illustrious history and ever-evolving layout, offers a diverse array of circuit options to cater to various racing events and preferences. One such configuration is the Club Circuit, which has been in use since 2001. This asphalt-surfaced circuit spans 1.990 miles (3.203 km) in length and features 12 turns, providing drivers with a compact yet challenging course to navigate.
Originally modified in 1998 to include the Chute, a section that bypassed turns 5 and 6 (the Carousel), the track underwent further changes to better suit NASCAR events. However, the Chute layout, despite shortening the course to 1.949 miles (3.137 km), faced criticism from drivers who preferred the full layout. Consequently, in 2001, the Chute was replaced with a 70° turn, 4A, bringing the track back to its current dimensions of 1.990 miles (3.203 km).
Over the years, the Club Circuit has become synonymous with thrilling racing action, offering a dynamic and technical challenge for drivers. Its compact layout demands precision and skill, with each of the 12 turns requiring careful consideration and execution. As a result, the Club Circuit has remained a popular choice for various racing events, providing competitors and spectators alike with an exhilarating experience.
Despite the versatility of the Club Circuit, Sonoma Raceway has not been afraid to embrace change. In recent years, NASCAR events have seen the return to the full circuit layout in celebration of the track’s 50th anniversary. However, in 2022, NASCAR reverted to the Chute layout, marking a departure from the full circuit. This decision reflects the track’s commitment to innovation and adaptation, ensuring that each racing event offers a unique and exciting experience for participants and fans alike.