NASCAR’s only California stop in 2025 makes huge timing shift to embrace summer heat

For the first time in history, NASCAR's Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will take place in the heart of summer, with the race weekend scheduled for July 11-13, 2025. This shift promises to add even more excitement to the summer calendar, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience high-octane racing during California's warmest months.

The move to a mid-summer date is designed to accommodate more fans, particularly families, campers, and college students who have more flexibility to travel and attend the event during the summer break. "It’s fantastic to now have the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the heart of summer when more fans are free to travel and enjoy a great weekend of racing," said Brian Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway.

The 2025 race will be part of NASCAR’s newly introduced Midsummer Madness tournament, an elimination-style bracket featuring 32 drivers competing across five races. The July weekend at Sonoma, highlighted by the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, July 13, will be the only NASCAR visit to California that year. Fans can expect thrilling on-track action as the series returns to the popular chute configuration on the 1.99-mile road course, known for its 10 turns and dramatic elevation changes.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be the 21st race in the 36-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule and the fourth of six road/street course events. Details regarding practice and qualifying times, broadcast partners, and support races will be announced later.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be the 21st race in the 36-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule and the fourth of six road/street course events.Photo byTim TradonUnsplash