RIO LINDA, Calif. – Local racing fans will have a major new event to look forward to this year, as Sonoma Raceway joins NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Challenge, a high-stakes tournament that could see drivers with Sacramento-area roots, like Kyle Larson, competing for a $1 million prize.
Sonoma Raceway, a short drive for local fans, will host a critical round of this new tournament on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The race, the Toyota/Save Mart 350, will be California’s only NASCAR Cup Series event this year, putting a major spotlight on the nearby road course.
The In-Season Challenge adds a new layer of excitement to the NASCAR season. It’s a five-week, bracket-style tournament featuring a $1 million payout to the winner. The competition kicks off with three races to set a 32-driver bracket. From there, it’s head-to-head elimination, with drivers needing to finish ahead of their opponent in each race to advance.
The race in Sonoma will be the third round of the elimination bracket, meaning the pressure will be on for drivers to survive and advance toward the final showdown in Indianapolis. The technical, hilly road course in Sonoma is already one of the toughest tracks on the schedule, and the new tournament format promises to make it even more intense.
“This is a landmark moment for both Sonoma Raceway and the sport of NASCAR,” said Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The In-Season Challenge introduces an exciting, high-stakes format that energizes the summer portion of the season, and we are honored to host one of the key elimination rounds here in Sonoma.”
For fans in Rio Linda, it’s a chance to see some of the sport’s biggest names, including those who started right here in our community, battle it out on a unique track with a massive prize on the line.
Don’t get left in the dust… Tickets and camping spots are available now but they won’t last. Secure your spot to see the action live. Head over to SonomaRaceway.com or call (800) 870-RACE [7223] to get your tickets today.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be broadcast live on TNT on Sunday, July 13, 2025, with coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. PST.
