Whether you're headed to your first race or just curious about all the buzz, here's everything you need to know to enjoy NASCAR at Sonoma Raceway like a pro!
So, what is NASCAR?
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing and it's one of the most popular motorsports in the U.S.! It consists of 36 races, 26 during the regular season and 10 during the playoffs. Drivers compete in high-speed races on oval tracks, road courses and street circuits across the country, driving specially designed stock cars that are built with speed and safety in mind.
How does a NASCAR race work?
NASCAR races are more than just driving around in circles at high speeds. It's competitive, requires team strategy, and often generates some of the most exciting racing in the world.
Each race is divided into three stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 (the final stage). At the end of each stage, points are awarded to the drivers based on their position in the race. The higher your position is, the more points you get!
During the race, drivers will come in for pit stops where they refuel, change tires, and make adjustments to their cars mid-race. This requires quick and accurate pit crews. Every second counts—and the slightest mistake could cost the team and their driver the win!
NASCAR racing is a dangerous sport. Driving 180+ mph with 35 other cars requires skill and courage. But when an accident does happen, that's when cautions and restarts come into play. A yellow flag will be waved when there is an accident or debris on the track, and all cars must slow down until it's safe to resume the race.
At the end of the final stage, the first driver to cross the finish line (and get to see the checkered flag) wins the race! Race winners then participate in the NASCAR tradition of doing a burnout, spinning their tires to create smoke clouds and skid marks. After that comes Victory Lane, where the winner receives a trophy, sprays champagne and celebrates with their entire team.
Winning is more than just getting a trophy at the end and bragging rights; it helps drivers secure enough points to secure a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs—where 16 drivers compete for the championship title. Winners also take home prize money, sponsor bonuses, and other incentives that make winning their top priority.
Why Come to Sonoma Raceway? It's Not Your Typical NASCAR Track
Most people picture NASCAR as fast cars endlessly circling an oval. Not here.
Sonoma Raceway is nestled alongside Sears Point, the southernmost peak of the Sonoma Mountains, and is a 1.99-mile road course that winds through the hills of wine country. With 10 dramatic turns, elevation changes (the most of any NASCAR circuit), and sweeping views that make it feel more like a thrill ride than a traditional racetrack, Sonoma Raceway truly has it all.
It's one of only a few road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it challenges drivers in ways no oval can—hard braking zones, hairpin turns, off-camber corners—it's all here.
Add in California sunshine, hillside seating with panoramic views, and a vibrant festival-style atmosphere, and you've got more than a race—you've got a summer experience.
What Makes NASCAR Weekend a Must-See Event
Sonoma Raceway is often labeled as an unpredictable track, one where anything can happen and the race can suddenly favor a long shot. It's also one that's frequently referred to by drivers as "levels the playing field" in that it prevents any one driver from having a distinct advantage over everyone else. Outside of racing, however, you get everything that wine country is known for—gourmet food, the very best wine country vino and the best vibes imaginable, all while feeling the ground shake as 3,400-pound stock cars roar by you just a few feet away.
New to NASCAR? Not a Problem
Some pro tips from the experts include renting a scanner from Racing Electronics to hear what the drivers are saying throughout the race and to protect your ears from the loud environment. Additionally, consider talking to seasoned fans, as NASCAR crowds are among the friendliest in sports. Also, be sure to visit the bustling fan zone all weekend long.
Do you feel like you're ready to dive into the world of roaring engines and Victory Lane burnouts? Get your tickets now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223] and get ready to witness your first NASCAR win celebration in person!
