“I would say that we are still planning on building a short track in Fontana. What the timing of it is, I don’t know. But our intent is to continue to be in the Southern California market.” These were the words of NASCAR President Steve Phelps last year when asked about the progress in reconstructing Auto Club Speedway. The race track once known as California Speedway represented NASCAR’s foothold in Southern California but is now battling for revival.
The two-mile oval hosted races from 1997 to 2023 and despite being a fan-favorite venue NASCAR sold a large portion of the track to developers and promised to build a new racing facility. The idea was to convert the racetrack into a short oval. But ever since Kyle Busch won at the track in 2023, the sanctioning body has been flip-flopping when asked about the progress on the commitment they made. And guess what, they are back with new excuses, only this time around the issue seems rather serious.
What’s the Hold-Up? Southern California Deserves Answers
NASCAR had a vision. The league sold off 433 acres of Auto Club Speedway’s land for a whopping $569 million, keeping just 90 acres to build something new. The idea? A modern short track that could deliver the kind of racing fans love think Martinsville, but with a SoCal twist. The blueprint was drawn, the excitement was there, and then… nothing.
When pressed for answers, NASCAR West Region President Dave Allen didn’t exactly clear things up. “We’re going to do something. I just don’t know what and when yet.” Not exactly what fans were hoping to hear. “What we don’t have is a firm timeline yet. There’s some things within the sport that need to get sorted before we can make some strategic decisions as it relates to what we’re what we’re going to build.” Allen said this in an interview with Los Angeles Times.
That’s understandable, but here’s the problem: NASCAR’s hesitation could cost them more than just money. It’s not just about when NASCAR decides to break ground. It’s about what’s happening around them while they wait. The land NASCAR sold is already being developed into the Speedway Commerce Center, a massive logistics hub. That means warehouses, businesses, and potentially, new homes. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that new neighbors and race tracks don’t always get along.
NASCAR’s plans for Auto Club Speedway involve converting it into a half-mile short track, a project that has been in the works since late 2020. As Dave Allen stated, “That’s option No. 1. Obviously, we’ve been there for a long time. We still retain enough land to build a half-mile oval if we chose to do that. But we still need some time to sort some things out.“
There was a time when more than a dozen race tracks operated in the region. But even the iconic Irwindale Raceway closed last year, and like Auto Club, the land on the racetrack is going to feature a commercial and industrial complex. Although there’s no clarity on what the future of Auto Club Speedway looks like, NASCAR is open to ideas. “If you had 300 acres and wanted to build a racetrack and be a partner with us, then we would listen. So I think it’s keeping the property warm and being able to do different things with it. And you adjust depending on the market and needs of the market.” Allen added.
Right now, the only NASCAR race that takes place in California is the road course event in Sonoma. Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum had its time and NASCAR’s attempt to steal the Long Beach Grand Prix from Roger Penske’s nose also didn’t work out. So what’s next? Will NASCAR abandon another iconic racetrack or will they deliver on their promise, this remains to be seen. But, if we are to go by the latest trend, there’s reason to be optimistic.
NASCAR hasn’t given up on its historic racetracks
NASCAR as a sport is in a tricky spot, stuck between history and an ambitious future. You often see them making bold moves such as the Chicago Street Race and the international race in Mexico City. The idea behind these events is to attract younger audiences, those who haven’t experienced stock car racing. But, in the process, NASCAR somewhat lost their connection with the core fans. But fortunately, they’ve turned a corner for good in the past few years.
NASCAR returned to one of its most historic short oval tracks Bowman Gray Stadium in 2025. The Mad House had hosted NASCAR-sanctioned races since 1949 and also hosted Cup Series races from 1958-97. But with the Clash being moved from California, this racetrack got a new life and the pre-season event was a huge success received well by both the drivers and the fans. Interestingly, the governing body also received the one-mile oval in North Carolina.
The Rockingham Speedway or the Rock will host national series races at the D-shaped oval for the first time in over a decade. The Xfinity and Truck Series race will make a return to the racetrack on Easter weekend, this will be the first time Xfinity Series racing resumes at the Rock after 2004. Truck Series continued to race at the venue until 2013. Not to forget, the North Wilkesboro Speedway also got a massive facelift with the All-Star race.
So hopefully, NASCAR finalize a plan for the revival of Auto Club Speedway and establish their presence in the Southern California market.
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