How do I match BPM to a WAV file in Sonar so that I can create the drum tracks separately

We decided to record some tracks to play on stage along with live vocals and guitars. They are cover songs (different language).. in order for me to do the beats properly, I decided to put the real song wav file in a track for reference.
My question is, how do I match the song with Sonar's metronome? I looked at the song in 'Loop Construction' view and it gave me avg of 115. But actual song differs time to time (not intentionally)..
So I changed the song's tempo (after settting the project at 115) to 115 (Audiosnap--> Clip follows project). Then I took advantage of 'Fit to Time' option to stretch audio.
But, my metronome still is not syncing.
Anything I could have differently? Is there a better way?
 
Thanks in Advance..

Yup.  That's what I used.
 
Bob Bone
 
 

mettelus
The method I have used for this is to first set the project tempo as close as possible, then shift the clip right to align an initial beat. Using shift-m you can set that initial beat and work through the clip every few bars or so (depending how much drift you have), and use shift-m to align further (turn off snap-to-grid so you can precisely mark beats). Each time you use shift-m you will modify the project's tempo map.

Oh, and after aligning that initial beat, right click the clip and "bounce to clip(s)."

 
That's exactly the method I use, except for the "Bounce to Clip(s)" part. What is the purpose of bouncing?

If the reference song doesn't change tempo you can do it by adjusting the tempo until the kick and snare hits line up with the markers. If the song is all over the map, try this: http://forum.cakewalk.com...udioSnap-m3056749.aspx

I have made 100's  of backing track I use live over the years ( 340?) 
In the past you rolled your own or paid for a tracvk
Now there is almost every top 40 song and most are free. People like me share our files.
SO first google for a MIDI file.
 
What your trying to do is not hard if the original material is a steady tempo.
It becomes more work if the song is a loose goose. 
Here's my method that will work with 80% of commercial top 40, modern country music. 
Plunk the audio track in DAW
Get as close as you can in tempo
Line up the downbeat of the first measure. 
Now mess with the fine tempo settings until the song still lines up with the grid at the end. 
If the song is a brick wall wave form that you cannot see the transients, make a midi transient track. 
Play your own click track along with the song.. in the end your going to re build a drum set anyways so use this and then quantize it. 
 

Here is how I do it when attempting to do a cover that stays true to the structure and "tempo".
 
1. determine the average tempo, set it in SONAR
2. line up the first (in time) beat to a measure
3. turn off snap settings
4. cut up the beginning measures until you're out of time (typically 1 -3 measures but can be more depending on how tight the original recording was)
5. turn snap on (measure)
6. move the remaining song clip right at least one full measure
7. stretch/shrink the left clip to the nearest measure, bounce that to clip, lock it, this is no longer an addressable clip
8. slide the right clip (remainder of the song) left to align to the next measure after the locked clip
9. repeat steps 3 - 8 until the song is done
10. optionally  unlock all clips, select all and bounce to clip
 
It's time consuming but hey, it works. And now the "guide" in symmetrical in tempo thru the whole song*
 
 
*unless there are intentional speed ups and ****s in the song in which case you may need to make adjustments for that.
 
11. (it can always go to 11, huh?) Want to give the guide some energy? Do the process to the now full clip but this time in verse/chorus/solo/bridge/outro sections and speed up the choruses (or solos or bridge etc.) by 2-3bpm (if the song warrants it).