RIO LINDA, CA — Summer vacations can get expensive fast. But this year, the ultimate family getaway is happening just down the road, and it comes packed with a heavy dose of local pride.
When NASCAR rolls into Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 weekend on June 26-28, it marks a homecoming of sorts for the sport. Northern California has evolved into a powerhouse breeding ground for NASCAR champions, and many of those legendary stories trace their very first chapters directly back to the dirt and clay right here in Rio Linda.
The Road to NASCAR Runs Through Rio Linda
Before they were hoisting championship trophies on television, some of stock-car racing’s greatest icons were logging their very first competitive laps at the Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway (historically known as the Cracker Jack Track) on G Street.
- Jeff Gordon: Long before he became a four-time Cup Series champion, a five-year-old Jeff Gordon was brought to Rio Linda’s quarter-midget track by his stepfather to learn how to drive. He earned his first racing license on our local track in April 1977, famously flipping his car in turn two during one of his early practice runs. He went on to secure a legendary status at Sonoma, winning a record five times at the road course.
- Kyle Larson: The Elk Grove native and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion frequently raced on Northern California’s short tracks, following the exact dirt-to-asphalt trailblazing path that Gordon established in Rio Linda. Larson stands as one of the heavy favorites to dominate the road course again this June.
“Going to Rio Linda to that quarter-midget track… that was the first place I ever raced at. It just built a lot of emotion into what occurs during a race weekend.” — Jeff Gordon, reflecting on his local roots.
Why Sonoma Raceway is the Ultimate Family Getaway
For Rio Linda residents looking to see modern legends battle it out, this event is one of the most affordable and high-value family entertainment options in professional sports.
1. Hard-to-Beat Ticket Value for Kids
The weekend pass delivers three full days of action—including the ARCA Menards Series West, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the main NASCAR Cup Series. The financial breakdown is incredibly family-friendly:
- Friday & Saturday: Kids 12 and under get in completely FREE with a ticketed adult.
- Sunday: Tickets for the main Cup Series race are just $10 for kids.
2. Pack Your Own Cooler (The Ultimate Money-Saver)
Unlike standard professional stadiums that force you into high-priced concession lines, Sonoma Raceway allows families to bring their own coolers packed with food and drinks. For a family road trip from Rio Linda, packing your own lunch can easily save $100 or more over the weekend.
3. Trackside Camping
For those wanting to turn the final weekend of June into a true summer tradition, trackside camping offers a four-day experience looking out over the rolling Sonoma hills. It cuts out hotel costs entirely and places you right in the middle of a vibrant community of local race fans.
Flexible Booking options
To help families plan around their summer budgets, the track is offering flexible payment options, including buy-now-pay-later plans. Additional specialty discounts are also available on-site for military members, first responders, college students, teachers, and government personnel…