NASCAR’s California Promise Fades Away With Reported Sale of Iconic Oval

NASCAR promised that it would revamp the old Auto Club Speedway into a short track after the final Cup Series race in 2023. The organization initially sold 433 of the 5,220-acre site, with the rest supposed to be used to revamp the racing facility and build a brand-new short track. But with each passing year, the project looked more like a distant dream, and now NASCAR has finally made a decision about the racetrack’s future.

Speedway Digest shared a heartbreaking update on X: “California Speedway and any project there is no longer, NASCAR has sold the remaining track property.” This comes at a time when NASCAR was looking to strengthen its presence in the Southern California market, as Sonoma Raceway is the only venue in the region that regularly features on the Cup Series schedule.

The social media post also shared the layout of the portion of the track property that was being transferred. Interestingly, NASCAR hasn’t made any official announcement regarding the sale, but fans and drivers are already mourning the loss of the once-iconic track.

Sam Mayer from the Haas Factory Team wrote, “I’m glad to see you one last time, California Speedway. RIP.” Rajah Caruth followed with a sarcastic GIF response. After all the hype and promises NASCAR made regarding Fontana, it now looks like the property is likely to be used for commercial purposes rather than racing.

For most fans, the 2023 Cup Series race at the 2-mile D-shaped oval will become a precious memory. Kyle Busch was the last Cup Series driver to win at the racetrack. This is also the same track where Jeff Gordon won the inaugural race in 1997 and Jimmie Johnson secured his first Cup Series win in 2002. Sadly, the new generation of NASCAR drivers won’t be able to add to Fontana’s history.

There has been a trend of once-iconic racetracks suffering a similar fate. Ontario Motor Speedway closed in 1980, while Riverside Raceway, another California track, closed in 1989. With the addition of Auto Club Speedway, NASCAR had regained its foothold in the region. But now, it looks like the sanctioning body isn’t too keen on maintaining a permanent oval presence in Southern California.

The Naval Base Coronado is one option for NASCAR to remain relevant in the region alongside Sonoma Raceway. However, the sanctioning body hasn’t confirmed its plans for a return to the Naval Base next year. What are your thoughts on this update? Did NASCAR give up on Fontana for financial gains?

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