The Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is set to be a critical event in the NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season. With seven races remaining, drivers are fighting for positions in the postseason bubble and the top spots in the standings.
William Byron currently leads the points standings with 13 points over Chase Elliott, but his grip on the championship is tenuous at best. Four drivers – Elliott, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Tyler Reddick – sit within 48 points of Byron, putting pressure on teams to secure top finishes.
Shane van Gisbergen starts from pole position and is considered the favorite due to his dominance on road courses. However, crew chiefs must balance the need for speed with the risk of losing valuable track position and points in stages.
Kyle Busch enters the race 19th in the provisional playoff standings, but his experience at Sonoma makes him a threat despite being outside the bubble. The track’s new tire may pose a challenge, but teams have a good feel on its performance.
Chase Elliott has led laps in the last five Sonoma races and is seeking his first victory there. Meanwhile, Chris Buescher’s road racing skills make him an underrated contender at Sonoma.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be crucial in determining who reaches the postseason bubble and secures a spot among the top drivers. With the stakes high, teams are focused on maximizing their chances of success.
Source: https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/07/12/cup-series-2025-what-to-watch-sonoma-playoffs-picture