NASCAR Xfinity Series at Sonoma Raceway Preview and Predictions

Race Preview:

The Pit Boss/Foodmaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway is a 250-mile, 79-lap race around the 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course. Stage cautions will be on laps 20 and 45, and the checkered flag will fly after lap 79. A total of $1,651,939 is available in the prize purse for this race. Teams will have 4 sets of tires to race on, 3 fresh sets and 1 from qualifying. Goodyear is bringing the tire previously used at Chicago, Mexico City, and COTA.

In case of weather, Goodyear will bring wet-weather tires. Teams will have four sets, 3 fresh and 1 set from qualifying if used.

The Track: Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway is a 1.99-mile road course nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Sonoma. With its 12 turns and beautiful views, this road course has hosted some of NASCAR’s best road racers taking the checkered flag. With uphill corners and dynamic braking zones, it has showcased NASCAR’s best.

There have only been two prior Xfinity Series races at Sonoma Raceway. Aric Almirola won the first race in 2023. Ty Gibbs set the lap record for Xfinity in 2024, running a 1:16.384-second lap.

Xfinity Series Point Standings:

Here are the point standings following last week’s race at Chicago:

1. Justin Allgaier: 624
2. Sam Mayer: 561
3. Austin Hill: 548
4. Jesse Love: 541
5. Connor Zilisch *: 526
6. Carson Kvapil*: 488
7. Brandon Jones: 466
8. Taylor Gray*: 453
9. Jeb Burton: 445
10. Nick Sanchez *: 436

Additions to the Xfinity Series Field:

Many drivers are joining the field for this race at Sonoma. With only 38 open spots and 39 cars attempting, one car will go home. Here are some of the part-time drivers attempting to make the race:

• Alex Labbe, #07 Chevrolet for SS-Greenlight Racing
• Shane Van Gisbergen, #9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports
• Connor Mosack, #14 Chevy for SS-Greenlight Racing
• Corey Day, #17 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports
• Riley Herbst, #19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
• Austin Green, #32 Chevy for Jordan Anderson Racing
• Austin Hill (Not the RCR one), #35 Chevy for Joey Gase Motorsports
• Brad Perez, #45 Chevy for Alpha Prime Racing
• Sage Karam, #53 Chevy for Joey Gase Motorsports
• Will Rodgers, #70 Chevy for Cope Family Racing
• Josh Bilicki, #91 Chevy for DGM Racing

Drivers To Watch:

Just like last week, all eyes are on the JRM duo of SVG and Connor Zilisch. 1-2 last week in Chicago, there is no doubt in my mind that they could be 1-2 again this weekend. According to one sportsbook, SVG has negative odds, -150, and Zilisch has +130 odds. Can SVG defend his win from last year, or will Zilisch get win #3 this weekend?

Taylor Gray is consistently the fastest Toyota in the field, but was disappointed in Chicago. Compared to his Mexico City numbers, Chicago was a dumpster fire. A 36th place start compared to 8th in Mexico and a 34th place finish compared to 2nd. Hopefully, he can turn it around this weekend and get some of that pace back. I also would not count out the #19 of Herbst. Cup Series experience goes a long way in the Xfinity Series.

For the Fords, it is again eyes on the Haas Factory team cars of Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer. These two ran second and third to SVG in 2024 at Sonoma, so they can wheel around this track. Look out for the Haas cars to be contenders.

How To Watch The Xfinity Series at Sonoma:

Here is the schedule for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway this weekend:

• Friday, July 11th:
  • Practice:
    • 4:00 PM Eastern
    • Coverage is on the CW App
  • Qualifying:
    • 5:05 PM Eastern
    • Coverage continues on the CW App
• Saturday, July 12th:
  • The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway
    • 4:30 PM Eastern
    • Coverage is on the CW, with radio coverage on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel provided by PRN