Sonoma Raceway - SRO America

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476

SRO World Challenge website

Sonoma Raceway website

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 47,000

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Sportscar Dreams in Sonoma

Sonoma Raceway has a long and storied history in motorsports. Hosting the likes of NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar over the years, it is now home to one of the season opening rounds of the SRO America schedule. Being held in March annually, this event has grown itself to a solid audience of fans, with tons of on-track action all day throughout the weekend. Fan-friendly and budget-friendly, this weekend is likely to soar to the top of the California race fan’s list of events to attend every year. Attendance continues to grow at a rapid rate for this event, making it one of Norther California’s premier sportscar events.

Food & Beverage   4

The track has various concession stands and a large number of food trucks located in the main paddock during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers ($17.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13.99), breakfast burritos ($7.99), and hot dogs ($12.99). The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options. Other choices include the Philly Cheesesteak ($17.99), Super Nachos ($17.99), and Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog ($16.99). With the increase in fans, concession stands are also open above the Esses with a light offering of drinks and smalls snacks.

Atmosphere   4

The action on the track is top-notch, as SRO World Challenge hosts no less than 10 races during the weekend across 6 different race groups, culminating in the 3-hour GT World Challenge America race on Sunday. Fans can catch everything from the top-level GT3 race teams to the Touring Car and Toyota GR Cup machines of the up-and-coming racers. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing makes this one of the most jam-packed events of the year for the track and the fans, which means you won’t go long without seeing some great race action. Thanks to an updated schedule, fans can also catch races as early as Friday afternoon.

Being a NASCAR and NHRA facility also means that seating is plentiful all around the track. RV parking spots with track views can also be purchased by fans, and the suites offer stellar views, including the new Turn 11 complex with its outdoor patio seating. But one of the best viewing spots has got to be the Turn 2 terrace with seating under arbors and shade trees. On top of this the paddock is completely open and accessible to all fans, giving you an up-close look at how the teams prep the cars for action. Finally, SRO America has done a great job at making the track look like their own, adding plentiful sponsor signage around the facility at every turn and grandstand; this is easily the most professional feeling event on the SRO schedule.

Neighborhood   4

There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing.

To the west is Novato, and to the east is Vallejo – food options include In-N-Out Burger, a California fixture, as well as many more. Hotels are also plentiful in both areas, and attractions range from the Golden Gate Bridge and several national parks to the south, to wine country in the north.

Fans   4

A record crowd watched SRO America at Sonoma Raceway this year. Being a large track means even solid crowds can look spread out, but this year saw a significant increase in trackside fans with over 26,000 in attendance during the weekend, a record for the series at Sonoma Raceway. Seating in the main grandstand was packed on Saturday and Sunday, with the trackside terraces filled as well. In fact, on both Saturday and Sunday parking filled up so quickly that fans were forced to park on the hillside at the far end of the track, and shuttled back to the main paddock and viewing areas.

Many race fans in Sonoma who want to watch pro racing without the NASCAR prices turn to this event as a great option, especially given the incredible access afforded during sportscar races. On top of this, trackside camping has exploded for SRO weekend, with RVs lining the upper level of the camping area above the Esses, with no visible open spaces.

Access   3

Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you have to take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track.

The problem? Near the track it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Thankfully, when you arrive parking is beyond plentiful around the facility, with many grandstands offering close parking spaces for those willing to drive around. Thankfully, the most recent event seemed to offer a bit of a reprieve in congestion, perhaps thanks to updated construction work finishing up in various areas around the bay.

Return on Investment   5

Going to the track is worth the trip for SRO at Sonoma – this facility is a must-see on any race fan’s list, making it worth the venture into northern California. Tickets to SRO weekends are also incredibly affordable, with weekend passes coming in at just $55. Friday tickets are $16.87, Saturday or Sunday is $33.75, and weekend car corral options exist for $155 (one-day car corrals are available for $84.37 Friday through Sunday). Children 12 and under are free all weekend with a paid adult, and fan parking is also free.

Extras   4

Drivers host several autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday that are open to all fans. In addition, victory lane is right there next to the main grandstands, which means fans can celebrate with their favorite drivers and teams after each race. New for this year was a large number of car corrals in the main paddock, showing off some of the finest sportscars and supercars around. And finally, the paddock and garages are all open to fans, which means you can get up close to the teams and cars while they work on race setups, and you can talk to the crews during the weekend.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a racetrack in a beautiful location in one of the most picturesque areas of the country, look no further than Sonoma Raceway. The track features some quality race action for fans to see, and most of the track is visible from the same spot, a rarity in road-course racing. With affordable prices, a growing fan base, and great food options, you have plenty to look forward to as a fan when you arrive at Sonoma.