NASCAR Cup Series

“Last year was my first time racing at Sonoma and I learned a few things that make me more confident going into this weekend. We have also done some road course testing this season because seat time is so valuable.

McDowell in "The Golden State" ... Although this weekend marks McDowell's first Sonoma Raceway appearance with Leavine Family Racing; the Glendale, Ariz., driver has made two other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the 2.52-mile road course. He earned a career-best 28th-place finish at the track in June 2008. McDowell also has one GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series start at the track, where he finished 10th in 2006.

1. Jimmie Johnson: Johnson took the win at Michigan, snatching his third win in the last four races. It was his first win at Michigan, and he is now second in the points standings. “That’s right,” Johnson said. “My first win at Michigan. And that just goes to show that you can’t underestimate my greatness---in one race, I scored two ‘firsts.’

Jimmie Johnson is on his usual roll at the mid-point of the season, and with the success of other teams using Hendrick Motorsports engines and chassis, it has left the rest of the field in a tremendous funk. It also is not good for NASCAR because many fans of the sport find no fire for Johnson. Add to that his fellow competitors.

There's a chance: “Road-course racing, I’ve always thought, you can wring a bit more out of the car, whether it’s braking or how you use the curbs or the lines you choose,” said Allmendinger. “So, that’s why I enjoy it and that’s why I feel like we can come here and have a shot to do well. And, if we put ourselves in position to win the race, then that’s great."

Harvick’s No. 4 Chevrolet will feature a special patriotic paint scheme honoring the Folds of Honor Foundation in this weekend’s race. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the organization gives back to the families of soldiers killed or disabled in the line of duty through scholarships and other assistance.

Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Nathan's Famous team head west this week to Race Sonoma. Despite not being a road course specialist, Race Sonoma is a track Almirola enjoys. He and the team dialed in the No. 43 Nathan's Famous Ford recently at Carolina MotorSports Park with a day test at the road course.

Richard Childress Racing in Wine Country ... In 57 starts at the 10-turn stadium course, Richard Childress Racing owns two wins, with Dale Earnhardt in the 1995 Save Mart Supermarkets 300 and with Robby Gordon in the Save Mart 350 in 2003, one pole award (Earnhardt, 1995), 13 top-five and 23 top-10 finishes.

No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine driver Brian Vickers says NASCAR Sprint Cup racing on road courses is so exciting it’s time the sport’s leaders take it global. He believes Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will be as good a race as any motorsports fan will watch on a road course in 2014.

Panasonic has expanded its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports with a new multi-year agreement that includes primary sponsorship of the No. 24 team of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and current points leader Jeff Gordon.