Sonoma Raceway – SRO World Challenge

Sonoma Raceway, View of San Francisco Bay

Fanfare Score

Total Score
2.43

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Wine Country Emptiness

Where once stood a championship finale for IndyCar that also hosted the likes of SRO World Challenge and various other racing series, now sits an empty mid-summer race weekend. While crowds for the former IndyCar finale weekend weren’t exactly filled to capacity, the track hosted various fan zones, had plenty of open concessions, and was generally exciting to watch. While the on-track action has returned in 2019 with SRO World Challenge, the experience for fans was not the same, at least for the few that showed up.

Food & Beverage   1

Previously the track had various concessions stands complete with the likes of burgers, waffle sandwiches, carne asada fries, and fresh grilled BBQ, but now fans see only empty and shuttered concessions stands under the grandstand. In fact, now the paddock café and one food truck are the only concessions open all weekend throughout the entire facility, and the lines for these two options are very long on race day. Given the fact that the race was lightly attended, the idea that lines were 30 minutes long for burgers or salads was mind-blowing.

Atmosphere   3

The action on track is top-notch – SRO World Challenge hosts no less than 10 races during the weekend across 5 different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level GT3 race teams to the Touring Car and TCR machines of the up-and-coming racers. 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.

The downside is the state of the facility; for a top-level racetrack that hosts NHRA and NASCAR during the year, the grounds are unkempt. Weeds grow from the viewing locations at Turns 2, 4, and all down the backstretch, and there is little signage to tell fans where they can go or where they can see the best action from.

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.

Fans   1

The grandstands around the track were collectively empty – the few fans that showed up huddled under the two shaded locations along the top rows of the main grandstands and the Turn 2 hill. In addition, a few fans were scattered along the bridge over Turn 1, but that was it.

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, and parking on site is a workout. The track is literally built on the side of a massive hill, making getting from place to place quite a task for fans. Make sure you bring your hiking or walking shoes.

Return on Investment   3

Getting to and staying in the Bay Area (or anywhere In California for that matter) is a bit of an expensive task; there is a reason people say living in California is expensive. That said, going to the track is worth the trip. The facility is one that is a must-see on any race fan’s list, making it definitely worth the venture into Northern California. While the general state of the facility is sub-par, the racing action you get on track for the price you pay is phenomenal.

Extras   3

Drivers hosted several autograph sessions on Saturday that were 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 the 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. However, while SRO World Challenge offers some of the best racing around, don’t expect the red carpet from Sonoma Raceway when you show up at the track.

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Food and Drink Recommendations

 

El Palmar Restaurant

1108 Grant Ave #B

Novato, CA 94945

(415) 893-9199


 

 

Chianti Cucina

7416 Redwood Blvd

Novato, CA 94945

(415) 878-0314

http://www.chiantinovato.com/


 
 

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Entertainment Recommendations

 

Audi Sportscar Experience

29359 Arnold Drive

Sonoma, CA 95476

(800) 466-5792

https://simracewaydrivingschool.com/


 

 

Ram’s Gate Winery

28700 Arnold Dr

Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 721-8700

http://ramsgatewinery.com/


 

 

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Lodging Recommendations

 

 

Vineyard Inn

23000 Arnold Dr

Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-2350

http://www.vineyardinnsonoma.com/


 

 

 

Days Inn Novato/San Francisco

8141 Redwood Blvd

Novato, CA 94945

(415) 897-7111

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/novato-california/days-inn-novato-san-francisco/


 
 
 

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Stadium Info

Sonoma Raceway
29355 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476

Sonoma Raceway website

SRO America website

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 47,000

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