Summer is here and with it comes campfire stories, lounging around the pool, and planning your next road trip! Nestled in Sonoma, California sits Sonoma Raceway. Surrounded by rolling hills, wine country vineyards and local farm life, Sonoma Raceway offers the perfect recipe for your next scenic getaway—with some high-speed racing at the heart of your adventure!
Here’s some of our top reasons why NASCAR at Sonoma is the best summer road trip destination:
Beautiful & Diverse Region
Sonoma is a prime destination in Northern California. Located 1 hour north of San Francisco, it offers the best of both worlds—access to both vibrant city life and slower country charm. Spend your post-race time touring the Embarcadero and Golden Gate Bridge or relax with a glass of wine up north surrounded by a sea of vineyards.
Known as California’s “Wine Country,” Sonoma prides itself on having over 400 wineries across the region, so whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just in it for the experience, there's something to satisfy every taste bud.
Camping Culture & Lodging
Bringing the family? Sonoma Raceway offers trackside and exterior camping options during the race weekend where campers turn their stay into a 4-night long festival with BBQ’s, games, and family fun.
Prefer to stay somewhere more traditional? Sonoma and Napa Counties are also home to beautiful nearby towns like Napa, Sonoma, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa that offer vacation lodging for every budget whether you’re looking for luxury resorts and country style B&Bs or hotels. Check out some our preferred hotel partners here for a discounted rate.
Unique Racetrack
Sonoma Raceway is one of the few road courses that is on the NASCAR schedule. Unlike traditional oval tracks, Sonoma’s road course includes 10 turns, dramatic elevation changes, and tight corners proven to produce competitive and unpredictable races—all surrounded by a scenic backdrop. There’s no doubt that the racing will be intense as drivers jockey for position and try to pass on this narrow road course. You’re going to have to see it to believe it!
Fan Access & Experiences
One of the best parts about NASCAR at Sonoma? The fan experience. As a racetrack that sits nestled away in the hills, Sonoma Raceway is able to offer a uniquely intimate and memorable experience for fans with its centrally located Fan Zone and Turn 10 Midway. With lively and interactive activations, live music, driver meet-and-greets, and so much more, there’s tons to do and see!
In-Season Tournament Drawing Excitement
Sonoma Raceway will play a pivotal role in the bracket stage of the all-new In-Season Challenge. The historic Toyota/Save Mart 350, set for Sunday, July 13, will serve as the third race of the bracket and mark a turning point in the elimination format. Sonoma’s inclusion adds a unique challenge for drivers as they navigate elevation changes, tight turns, and strategic pit sequences—all while battling for tournament survival.
Why the Journey is Important
It’s not just about the destination, but the journey you go on to get there—and the trip to Sonoma is one worth the drive. Highway 1 takes you along the Pacific Coast where the horizon stretches across the ocean as far as the eye can see, and once you hit the roads of wine country vineyards line the hills in every direction.
No matter where you’re coming from, driving through California is a one-of-a-kind adventure that is sure to remind you of the natural beauty that the state possesses, and it feels even sweeter when there’s a weekend of racing mixed in to the adventure.
Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or someone just in it for the ride, NASCAR at Sonoma Raceway is the trip that is sure to check every box. Get your tickets now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223] and get ready to start your newest summer road trip tradition!
