By Roy J. Akers- www.skyviewsports.net
Sonoma is the second of back-to-back road course stops in California, and the road course season is over for drivers in June. Next year, the road course will be back in the playoffs. SVG, Connor Zilisch, AJ Allmendinger and a few others are the favorites. Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher and a few others will be in the mix.
Drivers, Media on various subjects– Quotes in print and YouTube Shorts
Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
When you think back to the moment you won at Sonoma, what does it mean to you?
“Sonoma is always special to me. It’s one of those road courses where you really have to earn everything you get. Nothing comes easy. When I first came into NASCAR, tracks like this were a big challenge, but over time I’ve learned how to be more patient and how to manage the race better. Every time I come back, I think about the journey – coming from Mexico, learning these tracks, and now competing and trying to win at this level. That means a lot to me.
How did your 2022 win at Sonoma Raceway change the way you think about strategy and patience on road courses?
“Sonoma is one of those places where you have to stay disciplined all day long. You’ve got to take care of your tires, be smooth, and make the most of every lap. Strategy is always important, so communication with the team makes a big difference. We’ve had some ups and downs at Sonoma over the years, but every time we come back, we learn something. Hopefully, we can put together a solid race, execute when it matters most, and be there at the end.”
Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
What do you think of your chances this year in the In-Season Challenge?
“I’m really excited to start the In-Season Challenge this year. I feel like our road course stuff is really good, and I’m feeling really confident, especially at Sonoma. That track has become one of my favorite road courses. San Diego was a bummer, because we didn’t get the result, but we we’re really, really fast. We think we broke a toe link so really didn’t get to race the second half of the race. So we’ll just take that and go into Sonoma, and hopefully be the upset king again. Denny is on a roll this year but we will do our best and see what happens!!”
AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Why is Sonoma Raceway special to you?
“Sonoma has always been a special racetrack for me because it’s my home race. I get to see a lot of family and friends there, which makes the weekend even more enjoyable. We also have a new sponsor, EchoPark Automotive, and I’m happy to have them with us in my home state. From a results standpoint, Sonoma hasn’t always been our strongest track, but we’ve consistently shown good speed there. The goal is always to win, but I feel confident that we can run inside the top 10 and put together a strong race. Last year, we had a lot of speed; we just didn’t get the finish we wanted. Overall, Sonoma is a track I really enjoy and one that will always mean a lot to me. I’m looking forward to getting back there and representing EchoPark Automotive at my home race.”
As you prepare for you 500th NASCAR Cup Series start at Sonoma, what stands out most to you when you reflect on your career?
“Reaching 500 Cup Series starts is something I never could have imagined when I first got behind the wheel,” said Allmendinger. “To do it at Sonoma, in my home state of California, with the men and women at Kaulig Racing makes it even more special. I’ve been fortunate to race for great teams, work alongside incredible people and enjoy the support of amazing fans throughout my career. I’m especially grateful to Matt Kaulig (Owner) and Chris Rice (CEO) for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of this organization. Winning races with Kaulig Racing has meant so much because of the people here and the effort everyone puts in every day.”
Hallie Deegan, Dustin Long (USA Sports) Media & Denny Hamlin/Ty Dillon
Deegan Long on NASCAR 2027 Schedule Hamlin/Dillon on midseason challenge
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet
“Road course racing always brings a different kind of challenge, and Sonoma is one of the toughest ones we go to all season. I’m excited to have Brazier Lumber Company with us this weekend and looking forward to seeing what our No. 47 team can do. If we execute all day, I think we’ll have a good shot at being competitive.”
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
While you didn’t get the finish you were hoping for last week, you put together, arguably, the strongest road course performance of your career. How do you build off that momentum heading into Sonoma?
“I am excited. I probably wasn’t super excited heading into San Diego from a performance standpoint. I was looking forward to the event and everything around it, but we were a straight-up contender throughout the weekend. Going to Sonoma, I have two great teammates to lean on. Michael (McDowell) really loves that place and is arguably one of his best tracks and Daniel (Suarez) has won there. So, I have some good data points with them, a good idea for the car, and a good setup. We had a really fast car last weekend, and I know our team will have a fast Classic Collision Chevy this week. It makes me excited that we can run strong there.”
Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
What are your thoughts about entering Sonoma this weekend?
“I’m excited to get to Sonoma. feel like I’ve got a pretty good notebook entering my first Cup race there. It’s one of the most historic road racing tracks that we go to in the NASCAR Cup Series and one of the most beautiful tracks that NASCAR has on the schedule. Sonoma is certainly one of the more challenging road courses that we go to with the elevation changes and all the things that come with racing at Sonoma. Fortunately, I won there in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series there last year and it was one of the coolest races of the year. I got to race against SVG all race long and learn from him.”
Roy J. Akers covers NASCAR for www.skyviewsports.net, and is the host of High Banked Fury the Zoom/Podcast
