Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, California
Our Sports Superfan Says:
A result of NASCAR's recent expansion from its traditional Southern United States base, California Speedway is the only NASCAR track in southern California. Currently, California Speedway hosts a variety of races, including two on NASCAR's main circuit, despite the fact that all of its races are held across two calendar weeks.
The two biggest races, belonging to NASCAR's Sprint Cup major series, are the Auto Club 500, at the end of February, and the CAS Sprint Cup 500, at the end of August. Before each of these races (held on Sunday) there are Busch Series (NASCAR's junior circuit) events on Saturday, and before the Auto Club 500 there is also a truck series race. Fans coming to California Speedway can also see the qualifying events for all of these races.
California Speedway opened in 1997, and has both an oval and infield track. In addition to its NASCAR events, the track has also hosted open-wheel, motorcycle, and drag racing events. Its opening ended a nine-year absence for Southern California from the stock-car racing world. With its proximity to Los Angeles (Fontana, where the track is situated, is just 50 miles east of L.A.), California Speedway has been the de facto Hollywood racetrack. In recent years, movies like "Charlie's Angels" and the 2004 version of "Herbie: Fully Loaded" filmed scenes at California Speedway, and it has also been the site of a number of commercials and television programs.
In addition to regular tickets, fans can also enjoy a business club, luxury suites, and restaurants. There are travel packages available that include accommodations at a local hotel for the week of the race. You can also purchase a camping permit, if you prefer to sleep in your own accommodations. In addition to trams from the parking lots, there are also Metrolink charter trains available from the Los Angeles area on race day.