The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to Sonoma Raceway on Saturday, and once again, all eyes are on Shane van Gisbergen.
The three-time Supercars champion will lead the field to green after storming to the pole for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250, reinforcing his status as the favorite on one of NASCAR’s premier road courses. Van Gisbergen has become the benchmark whenever the series turns left and right, and Sonoma presents another opportunity to add to his growing collection of road-course victories.
Fans can catch all the action beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET on The CW, with radio coverage provided by PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The race will cover 79 laps (157.21 miles) around Sonoma’s technical 1.99-mile, 12-turn circuit, where braking zones, tire management and track position often determine the winner.
Top 10 Starting Lineup
- Shane van Gisbergen
- Brent Crews
- Taylor Gray
- Anthony Alfredo
- Parker Retzlaff
- Corey Day
- Jesse Love
- Justin Allgaier
- Sam Mayer
- Austin Hill
One of the biggest storylines entering Saturday’s race belongs to Connor Zilisch. The JR Motorsports rookie and defending Sonoma winner will roll off 30th after suffering a flat tire during qualifying, leaving one of the series’ premier road-course talents with plenty of work to do before he can challenge for the victory.
Weather should be nearly perfect for racing. Forecasts call for sunny skies, temperatures in the upper 70s and only a light afternoon breeze, setting the stage for what should be an entertaining afternoon in California wine country.
If history is any indication, van Gisbergen remains the driver everyone will be chasing. But with rising stars, veterans and proven road racers scattered throughout the field—and Zilisch charging from deep in the pack—don’t expect Saturday’s race to lack drama.
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