NASCAR Vision for Fontana: Confirming the demolition of the 2-mile oval in Fontana, California, NASCAR president Steve Phelps reiterated the plan to replace Auto Club Speedway with a short track. While specific details about the layout and the opening timeframe of the new track were not provided, Phelps affirmed NASCAR’s commitment to building a short track in Fontana.
“We are still planning on building a short track in Fontana; what the timing of that is, I dont know,” Phelps stated during his annual end-of-the-season media address at Phoenix Raceway. “This isnt the best time to be building based on inflation, the cost of capital, etc. But our intention is to continue to be in the Southern California market. For 2024, it will be at the Coliseum (for The Clash preseason all-star exhibition). It is our intention to build a short track in the Inland Empire.”
After Auto Club Speedway’s final Cup race on February 26, NASCAR sold 433 acres of the property for $544 million to Hillwood Investment Properties and CBRE Investment Management. Images on social media revealed the track’s parking lots being razed, indicating progress in transforming the site into a logistics hub with warehouse space.
While San Bernardino County documents indicated the track would be 0.67 miles, Phelps mentioned that the shape of the new track would likely be a half-mile. “Weve got renderings,” Phelps added. “Weve got what it looks like. We are ready to go when the time is right.”
The Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum started in 2022 with a three-year contract. When the deal expires next year, NASCAR’s plans for the event’s future location remain undisclosed, raising questions about maintaining a presence in Southern California. Phelps acknowledged the importance of the Southern California market to NASCAR but did not provide further details about the organization’s plans for the region beyond 2024.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why is NASCAR not going to Fontana anymore?
The upcoming Cup season’s second race will mark the end of an era for Fontana’s cherished pavement. The track is set to be replaced with a short-track course, and this race will be the last chance to experience the current setup. Unfortunately, Fontana won’t be hosting a NASCAR weekend in 2024, and it’s uncertain whether the new course will be ready by 2026. It’s a bittersweet moment for racing fans, but one that highlights the ever-evolving nature of the sport.
What is the future of Fontana Speedway?
In 2024, the Coliseum will host an exciting event with a brand new addition – a short track in the Inland Empire. This half-mile racetrack is sure to bring a thrilling experience to all who attend.
What are the plans for Auto Club Speedway?
The iconic Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California is being replaced by a smaller speedway and an industrial park. The demolition process is currently underway, and the once-thriving speedway is now reduced to a pile of rubble. NASCAR fans will surely miss this long-standing landmark, but the new developments promise to bring fresh opportunities and growth to the area.
Are they going to tear down Fontana Speedway?
NASCAR president Steve Phelps has confirmed that the demolition of the 2-mile oval in Fontana, California has commenced. The plan to replace Auto Club Speedway with a short track remains unchanged.
