The NASCAR Cup Series will begin its lone visit to California this year by turning laps Saturday at Sonoma Raceway. An hourlong practice will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET on the 11-turn, 1.99-mile road course, followed by qualifying for Sunday’s 110-lap race.

There are a lot of “S” style turns at Sonoma Raceway that will create passing opportunities for experienced road racers. The track was repaved about 1.5 years ago, so these guys won’t quite have the road map they’re used to, and it’s expected to be slick.

AJ Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing topped the charts in a busy practice session for the Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway.

Henry-1, Sonoma County Sheriff's Helicopter, aided a rescue operation for a hiker with a medical emergency in Indian Tree Open Space Preserve, highlighting interdepartmental collaboration.

Shane van Gisbergen, driving a car for JR Motorsports, claimed the pole for Saturday’s Xfinity race at Sonoma Raceway. He toured the 1.99-mile road course at an average of 95.191 mph. Connor Zilisch will join van Gisbergen on the front row after a lap of 94.884 mph. That gives JR Motorsports a sweep of the front row.

A new wildfire was reported today at 2:58 p.m. in Sonoma County, California. Pile Fire has been burning on private land. There is currently no information on the containment of the fire and its cause has yet to be determined.

Shane van Gisbergen will be trying for his third straight road-course victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. He's heavily favored at Sonoma.

Using outdated newspaper vending boxes, the opioid awareness group Micah’s Hugs is installing free naloxone distribution sites around Sonoma County.