Few teams have enjoyed the level of success at Sonoma Raceway that Elite Motorsports has built over the past several seasons. As the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series reaches its halfway point, Elite returns to Northern California looking to extend one of the most impressive streaks in Pro Stock competition.
The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals have become something of a home away from home for the Elite Motorsports camp. The organization has captured the last four Pro Stock victories contested at Sonoma Raceway, beginning with Aaron Stanfield’s breakthrough win in 2021. Erica Enders followed with a victory in 2022 before Aaron returned to the winner’s circle in 2024. Last season, Greg Stanfield added his name to the list by defeating his son Aaron in an unforgettable all-Elite final round.
That victory not only extended Elite’s winning streak but also created one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 season. Greg powered his Janac Brothers Racing Chevrolet to a 6.552-second pass at 211.49 mph to edge Aaron’s 6.568-second run, giving the father-son duo a championship-round battle neither will ever forget.
Now, the Stanfields return to Sonoma carrying momentum once again.
Aaron enters the weekend fresh off his second Pro Stock victory of the 2026 season after winning at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk. Combined with his Route 66 Nationals victory in Chicago, the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers Racing driver has climbed to fifth in the championship standings and helped fuel Elite Motorsports’ resurgence during the first half of the season.
“Heading into Sonoma with a win at Norwalk gives this entire Elite Motorsports team a ton of momentum,” Aaron said. “We’ve been working tirelessly to gain performance, and the potential is there for anyone on this team to get the job done. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the right combination of a badass car, thanks to these Elite Motorsports boys and girls, and waking up on the right side of the bed as a driver ready to race.
“Last year’s final round was special, even if I ended up on the wrong side of it. Racing my dad for a trophy is something we both dreamed about, but I’d love nothing more than to flip the script this weekend and get this JHG/Melling/Janac Brothers team into the winner’s circle. Doing it against my dad would just be the icing on the cake.”
Aaron’s recent success reflects the steady gains Elite Motorsports has made throughout the season. After spending the early races searching for performance, the organization has consistently moved forward, placing multiple cars in contention while collecting wins, No. 1 qualifiers, and Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victories.
Standing just ahead of Aaron in the championship standings is defending Sonoma winner Greg Stanfield.
The veteran racer has quietly assembled one of the most consistent campaigns in the Pro Stock category, recording six semifinal appearances and earning his first No. 1 qualifying position since 2009 earlier this season. Sitting fourth in points, Greg knows repeating last year’s Sonoma performance would provide another significant boost as the Countdown approaches.
“Sonoma was an incredible race for us last year. Standing in the winner’s circle after sharing the final round with Aaron is a memory I’ll keep forever,” Greg noted. “As a parent, you always want to see your kids succeed, but as a racer, once the helmet goes on, you’re just trying to win.
“Aaron and that crew are rolling right now, coming off their win in Norwalk. Hopefully that carries over; his two wins this season have brought a lot of confidence to Elite, and we’re moving in the right direction. I’m just looking forward to getting back out West and seeing if we can repeat history. We’ve been pretty consistent this year so far, and I think we’re due, maybe it will be another Stanfield vs. Stanfield final.”
A fifth consecutive Sonoma victory would further cement Elite Motorsports’ reputation as the team to beat whenever the NHRA tour visits wine country. But with KB Titan Racing, Matt Hartford, Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson, and the rest of the loaded Pro Stock field looking to end the streak, another win won’t come easily.
Aaron will also have an opportunity to add valuable championship points on Saturday when he competes in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. He’ll face Kenny Delco in a rematch of their Norwalk semifinal as both drivers battle for bonus points and prize money before eliminations begin on Sunday.
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