SONOMA — Get ready, Rio Linda. NASCAR weekend is roaring back to Sonoma Raceway, July 11-13, bringing high-octane excitement and unique ways to experience racing right here in Northern California. For many in our community, the thrill of NASCAR runs deep, with connections to some of the sport’s biggest names and a proud history of nurturing racing talent.
Sonoma Raceway stands out as one of NASCAR’s challenging road courses, featuring 10 turns, significant elevation changes, and tight corners that promise competitive and unpredictable races. Drivers will be jockeying for position on a narrow track that demands precision and skill – a spectacle that many Rio Linda gearheads truly appreciate.
This year, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, July 13, takes on even greater significance. It will be a pivotal race in the all-new In-Season Challenge, serving as the third race in the bracket stage and marking a crucial turning point in the elimination format. For those who follow the sport closely, this adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
The road to Sonoma kicked off with the Quaker State 400 in Atlanta, followed by the Grant Park 165 on the streets of Chicago over Fourth of July weekend. By the time the roar of engines reaches Sonoma, the In-Season Challenge will be in full swing, setting the stage for some intense competition.
Currently, William Byron leads the points standings with 623, followed by Kyle Larson (569), Denny Hamlin (545), Christopher Bell (544), and Chase Elliott (543). These are the drivers to watch as they navigate the demanding Sonoma course.
Rio Linda’s Own Racing Legends and Northern California Talent:
For Rio Linda residents, the NASCAR connections run deeper than just cheering from the stands. We have a direct link to one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, Jeff Gordon. Before he became a four-time Cup Series champion and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, Gordon honed his skills right here in Rio Linda! At the tender age of six, Jeff won 35 main events and set five track records at the Crackerjack Track (now Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway) in Rio Linda. He even told Rio Linda Online that the Rio Linda track was the “first real race track he ever raced on.” Our community played a vital role in shaping the early career of a true legend.
“Rio Linda was the first place that I ever drove a race car on the track, and I won a lot of races there and made a lot of friends. I don’t know what life would be like for me today if it weren’t for Rio Linda,” said Gordon.
Another driver with strong California ties who’s making waves in NASCAR is Kyle Larson. Larson hails from Elk Grove, but according to the Folsom Times, his racing journey began on local quarter midget tracks here in the region, including Prairie City and Rio Linda’s own Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and a dominant force in dirt track racing, Larson represents the strong racing talent that blossoms in our region. Seeing him compete at Sonoma is a local source of pride, as he’s a product of the very active and prolific Northern California racing scene that fostered Jeff Gordon and his four NASCAR titles.
Beyond Gordon and Larson, Northern California continues to produce impressive talent in NASCAR. Keep an eye out for:
- Tyler Reddick: Hailing from Corning, California, just north of Sacramento, Reddick is a formidable competitor in the Cup Series. He’s proven his skill on road courses and is always a contender for a strong finish.
- AJ Allmendinger: From Los Gatos, California, Allmendinger is well-known for his road course expertise, a skill that serves him well at Sonoma. He’s a veteran driver who can often surprise with his performance on these technical tracks.
One of the highlights of NASCAR at Sonoma is the unparalleled fan experience, something that many Rio Lindan’s who love motorsports will undoubtedly enjoy. The centrally located Fan Zone and the Turn 10 Midway offer interactive activities, live music, driver meet-and-greets, and more. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with the sport.
For those who truly want to immerse themselves, trackside and exterior camping is available, transforming the race weekend into a four-night festival complete with barbecues, games, and family activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the camaraderie and passion that defines the NASCAR community.
Rio Linda has a proud heritage of dirt racing and car culture, with many residents who not only appreciate the power and speed of these machines but also have hands-on experience under the hood. While Sonoma Raceway hosts stock cars on a road course, the spirit of competition and the love for finely tuned automobiles resonates deeply with our local community. Many a weekend has been spent at tracks throughout Northern California or working on cars in garages throughout Rio Linda, fostering a passion for all things automotive that makes NASCAR weekend a natural draw.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action and see racing heroes, past and present, connect with our local roots! Tickets are available now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE (7223). Let’s show our Rio Linda racing spirit!
