In the heart of Northern California’s wine country, the facility annually plays host to some of the tour’s most dramatic moments. A $70 million modernization project was completed in 2002 that included a new 660-foot concrete launchpad and led to scores of new track records. The event is usually blessed with pleasant weather that, combined with a quality racetrack, has yielded impressive performances, such as the sport’s second six-second Pro Stock Motorcycle pass in 2005. The event is the middle leg of the Western Swing. Beginning in 2014, it hosted the NHRA Pro Bike Battle special event.

How to Get There: Sonoma Raceway is 35 minutes north of San Francisco at the junction of highways 37 and 121. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 to Highway 12 toward Napa/Sonoma to Highway 29 North. Follow Highway 29 to Highway 121, then head southwest to the track. For quick access, avoid using Highway 37 westbound from Vallejo to Highway 121. From East Bay cities, take I-580 west across the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge to Highway 101, then travel north to Highway 37 east and turn left onto Highway 121. The entrance to the track is on the left.

Visitor Information: Sonoma County Visitors Bureau, 866-996-1090, www.sonomavalley.com