Sonoma Valley guide

Sonoma Raceway visitor guide

By the Everything Sonoma editors · Fact-checked October 16, 2026 · Sources

The short answerSonoma Raceway is the road course and drag strip at the south end of Sonoma Valley, at 29355 Arnold Drive near Highways 37 and 121. It hosts a NASCAR Cup Series race each June and the NHRA Sonoma Nationals in July, and on other days runs track days, evening drag racing for street-legal cars and a Karting Center for drivers 13 and up.

The track at a glance

The raceway opened in 1969 as Sears Point and was later called Infineon Raceway; it became Sonoma Raceway in 2012. The full road course is 2.52 miles with 12 turns, and NASCAR uses a shorter 1.99-mile layout. There's also a quarter-mile drag strip, known for its uphill slope. Permanent seating holds about 44,000, and the property covers roughly 1,600 acres in the hills by San Pablo Bay. It's owned by Speedway Motorsports.

Big race weekends

NASCAR (June): the NASCAR Cup Series has raced here every year since 1989 (except 2020), in a race currently called the Toyota/Save Mart 350, with support races the same weekend.
NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July): drag racing's top classes.
Other events through the year include GT World Challenge America, Trans-Am, Ferrari Challenge and the 24 Hours of Lemons. Check the raceway's official calendar for dates and tickets.

Drive it yourself

On non-race days the track is busy with open track days, the Sonoma Drags evenings for street-legal cars and motorcycles, car clubs and a Teen Safe Driving program. The Sonoma Raceway Karting Center, opened in 2002, runs karting courses on race-prepared karts for ages 13 and up, open practice and group events, with instructors and safety gear provided. Call (707) 509-3813.

Getting there

The main entrance is Gate 1 on Highway 121. From San Francisco, the raceway is reached via Highway 37; from Napa, via Highway 121; and the town of Sonoma is a short drive north on Arnold Drive or Highway 121. On race weekends, expect heavy traffic and allow extra time. See the Sonoma Raceway listing for the phone number and map.

Make a weekend of it

Carneros wineries are minutes away: Viansa, Cline, Jacuzzi and Gloria Ferrer are along Highway 121. Book a room early for race weekends; see Where to stay in Sonoma Valley.

Questions

Where is Sonoma Raceway?

At 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, at the south end of Sonoma Valley near Highways 37 and 121. The main entrance is Gate 1 on Highway 121.

When is NASCAR at Sonoma Raceway?

The NASCAR Cup Series races at Sonoma once a year, in June. Check sonomaraceway.com for this year's date.

Can you drive your own car at Sonoma Raceway?

Yes, on open track days and at the Sonoma Drags evenings for street-legal cars and motorcycles. There's also a Teen Safe Driving program.

How old do you have to be to go karting at Sonoma Raceway?

The Karting Center's courses are for ages 13 and up.

What was Sonoma Raceway called before?

Sears Point Raceway, and from 2002 to 2011, Infineon Raceway.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on October 16, 2026 against these sources. Hours, prices and rules change, so confirm with the business or park before you go.

About this guide

Everything Sonoma is an independent guide to Sonoma Valley. We don't accept payment for coverage in guides; featured listings are always labeled. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] or send a correction. Read how we choose listings.