This Saturday, July 12 at 4:30 PM PDT, Will Rodgers will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the #70 Ref-ology/Sipeos Chevrolet for Cope Family Racing in the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway. The event will be broadcast live on The CW.
As both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series converge on Sonoma Raceway for the track’s annual NASCAR weekend, Rodgers’ return adds a compelling storyline. This marks his first NASCAR National Series start since 2023 and his first Xfinity Series appearance since 2022.
In a unique twist, Erik Jones, full-time driver of the No. 43 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series, will serve as Rodgers’ spotter for Saturday’s race. Typically, Rodgers serves as Jones’ full-time spotter in the Cup Series—so this weekend, the roles are reversed.
Rodgers is no stranger to success at Sonoma. The Maui native earned a notable victory at the 1.99-mile road course in 2018, winning the ARCA Menards Series West race and outperforming NASCAR stars including Aric Almirola, William Byron, Daniel Suárez, and Erik Jones.
This opportunity arises as Thomas Annunziata, originally slated to drive the No. 70 on road courses this season, is competing in the Trans Am TA2 Division at Watkins Glen. Through the season’s first 18 races, the No. 70 entry has been split between Annunziata and Leland Honeyman Jr.
Ref-ology, founded by Shelley Russi, is co-primary sponsor for Rodgers’ return. The organization is dedicated to helping referees cultivate leadership through presence, practice, and reflection. “Referees influence millions annually, yet many leave due to unfavorable conditions,” said Russi. “Will Rodgers embodies the self-awareness and integrity we teach future sports leaders—we’re proud to have him drive this message forward.”
Their nonprofit arm, Blast Equality Collab (BEQ), supports real-time leadership development through sports. Fans can support this mission by texting BLAST to 90412, sharing opinions on favorite brands to help fund inclusive, positive sports culture.
Sipeos, the other co-primary sponsor, promotes a more inclusive social experience through better access to flavorful, healthier non-alcoholic beverages. Their vision includes the upcoming Sipeos Restaurant & Bar, a venue built to celebrate inclusivity in food and drink.
Additional associate sponsors featured on the No. 70 Chevrolet include Team Schuler, WCC (West Coast Conference), Refr Sports, and La Calaca Loca.
As the spotlight turns to Sonoma, all eyes will be on Rodgers and Jones—this time working together in a different capacity. Saturday’s race will mark a key milestone in Rodgers’ journey, and come Sunday, the duo will return to their usual roles as the No. 43 team chases a Cup Series playoff berth in the Toyota/Save Mart 350.
