Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway, located in Sonoma, California, is a renowned road racing course and dragstrip, widely respected as a premier motorsports venue on the West Coast. Known originally as Sears Point Raceway, it features a challenging 2.52-mile natural terrain road course that hosts major racing events spanning NASCAR, IndyCar, Trans-Am, and sports car series. Sonoma Raceway is celebrated for its technical layout combining elevation changes and tight corners, providing a unique test of driver skill and vehicle performance.

History

The racetrack was constructed on 720 acres in the late 1960s, developed by Marin County owners including attorney Robert Marshall Jr. Originally named Sears Point Raceway after its primary sponsor, the track opened in 1968. Sonoma quickly gained recognition as a challenging road course in American motorsports, contributing to its prominence in series such as Trans-Am from 1969 onward. Over the decades, the facility underwent several name changes including Infineon Raceway and Toyota Raceway at Sonoma before adopting its current name.

Sonoma Raceway became a NASCAR staple in the mid-1980s, hosting regular events for the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity, and Truck Series. It has been a platform for memorable moments, including Juan Pablo Montoya’s 2007 victory, making him the third foreign-born driver to win a Cup Series road course event. The track has evolved with safety and facility upgrades, maintaining its reputation as one of the most challenging road courses on the NASCAR circuit and appealing to a broad range of racing disciplines.

Most Famous Races Held

Sonoma Raceway is best known for the NASCAR Cup Series race, the Toyota/Save Mart 350, a highlight of the NASCAR road course slate. The event attracts top-tier drivers, with tight competition influenced by the track’s technical layout. Other notable races include the NASCAR Xfinity Series’s Nalley Cars 150 and occasional NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. The track also hosts major sports car races such as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Trans-Am Series, reflecting its versatile racing portfolio.

Track Information

The main road course at Sonoma Raceway is 2.52 miles (4.06 km) long, featuring 12 turns with a combination of sharp hairpins, sweeping corners, and elevation changes. The course radius and layout challenge drivers with braking zones that vary significantly, requiring precision and adaptability. The dragstrip portion of the facility serves NHRA national events, adding to the raceway’s diverse motorsports offerings. The seating capacity is approximately 50,000, with grandstands and natural spectator areas. Recent improvements have enhanced spectator amenities, pit facilities, and track safety features.