View source for Auto Club Speedway

{{Short description|Motorsport track in the United States}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox motorsport venue
|name              = Auto Club Speedway
|location          = 9300 Cherry Avenue<br/>[[Fontana, California]]
|logo              = 
|image             = [[File:Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) - Speedway.svg|class=skin-invert|250px]]
|image_caption     = D-shaped oval (1997–2023)
|coordinates       = {{Coord|34.08858|-117.50000|region:US_type:landmark|format=dms|display=it}}
|capacity          = 122,000 (total)
|owner             = [[NASCAR#Tracks owned and/or operated by NASCAR|NASCAR]] (2019–2023)<br/>[[International Speedway Corporation]] (1999–2019)
|operator          = [[NASCAR#Tracks owned and/or operated by NASCAR|NASCAR]] (1999–2023)
|broke_ground      = {{Start date and age|1995|11|22}}
|opened            = {{Start date and age|1997|06|20}}
|closed            = {{Start date and age|2023|02|27}}
|construction_cost = {{USD}}100 million
|architect         = Paxton Waters Architecture<br/>Penske Motorsports, Inc.
|former_names      = California Speedway (November 1995–February 2008)<br> Auto Club Speedway (February 2008–March 2023)
|events            = '''Former:'''<br />[[NASCAR Cup Series]]<br/>''[[Pala Casino 400]]'' (1997–2020, 2022–2023)<br/>''[[Pepsi Max 400]]'' (2004–2010)<br />[[NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series|NASCAR Xfinity Series]]<br/>''[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Auto Club Speedway|Production Alliance Group 300]]'' (1997–2020, 2022–2023)<br />[[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series|NASCAR Camping World Truck Series]]<br/>''[[San Bernardino County 200]]'' (1997–2009)<br />[[IndyCar Series]]<br/>''[[MAVTV 500]]'' (1997–2005, 2012–2015)<br />[[AMA Superbike Championship]] (2002–2010)<br />[[Rolex Sports Car Series]] (2002–2005)
|miles_first       = True
|layout            = D-shaped oval (1997–2023)
|surface           = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
|length_km         = 3.219
|length_mi         = 2
|turns             = 4
|banking           = Turns: 14°<br/>Frontstretch: 11°<br/>Backstretch: 3°
|record_time       = 0:30.900 ({{cvt|380.431|kph|mph|abbr=on}})
|record_driver     = {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Greg Moore (racing driver)|Greg Moore]]
|record_car        = [[Reynard 97I]]
|record_year       = [[1997 Marlboro 500|1997]]
|record_class      = [[Champ Car|CART]]
|layout2           = Interior Road Course (2001–2023)
|surface2          = Asphalt
|length2_km        = 2.494
|length2_mi        = 1.55
|turns2            = 17
|record_time2      = 0:53.784
|record_driver2    = {{flagicon|GER}} [[André Lotterer]]
|record_car2       = [[Honda NSX (first generation)#JGTC and Super GT|Honda NSX-GT]]
|record_year2      = [[2004 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2004]]
|record_class2     = [[Super GT#GT500|Super GT (GT500)]]
|layout3           = Sports Car Course (2001–2023)
|surface3          = Asphalt
|length3_km        = 4.635
|length3_mi        = 2.8
|turns3            = 18
|record_time3      = 1:29.322
|record_driver3    = {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Didier Theys]]
|record_car3       = [[Dallara SP1]]
|record_year3      = [[2002 Rolex Sports Car Series|2002]]
|record_class3     = [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP900]] 
|layout4           = Motorcycle Course (2001–2023)
|surface4          = Asphalt
|length4_km        = 3.798
|length4_mi        = 2.36
|turns4            = 20
|record_time4      = 1:24.287
|record_driver4    = {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Benoît Tréluyer]]
|record_car4       = [[Nissan 350Z#JGTC/Super GT|Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33)]]
|record_year4      = [[2004 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2004]]
|record_class4     = [[Super GT#GT500|Super GT (GT500)]]
|website           = {{URL|autoclubspeedway.com}}
}}

'''Auto Club Speedway''' (known as '''California Speedway''' before and after the 2008–2023 corporate sponsorship by the [[Automobile Club of Southern California]]<ref name="sponsor">{{cite web|title=California Speedway to change name UPDATE|url=http://www.jayski.com/pages/tracks/past/california-past.htm|publisher=jayski.com|access-date=September 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102100446/http://jayski.com/pages/tracks/past/california-past.htm|archive-date=January 2, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>) was a {{convert|2|mi|adj=on|3}}, D-shaped oval [[superspeedway]] in unincorporated [[San Bernardino County, California]], near [[Fontana, California|Fontana]]. It hosted [[National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing]] (NASCAR) racing annually from 1997 until 2023. It was also previously used for [[open wheel racing]] events. The racetrack was located {{convert|47|mi}} east of [[Los Angeles]] and was near the former locations of [[Ontario Motor Speedway]] and [[Riverside International Raceway]]. The track was last owned and operated by NASCAR. The speedway was served by the nearby Interstates [[Interstate 10 in California|10]] and [[Interstate 15 in California|15]] as well as a [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] station located behind the backstretch.

Construction of the track, on the site of the former [[Kaiser Steel]] Mill, began in 1995 and was completed in late 1996. The speedway's main grandstand had a capacity of 68,000. Additionally it featured 28 skyboxes and had a total capacity of 122,000. In 2006, a fanzone was added behind the main grandstand. Lights were added to the speedway in 2004 with the addition of a second annual NASCAR weekend. From 2011 to 2023, the track hosted only one NASCAR weekend each year.

A 500-mile [[American open-wheel car racing|American open-wheel car race]] was held under [[Championship Auto Racing Teams]] sanctioning from 1997 to 2002. The current [[IndyCar]] sanctioning body ran a 400-mile race from 2002 to 2005 and a 500-mile race from 2012 to 2015, which was usually the season finale. Its last IndyCar race was the [[2015 MAVTV 500]].

In 2023, the track was closed for reconstruction as part of the Next Gen California project and demolition started in October 2023. However, high costs and other priorities have prevented the project from beginning. NASCAR has since held races in Southern California at [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] with the [[Busch Clash]] from 2022 to 2024,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2021/09/14/2022-clash-to-be-held-at-the-los-angeles-coliseum/ |title=2022 Clash to be held at the Los Angeles Coliseum |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=September 14, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Bianchi">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4199811/2021/09/14/nascars-2022-schedule-shakes-up-playoff-tracks-adds-gateway-in-june/ |title=NASCAR's 2022 schedule shakes up playoff tracks, adds Gateway in June: Sources |last=Bianchi |first=Jordan |website=[[The Athletic]] |date=September 14, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> and will hold a street race at [[Naval Base Coronado]] beginning in the [[2026 NASCAR Cup Series|2026]] season.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 23, 2025 |title=San Diego to host NASCAR's latest cup series innovation with a street race at Naval Base Coronado |url=https://www.jayski.com/2025/07/23/nascar-near-a-deal-to-run-san-diego-street-course-race/ |access-date=July 23, 2025 |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media}}</ref>

== Track history ==

=== Early history and construction ===

On April 20, 1994, [[Roger Penske]] and [[Kaiser Steel]] announced the construction of a racetrack on the site of the abandoned Kaiser Steel Mill in [[Fontana, California]]. A day after the announcement, [[Championship Auto Racing Teams]] (CART) announced it would hold an annual race at the speedway. Three months later NASCAR president [[Bill France Jr.]] agreed to sanction [[NASCAR Cup Series]] races at the speedway upon completion, marking the first time NASCAR made a commitment to run a race at a track that had yet to be built.<ref name="Dates">{{Cite news|last=Eisenberg |first=Jeff |title=Looking Back: Key dates in the history of California Speedway |newspaper=The Press Enterprise |year=2007 |url=http://www.pe.com/sports/projects/2007/10years/# |access-date=September 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212120327/http://www.pe.com/sports/projects/2007/10years/ |archive-date=February 12, 2009 }}</ref> Community meetings were held to discuss issues related to the construction of the track and the local effects of events held. The local community largely supported construction of the speedway citing potentially increased land values and rejuvenation of the community. In April 1995, after having toured the sister track Michigan International Speedway, the [[San Bernardino County]] Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the project.<ref name="latimes">{{Cite news | last = Glick| first = Shav| title = New Track Is a Steel California Speedway Will Be Built on Site of Old Fontana Mill | newspaper = [[Los Angeles Times]]| url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-27-sp-7600-story.html| access-date=November 13, 2010| date=November 27, 1995}}</ref> The [[California Environmental Protection Agency]] gave Penske permission to begin construction after Kaiser agreed to pay US$6 million to remove hazardous waste from the site. Construction on the site began on November 22, 1995, with the demolition of the Kaiser Steel Mill.<ref name="Dates" /> The {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} [[water tower]], a landmark of the Kaiser property, was preserved in the center of the track to be used as a scoreboard. {{convert|3000|cuyd}} of contaminated dirt was removed and transported to a toxic waste landfill. To prevent remaining impurities from rising to the surface, a cap of non-porous [[polyethylene]] was put down and covered with {{convert|2|ft}} of clean soil.<ref name="latimes" /> Construction of the track was completed in late 1996.<ref name="Dates" />

On January 10, 1997, Marlboro Team Penske's driver [[Paul Tracy]] became the first driver to test on the new speedway. NASCAR held its first open test session on at the track from May 5–7. The official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 20, 1997, with the first race, a [[NASCAR West Series]] race, being held the next day.<ref name="Dates" />

=== Auto Club Speedway ===
The track was named the California Speedway from the time it was built through February 21, 2008, when the [[Automobile Club of Southern California]] purchased the naming rights in a 10-year deal; thus the track became Auto Club Speedway and has remained as of 2023, as the deal was renewed. The sponsorship was discontinued after March 2023.

=== Expansion and additions ===
With early success following the opening of the track, the speedway began to expand reserved grandstand seating along the front stretch with an additional 15,777 seats. In May 1999, an additional 28 skyboxes were added to the top of the main grandstand. In 2001 the Auto Club Dragway, a {{cvt|0.250|mi|km|abbr=on}} dragstrip, was built outside of the backstretch of the main speedway. That same year, the infield of the speedway was reconfigured to hold a multipurpose road course. On April 24, 2003, The San Bernardino County Planning Commission approved the changing of the speedway's conditional use permit to allow the installation of lights around the track. Later that year NASCAR announced a second annual NASCAR Cup Series race at the track for the 2004 season, with the second race being run "under the lights".<ref>{{cite web|author=Jensen, Tom |date=August 7, 2010 |url=http://www.racingconnection.com/NascarEventPackages/california_speedwayseating.htm |title=California Speedway |publisher=Racingconnection.com |access-date=September 14, 2010}}</ref> NASCAR ran two weekends of racing annually until the [[2011 in NASCAR|2011 season]], when the track returned to a single annual race weekend.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nascar.speedtv.com/article/cup-auto-club-loses-chase-date/ |title=NASCAR Cup loses Chase date|publisher=Nascar.speedtv.com |date=August 7, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818074629/http://nascar.speedtv.com/article/cup-auto-club-loses-chase-date/ |archive-date=August 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2006, the speedway's midway, located behind the main grandstand, was overhauled. The new midway, called the "Discover IE FanZone", included the addition of Apex (a [[Wolfgang Puck]] restaurant), additional shade and lounge areas, a retail store and an entertainment stage.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 Racing Season Concludes, 2007 Just Around the Corner |url=http://www.autoclubspeedway.com/Articles/2006/10/2006-Racing-Season-Concludes-2007-Just-Around-The-Corner.aspx|publisher=Autoclubspeedway.com|date=October 5, 2006|access-date=September 13, 2010}}</ref>

In March 2014, the Las Vegas-based company [[Exotics Racing]] expanded to California by opening a new 1.2 mile road course at the Auto Club Speedway.

=== Configurations ===
<gallery>
Image:Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) - Speedway.svg|Speedway oval
Image:Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) - Sports Car.svg|Sports car course
Image:Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) - Motorcycles.svg|Motorcycle course
Image:Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) - Interior Circuit.svg|Interior test circuit
Image:FONTANA2021.jpg|Overview of facility looking south
</gallery>

=== Attendance problems ===
[[File:ACSinfield.jpg|thumb|right|Auto Club Speedway view from grandstand center]]
Upon the addition of a second NASCAR weekend at the track in 2004, attendance at the races dropped off dramatically, by as much as 20,000. With such a large attendance swing, drivers and media began to doubt if the track deserved two dates, even if the track was near Los Angeles, the nation's second-largest media market.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gluck, Jeff |url=http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jeff_Gluck_fontana.html |title=Lack of attendance remains No. 1 concern at Auto Club Speedway |publisher=SceneDaily.com |date=February 21, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307215750/http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jeff_Gluck_fontana.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Weather also became a concern with either extremely hot days or with rain threatening the races. All of this factored into NASCAR's decision to remove a second race from the track with the realignment of the 2011 NASCAR schedule. Former track owner [[Roger Penske]] said the track may be located in a one-race market. Track president Gillian Zucker cited bad weather windows and fans having other entertainment options as reasons for the attendance decline.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gluck, Jeff|url=http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Weather_scheduling_blamed_for_attendance_woes_loss_of_Cup_races_at_Atlanta_California.html|title=Weather, scheduling blamed for attendance woes, loss of Cup races at Atlanta, California|publisher=SceneDaily.com|date=August 8, 2010|access-date=September 14, 2010|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307215755/http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Weather_scheduling_blamed_for_attendance_woes_loss_of_Cup_races_at_Atlanta_California.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Effective in the 2014 racing season, the grandstand capacity was reduced from 92,000 to 68,000. This was accomplished by removing approximately 12,000 seats near turn 1 and installing a hospitality area and a digital display showing speeds along the straightaway.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peltz|first=Jim|title=Auto Club Speedway slashes grandstand seating by 26% to 68,000|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nascar-fontana-seating-20140321-story.html|access-date=March 21, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=March 21, 2014}}</ref> In addition, seats were further reduced as a result of modifying average seat width from 18 inches to 23 inches. The capacity quoted does not include luxury boxes and infield seating, which when added reaches a capacity of approximately 100,000.<ref>[http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140323/auto-club-speedway-wins-its-race-long-before-kyle-busch-did-in-auto-club-400 Auto Club Speedway wins its race long before Kyle Busch did in Auto Club 400<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

=== Name change ===
On February 21, 2008, the Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC) became the title sponsor of the raceway, making Auto Club Speedway the track's official name. The [[naming rights]] deal was for ten years and is worth an estimated $50 to $75 million. In addition to naming rights, the ACSC was to have use of the facility for road tests for ''[[Westways]]'' magazine and other consumer tests. The money was used for capital improvements to the track.<ref name="sponsor" />

=== In popular culture ===
The track was often used for filming television shows, commercials and films. In 2000, portions of ''[[Charlie's Angels (2000 film)|Charlie's Angels]]'' were filmed at the speedway,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seeing-stars.com/locations/ca1/CharliesAngels3.shtml |title=Charlie's Angels Filming Locations — part 3 |publisher=Seeing-stars.com |access-date=September 13, 2010}}</ref> and in 2005, portions of ''[[Herbie: Fully Loaded]]'' were filmed there.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trivia for Herbie Fully Loaded |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400497/trivia|publisher=imdb.com|access-date=September 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100912170322/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400497/trivia| archive-date= September 12, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In 2007, ''[[The Bucket List]]'' saw [[Jack Nicholson]] and [[Morgan Freeman]] drive a vintage Shelby Mustang and Dodge Challenger around the {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=on}} speedway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/locations |title=Filming Locations For The Bucket List |publisher=IMDB.com |access-date=November 13, 2010}}</ref> The track was used as [[Daytona International Speedway]] in the 2019 film ''[[Ford v Ferrari]]''.

A parody of the track was used in the 2006 [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Disney]]/[[Pixar]] [[animated]] film ''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]'' in the end of the film. It is the venue for the Piston Cup tiebreaker race between the movie's main character [[Lightning McQueen]] (voiced by [[Owen Wilson]]), retiring veteran [[Strip "The King" Weathers]] (voiced by [[Richard Petty]]) and perennial runner-up [[Chick Hicks]] (voiced by [[Michael Keaton]]). The race is held at the Los Angeles International Speedway, which is a conglomeration of the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]], the [[Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County)|Arroyo Seco]] in [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]] where the [[Rose Bowl (stadium)|Rose Bowl]] is located, as well as the Auto Club Speedway.

=== Fatalities ===
[[Image:ACSpits.jpg|thumb|right|Main grandstand from pit road at Auto Club Speedway]]
During the [[1999 Marlboro 500]] CART race, Canadian driver [[Greg Moore (race car driver)|Greg Moore]] died in a crash along the backstretch of the track. It was determined that after sliding along the infield grass, Moore's car hit the edge of oncoming pavement, which caused the car to flip into a concrete retaining wall. The incident prompted the track owners, [[International Speedway Corporation|ISC]], to pave the backstretch of both Auto Club Speedway and its sister track [[Michigan International Speedway]] in an attempt to prevent a similar accident. Shortly after the crash, CART mandated the use of a head-and-neck restraint system on all ovals. The rule eventually became mandatory on all tracks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Moore, 24, killed in horrifying CART crash|url=https://www.espn.com/auto/cart/news/1999/1031/144448.html|access-date=September 13, 2010|work=ESPN News Services|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=November 3, 1999|location=[[Fontana, California]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Greg Moore |url=http://www.danspitstopracing.com/greg_moore |access-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531214158/http://www.danspitstopracing.com/greg_moore |archive-date=May 31, 2010 }}</ref>

On April 5, 2002, Ricky Lundgren was killed in a qualifying session for a motorcycle race.<ref>{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Martin|title=Motorcyclist Dies at California Speedway|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-06-sp-death06-story.html|access-date=January 19, 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 6, 2002}}</ref>

On August 7, 2004, a police officer from San Diego, John Barr, died during an open track event after coming off his motorcycle.<ref>[http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/san-diego-policeman-dies-in-crash-during-track-ride-day-at-california-speedway/ San Diego Policeman Dies In Crash During Track Ride Day At California Speedway<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

On June 2, 2005, two men died while participating in an event sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of the [[Ferrari Club of America]].<ref>[http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20050603-1041-ca-speedwaydeaths.html SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports - Two San Diego County men killed in Fontana speedway crash<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

On October 15, 2010, a 24-year-old woman died while participating in a driving school at the track. The woman was driving a replica [[Indycar]] as part of the Mario Andretti Racing Experience when she lost control and hit the inside wall of the track.<ref>{{cite web| title= LA woman killed in crash during racing class at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana| date= October 17, 2010| url= http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-10-17/news/la-woman-killed-in-crash-during-racing-class-at-auto-club-speedway-in-fontana| access-date= November 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101023085346/http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-10-17/news/la-woman-killed-in-crash-during-racing-class-at-auto-club-speedway-in-fontana| archive-date= October 23, 2010| url-status= dead| df= mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Planned reconstruction ===
On September 8, 2020, it was revealed that documents for the reconstruction of the facility as a half-mile high banked oval had been filed with San Bernardino County. As first reported by ''The Insider'', the new short track layout would feature long straightaways like [[Martinsville Speedway]] and high banked turns like those featured at [[Bristol Motor Speedway]]. According to the published preliminary site plan, the new layout would fit inside the footprint of the current layout's trioval, and utilize much of the existing infrastructure such as the garages (which would be outside the new track), main grandstand and pit road suites (which would overlook the relocated backstretch). The work was scheduled to start after the 2021 Auto Club 400, and to be completed in time for the 2022 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2020/09/08/auto-club-speedway-to-be-reconfigured-to-half-mile-short-track/ |title=Auto Club Speedway to be reconfigured to half-mile short track |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=September 9, 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, it was announced that the 2021 race weekend had been canceled due to complications surrounding the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/12/08/nascar-2021-schedule-auto-club-races-shifted-to-daytona-road-course/ |title=Auto Club races shifted to Daytona Road Course |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=8 December 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref> On February 27, 2022, Auto Club Speedway president Dave Allen announced on [[Sirius XM]] NASCAR Radio that plans to convert the speedway had been put on hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2022/02/27/plans-to-convert-auto-club-speedway-to-short-track-are-on-hold/ |title=Plans to Convert Auto Club Speedway to Short Track are on Hold |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> With the [[Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum|Busch Light Clash]] now being held at the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] beginning in 2022, there was now no official commitment from NASCAR to follow through with plans to convert the speedway. In early 2023, following the [[Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum]], NASCAR [[chief operating officer]] Steve O'Donnell made mention that NASCAR was, "evaluating the market as a whole and what's the best place for us to race within the totality of 2024 and beyond."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moment to celebrate: NASCAR starts its 75th anniversary season with a continued eye on change |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2023/02/13/Upfront/nascar-75th.aspx |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=www.sportsbusinessjournal.com |date=February 13, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, the track was closed for reconstruction as part of the Next Gen California racing project. Demolition began in October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosvoglou |first1=Chris |title=Longtime NASCAR Track Is Currently Being Demolished |url=https://thespun.com/more/nascar/nascar-fontana-track-is-currently-being-demolished |publisher=The Spun |access-date=17 March 2024 |language=en |date=16 March 2024}}</ref> By 2025, 433 of the 522 acres of land used for the speedway had been sold to build warehouses and an industrial park.<ref name="Fontana redevelopment plans on pause">{{cite magazine|last=Crandall|first=Kelly|url=https://racer.com/2025/04/02/fontana-redevelopment-plan-on-pause-nascar-concedes|title=Fontana redevelopment plan on pause, NASCAR concedes|magazine=[[Racer (magazine)|Racer]]|date=April 2, 2025|access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref> NASCAR hoped to use the remaining area under their control to build the new track, though commissioner [[Steve Phelps]] said in April 2025 that the project was on hold due to high construction expenses and more pressing matters to address.<ref>{{cite news|last=Howard|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.on3.com/pro/news/nascar-president-steve-phelps-confirms-auto-club-speedway-will-be-redesigned-as-short-track/|title=NASCAR President Steve Phelps confirms Auto Club Speedway will be redesigned as short track|publisher=[[On3.com]]|date=December 14, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Fontana redevelopment plans on pause" />

==Transportation==

The Auto Club Speedway was served by a special [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] station, opened only on race days.<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Metrolink service to Auto Club 400 available |url=https://metrolinktrains.com/news/news_item/news_id/908.html |website=[[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318024553/https://metrolinktrains.com/news/news_item/news_id/908.html |archive-date=18 March 2014 |date=12 March 2014}}</ref>

{{Adjacent stations|system=Metrolink (California)|line=San Bernardino|left=Rancho Cucamonga|right=Fontana|note-mid=(race days)
}}

== Racing events ==

=== Former races ===

* [[All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship]] (2004, exhibition race)
* [[Champ Car]]
** ''[[MAVTV 500|Marlboro 500]]'' (1997–2002)
* [[IndyCar Series]]
** ''[[MAVTV 500]]'' (2002–2005, 2012–2015)
* [[IROC]] (1997–1998, 2002)
* [[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series|NASCAR Camping World Truck Series]]
** ''[[San Bernardino County 200]]'' (1997–2009)
* [[NASCAR Cup Series]]
** ''[[Pala Casino 400]]'' (1997–2020, 2022–2023)
** ''[[Pepsi Max 400]]'' (2004–2010)
* [[ARCA Menards Series West|NASCAR West Series]] (1997–2006)
* [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]]
** ''[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Auto Club Speedway|Production Alliance Group 300]]'' (1997–2020, 2022–2023)
* [[Rolex Sports Car Series]]
** ''Grand American 400'' (2002–2005)

== Other events ==
* Red, White and Cruise — A [[Independence Day (United States)|July 4]] festival consisting of a car show, various family-friendly entertainment and a fireworks show.
* [[Epicenter (music festival)|Epicenter 2010]] at the speedway's midway
* Cardenas Festival — The annual Cardenas Festival is held in the parking lot. This is a festival where all the companies that sell food at the [[Cardenas (supermarket)|Cardenas supermarket chain]] give out free samples of new or upcoming food. There are also performances from many artists.
*[[Hard (music festival)]] was held in 2016, 2018, and 2019 in the midway and parking lot of the speedway.

== Track length of paved oval ==
The original track length was disputed by CART and NASCAR that ran at Auto Club Speedway. The NASCAR timing and scoring previously used a length of exactly {{convert|2.000|mi|km}}.<ref>[http://www.nascar.com/en_us/nascar-tracks/auto-club-speedway.html Auto Club Speedway at NASCAR.com]</ref> The IRL timing and scoring also used a length of exactly {{cvt|2.000|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.imscdn.com/INDYCAR/Documents/3315/2015-06-27/indycar-race-results.pdf 2015 IndyCar race result at Indycar homepage].</ref> CART measured the track as {{cvt|2.029|mi|km|abbr=on}} and used this length for timing and scoring between 1997 and 2002.<ref>[http://www.champcarstats.com/races/200218.htm The 500 Presented by Toyota result on champcarstats.com]</ref>

== Track records ==
The closed-course practice and qualifying lap records [[Arie Luyendyk]] had set in the run-up to the [[1996 Indianapolis 500|1996 Indy 500]] at {{convert|239.260|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{convert|237.498|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} respectively were improved by [[Maurício Gugelmin]] at the [[1997 Marlboro 500]]. He was clocked at {{convert|242.333|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{convert|240.942|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} respectively, based on a CART-recognized track length of {{cvt|2.029|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|last=Glick|first=Shav|date=September 28, 1997|title=At Marlboro 500, Change Is Almost as Quick as the Cars|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-28-sp-37232-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021404/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/28/sports/sp-37232|archive-date=November 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

After [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] had narrowly missed Gugelmin's practice record,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/11903|title=Montoya threatens all-time record in practice|website=[[Autosport#Autosport.com|Autosport.com]]|date=October 28, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110000536/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/11903|archive-date=November 10, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Gil de Ferran]] set a new one-lap qualifying record of {{convert|241.428|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} at the [[2000 Marlboro 500]], a CART event.<ref name=LVS>{{cite news|title=De Ferran wins pole, sets record|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2000/oct/28/de-ferran-wins-pole-sets-record|newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|date=October 28, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110003755/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2000/oct/28/de-ferran-wins-pole-sets-record|archive-date=November 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> As of August 2023, this is the fastest qualifying lap speed ever recorded at an official race meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnmag.com/opinions-commentary/553-who-holds-the-worlds-closed-course-record-aj-foyt|title=Who holds the world's closed course record? A.J. Foyt|last=Webster|first=George|date=May 16, 2009|website=PRN Motorsport Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810200943/http://www.prnmag.com/opinions-commentary/553-who-holds-the-worlds-closed-course-record-aj-foyt|archive-date=August 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2003 Toyota Indy 400]] was the fastest circuit race ever in motorsport history, with an average speed of {{convert|207.151|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} over {{cvt|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}, based on an IndyCar-recognized track length of {{cvt|2.000|mi|km|abbr=on}},<ref name=CT>{{cite news|title=Fastest race goes to Hornish|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/09/22/fastest-race-goes-to-hornish/|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=September 22, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109235840/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-09-22/sports/0309220140_1_hornish-toyota-indy-irl|archive-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> topping the previous record average of {{convert|197.995|mph|km/h|3|abbr=on}} over {{convert|507.25|mi|km}} the [[2002 The 500|2002 CART race]] had produced.<ref name=CHT>{{cite news|title=Fastest-ever 500 won by Vasser|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPEeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A4UEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6670%2C6255541|newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune|Charlotte Herald-Tribune]]|agency=Associated Press|date=November 4, 2002}}</ref>

=== Race lap records ===

The fastest official race lap records at Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) are listed as:

{| class="wikitable"
!Category!!Time!!Driver!!Vehicle!!Event
|-
! colspan=5 | D-shaped Oval: 3.219 km (1997–2024)<ref name='california_msportmagazine'>{{cite web |title=California Speedway - Motor Sport Magazine |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/california-speedway/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref>
|- 
| [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]] || '''0:30.900'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1997 Fontana Champ Cars |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1997-fontana-champ-cars |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=28 September 1997 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref> || [[Greg Moore (racing driver)|Greg Moore]] || [[Reynard 97I]] || [[1997 Marlboro 500]]
|-
| [[IndyCar Series|IndyCar]] || '''0:32.1208'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2003 Fontana Indycars |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2003-fontana-indycars/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=21 September 2003 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref> || [[Scott Dixon]] || [[G-Force GF09|G-Force GF09A]]|| [[2003 IndyCar Series|2003 Toyota Indy 400]]
|-
| [[Indy NXT|Indy Lights]] || '''0:37.4702'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2005 Fontana Indy Lights |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2005-fontana-indy-lights |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=16 October 2005 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref> || [[Jeff Simmons (driver)|Jeff Simmons]] || [[Dallara IPS]] || [[2005 Infiniti Pro Series#California 100|2005 California 100]]
|-
| [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Cup]] || '''0:38.760'''<ref>{{cite web |title=NASCAR Cup 2017 Fontana Fastest Laps |url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/results/2017/fontana-158007/?st=FL |date=26 March 2017 |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Kyle Larson]] || [[Chevrolet SS#Motorsport|Chevrolet SS]] || [[2017 Auto Club 400]]
|-
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|NASCAR Xfinity]] || '''0:40.247'''<ref>{{cite web |title=NASCAR XFINITY 2018 Fontana Fastest Laps |url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/results/2018/fontana-190499/?st=FL |date=17 March 2018 |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Joey Logano]] || [[Ford Mustang (sixth generation)#Motorsport|Ford Mustang]] || [[2018 Roseanne 300]]
|-
! colspan=5 | Sports Car Road Course: 4.635 km (2001–present)
|-
| [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP900]] || '''1:29.322'''<ref name='2002_grandam_california'>{{cite web |title=California 400 Miles 2002 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/California-2002-03-24.html |date=24 March 2002 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Didier Theys]] || [[Dallara SP1]] || [[2002 Rolex Sports Car Series|2002 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Daytona Prototype|DP]] || '''1:31.790'''<ref name='2004_grandam_california'>{{cite web |title=400 km Fontana 2004 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Fontana-2004-10-31-13593.html |date=31 October 2004 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Max Angelelli]] || [[Riley MkXI]] || [[2004 Rolex Sports Car Series|2004 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP675]] || '''1:33.448'''<ref name='2002_grandam_california' /> || [[Terry Borcheller]] || [[Lola B2K/40]] || [[2002 Rolex Sports Car Series|2002 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Grand Sport (class)|GTS]] || '''1:33.944'''<ref name='2003_grandam_california'>{{cite web |title=Fontana 400 Kilometres 2003 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Fontana-2003-06-08.html |date=8 June 2003 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Boris Said]] || [[Ford Mustang#Road racing|Ford Mustang]] || [[2003 Rolex Sports Car Series|2003 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Group GT1#GTS "GT1" (2000–2009)|GT1 (GTS)]] || '''1:35.682'''<ref name='2002_grandam_california' /> || [[Chris Bingham]] || [[Saleen S7#S7R|Saleen S7-R]] || [[2002 Rolex Sports Car Series|2002 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Rolex Sports Car Series|American GT]] || '''1:37.788'''<ref name='2002_grandam_california' /> || [[Andrew Richards]] || [[Chevrolet Corvette]] || [[2002 Rolex Sports Car Series|2002 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[LM GTE#History|GT]] || '''1:38.366'''<ref name='2004_grandam_california' /> || [[Tommy Milner]] || [[BMW M3#E46 generation (2000–2006)|BMW M3 (E46)]] || [[2004 Rolex Sports Car Series|2004 Grand American 400]]
|-
| [[Super Grand Sport|SGS]] || '''1:42.065'''<ref name='2004_grandam_california' /> || [[Randy Pobst]] || [[Porsche 911 GT3#996 GT3 Cup (2002–2004)|Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Cup]] || [[2004 Rolex Sports Car Series|2004 Grand American 400]]
|-
! colspan=5 | Motorcycle Road Course: 3.798 km (2001–present)
|-
| [[Super GT#GT500|Super GT (GT500)]] || '''1:24.287'''<ref>{{cite web |title=All Star Fontana 2004 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Fontana-2004-12-18-13678.html |date=18 December 2004 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nissan Z won JGTC 2004 All-star 200, first race in US |url=https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-0104d704c3433833a42cf475ecdeb88f-041221-01 |date=20 December 2004 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Benoît Tréluyer]] || [[Nissan 350Z#JGTC/Super GT|Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33)]] || [[2004 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2004 Fontana All-Stars JGTC round]]
|-
! colspan=5 | Interior Test Circuit: 2.494 km (2001–present)
|-
| [[Super GT#GT500|Super GT (GT500)]] || '''0:53.784'''<ref name='allstar_jgtc_fontana_2004'>{{cite web |title=All Star Sprint Fontana 2004 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Fontana-2004-12-19-14028.html |date=19 December 2004 |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> || [[André Lotterer]] || [[Honda NSX (first generation)#JGTC and Super GT|Honda NSX-GT]] || [[2004 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2004 Fontana All Stars JGTC round]]
|-
| [[Super GT#GT300|Super GT (GT300)]] || '''0:57.740'''<ref name='allstar_jgtc_fontana_2004' /> || [[Shinichi Takagi]] || [[Autobacs Seven#ASL|ASL Garaiya]] || [[2004 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2004 Fontana All Stars JGTC round]]
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!'''Record'''!!'''Year'''!!'''Date'''!!'''Driver'''!!'''Time'''!!'''Speed/avg. speed'''
|-
!colspan=7|'''NASCAR Cup Series'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap) || 2018 || March 16 || [[Kevin Harvick]] || align=right|38.147||{{convert|188.744|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (500 miles) || 1997 || June 27 || [[Jeff Gordon]] || align=right|3:13:32||{{convert|155.012|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (400 miles)* || 2012 || March 25 || [[Tony Stewart]] || align=right|2:39:06||{{convert|160.166|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
*Race was shortened from 200 to 129 laps due to rain
|-
| Race (400 miles, not rain-shortened) || 2020 ||March 1 || [[Alex Bowman]] || align=right|2:37:07||{{convert|152.753|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}} 
|-
!colspan=7|'''NASCAR Xfinity Series'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap) || 2005 || September 3 || [[Tony Stewart]] || align=right|38.722||{{convert|185.941|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (300 miles) || 2001 || April 28 || [[Hank Parker Jr.]] || align=right|1:55:25||{{convert|155.957|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
!colspan=7|'''NASCAR Camping World Truck Series'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap) || 2006 || February 24 || [[David Reutimann]] || align=right|40.228||{{convert|178.980|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (200 miles) || 2003 || September 20 || [[Ted Musgrave]] || align=right|1:22:14||{{convert|145.926|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
!colspan=7|'''NASCAR West Series'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap) || 2001 || April 28 || [[Mark Reed (racing driver)|Mark Reed]] || align=right|39.649||{{convert|181.593|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (200 miles) || 2001 || April 28 || [[Brendan Gaughan]] || align=right|1:28:47||{{convert|152.316|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
!colspan=7|'''CART'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap - 2.029 miles) || 2000 || October 28 || [[Gil de Ferran]] || align=right| 30.255|| |{{convert|241.428|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}<ref name=LVS />
|-
| Race (507.25 miles) || 2002 || November 3 || [[Jimmy Vasser]] || align=right| 2:33:42 ||{{convert|197.995|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}<ref name=CHT />
|-
!colspan=7|'''INDYCAR'''
|-
| Qualifying (one lap) || 2003 || September 20 || [[Hélio Castroneves]] || align=right| 31.752 ||{{convert|226.757|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
| Race (400 miles) || 2003 || September 21 || [[Sam Hornish Jr.]] || align=right| 1:55:51 ||{{convert|207.151|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}<ref name=CT />
|-
| Race (500 miles) || 2014 || August 30 || [[Tony Kanaan]] || align=right| 2:32:58 ||{{convert|196.111|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|-
|colspan=7 style="text-align: center;" |<small>''Source:''<ref>{{cite web|title=Race Results at Auto Club Speedway|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks/Auto_Club_Speedway|publisher=racing-reference.info|access-date=September 13, 2010}}</ref></small>
|}

== NASCAR Cup Series stats ==
<small>(As of 3/1/20)</small>
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
| Most wins || 6 || [[Jimmie Johnson]]</tr>
| Most top 5s || 13 || [[Jimmie Johnson]]</tr>
| Most top 10s || 18 || [[Jimmie Johnson]]</tr>
| Starts || 27 || [[Kurt Busch]], [[Kevin Harvick]] (tie)</tr>
| Poles || 4 || [[Kurt Busch]]</tr>
| Most laps completed || 5,906 <td> [[Jimmie Johnson]]</td></tr>
| Most laps led || 990 || [[Jimmie Johnson]]</tr>
| Avg. start* || 9.8 || [[Austin Dillon]]</tr>
| Avg. finish* || 7.6 || [[Jimmie Johnson]]</tr>
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> <small>from minimum 5 starts</small>

=== NASCAR Cup Series race winners ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:85%;"
|-
! Season
! Date
! Official race name
! Winning driver
! Car No.
! Make
! Distance
! Avg speed
! Margin of victory
|-
| 1997
| June 22
| '''California 500'''
| [[Jeff Gordon]]
| 24
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|155.012|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.074 sec
|-
| 1998
| May 3
| '''California 500 presented by NAPA'''
| [[Mark Martin (racecar driver)|Mark Martin]]
| 6
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|140.22|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.287 sec
|-
| 1999
| May 2
| '''California 500 presented by NAPA'''
| [[Jeff Gordon]]
| 24
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|150.276|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 4.492 sec
|-
| 2000
| April 30
| '''NAPA Auto Parts 500'''
| [[Jeremy Mayfield]]
| 12
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|149.378|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.300 sec
|-
| 2001
| April 29
| '''NAPA Auto Parts 500'''
| [[Rusty Wallace]]
| 2
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|143.118|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.27 sec
|-
| 2002
| April 28
| '''NAPA Auto Parts 500'''
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|150.088|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.620 sec
|-
| 2003
| April 27
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Kurt Busch]]
| 97
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|140.111|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 2.294 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2004
| May 2
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Jeff Gordon]]
| 24
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|137.268|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 12.871 sec
|-
| September 5
| '''Pop Secret 500'''
| [[Elliott Sadler]]
| 38
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|128.324|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.263 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2005
| February 27
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Greg Biffle]]
| 16
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|139.697|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.231 sec
|-
| September 4
| '''Sony HD 500'''
| [[Kyle Busch]]
| 5
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]]
| {{convert|508|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|136.356|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.554 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2006
| February 26
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Matt Kenseth]]
| 17
| [[Ford Fusion (Americas)|Ford Fusion]]
| {{convert|502|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|147.852|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.338 sec
|-
| September 3
| '''Sony HD 500'''
| [[Kasey Kahne]]
| 9
| [[Dodge Charger]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|144.462|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 3.427 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2007
| February 25
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Matt Kenseth]]
| 17
| [[Ford Fusion (Americas)|Ford Fusion]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|138.451|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.679 sec
|-
| September 2
| '''Sharp AQUOS 500'''
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|131.502|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.868 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2008
| February 25
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Carl Edwards]]
| 99
| [[Ford Fusion (Americas)|Ford Fusion]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|132.704|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| UC
|-
| August 31
| '''Pepsi 500'''
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|138.857|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 2.076 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2009
| February 22
| '''Auto Club 500'''
| [[Matt Kenseth]]
| 17
| [[Ford Fusion (Americas)|Ford Fusion]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|135.839|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.463 sec
|-
| October 11
| '''Pepsi 500'''
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|143.908|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.603 sec
|-
| rowspan="2"|2010
| February 21
| [[2010 Auto Club 500|'''Auto Club 500''']]
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|141.911|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 1.523
|-
| October 10
| [[2010 Pepsi Max 400|'''Pepsi Max 400''']]
| [[Tony Stewart]]
| 14
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|131.953|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.466 sec
|-
| 2011
| March 27
| [[2011 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Kevin Harvick]]
| 29
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|150.849|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.144 sec
|-
| 2012
| March 25
| [[2012 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Tony Stewart]]
| 14
| [[Chevrolet Impala]]
| {{convert|258|mi|km|abbr=on}} **
| {{convert|160.166|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| UC
|-
| 2013
| March 24
| [[2013 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Kyle Busch]]
| 18
| [[Toyota Camry]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|135.351|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| UC
|-
| 2014
| March 23
| [[2014 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Kyle Busch]]
| 18
| [[Toyota Camry]]
| {{convert|412|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|132.987|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.214 sec
|-
| 2015
| March 22
| [[2015 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Brad Keselowski]]
| 2
| [[Ford Fusion (Americas)|Ford Fusion]]
| {{convert|418|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|140.662|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.710 sec
|-
| 2016
| March 20
| [[2016 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Jimmie Johnson]]
| 48
| [[Chevrolet SS (sedan)|Chevrolet SS]]
| {{convert|410|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|137.213|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 0.772 sec
|-
| 2017
| March 26
| [[2017 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Kyle Larson]]
| 42
| [[Chevrolet SS (sedan)|Chevrolet SS]]
| {{convert|404|mi|km|abbr=on}} *
| {{convert|136.359|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on
}}
| 0.779 sec
|-
| 2018
| March 18
| [[2018 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Martin Truex Jr.]]
| 78
| [[Toyota Camry]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}} 
| {{convert|147.526|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on
}}
| 11.685 sec
|-
| 2019
| March 17
| [[2019 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Kyle Busch]]
| 18
| [[Toyota Camry]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}} 
| {{convert|143.113|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on
}}
| 2.354 sec
|-
| 2020
| March 1
| [[2020 Auto Club 400|'''Auto Club 400''']]
| [[Alex Bowman]]
| 88
| [[Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE]]
| {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|152.753|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
| 8.904 sec
|-
| 2021
|align=center colspan=8|'''Cancelled due to the state of California COVID-19 restrictions'''
|-
| 2022
| February 27
| '''[[2022 WISE Power 400|WISE POWER 400]]'''
| [[Kyle Larson]]
| 5
|[[Chevrolet Camaro]]
|{{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|114.222|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|0.195 sec
|-
|2023
|February 26
|'''[[2023 Pala Casino 400|Pala Casino 400]]'''
|[[Kyle Busch]]
|8
|[[Chevrolet Camaro]]
|{{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|127.603|mi/h|km/h|3|abbr=on}}
|2.998 sec
|}

<small>*</small>– Race extended due to [[Green–white–checker finish|green-white-checker finish]]
<small>**</small>– Race shortened due to rain

== Open wheel race winners ==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
! Season
! Date
! Race name
! Winning driver
! Winning team
|-
!colspan=7|CART
|-
| 1997
| September 28
| Marlboro 500
| {{Flagicon|UK}} [[Mark Blundell]]
| [[PacWest Racing|PacWest]]
|-
| 1998
| November 1
| Marlboro 500 Presented by Toyota
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Jimmy Vasser]]
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
|-
| 1999
| October 31
| Marlboro 500 Presented by Toyota
| {{Flagicon|Mexico}} [[Adrián Fernández]]
| [[Patrick Racing]]
|-
| 2000
| October 30
| Marlboro 500
| {{Flagicon|Brazil}} [[Christian Fittipaldi]]
| [[Newman-Haas Racing]]
|-
| 2001
| November 14
| The 500 by Toyota
| {{Flagicon|Brazil}} [[Cristiano da Matta]]
| [[Newman-Haas Racing]]
|-
| 2002
| November 3
| The 500
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Jimmy Vasser]]
| [[Team Rahal]]
|-
| 2003
| November 9
| King Taco 500
| colspan=2| Canceled due to [[Old Fire (2003)|wildfires in the San Bernardino mountains]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Humason|first=John|title=Champ Car season ends early due to California fires|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=141310&FS=INDYCAR|access-date=June 20, 2010|newspaper=Motorsport.com|date=October 29, 2003}}</ref>
|-
!colspan=7|IndyCar Series
|-
| 2002
| March 24
| Yamaha Indy 400
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Sam Hornish Jr.]]
| [[Panther Racing]]
|-
| 2003
| September 21
| Toyota Indy 400
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Sam Hornish Jr.]]
| [[Panther Racing]]
|-
| 2004
| October 3
| Toyota Indy 400
| {{Flagicon|Mexico}} [[Adrian Fernández]]
| [[Aguri-Fernández Racing]]
|-
| 2005
| October 16
| Toyota Indy 400
| {{Flagicon|UK}} [[Dario Franchitti]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
|-
|align=center colspan=5| '''''2006 to 2011, Not held'''''
|-
| 2012
| September 15
| MAVTV 500
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ed Carpenter (racing driver)|Ed Carpenter]]
| [[Ed Carpenter Racing]]
|-
| 2013
| October 19
| MAVTV 500
| {{Flagicon|AUS}} [[Will Power]]
| [[Team Penske]]
|-
| 2014
| August 30
| MAVTV 500
| {{Flagicon|Brazil}} [[Tony Kanaan]]
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
|-
| 2015
| June 27
| MAVTV 500
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Graham Rahal]]
| [[Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing]]
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Auto Club Speedway|<br/>Auto Club Speedway}}
* [http://www.autoclubspeedway.com/  Official  '''Auto Club Speedway''' website]
* {{Racing-Reference track|Auto_Club_Speedway}}
* [http://www.racingcircuits.info/north-america/usa/auto-club-speedway,-fontana.html RacingCircuits.info: Map and circuit history]
* [http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/cal/index.html Auto Club Speedway Page] on [http://www.nascar.com/ NASCAR.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051219202720/http://www.jayski.com/pages/tracks/california.htm Jayski's Auto Club Speedway Page] — ''current and past California Speedway News''.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060816083642/http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/California_Speedway Trackpedia guide to driving this track]
* [http://racing.ballparks.com/California/index.htm Auto Club Speedway Page] on [http://www.ballparks.com/ Ballparks by Munsey & Suppes]

{{Navboxes
|list =
{{NASCAR Cup Series racetracks}}
{{NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series racetracks}}
{{NASCAR Truck Series racetracks}}
{{IndyCar Series racetracks}}
{{Champ Car tracks}}
{{D1GP circuits}}
{{Grand-Am circuits}}
{{Indy NXT racetracks}}
{{International Race of Champions tracks}}
{{MotoAmerica circuits}}
{{Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America circuits}}
{{ARCA Menards Series East and West racetracks}}
{{Super GT courses}}
{{IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge racetracks}}
{{USF Pro 2000 Championship race venues}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Auto Club Speedway| ]]
[[Category:Motorsport venues in California|Auto Club]]
[[Category:Fontana, California|Auto Club]]
[[Category:Sports venues in San Bernardino County, California|Auto Club]]
[[Category:Sports venues in the Inland Empire|Auto Club]]
[[Category:Champ Car circuits|Auto Club]]
[[Category:IndyCar Series tracks|Auto Club]]
[[Category:International Race of Champions tracks|Auto Club]]
[[Category:NASCAR tracks|Auto Club]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1997]]
[[Category:1997 establishments in California]]
[[Category:2023 disestablishments in California]]