I find myself at my second NASCAR event ever, and this time I’ve managed to make my way to Victory Lane. It wasn’t too difficult – just a bit of maneuvering over barriers while flashing my laminate. For most of the 110 laps, I was comfortably seated, enjoying the view of the Sonoma Raceway, located about an hour north of San Francisco. The biggest challenge was steering snacks to my mouth.
It’s June 9, 2024, at the Toyota/Save Mart 350, and I’m a guest of Hendrick Motorsports, celebrating their 40th anniversary and the victory of Kyle Larson in the No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Larson and his team showed exceptional skill navigating the twists and turns of the demanding 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course to secure his third win of the season and second career victory at this track.
The scenic hilly terrain of Northern California, intertwined with vineyards, sets the backdrop for a festival-like atmosphere. I’m here at the invitation of Valvoline to learn about two essential fluids that keep this region running: engine oil and wine. The educational journey begins two days earlier with a unique victory.
Pole position
The story unfolds at a winery, specifically Judd’s Hill, a family winery located on Napa’s Silverado Trail. With a history dating back 35 years, the winery’s origins in a garage resonate with both mechanics and winemakers. Our workshop isn’t filled with tools but with wine bottles and graduated cylinders, where we learn about blending varietals and how it relates to Valvoline’s latest premium synthetic oil, Restore & Protect.
