Sonoma Raceway
Start the engines! The action is about to kick off at Sonoma Raceway, so jump in your RV and hit the road. You won’t want to miss a thing!
Event information
Sonoma Raceway, at 29355 Arnold Drive in the southern Sonoma Mountains of Sonoma, California, has been a valuable attraction since the early 1970s. This beautiful raceway boasts 12 turns, a hilly course, and 160 feet of elevation changes. Its complex track and ability to cater for nearly 50,000 people is one of the many reasons why it plays host to the NASCAR cup series annually.
That’s not all that brings thousands of people in their droves either. Events such as the IndyCar Series, drag racing, and even motorcycle racing are all standout calendar events that are worth purchasing tickets for at this location. Not to mention the thousands of camping spots for tents, RVs, and trailers.
The facilities at Sonoma Raceway are out of this world. There are premium vantage points to catch all the action, a comfortable grandstand, and plenty of vendors to purchase food and beverages from on site. Sonoma Raceway is also exceptionally proximate to the historic City of Sonoma, offering you an opportunity to become a tourist during your visit to the area.
Fans will find a multitude of different events happening throughout the year at Sonoma Raceway, so the hardest part will be deciding which one to attend first. There’s no better time than now to check out the calendar, dust off the RV, and get going!
Tickets
All tickets for every event at Sonoma Raceway are available for purchase from the Raceway website. Availability and pricing can differ for each event, and tickets may be in hot demand for standout races such as NASCAR or IndyCar. Pay a visit to the website to find out what’s available, including camping passes, and for updated event schedules.
Explore Sonoma Raceway RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Sonoma Raceway is accessible via two main highways that lead to Sears Point and Fairville. If you enter the raceway’s address into your GPS, you may find your best route to the event site. Expect a few bridge crossings if your route includes Sears Point Road from the south.
The main entrances are north of the intersections to Highway 37 and 121 in southeast Sonoma County. Gate 1 and Gate 7 are on Arnold Drive, while Gate 9, which opens for NASCAR, is on Lakeville Highway.
If you are driving to attend a significant headline event such as NASCAR, then make sure you allow plenty of travel time.
Parking areas
Traditionally, general parking at Sonoma Raceway has been free. You can enter through Gate 1, or you can pay for reserved parking for NASCAR. Lots 12 and 13 also allow for tailgate parking, which you must book in advance.
If you are not making use of the day parking for your RV, then you can make your way to your onsite camping area. Three of the four campgrounds are accessible through Gate 1, with the 50-acre campground through Gate 6.
Public Transportation
If you don’t intend on camping at the race track or need alternative transport to get around the area, then you’re in luck. There are event buses that run to and from Sonoma Raceway, as well as private ride services within the city as well. Once you get to the raceway, there is also a shuttle system that allows you to rest your weary feet for a time.
Where to stay
Onsite
If you don’t want to stray too far from the action, then you don’t have to at the Sonoma Raceway. There are over 1,000 camping spots for tents, trailers, and RVs at various points around the track. Some of these are suitable for party-goers who plan on entertaining themselves late into the night, while others are quieter for families.
Some sites offer electricity hookups, but there are no dumping facilities. However, you can bring Fido along for the camping experience, then enjoy being able to cook at your site. While you won’t be able to use your charcoal barbeque, open flames, or an open pit campfire, you are more than welcome to light up your propane gas grill.
Make sure you display your camping permit in your RV window, and you’re good to go. Camping at Sonoma Raceway will be an experience of a lifetime.
Nearby
Not everyone wants to spend their entire RV holiday at the race track, and that’s okay. Get some separation by setting up your camp at a nearby campground instead. There are plenty of options in the City of Sonoma itself, but also in neighboring towns. These consist of self-contained camping areas and those with all service hookups. You can then travel to and from the raceway daily and park in the general day parking area.
Getting around
Even though the raceway is an expansive site, and there’s a lot of ground to cover, you’re unlikely to grow weary. Between being able to rest in the grandstands and your RV, and making use of the event shuttle, you’re covered.
What’s more, if you bring along a golf cart, scooter, UTV, motorized bike, or ATV, you’re more than welcome to use these around your RV and on paved roads encompassing the raceway facility.
What to pack
Clothing
Conditions can be a little tricky at Sonoma, with various elevation changes surrounding the area and exposure to intense weather conditions. If you want to be as comfortable as possible, then wear closed-toed shoes, a jacket for inevitable breezes, and breathable layers as well. The sun can be intense, but a lack of shelter and shade in many areas can mean you feel the cold.
Gear
If you want to make the most of your visit to Sonoma Raceway, then traveling light is the way to go. As soon as you enter the main event area from your campsite, you’ll find that less is best. Bring a backpack of the Sonoma Raceway recommended dimensions, ear protection, a seat cushion, and a plastic water bottle.
Snacks and coolers are also allowed, and you may even find that card use is available at most vendor sites. However, it’s helpful also to take cash or make use of the ATMs.
Once you leave your RV, you may also like to leave behind any skates or skateboards, lawn chairs, bottles and glass, alcohol, wagons, umbrellas, and weapons. These are not allowed in the grandstand or main viewing areas of the raceway.
Health & Safety
Sonoma Raceway doesn’t offer a lot of shelter or protection from the elements, so pop a bottle of sunscreen in your bag before you wander over to the best viewing areas. A sunhat and sunglasses are also must-have items, and don’t forget about medication you may need for the duration of your stay. If you’re a smoker or vaper, then you can do this in designated areas away from the crowds and seating areas.
Where to eat
Cooking
If you’re camping at the raceway, then good news. You can haul out your propane gas grill and feed the troops. While you won’t be able to use open flames, charcoal, or fire pits, your onboard RV cooker will surely tick all the boxes. What’s more, you can stock up on supplies just ten miles from the track in Sonoma.
Restaurants
Sonoma Raceway boasts its own permanent cafe, but that may not appeal to all. Take a break from the action and entertainment and check out what Sonoma and surrounding townships have to offer. Full restaurants and fast food outlets are abundant to suit even the fussiest of eaters in your family.
Vendors
If you fancy a bite to eat and don’t want to wander too far, then make your way to Turn 2. In this general vicinity, there are many different eateries. You can satisfy your hunger cravings and quench your thirst all in one place. Most eateries take cash and credit, but there are ATMs in the main grandstand and Raceway Cafe to withdraw cash, which is the preferred payment method by many.
Safety
Security
Security officials patrol every part of the raceway throughout the day and night, including the campsites. They will also be present at bag check stations at the main entrance gates. If you need a helping hand or have a question, you can identify a track ambassador by their blue polo shirt and khaki slacks. You can also make use of the question texting service the raceway offers.
Weather
As is typical of California as a whole, Sonoma boasts hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. January temperatures seldom reach higher than the low 50s, and a typical low for the area is into the mid-30s. Even in summer, however, temperatures are comfortably cool at night. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll need to bring a selection of attire, plenty of blankets, and a form of RV-approved heating and cooling.
Medical
There are first aid centers by the grandstand and terrace 9, fully stocked and with personnel to help with any minor injuries. In a medical emergency, dial 9-11. The nearest hospital and pharmacy are in Sonoma, around 15 miles away from the track, or officials on site can assist.
