The confusing part of the annual trip to Sonoma has officially begun, as a variety of pit strategies have drivers and teams on different agendas with 50 laps complete in the Toyota/Save Mart 350.
Clint Bowyer assumed the lead after teammate Martin Truex Jr. headed to pit lane for fresh tires and fuel. Truex had pitted well early compared to the rest of the leaders, using the four fresh tires to make up track position on his rivals - riding on old rubber - and take the top spot. The trade-off is that he will have to make a third pit stop, while most drivers are on a two-stop strategy.
Jimmie Johnson holds down the second position as they run, ahead of Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, and Jeff Gordon. The top-10 is completed by Juan Pablo Montoya, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, and polesitter Marcos Ambrose.
The race has run caution free thus far a record for laps without caution to begin an event at Sonoma.