The Sonoma Gauntlet
An in-depth analysis of the technical road course challenge in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, held annually at the iconic Sonoma Raceway.
Race Overview 👇 Past Winners 🏆Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Race Overview
Series & Venue
The Sonoma 250 is an annual event in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, one of the three national touring series in American stock car racing. The race is contested at Sonoma Raceway, a challenging road course located in Sonoma, California. This venue provides a stark contrast to the oval tracks that dominate the series schedule, demanding a different set of skills from drivers and unique setups for the race trucks.
Race Format & Distance
The modern iteration of the race is structured over 75 laps, covering a total distance of 149.25 miles (240.19 km). The competition is divided into three stages to encourage strategic racing and provide points throughout the event:
- Stage 1: 20 Laps
- Stage 2: 25 Laps
- Stage 3: 30 Laps
A History of Names
Throughout its history, the race has been known by several names, often reflecting its title sponsor. This evolution in branding is common in motorsports and chronicles the commercial partnerships of the event over time.
- Subway 100 (1995)
- Kragen 151 (1996)
- Kragen/Exide 151 (1997–1998)
- DoorDash 250 (2022)
Event History
The Inaugural Era (1995-1998)
The race was an original fixture on the Truck Series schedule, running for the first four years of the series' existence from 1995 to 1998. During this period, the track was known as Sears Point International Raceway. The event was held in October as a standalone race, separate from the NASCAR Cup Series weekend, establishing its own identity as a premier road course challenge for the trucks.
A Lengthy Hiatus
Following the 1998 season, the race was dropped from the schedule. The series' second road course date was moved to Portland International Raceway for the 1999 season. This began a more than two-decade absence of the Truck Series from the challenging hills of Sonoma, leaving a significant gap in its road course competition portfolio.
The Modern Return (2022)
On September 29, 2021, NASCAR announced the return of the Truck Series to Sonoma for the 2022 season. The race, held on June 11, marked the series' first visit to the track since 1998. It effectively replaced the road course race at Watkins Glen International, which had been reintroduced to the Truck Series schedule in 2021 after a similar long hiatus.
The Racetrack
Technical Specifications
Sonoma Raceway is a purpose-built road course known for its significant elevation changes and technical corners. The asphalt circuit used for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race features the following specifications:
- Length: 1.990 miles (3.203 km)
- Turns: 12
- Surface: Asphalt
This layout tests every aspect of a race truck's performance, from braking and handling to engine durability.
Layout Evolution
The track configuration used for the Truck Series has changed over time, presenting different challenges to the competitors. Two primary layouts have been utilized for this event.
Past Winners
Historical Race Results
The list of winners at Sonoma includes road course specialists and series champions, highlighting the unique skill set required to conquer the track. The table below details the results from each running of the event.
Key Statistics
Manufacturer Wins
Ford holds the distinction of being the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Truck Series race at Sonoma, securing victory in three of the five events held.
| # Wins | Make | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Ford | 1996, 1997, 1998 |
| 1 | Chevrolet | 1995 |
| 1 | Toyota | 2022 |
Notable Victories
The winners' circle at Sonoma reflects a diverse group of driving talents:
- Ron Hornaday Jr. (1995): The inaugural race was won by a future four-time series champion, driving for the legendary Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
- Boris Said (1998): Renowned road course expert Boris Said captured his victory in the final race of the original era, showcasing the value of specialized skill.
- Kyle Busch (2022): Upon the race's return, NASCAR superstar and team owner Kyle Busch dominated the event, adding another prestigious win to his extensive resume.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Doordash 250" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sporting analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert analysis from qualified motorsports professionals. It should not be used for betting or any other financial purposes. Always refer to official NASCAR sources for the most current information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.