For the second week in a row, the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to road courses, this time taking us away from the Windy City to wine country, Sonoma, California. This is everything you need to know for Saturday’s Pit Boss 250 at Sonoma Raceway.

Xfinity Series Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway Preview

Just as it is now, this time last year, all the talk centered on Shane Van Gisbergen’s road course skill. His second of three wins came at Sonoma last June, and it would be his second in a row after winning at Portland. Now in 2025, we are discussing the possibility of SVG sweeping both Xfinity and Cup for the second week in a row.

Race Preview:

The Pit Boss/Foodmaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway is a 250-mile, 79-lap race around the 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course. Stage cautions will be on laps 20 and 45, and the checkered flag will fly after lap 79. A total of $1,651,939 is available in the prize purse for this race. Teams will have 4 sets of tires to race on, 3 fresh sets and 1 from qualifying. Goodyear is bringing the tire previously used at Chicago, Mexico City, and COTA.

In case of weather, Goodyear will bring wet-weather tires. Teams will have four sets, 3 fresh and 1 set from qualifying if used.

The Track: Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway is a 1.99-mile road course nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Sonoma. With its 12 turns and beautiful views, this road course has hosted some of NASCAR’s best road racers taking the checkered flag. With uphill corners and dynamic braking zones, it has showcased NASCAR’s best.

There have only been two prior Xfinity Series races at Sonoma Raceway. Aric Almirola won the first race in 2023. Ty Gibbs set the lap record for Xfinity in 2024, running a 1:16.384-second lap.

Xfinity Series Point Standings:

Here are the point standings following last week’s race at Chicago:

1. Justin Allgaier: 624
2. Sam Mayer: 561
3. Austin Hill: 548
4. Jesse Love: 541
5. Connor Zilisch *: 526
6. Carson Kvapil*: 488
7. Brandon Jones: 466
8. Taylor Gray*: 453
9. Jeb Burton: 445
10. Nick Sanchez *: 436

Read More: JR Motorsports Makes Right Call with SVG in Xfinity Series Win at Chicago Street Course

Additions to the Xfinity Series Field:

Many drivers are joining the field for this race at Sonoma. With only 38 open spots and 39 cars attempting, one car will go home. Here are some of the part-time drivers attempting to make the race:

• Alex Labbe, #07 Chevrolet for SS-Greenlight Racing
• Shane Van Gisbergen, #9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports
• Connor Mosack, #14 Chevy for SS-Greenlight Racing
• Corey Day, #17 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports
• Riley Herbst, #19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
• Austin Green, #32 Chevy for Jordan Anderson Racing
• Austin Hill (Not the RCR one), #35 Chevy for Joey Gase Motorsports
• Brad Perez, #45 Chevy for Alpha Prime Racing
• Sage Karam, #53 Chevy for Joey Gase Motorsports
• Will Rodgers, #70 Chevy for Cope Family Racing
• Josh Bilicki, #91 Chevy for DGM Racing

Read More: 23XI and Front Row Denied Rehearing, Clash Returning to Bowman Gray and More: NASCAR News Flash

Drivers To Watch:

Just like last week, all eyes are on the JRM duo of SVG and Connor Zilisch. 1-2 last week in Chicago, there is no doubt in my mind that they could be 1-2 again this weekend. According to BetUS, SVG has negative odds, -150, and Zilisch has +130 odds. Can SVG defend his win from last year, or will Zilisch get win #3 this weekend?

Taylor Gray is consistently the fastest Toyota in the field, but was disappointed in Chicago. Compared to his Mexico City numbers, Chicago was a dumpster fire. A 36th place start compared to 8th in Mexico and a 34th place finish compared to 2nd. Hopefully, he can turn it around this weekend and get some of that pace back. I also would not count out the #19 of Herbst. Cup Series experience goes a long way in the Xfinity Series.

For the Fords, it is again eyes on the Haas Factory team cars of Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer. These two ran second and third to SVG in 2024 at Sonoma, so they can wheel around this track. Look out for the Haas cars to be contenders.

How To Watch The Xfinity Series at Sonoma:

Here is the schedule for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway this weekend:

• Friday, July 11th:
  • Practice:
    • 4:00 PM Eastern
    • Coverage is on the CW App
  • Qualifying:
    • 5:05 PM Eastern
    • Coverage continues on the CW App
• Saturday, July 12th:
  • The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway
    • 4:30 PM Eastern
    • Coverage is on the CW, with radio coverage on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel provided by PRN

Stay Connected to Last Word on Motorsports for all the coverage of the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Sonoma

Main Photo: Logan Riely, Getty Images

Recording Date: 6/7/2024

EchoPark has secured the naming rights to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the next seven years in a multimillion-dollar agreement.

Contract:

• EchoPark branding will appear on the track walls, in victory lane, and throughout the concourse area.
• ‘EchoPark Speedway’ is already displayed on the tower above the grandstands

Context:

EchoPark Automotive is an arm of Sonic Automotive, which counts David Smith as its chairman and chief executive. David Smith is the brother of Marcus Smith, president and chief executive of Speedway Motorsports. Speedway Motorsports operates the track now known as EchoPark Speedway and, of course, both Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive were founded by David and Marcus’ father, Bruton Smith.

Comment:

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

“We have enjoyed serving guests in the Atlanta metro area since EchoPark Atlanta opened its doors in 2020,” said David Smith. “This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue.”

Coming next:

Atlanta, which hosted the second Nascar Cup Series race of the season, will welcome another visit from the series on June 28th. This will be the first race that falls in TNT’s new five-race package.

Go deeper:

Dollar Tree and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB have agreed to a partnership extension, which will see the discount variety store remain a primary sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series team through 2028.

The partnership, forged in January 2024, ensured that Dollar Tree and then-partner Family Dollar would have primary sponsorship on a LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entry in all 38 events that season.

On Monday (July 7), Dollar Tree announced that it had completed the sale of its Family Dollar brand to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB through 2028,” said Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer of Dollar Tree. “This continued collaboration puts our brand in front of millions of loyal NASCAR fans and gives us the opportunity to drive deeper engagement with customers in a bold, high-energy environment. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead with Jimmie [Johnson], John Hunter, Erik, and the entire LEGACY MC team.”

Entering Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway, both Erik Jones (17th) and John Hunter Nemechek (20th) sit inside the top-20 in series point standings, after a sequence of strong runs into the Summer months have helped to rally the team.

“Having such a recognizable brand like Dollar Tree with us for years to come gives the CLUB stability and energy,” said Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “We are building a legacy together and hope to enjoy success for years to come.”

“It’s an honor to continue carrying the Dollar Tree brand on our cars,” said John Hunter Nemechek, driver of the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE. “Their support helps us deliver results on track, bring value back to their vendor partners, and helps build the fandom of the CLUB.”

Since Dollar Tree first joined LEGACY MOTOR CLUB at the beginning of 2024, the company’s branding has adorned an entry from the team 39 times, including three top-fives — two from Erik Jones and one from John Hunter Nemechek.

“Dollar Tree is a foundational partner to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB,” Cal Wells III, CEO of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “Their continued investment and commitment will enable us to execute our competitive vision and strengthen our ability to support championship aspirations.”

Dollar Tree will be on board the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for Erik Jones this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. The Toyota / Save Mart 350 will take place on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 pm ET on TNT, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman
& Shannon Spake to Host NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Pre-Race Coverage On-Site, Starting at 3 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV & HBO Max

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte & Adam Alexander to Call Race Action on TNT & HBO Max;
NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook to Feature Jeff Burton, Larry McReynolds & Special Guests on truTV & HBO Max

NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying to
Air on truTV & HBO Max Saturday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m.

The In-Season Challenge
presented by DraftKings Sportsbook
revs up for Round Three as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at
Sonoma Raceway gets underway on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET
across TNT, truTV and HBO Max.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte and
Adam Alexander will provide commentary for Sunday’s race on TNT and HBO Max, as well as practice and qualifying on
Saturday, July 12, starting at 1:30 p.m. on truTV and HBO Max.

Sunday’s race coverage will be preceded by
NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals pre-race show at 3 p.m., live from Sonoma Raceway, hosted by
Shannon Spake with analysts Jamie McMurray, winner of the 2010 Daytona 500, and
Parker Kligerman, former NASCAR Cup Series driver.

Pit reporters
Alan Cavanna, Danielle Trotta and Marty Snider will be live from pit road throughout TNT Sports’ race coverage, bringing fans live reports, exclusive insights and driver interviews. Bleacher Report correspondent
Mamba Smith will also contribute to live coverage.

Additionally, former Crew Chief
Larry McReynolds and 21-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Jeff Burton will host the
NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook on
truTV and HBO Max. The alternate viewing experience will take fans inside the individual driver bracket storylines each week, along with a rotation of special guests joining throughout the race.

Picture

TNT Sports In-Season Challenge Coverage from Sonoma Raceway:

DATE

TIME (ET)

PROGRAM/COMMENTATORS

NETWORK

Saturday, July 12

1:30 p.m.

NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Steve Letarte & Adam Alexander

truTV & HBO Max

Sunday, July 13

3 p.m.

NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals

Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman & Shannon Spake

TNT, truTV & HBO Max

~3 p.m.

NASCAR Driver Cam presented by DraftKings Sportsbook and Straight Talk Wireless

HBO Max

3:30 p.m.

Toyota/Save Mart 350

Earnhardt, Letarte & Alexander

TNT & HBO Max

3:30 p.m.

NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook

Larry McReynolds & Jeff Burton

truTV & HBO Max

Post-Race

NASCAR Nation

McMurray, Kligerman & Spake

TNT, truTV & HBO Max

TNT/WB PR

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has announced a huge sponsorship extension with Dollar Tree. The $22.3 billion company will be a full-season partner through 2028, providing long-term support for the growing NASCAR team.

Dollar Tree joined Legacy at the start of the 2024 season and signed a multi-year deal to put its branding on the team’s Cup Series cars for all 38 races. 

With the extension, Dollar Tree will continue to sponsor John Hunter Nemechek’s #42 car and Erik Jones’ #43 car and be front and center at NASCAR weekends for years to come.

The renewed deal gives Jimmie Johnson’s team stability as it grows, and Dollar Tree exposure to one of the most loyal fanbases in sports. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass first reported the news which was later confirmed by the team and the company.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB through 2028,” said Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar Tree.

Stability for Legacy Motor Club

Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club has been working on being more consistent in the Cup Series. They rebranded in 2023 and then switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024. So the team has been adding pieces to the puzzle on and off track. The lucrative Dollar Tree extension is another step towards building something long-term.

Team CEO Cal Wells III called Dollar Tree “a foundational partner” and said the continued support will allow Legacy to focus on performance and build towards its championship goals.

That’s important. Nemechek in his first full-time Cup ride with Legacy grabbed a top-five at Daytona earlier this season. Jones after an injury early in the year, has been working his way back into form. Both drivers are still on the bubble of playoff contention but showing signs of progress.

With Dollar Tree staying on board the team has more runway to keep improving. And for the retailer the NASCAR platform continues to offer massive reach, especially with fans that closely match its nationwide customer base. Dollar Tree will be on the car this weekend and for years to come.

My love for motorsports started in my childhood in Tunisia, watching races with my family. Fast forward to today, … More about Farah Ben Gamra