Sonoma Raceway Parking Guide

When it comes to racing in California, the Sonoma Raceway is a true gem in the heart of Wine Country. Hosting events like the Toyota/Save Mart 350, this racetrack is not just a venue for speed enthusiasts but a thrilling destination for families & friends looking to experience the excitement of NASCAR. However, before you rev up those engines, it’s crucial to know the ins & outs of parking at Sonoma Raceway!

Getting There

First things first, Sonoma Raceway is located at 29355 Arnold Drive in Sonoma, CA. It’s conveniently sitting north of the intersection of Highways 37 & 121, making it easily accessible for folks from all around Northern California.

Gate Entrances

The raceway features two main gates that cater to different types of visitors:

• Gate 1: This is the main entrance for most events, including NASCAR weekends.
• Gate 7: This gate is located about 0.8 miles north of Gate 1. It primarily serves FREE general admission parking.

It's good to keep in mind that during major events, these gates tend to get busy - so plan to arrive early to avoid the rush!

Parking Options

General Admission Parking

What's better than FREE parking? Yes, you read that right! General admission parking is FREE during NASCAR weekends. Visitors can enter through Gate 7 or follow the designated routes depending on their direction of travel:

• Northbound traffic via Highway 121 will be directed to Gate 7.
• Southbound traffic via Highway 121 will lead to the GEICO 50 Acres Parking Lot, ensuring a swift entrance & exit during the races.

However, don’t get TOO comfy because overnight parking is NOT permitted on the premises, EXCEPT in designated areas if you have made camping arrangements.

Preferred Parking Pass

For those looking to enjoy a little convenience, consider purchasing a Preferred Parking Pass for just $20. This pass reserves your space in Lots 12 & 13, which is just a quick walk to the stands near Turns 7 to 9. If your seats happen to be by Turn 2, you can easily hop on the red shuttle that runs to these areas.

There are also specific parking arrangements in place for different events at the raceway, so don’t forget to check out the weekend schedule.

Rideshare Services

Planning on calling an Uber or Lyft? Good on ya! Rideshare services can save you the stress of parking altogether. For NASCAR weekends, it’s advisable to PRE-ORDER your rides to avoid lengthy waits after events. The designated pick-up & drop-off areas are located at GEICO 50 Acres Campground, right at the north end and Gate 6 entrance. Plus, you'll only have a short walk to Gate 3, which connects you to the Main Grandstand & Fan Zone!

• Want a little nudge in the right direction? Download the apps for Uber & Lyft to make your life easier!

Event Day Tips

Parking Arrival

So now you're at the raceway. When you arrive, have your DIGITAL tickets ready for scanning. If you have a parking permit, make sure it's displayed in your rearview mirror. Once you're through the gate, parking attendants will direct you to general permit parking areas.

• Pro Tip: On major event days, try to arrive at least 2 hours before race time to give yourself ample time to find parking, locate your seat, & soak in the pre-race excitement!

Accessible Parking

Sonoma Raceway goes above & beyond to cater to guests with disabilities. To enter the designated ADA parking areas, just show your parking placard at Gate 1. Make sure to bring the necessary paperwork demonstrating the placard’s validity. The raceway provides ADA-compliant shuttles that run throughout the entire facility.

For more information, check the Guests with Disabilities section on the official website.

No Room? No Problem – Camping Available!

If a day isn’t enough to enjoy everything that Sonoma Raceway offers, you can always camp onsite! There are various options available, from RV camping to general tent areas. It’s a fabulous way to soak up the festive atmosphere while avoiding the mad dash for parking after the race.

What Not to Bring

When preparing for your race day, it’s essential to know what items are prohibited at Sonoma Raceway. Here are some NO-GOs:

• Hard-sided coolers (of any size)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass containers
• Drones
• Fireworks or sky lanterns
• Any type of weapons (knives, guns, etc.)
• Lawn chairs with legs

Make sure to give that list a good read-through so you’re not caught off guard when you get to the gate!

Handy Resources

If you're still feeling overwhelmed, don't sweat it! The raceway’s official app is a fantastic tool to have on hand during your visit. It offers insights about daily racing schedules, ticket upgrades, important news alerts & more to enhance your racing experience.

Further, if you're looking for more visual aid on your race day journey, be sure to check out the facility maps provided by Sonoma Raceway. Knowing the layout is crucial for locating various parking areas!

FAQs

Before experiencing the thrill of it all, here are some commonly asked questions by fans parking at Sonoma Raceway:

• Can someone please explain the parking fees?

  • General parking is free! However, if you want a reserved spot, it’s $20 for the Preferred Parking Pass. NASCAR and NHRA events may also offer different paid options.

• What about motorcycle parking?

  • Absolutely! Motorcycle riders can enter through Gate 1 and follow the directed paths to Lot 1.

• What are the main gate hours?

  • The gates operate from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM. These hours might change during special event weekends.

• Are there any accessible options?

  • Yes indeed! Sonoma Raceway provides ADA-friendly parking and shuttle services for those with disabilities.

Now that you have all the juicy details about parking at Sonoma Raceway, you’re ready to hit the track! Buckle up, enjoy the thrilling races, & do not forget to soak in the beautiful surroundings of the enchanting Sonoma Valley.