Round 3 of “The Challenge” is Taking Place at the NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350
The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Sonoma Raceway on July 13, 2025, for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. It is the 20th race of the season. It is also the third round of the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge. This 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course in California’s wine country promises high-speed, technical racing that tests driver skill and strategy. With 110 laps covering 218.9 miles, the race is a pivotal moment in the season, blending high stakes with a challenging layout.
Here’s a comprehensive preview. It includes the latest odds and race history. You will also find information about favorites, longshots, and an update on the In-Season Challenge bracket tournament.
Race Overview and Significance
Sonoma Raceway, a staple on the NASCAR circuit since 1989, is renowned for its demanding road course. It features elevation changes and tight corners like the Chute at Turn 4A. There are also the esses at Turn 8. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 has been named since 2007. It is NASCAR’s only stop in California. This event draws fans with its scenic backdrop and intense racing.
The race starts at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. With 37 drivers entered for 36 spots, competition is fierce. The event coincides with the Xfinity Series’ Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250. It also coincides with the ARCA Menards Series West’s General Tire 200. This makes it a full weekend of motorsport action.
Latest Odds
According to MyBookie Online Sportsbook, Shane van Gisbergen leads as the odds-on favorite at +116. This reflects his dominance on road courses. Kyle Larson, the defending champion, follows at +620. Michael McDowell is at +1550, Ty Gibbs at +1200, and Tyler Reddick also at +1350. Other notable contenders include Chase Elliott (+1050), Christopher Bell (+1225), William Byron (+1275), and Ross Chastain (+1550).
Longshots with potential include AJ Allmendinger (+970), Chase Briscoe (+2000), and Alex Bowman (+4800). These odds are fluid and may shift as the race gets closer. We have already seen a huge shift in some of these odds. Some are no longer “longshots”.
Toyota/Save Mart 350 Race History
Since its inception in 1989, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 has been a showcase of road course prowess. Ricky Rudd won the inaugural race. Hendrick Motorsports holds the record for most team wins with eight. This includes Kyle Larson’s victories in 2021 and 2024. Jeff Gordon leads all drivers with five Sonoma wins, while Martin Truex Jr., who retired after 2023, has four.
Among active drivers, Kyle Busch and Larson are the only ones with multiple wins. The race has seen its share of controversy, notably in 1991. In that year, Rudd was black-flagged just feet from the finish after spinning Davey Allison. Another incident occurred in 1997 when Boris Said was disqualified for crashing Rich Bickle in a Truck Series event. The current 1.99-mile layout, modified in 2001 with the Chute, emphasizes strategy, tire management, and passing in tight corners.
In 2024, Larson outdueled Martin Truex Jr. late in the race, capitalizing on fresher tires and Truex’s fuel shortage to secure his third win of the season. Michael McDowell, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Ross Chastain completed the top five positions. This result showcases the track’s tendency to reward road course specialists. Strategic pit calls also play a part. The race has also featured NASCAR Overtime finishes in years like 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2021, adding unpredictability.
Race Favorites
Shane van Gisbergen (+130): The New Zealander has redefined road course racing in NASCAR, earning the moniker “the Michael Jordan of street courses.” Fresh from a sweep in both the Cup and Xfinity Series at the Chicago Street Race, van Gisbergen boasts two road course wins in 2025. These victories occurred in Mexico City and Chicago. He also has a sixth-place finish at COTA, averaging a 2.33 finish on road courses this season. His experience in Australia’s Supercars series, where he won 80 races on non-ovals, gives him an edge. His pole position in the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma further cements his status as the driver to beat.
Kyle Larson (+550): The 2024 Sonoma winner and two-time victor here, Larson is a proven road course threat. His average starting position of 3.8 in 10 Sonoma starts underscores his consistency, and Hendrick Motorsports’ eight wins at the track bolster his chances. Despite not matching van Gisbergen’s 2025 road course form, Larson’s track history and team strength make him a strong contender. Experts predict he could lead the most laps and sweep stages.
Michael McDowell (+1100): McDowell’s runner-up finish in 2024 and recent competitiveness on road courses make him a dangerous pick. His qualifying prowess in Chicago was strong with a second place. His consistent Sonoma performances show potential. He could challenge for his first win at the track, especially with Spire Motorsports’ improved form.
Longshots with a Chance
Christopher Bell (+1800): Bell’s road course credentials are undeniable, with a win at COTA in March 2025 and runner-up finishes in Charlotte and Mexico City. He earned seven top-10s in 10 recent road course races. He also secured a ninth-place finish at Sonoma in 2023, making him a high-value longshot. SportsLine’s model is particularly high on Bell for a potential upset.
AJ Allmendinger (+2000): A road course specialist, Allmendinger has back-to-back sixth-place finishes at Sonoma and is enjoying a resurgent 2025, sitting in the top 15 in points. His three Cup Series wins are all on road courses. His recent Chicago performance (sixth) further adds to his appeal as a sleeper pick.
Chase Briscoe (+4000): Briscoe’s third-fastest car on road courses this season, per Auto Racing Analytics, and his crew chief’s 2023 Sonoma win with Joe Gibbs Racing make him a dark horse. His odds offer significant payout potential for bettors.
Ross Chastain (+1600): With four top-10s in five Sonoma starts and a 12.4 average finish, Chastain is a consistent performer here. His fifth-place finish in 2024 and recent road course form make him a viable longshot.
In-Season Challenge Bracket Tournament Update
The inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge, a five-race bracket tournament, is in its third round at Sonoma. After two rounds, only eight drivers remain. Top seeds like Chase Elliott and William Byron are already eliminated. This highlights the tournament’s unpredictability. The current matchups include Tyler Reddick vs. Ryan Preece, Ty Gibbs vs. Zane Smith, Alex Bowman vs. Ty Dillon, and Legacy Motor Club teammates Erik Jones vs. John Hunter Nemechek.
Experts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi predict Reddick, Gibbs, Bowman, and Nemechek to advance. They favor Reddick to win the tournament at Indianapolis. However, Reddick’s 23.8 average finish at Sonoma makes his matchup against Preece less certain. Gibbs’ recent second-place in Chicago boosts his chances. The tournament’s format, rewarding consistency and head-to-head wins, adds intrigue, with a $1 million prize at stake.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is set to deliver thrilling action. Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson are leading the favorites. Meanwhile, longshots like Christopher Bell and AJ Allmendinger offer upset potential. The race’s history of strategic battles and occasional controversies, combined with the In-Season Challenge’s high stakes, ensures a must-watch event.
Fans can expect a mix of road course mastery. They will witness aggressive passing and critical pit strategies. Drivers will navigate Sonoma’s challenging layout. For the latest updates, visit SonomaRaceway.com or follow NASCAR’s live leaderboard.
Odds to Win the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 From MyBookie
Please read our Review of MyBookie and pick out one of our solid options. Don’t pass on our Professional Handicappers as well. All Your Sports Picks in One Place!!