Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, United States
2.520 miles • 12 Corners
About Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma Raceway is one of the most technical and physically demanding road racing circuits in the United States, located in the hills of Sonoma, Northern California, just north of San Francisco. Opened in 1968 and originally known as Sears Point Raceway, the circuit is famous for its extreme elevation changes, blind crests and constant rhythm changes that challenge both car setup and driver precision. The full 2.520 mile (4.056 km) layout features 12 corners and a relentless sequence of uphill and downhill sections that offer very little rest for the driver. Iconic areas include Turn 1 braking zone, the Esses (Turns 2-3A-3B-4), the Carousel, Turn 7 hairpin, and the plunge into Turn 11. Sonoma is known for punishing tyres and brakes due to its constant direction changes and steep gradients. Sonoma Raceway hosts the NASCAR Cup Series road course, IndyCar, SRO GT World Challenge America, historic racing and extensive manufacturer testing. It also operates a very busy schedule of public car and motorcycle track days, manufacturer experiences and professional driving schools. With its vineyard backdrop, rolling hills and technically intense layout, Sonoma is one of the most distinctive and photogenic circuits in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sonoma Raceway is located in Sonoma, California, USA. The full address is 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476, United States.
The full course layout is 2.520 miles (4.056 km) long and features 12 corners.
Yes. Sonoma Raceway regularly hosts public car and motorcycle track days, manufacturer driving experiences and professional driving schools.
Sonoma is most famous for its extreme elevation changes, technical blind corner layout and hosting the NASCAR Cup Series road course race.
Yes. Sonoma hosts NASCAR, IndyCar, SRO GT World Challenge America, historic racing and international motorsport events.
Yes, but it is technically demanding. Beginners are welcome in novice groups with instructor support, though the constant elevation changes require concentration and discipline.
Yes. Noise limits vary by organiser and event, typically around 103–105 dB(A) static, with monitoring during public track day activity.
Yes. Modified cars are permitted provided they meet safety regulations and comply with Sonoma’s event specific noise and technical rules.
Yes. Sonoma is outstanding for motorsport photography due to its hilltop vantage points, vineyard scenery, blind crests and heavy braking action zones.
After your event, you can search LapSnaps by track and date to find Sonoma Raceway track day photos and purchase high resolution digital downloads directly from photographers.
Sonoma Raceway is owned and operated by NASCAR / Speedway Motorsports, under the Speedway Motorsports Group.
Sonoma operates seasonally from spring through autumn due to winter weather in Northern California.
Photographers regularly attend events at Sonoma Raceway.
Yes. LapSnaps features Sonoma Raceway track day photos from verified photographers. You can browse by event day and purchase high resolution digital downloads directly online.
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