Car culture is set to take over wine country as the Velocity Invitational rolls back into Sonoma Raceway this weekend, bringing three days of track action, rare machinery on display and paddock access that lets fans get within arm’s length of the hardware. After skipping the 2025 edition, organizers say they are coming back with a bigger slate of demonstration laps, auctions and fresh fan experiences, aiming to blend historic racing, celebrity guests and Northern California hospitality for both hardcore enthusiasts and families.
When and where
The Velocity Invitational runs this Friday through Sunday, May 29–31, at Sonoma Raceway off Highway 121. According to the event’s ticket page, fans can choose from single-day or weekend general admission passes, family bundles, camping options and several hospitality upgrades. The ticket site also lists various add-ons and limited-time release pricing, so would-be attendees are advised to check the official page for the latest availability and fees; as of the most recent updates, some pre-sale options were still appearing online.
Who’s coming
The guest list mixes current-series talent with familiar car-culture personalities. RACER reports that Formula 1 reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda is scheduled to turn demonstration laps in historic cars and spend time meeting fans in the paddock. Lia Block and actor and enthusiast Sung Kang are also expected to appear. Tsunoda said he had always wanted to drive Sonoma Raceway, and the open, walk-through paddock format is a key part of what organizers promote as the invitational’s appeal.
What you’ll see on track
The on-track schedule blends exhibition laps with historic wheel-to-wheel run groups and a selection of modern races and showcases. Event organizers have added a Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West entry to the weekend program for its first appearance at the festival, alongside several run groups spanning everything from vintage GT cars to prototype and IMSA machinery. Velocity’s 2026 previews also spotlight new ride-along experiences on a dedicated off-road pad, where fans can strap into side-by-side vehicles for short, guided runs from the passenger seat.
Auctions, extras and VIP offerings
Collectors will find a multi-channel auction running online and on-site as part of the weekend. Organizers announced a tie-up with Cars & Bids to stage a live, in-person auction of specialty vehicles. GlobeNewswire reported that the lineup will range from vintage Formula 1 entries to rare muscle cars. Additional programming includes curated hospitality forums and premium Driver’s Club experiences, and industry coverage ahead of the event notes that rare, highly sought-after machines will be displayed throughout the paddock, underscoring the invitational’s appeal to serious collectors.
Quick notes for attendees
The invitational returns this year after organizers postponed the 2025 event, citing economic climate considerations, according to Sports Car Digest. The weekend also comes less than two weeks after the sudden death of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, and as of yesterday, organizers had not announced any formal tributes, The Sacramento Bee noted. Visitors traveling from outside the region should expect busy camping and parking situations and are encouraged to follow official channels for last-minute updates. For current schedules, ticket details and on-site rules, organizers direct attendees to the invitational’s official pages before heading to the track.
