Conquering the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway requires more than raw speed—it demands a masterclass in road course finesse, endurance, and race-day strategy. The 1.99-mile circuit cuts through California’s wine country with 12 technical turns and approximately 160 feet of elevation change, presenting a challenge unlike any other on the NASCAR calendar.
Drivers must tackle blind corner entries, dramatic uphill and downhill segments, and tight off-camber turns that punish even minor errors. The track rewards patience, calculated aggression, and a car setup that balances grip preservation with cornering stability.
Victory hinges on flawless tire management, especially during long green-flag runs where degradation rapidly becomes a factor. Braking consistency and throttle control are key to staying in rhythm through Sonoma’s narrow switchbacks and sweeping esses.
Strategic acumen is equally vital—teams must time their pit stops with precision, whether opting to short-pit early for track position or stretching fuel in pursuit of stage points. This is a thinking driver’s course, and success often comes down to clean execution over flash.
Kyle Larson delivered a textbook example of that formula by winning last year’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 on June 9, 2024, sealing his third win of the season. His late-race pass with eight laps to go underscored his road course command, as he calmly picked apart the field with impeccable car control.
Michael McDowell took second, with Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Ross Chastain rounding out the top five. Larson’s smooth navigation through Sonoma’s elevation shifts and braking zones proved decisive in a race that rewarded discipline and adaptability.
The 2025 Grant Park 165, meanwhile, saw Shane van Gisbergen continue his Chicago street-course dominance, leading all 75 laps from pole to claim his second win at the venue. He held off Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick in a commanding drive, while Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch completed the top five.
That victory solidified SVG as NASCAR’s premier street specialist, and marked another highlight for Trackhouse Racing.
In the current standings, William Byron leads with 632 points, closely followed by Chase Elliott at 619 and Kyle Larson at 613. Larson’s position reflects his consistent excellence across all track types, but especially on challenging road courses like Sonoma.
Larson’s road course strength stems from his unique background and exceptional feel behind the wheel. A California native, he grew up mastering dirt tracks, which sharpened his ability to sense grip loss and manipulate throttle inputs—skills that transfer seamlessly to the technical demands of Sonoma.
His familiarity with elevation changes and sharp corner sequences makes him one of the most confident and composed drivers on this layout. With past wins at the track—including last year’s triumph—Larson has a proven playbook for handling Sonoma’s mental and physical toll.
What makes Larson stand out even further is how he balances aggression with control during green-flag stretches. Sonoma’s limited overtaking zones demand precision, and Larson knows when to push and when to conserve. His rapport with the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 team ensures his setups are dialed in, and their pit strategy execution is among the best in the series.
Whether managing track position during stage breaks or reacting to evolving fuel scenarios, Larson has the instincts and technical acumen to adapt and strike. Heading into this year’s race, he’s a clear top-five threat—and arguably, the man to beat again at Sonoma.
Pick: Kyle Larson | Dafabet
