Sonoma Raceway – SpeedTour Weekend

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14

Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476

Sonoma Raceway website

SpeedTour website

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 47,000

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Sonoma’s Late Spring Race Fest

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 early rounds of the SpeedTour SVRA and Trans Am schedules. Being held in late April annually, this event has slowly grown itself to a solid event 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.

Food & Beverage   3

The track has various concession stands and food trucks during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers ($13.99-$14.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13.99), breakfast burritos ($7.99), and hot dogs ($11.99). The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options.

Atmosphere   3

The action on the track is top-notch, as Trans Am and SVRA host no less than 10 races during the weekend across multiple different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level Trans Am TA race teams to the vintage SVRA machines from days past. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing make 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.

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. 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.

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   2

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 SpeedTour races. On top of this, trackside camping is plentiful, with RVs lining the upper level of the camping area above the Esses.

Unfortunately, this event doesn’t draw the crowd expected at SRO America weekend earlier in the year, so you won’t have the crowds to create the big race atmosphere many fans seek at the track.

Access   2

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.

Return on Investment   5

Going to the track is worth the trip for SpeedTour at Sonoma – this facility is a must-see on any race fan’s list, making it worth the venture into northern California. Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here are also incredibly affordable, with weekend passes coming in at just $40 for presale and $70 at the gate. Friday tickets are $15 online and $25 at the gate, Saturday or Sunday is $25 online and $30 at the gate, and family 4-packs are $120 online only. On site general parking is free.

Extras   3

Drivers host several fan walks 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. 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.