Tony Stewart tied for second on NASCAR’s all‑time road‑course win list on June 28, 2026, when Shane van Gisbergen edged out Chase Briscoe at Sonoma Raceway, marking Stewart’s eighth road‑course triumph.
How did the race unfold?
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 unfolded under clear skies at Sonoma on 28 Jun 2026. Van Gisbergen dominated, leading 74 of the 110 laps. A late‑race battle saw Briscoe close to within half a second, but a slip in Turn 7 gave the New Zealand driver just enough cushion to claim a 0.357‑second margin. The win pushed his career total to eight road‑course victories, matching Stewart’s historic tally.
Why does the tie matter for Tony Stewart?
Stewart’s eight road‑course wins have long been a benchmark for versatility in a sport dominated by ovals. By sharing second place with van Gisbergen, Stewart remains only one win behind Jeff Gordon’s record nine. The achievement underscores Stewart’s lasting impact on NASCAR’s road‑course pedigree and keeps his name in the conversation whenever a driver threatens his standing.
Who else made headlines at Sonoma?
Chase Briscoe, who finished a close second, lamented a missed opportunity, saying he felt he had the better car. Denny Hamlin seized the points lead from Tyler Reddick after Reddick’s mechanical failure dropped him to 36th. Hamlin’s 26th‑place finish still earned enough points to sit one ahead of the former Daytona 500 champion in the standings.
What’s next for the series?
NASCAR shifts back to its oval roots next week, heading to Chicagoland Speedway for the eero 400 on July 5, 2026. The 267‑lap event marks the circuit’s return after a seven‑year hiatus and kicks off the second half of the In‑Season Challenge. Drivers will look to build on Sonoma’s momentum, especially those eyeing the road‑course win column.
How does Stewart’s record compare historically?
Jeff Gordon still leads with nine road‑course victories, a mark set over a decade ago. Stewart’s eight wins span his 2002‑2016 career, highlighting his adaptability across tracks like Watkins Glen, Sonoma, and the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Van Gisbergen’s rapid ascent suggests the record could shift again, but Stewart’s name remains firmly entrenched among the sport’s elite.
What does this mean for fans and analysts?
Analysts will watch upcoming road‑course events to see if anyone can eclipse Stewart’s total before Gordon adds another win. Fans of Stewart gain a fresh talking point: his legacy is still alive in the statistics, even as new talent reshapes the leaderboard.
Any lingering questions?
The race left a few unanswered threads: will Reddick recover his points lead after a tough weekend? Can Hamlin maintain his new top spot on the standings? And will van Gisbergen push for a ninth win to overtake Gordon? The next few weeks promise answers.