It's always go straight, turn left, and don't hit the wall in NASCAR...but not this week.  Today, it's turn left, turn right, go up the hill, go back down, keep the car on the course.  The Cup boys head to wine country for 350 miles on the road course in Sonoma, California.  Formerly known as Sears Point, now Infineon Raceway, this track has changed drastically since it first opened 20 years ago.

The track used to be larger for the Cup Series, used to have a carousel in the middle of the course, but no more.  This track has seen some interesting finishes.  Ricky Rudd won the inaugural race here back in 1989, and was the victim of the infamous "screw job" in 1991 when Davey Allison was awarded the victory.  Dale Earnhardt won for the first and only time on a road course here in 1995.  2 years ago, Juan Montoya became the first first-time winner at Sonoma.  Road course sweeps have occurred pretty often as well, Kyle Busch last year was the most recent, Tony Stewart has done it, Jeff and Robby Gordon.

There's also the road course ringers, drivers who are road course specialists who only run a few races each year, notably here and Watkins Glen.  The 2 biggest names are Boris Said and Ron Fellows, who have had career best finishes in the Cup Series of 3rd and 2nd respectively.  P.J. Jones, Patrick Carpentier, and we'll throw Brandon Ash in there as well.  It's been a long time since a ringer has won a road race though, and I don't expect that to change today.

Other drivers who are good road racers who are full-time drivers in the Cup Series include Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Robby Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin, and Marcos Ambrose among others.  I know someone will try to mention Sam Hornish Jr., but when he was in the IRL, the road courses were his downfall.  So with all this in mind, who the heck is winning this thing?

My Pick: Tony Stewart - Smoke and Jeff Gordon have a combined 15 road course victories.  They're always 2 of the favorites when it comes to Sonoma and Watkins Glen.  Smoke starts 4th, and providing no mechanical problems with the car, expect to see him towards the front most of this race.  He'll start right next to my dark horse.

Dark Horse: Marcos Ambrose - Ambrose had a little hiccup in practice yesterday, but the car isn't too bad and he should be fine.  Last year, he won the Nationwide race at Watkins Glen, and the next day came from dead last to finish 3rd in the Cup race.  That's where he rolls off today, and he's one to keep your eye on in this one.

This is your official open race thread to discuss the happenings before, during, and after the race.