The Auto Club Speedway, once celebrated as the premier NASCAR venue in California, is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation that has sparked a range of reactions from fans, not all of which are positive. Located in Fontana, this 2-mile D-shaped superspeedway has been a cornerstone of stock car racing since it opened its doors in 1997, hosting legendary drivers and creating unforgettable moments in the sport’s history. Beyond the racing, the speedway has also been featured in Hollywood productions, with notable scenes from films such as Charlie’s Angels and Herbie: Fully Loaded filmed on its iconic asphalt. However, NASCAR’s plans to convert the speedway into a high-banked short track have elicited diverse responses from the fan base.
According to recent insights, NASCAR appears to be preparing to significantly downsize the Auto Club Speedway, a move that has stirred nostalgia and concern among racing enthusiasts. Many fans reminisce about the track’s history when it hosted two NASCAR weekends annually, with its expansive, sweeping turns allowing for exhilarating racing and dramatic finishes. With a grandstand capacity of 68,000 and an overall capacity of 122,000, it was a venue where fans could come together to witness historic racing moments. The decision to dismantle parts of this storied track for a new half-mile layout has led some fans to feel as though they are witnessing the slow demise of a cherished icon. The track’s legacy includes monumental victories, such as Jeff Gordon’s first win at the California 500 and Jimmie Johnson’s six triumphs at the Auto Club 400, which makes the shift to a new layout seem like a risky gamble.
NASCAR’s apparent push to enhance its short-track racing package, especially with the introduction of the Next Gen car, involves reconfiguring Auto Club Speedway to create a venue that promises improved racing dynamics. The aim is to develop a track that enhances the on-track product and meets the desires of fans and spectators for more competitive and action-packed races. This initiative mirrors a broader trend in sports, where venues are being modernized to align with contemporary standards. Much like other Southern California sports venues that have undergone substantial renovations, Auto Club Speedway is set to upgrade its facilities to offer a more engaging and comfortable fan experience.
However, as the demolition of grandstands and parts of the track progresses, NASCAR fans have turned to social media to voice their mixed emotions. While some are eager about the prospect of more short-track racing, which they believe could lead to closer competition and more thrilling races, others are less optimistic. One fan expressed their dismay, saying, “That is going to be a depressing venue squeezed in between all those warehouses.” This sentiment reflects the concerns of many who fear that the new layout will fail to capture the charm and excitement of the original speedway.
Among the varied reactions, some fans have questioned when the project was officially announced, noting that Auto Club is no longer the sponsor of the track, which is now referred to as “Next Gen California.” This confusion has led some to wonder about the project’s status, with one fan commenting, “Does anyone know when this was released or rendered? Because Auto Club is not the sponsor of the ‘track’ or ‘project’ or speedway anymore. Remember it’s ‘Next Gen California’ now…”
Despite the skepticism, there is also excitement about the new track design. One fan enthusiastically declared, “1 mile high banked? Sign me up. I don’t give a s*** what’s around it!” This fan is clearly looking forward to the racing experience, even if the surroundings include a few warehouses. They argue that if Las Vegas, surrounded by a sea of warehouses, can host thrilling races, so too can Fontana.
On the other hand, some fans are bluntly critical of the potential changes. One expressed a concern that the venue will end up being “a depressing place squeezed in between all those warehouses.” This fear underscores the belief that the new track might lack the unique character and excitement of its predecessor, which has been the stage for numerous memorable races and moments.
There is also considerable skepticism about the construction timeline. One user voiced frustration, stating, “I’m not believing this until I see shovels to dirt,” reflecting discontent with previous delays and uncertainty surrounding the project’s completion. Additionally, the confusion over the design has led to some amusing commentary. One fan questioned the clarity of the design images, saying, “Not sure how you can tell it’s like New Hampshire or has high banks based on that low res potato quality drawing.”
As anticipation and anxiety swirl around the future of the Auto Club Speedway, it is clear that fans are deeply invested in the track’s transformation. Whether they are excited, doubtful, or somewhere in between, one thing is certain: the discussion about the speedway’s future is far from over, and the racing community will be watching closely as the changes unfold.
