The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma Raceway for the second consecutive weekend of road course racing. Shane van Gisbergen looks to tie Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon’s record for three consecutive road course victories from the pole. Van Gisbergen has already secured wins at Mexico and Chicago, ranking second in average finish on road courses this season.
However, Kyle Larson is facing a slump, failing to lead a lap in his last six races. Despite having three top-10 finishes in his last seven events, Larson’s recent performances have been inconsistent. He trails teammate Chase Elliott by 13 points in the standings and 19 points behind William Byron.
The regular season championship and playoff spot are heating up, with Byron’s points lead dwindling to just 13 points over Chase Elliott. Denny Hamlin trails Byron by 43 points, while Tyler Reddick is 48 points behind. With four playoff spots available via points, the competition is fierce, with Bubba Wallace holding the final position.
As the drivers prepare for today’s race, fans can expect an exciting battle on the road course. Will van Gisbergen continue his winning streak from the pole, or will Larson break his slump and challenge for the top spot? The outcome of the race will have a significant impact on the points standings and playoff picture.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/what-to-watch-for-in-todays-nascar-cup-race-at-sonoma