2026 Toyota Save Mart 350 Picks and Predictions from Sonoma

2026 Toyota Save Mart 350 Picks and Predictions from Sonoma 2026 Toyota Save Mart 350 Picks and Predictions from Sonoma

The NASCAR Cup Series closes its road-course schedule on Sunday, June 28, when the Toyota/Save Mart 350 sends the field through the turns at Sonoma Raceway. Shane van Gisbergen headlines the market as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. He arrives on a five-race road-course winning streak and opens at -225 to win again.

The race also launches Round 1 of the In-Season Challenge bracket, so a strong finish carries weight beyond the trophy. Our top pick stays with the road-course master, but the longer prices offer a few angles worth a look. Ty Gibbs starts on the pole after topping qualifying on Saturday.

Last Updated: Sunday, June 28, 2026

Toyota/Save Mart 350 — Time & How to Watch

WhereSonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA
WhenSunday, June 28 – 3:30 PM ET
TVTNT

Pre-Race Report

Ty Gibbs claimed the pole with a lap of 95.738 mph, edging Carson Hocevar by 0.025 seconds in qualifying. It was Gibbs’ first pole of the season and the third of his Cup career. Hocevar lines up second, with Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell and Ross Chastain rounding out the top five. The grid blends pure speed with road-course craft, which is exactly what Sonoma tends to reward.

The most notable storyline sits in the sixth starting spot. Shane van Gisbergen will roll off P6, marking the first time he has failed to win the pole for a Cup road-course race. That is a small dent, however, not a fatal one. Chase Briscoe starts seventh, AJ Allmendinger eighth, Denny Hamlin ninth and Joey Logano tenth. No major lineup penalties were reported heading into the green flag, so the grid stands as qualified.

This is the final road course on the 2026 schedule, which adds urgency for the specialists. Drivers who rely on these layouts have one last chance to cash in before the calendar turns back to ovals.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 — Top Odds to Win

NameOdds
Shane van Gisbergen-225
Kyle Larson+750
Connor Zilisch+1200
Ty Gibbs+1200
Tyler Reddick+1200
Ryan Blaney+1800
Michael McDowell+2000
Carson Hocevar+2800
Chase Briscoe+3300
AJ Allmendinger+3500

Odds accurate as of Sunday, June 28, 2026 via TheSpread.com. Odds change, get the latest NASCAR OddsProps

Top Pick to Win — Shane van Gisbergen

The Pick: Shane van Gisbergen to win (-225)

Van Gisbergen has turned road courses into his personal stage. He enters Sunday on a five-race Cup road-course winning streak, one shy of Jeff Gordon’s record of six straight from 1997 to 2000. That run includes a dominant victory at Mexico City and, more recently, a win at Watkins Glen. He also won this very race a year ago, so the track holds no mystery for him.

The case for the favorite is straightforward. He is the best road racer in the field, he drives strong Trackhouse equipment, and he has already won at Sonoma. Starting sixth is hardly a barrier given how easily he passes cars on these layouts. His race pace usually solves a track-position deficit within a stint or two.

The case against is the price. At -225, the implied probability sits near 69 percent, which leaves little margin for the chaos road courses produce. One bad restart, a pit-road mistake, or contact in a corner can erase a clear advantage. He also starts behind several capable drivers, so he must navigate traffic early. The talent justifies the favorite tag, but the number asks for a lot up front.

Value Play — Chase Briscoe

The Pick: Chase Briscoe to win (+3300)

If van Gisbergen stumbles, someone has to be there to capitalize. Briscoe fits that profile at a long price. He finished runner-up in this race last year, so he has already shown he can run up front at Sonoma. He starts seventh on Sunday in competitive Joe Gibbs Racing machinery, which keeps him within striking distance of the leaders.

The case for Briscoe rests on his recent Sonoma result and his starting spot near the front. At +3300, he offers real upside if the favorites get tangled up or strategy breaks his way. The case against is honest. He has never won here, and road courses are not his clear strength. Several proven specialists start around him, and the price reflects genuine doubt. Still, a driver who nearly won here last year at this number is a defensible longshot.

Race Day Outlook — Picks and Final Thoughts

The secondary markets offer cleaner angles than chasing an outright longshot. In the Top Ford market, Ryan Blaney (+135) stands out as the best of his manufacturer group. He starts inside the top half of the grid and has the road-course pace to lead the Fords home. The risk is that one Ford crash or a slow pit cycle can swing this market quickly.

For a dark horse on the outright board, Connor Zilisch (+1200) draws attention. NASCAR.com has called him van Gisbergen’s biggest road-course threat, and his pedigree on these layouts is excellent. The flip side is real. Zilisch has struggled through his rookie Cup season and has yet to translate that talent into a strong Cup result. The price already accounts for his upside, so he is a ceiling play rather than a steady bet.

Watch the restarts and pit strategy on Sunday. Sonoma rewards clean in-laps and out-laps, and a late caution can reset the running order. Tire management often decides who has speed in the final stage. With the In-Season Challenge bracket now live, expect a few drivers to push harder to advance.

Here is the consolidated list of picks. First, Shane van Gisbergen to win (-225) as the top play. Second, Chase Briscoe to win (+3300) as the value outright. Third, Ryan Blaney for Top Ford (+135) in the manufacturer market. Fourth, Connor Zilisch to win (+1200) as the road-course dark horse. For more market context, see our earlier Toyota/Save Mart 350 odds preview and our recent Anduril 250 predictions.

2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350 FAQ

Who is the favorite to win the 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350?

Shane van Gisbergen is the favorite at -225. He enters on a five-race Cup road-course winning streak and won this race last year at Sonoma Raceway.

When is the 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350?

The race is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, with a start time of 3:30 PM ET at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California.

What channel is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on?

The 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be broadcast on TNT.

Who is on pole for the 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350?

Ty Gibbs won the pole with a qualifying lap of 95.738 mph. He edged Carson Hocevar by 0.025 seconds for the top starting spot.

Who won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 last year?

Shane van Gisbergen won the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Chase Briscoe finished second and Chase Elliott finished third.

How many laps is the Toyota/Save Mart 350?

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 is scheduled for 110 laps around the 1.99-mile Sonoma Raceway road course, a total of 218.9 miles.