Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma Raceway
4.5
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Infineon Raceway celebrates 40 years of racing during the 2008 Big O Tires Racing Season, as the Sonoma Valley facility once again hosts the most diverse racing schedule in the country. Located just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the 1,600-acre facility serves as the gateway to the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country.
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4.5
151 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
46
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
2
AJAhearn
San Francisco, CA169 contributions
Jun 2021
I am finally getting around to all the tracks I have been to over the last few years. So apologies for not writing earlier. This is such a famous and fun track. This is one of the more difficult tracks for a newbie but certainly can be done. The proximity to SF and other areas makes it ideal for many of us. It is an impressive track and the full time shop on site can set you up with anything, except a vehicle, that you might need.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
t1000bogart
Sacramento, CA15 contributions
My son and I visited Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA on July 25, 2008 for the FRAM Autolite NHRA National Drag Racing. It was our first visit to the raceway, and our first trip to an NHRA event.
We avoided the Hwy 37 traffic by taking Hwy 121 through Sonoma to arrive at the racetrack. We entered parking lot 7 where the parking attendant scanned each of our tickets. The attendants do a great job of directing traffic and making sure everyone parks in an orderly fashion in the dirt parking lot. Be sure to bring your walking shoes because it is at least a 3/4-mile walk to the grandstand.
Before watching the races, we milled around the pit areas, played some games, and got to watch the pit crews working on the drag cars and bikes. Most of the activities in the pit area were free of charge, and were provided by the major racing sponsors (PowerAde, Monster) in exchange for brand recognition. What’s definitely not free is the food! A small basket of chicken strips and fries was $9.00, two small chicken tacos were $8.00, and domestic beers ran $7.00. They do allow you to bring food in coolers and non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles. Next time I’ll be sure to pack a lunch and bring it in with me.
Tower Seating: The Tower seats are the ones closest to the action and the seats I purchased for the event. Unfortunately, they are aluminum benches built on top of wooden steps. These seats do get uncomfortable after sitting in them for a couple of hours. While these seats allow you to hear, feel, and small all of the action, you can’t see the race result boards at the end of the runway because everyone stands up during the nitro and top fuel events. My son quickly grew tired of sitting in the Tower seats because of the lack of visibility to the races.
Grandstand Seating: Next time we visit the raceway for a drag racing event, we’ll definitely purchase Grandstand seats. These seats are very comfortable, have drink holders, and everyone sits down during the races. This makes for a very comfortable viewing experience. In addition, you are able to view the electronic board that shows the event times, and it displays the race times for all the participants throughout the day. You will also be able to see the “jumbotron” near the end of the racetrack that shows replays of the races. Furthermore, you are closer to the restrooms and concession stands when you sit in the Grandstands.
When the last race is over, everyone starts heading for the parking lot to leave. Even with all the cars trying to exit, the local cops and CHP do a great job of directing traffic out of the lot. I don’t think it took us more than 15 minutes to exit the lot and get back out on the highway.
It’s one thing to watch NHRA drag racing on TV. It’s a completely different experience to watch it in person. There’s nothing like the thrill of standing on the Tower guardrails when two top-fuel dragsters come roaring by. You can feel the stands shake and your insides rumble as they shoot down the track. Just don’t forget to bring your earplugs!
Overall, we had a very positive experience at Infineon Raceway. It is truly a world-class facility that is well worth the price of admission.
We avoided the Hwy 37 traffic by taking Hwy 121 through Sonoma to arrive at the racetrack. We entered parking lot 7 where the parking attendant scanned each of our tickets. The attendants do a great job of directing traffic and making sure everyone parks in an orderly fashion in the dirt parking lot. Be sure to bring your walking shoes because it is at least a 3/4-mile walk to the grandstand.
Before watching the races, we milled around the pit areas, played some games, and got to watch the pit crews working on the drag cars and bikes. Most of the activities in the pit area were free of charge, and were provided by the major racing sponsors (PowerAde, Monster) in exchange for brand recognition. What’s definitely not free is the food! A small basket of chicken strips and fries was $9.00, two small chicken tacos were $8.00, and domestic beers ran $7.00. They do allow you to bring food in coolers and non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles. Next time I’ll be sure to pack a lunch and bring it in with me.
Tower Seating: The Tower seats are the ones closest to the action and the seats I purchased for the event. Unfortunately, they are aluminum benches built on top of wooden steps. These seats do get uncomfortable after sitting in them for a couple of hours. While these seats allow you to hear, feel, and small all of the action, you can’t see the race result boards at the end of the runway because everyone stands up during the nitro and top fuel events. My son quickly grew tired of sitting in the Tower seats because of the lack of visibility to the races.
Grandstand Seating: Next time we visit the raceway for a drag racing event, we’ll definitely purchase Grandstand seats. These seats are very comfortable, have drink holders, and everyone sits down during the races. This makes for a very comfortable viewing experience. In addition, you are able to view the electronic board that shows the event times, and it displays the race times for all the participants throughout the day. You will also be able to see the “jumbotron” near the end of the racetrack that shows replays of the races. Furthermore, you are closer to the restrooms and concession stands when you sit in the Grandstands.
When the last race is over, everyone starts heading for the parking lot to leave. Even with all the cars trying to exit, the local cops and CHP do a great job of directing traffic out of the lot. I don’t think it took us more than 15 minutes to exit the lot and get back out on the highway.
It’s one thing to watch NHRA drag racing on TV. It’s a completely different experience to watch it in person. There’s nothing like the thrill of standing on the Tower guardrails when two top-fuel dragsters come roaring by. You can feel the stands shake and your insides rumble as they shoot down the track. Just don’t forget to bring your earplugs!
Overall, we had a very positive experience at Infineon Raceway. It is truly a world-class facility that is well worth the price of admission.
Written 8 August 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1Elly
Seattle, WA26 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We had perfect seats for the Indy race at Sonoma raceway. Turn 9 seating is exceptional. We could follow the cars as they were on almost 80 per cent of the racetrack. Will try to go next year.
Written 5 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mzgt500
Reading, PA87 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
I have attended drag races at 14 of the 21 tracks that the NHRA races at and this one is the worst by far between being parked a good mi,e away to no one directing traffic and the main grandstands being so far from the track this track is a joke and NHRA should either drop it or force them to present and better program
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mcoreo2
Vacaville, CA247 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
$45 for motorcycle ticket. $10 to park (not bad actually) hot dog$12? Grilled cheese $12 with bacon 15?? It was ok but I would never ever go for nascar 1 way in 1 way out. But for this small race it was ok. We brought our own waters which was good. No problem
Written 13 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Berkeley, CA399 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Sonoma Raceway is most easily accessed by way of highway 101 and a turnoff leading to the east. It had been my goal, since the age of 15, to see yet another drag race. And as it turned out, a few decades later I found myself and two traveling companions zooming up highway 101 in search of mechanized thunder. Since one of my companions was only about eight years old, I made sure to bring along a set of industrial ear muffs. For the first hour, we ambled among the parked race cars located to the side of the track, and I was free to take many photographs. One of the drivers invited my daughter to sit in the pilot's seat of her dragster, in order to pose for a photograph.
COMPARISON WITH FREMONT RACEWAY DURING THE 1960S. There was one major difference between the present-day race at Solano Raceway, and the race that I saw in 1966 in Fremont, California, where I saw Don Garlits and Tommy Ivo press the pedal to the metal. The dragsters in the 1960s had engines mounted in front of the driver, while present-day dragsters have engines mounted in back. One feature of the event at Sonoma, was that they had a special event for 1960s-style dragsters, where the engines were mounted in front of the driver. Needless to say, the 1960s-style dragsters did not cause thunderous earthquakes, in quite the same way as the present-day dragsters. Towards the end of the day's event at Sonoma raceway, all of the dragsters lined up by the viewing stand.
TRACTOR PULL. The years between 1966 and the present did not take the form of a complete void, as far as racing is concerned. In the year 1983, I attended a tractor pull in Tomah, Wisconsin. Some of the tractors had two engines, and others had four engines, and it was the thrill of the lifetime (at least for me) to be able to amble around the parked tractors and take photos.
COMPARISON WITH FREMONT RACEWAY DURING THE 1960S. There was one major difference between the present-day race at Solano Raceway, and the race that I saw in 1966 in Fremont, California, where I saw Don Garlits and Tommy Ivo press the pedal to the metal. The dragsters in the 1960s had engines mounted in front of the driver, while present-day dragsters have engines mounted in back. One feature of the event at Sonoma, was that they had a special event for 1960s-style dragsters, where the engines were mounted in front of the driver. Needless to say, the 1960s-style dragsters did not cause thunderous earthquakes, in quite the same way as the present-day dragsters. Towards the end of the day's event at Sonoma raceway, all of the dragsters lined up by the viewing stand.
TRACTOR PULL. The years between 1966 and the present did not take the form of a complete void, as far as racing is concerned. In the year 1983, I attended a tractor pull in Tomah, Wisconsin. Some of the tractors had two engines, and others had four engines, and it was the thrill of the lifetime (at least for me) to be able to amble around the parked tractors and take photos.
Written 7 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCBerry
Sonoma, CA32 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Most people come up for the big events, like Nascar. But it's expensive. Want some cheap, local fun? Wednesday night in the summertime is Sonoma Drift and drag racing. I'm not a car girl...never have been, but I am a Sonoma local looking for entertainment. This is good, cheap entertainment! We paid $10 each, free parking. Both events start at 4 pm and go to the tires fall off at 10 pm. Drifting is where the cars turn or drift sideways on turns. This was fun for a while, but the crazy action is the 1/4 mile drag race...open to anyone with the entry fee and a car. You get all kinds of people and their cars...ranging from serious guys with serious engines to high school girls driving the family car with their dad in the passenger seat. One of the most entertaining parts of this event is when a car is flagged to the starting line. It is customary to spin your rear wheels and burn a little rubber in what I call "chest thumping". That is, if you have the car and the chops. In the family sedan? Just drive up...no fanfare. Great way to spend a Wednesday evening in Sonoma! Bring a picnic dinner!
Written 23 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike l
Dorris, California, United States14 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
2013 will be the 10th year that I made the trip to Sonoma for one of the NHRA's premier events. For those of you who have never been to an NHRA event, it's strictly a blue-collar crowd. Fans couldn't care less about luxury boxes, they want to get as close to the action as possible. Pit areas have a county fair midway type atmosphere geared towards motorsports that are acessable to everyone. Most drivers will take time to meet you and sign autographs. (John Force is well known for this). Food and drinks are spendy, but that is the rule rather than the exeception at most sporting events these days. But you have a huge selection. If your'e going to an NHRA event at Sonoma, here are a few tips:
1. Order Tickets at least 2 -3 months in advance.Campgrounds are on track property just a short walk to grandstand.Most RV services are available.
2. If you get a hotel close by and need to drive, dont go by way of Hwy.37 from Vallejo.Use Hwy. 121 from Napa-Less traffic.
3. Hotels in the Fairfield-Vacaville area are quite reasonable as opposed to Sonoma hotels.The extra driving time will be worth it.
4. As for any other similar event-GET THERE EARLY.
1. Order Tickets at least 2 -3 months in advance.Campgrounds are on track property just a short walk to grandstand.Most RV services are available.
2. If you get a hotel close by and need to drive, dont go by way of Hwy.37 from Vallejo.Use Hwy. 121 from Napa-Less traffic.
3. Hotels in the Fairfield-Vacaville area are quite reasonable as opposed to Sonoma hotels.The extra driving time will be worth it.
4. As for any other similar event-GET THERE EARLY.
Written 30 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
STPBud
Saint Paul64 contributions
Oct 2019
No trip to to Sonoma/Napa would be complete without driving the track. Track instructors know this place well and are able to coach you to get the most out of your car on a very challenging, yet rewarding course.
Written 11 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lgarris24
Zion, IL9 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
As NHRA members we attend NHRA races yearly. This was our first trip to the Sonoma Raceway. Since my husband has a disability he has difficulty climbing stairs and walking long distances. We knew there would be shuttles to and from the Raceway from the parking areas. We used the shuttle in the morning and it was great. After the race was over on Friday evening it was at least a 2 hour wait for a shuttle. Things were not clearly marked. We were told to find the Coke Cola tent instead of following the blue line for accessible persons. So we walked up hill for about a mile instead. Elderly, people with walkers and also others were pushing some in wheelchairs up hill. It was awful. They should have planned better and had more shuttles for those with disabilities. #sonomaraceway
Written 4 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a policy about leaving the raceway for a couple of hours during the event, I'm curious about if I'll be restricted from entering the park if I leave and come back hours later.
Written 1 July 2024
kerry t
Vallejo, California
Is there a wifi link so I can get TV coverage while in the stands?
Written 8 June 2022
Hugh D
London, United Kingdom
We are travelling to San Francisco in June and have tickets for the Toyota Save Mart 350 on the 14th. We don't want to have a rental car for the duration of our stay because of parking prices, so what is the best alternative to get to the track from downtown SF? I've seen info about busses, but can anyone provide any more info on this?
Thanks
Written 9 January 2020
How do you get to the raceway if you don't have a car ?
Written 23 May 2017
Don't think so but the campground is only open during NASCAR
Written 5 July 2016
We came from Walnut Creek ,I was a passenger, but we went north through Vallejo, stayed on 37 and went maybe 15 miles north. Only 2 lanes, so be aware of that.
Written 24 June 2016
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