AUTO CLUB [formerly CALIFORNIA] SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS
Address:
9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone:
(909) 429-5000
Fax (909) 429-5500
Tickets (909) 428-9300
Toll-Free (800) 944-7223
Fax for Tickets (909) 429-5199
Track Specs:
Superspeedway: 2.0-mile oval 75 feet wide with a 15 foot apron
Banking: turns: 14 degrees; frontstretch 11 degrees; backstretch 3 degrees
Front Stretch: 3,100feet
Back Stretch: 2,500feet
Pit Road: 2,200 feet long with 44 individual pit stalls
Grandstand Seats: 92,000
Approx: 1,800 Infield RV spaces
Websites:
Auto Club Speedway
California Speedway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide: California Speedway
- Four Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Cup race at: There are four current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that #20-Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
California 0 for 14 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 10 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Talladega 0 for 18 with a best finish of 2nd [6 times] in 2001,2002,2005,2006
Darlington 0 for 15 with a best finish of 4th in 2001 & 2002
Stewart has won at 18 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(3-2-2008)
- Auto Club Speedway Hosting Garage Sale: Race fans will have the opportunity to purchase California Speedway-logo bearing merchandise at incredible discounts as well as authentic historical items from the track during the upcoming AMA Suzuki Superbike Championship weekend, the Auto Club Speedway announced. A tremendous variety of items featuring the California Speedway logo as well as past event-related apparel will be made available at discounted rates of up to 70% off the original retail price. Some additional one-of-a-kind items include light pole banners featuring the likenesses of drivers including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, backdrops that were utilized in Gatorade Victory Lane celebrations and over-sized signage from the track's timing and scoring center. Lucky fans will have the opportunity to purchase some truly authentic pieces celebrating Southern California's racing heritage. This year's garage sale will take place from Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27 in the Goodyear garage off of terrace suite road. The garage sale will be open from 12:00 pm-8:00 pm on Thursday and is open to the general public on that day only. Hours of operations from Friday through Sunday will be 8:00 am-5:00 pm and bargain hunters must purchase a ticket to the AMA weekend to gain access to the sale on those days.(California Speedway PR)(4-21-2008)
- Special tix deal for Auto Club Speedway: Two great events for one incredible price only at Auto Club Speedway [fornmer California Speedway]. This amazing package includes:
- 2-day ticket to the AMA Suzuki Superbike Challenge, April 26-27
- Pit pass for the AMA Suzuki Superbike Challenge
- Lower reserved seat to the Pepsi 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, August 31
- Pit pass for the Pepsi 500
For a limited time only. Offer expires April 23rd. For tickets or more information, call 800-944-RACE.(3-26-2008)
- Deal to swap [California/Atlanta] race dates near, Smith suggests: Bruton Smith worked the room in the media center Friday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, confirming he has proposed swapping his Atlanta track’s October date for the Labor Day weekend slot at Auto Club Speedway in California. “It is the thing to do,” said Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. “I hope that we will have an answer on that in the very near future.”(Charlotte Observer)(3-1-2008)
- California considering reconfiguring to a restrictor-plate track UPDATE denied: The Fontana [Auto Club (formerly California) Speedway] facility needs to do something to change its image. Rebuilding the racing surface to make it a new version of Talladega or Daytona would brings loads of attention and far better action on the track. Of course, there are some issues, like money. We're talking millions of dollars to reconfigure the racetrack. Texas Motor Speedway rebuilt its 1.5-mile oval in 1998 at a cost of $3 million. The cost of this project would double that amount, at least. The price tag to do it might be as high as $10 million. Not cheap, but goodness knows ISC can afford it. And Fontana officials may need to rebuild the turns anyway because of the water seepage issues that caused problems last weekend. But plate racing is NASCAR's version of torture for many drivers. They hate racing in large packs inches apart with little throttle response from the choked-down engines. However, it is exciting to watch, which is why many fans can't wait to see every plate event. Tell the people in Southern California they have the modern version of Talladega and you have something to sell. Auto Club Speedway, which hasn't managed to sell out its two Cup races, needs a dramatic change. There's nothing more dramatic in NASCAR than restrictor-plate racing.(see full story and quotes by Michael Waltrip at ESPN.com)
AND Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker said Monday that engineers will arrive this week to determine what can be done to correct drainage problems on the 2-mile track. Water seeping up through seams in the asphalt played havoc with track drying efforts during the Auto Club 500 race weekend, delaying the completion of the Sprint Cup Series race by one day. The seepage, referred to as “weepers,” was also blamed for two accidents during the early laps of the Cup event. “A leaky race track is unacceptable,” Zucker said. “We will have engineers here [Tuesday], and we will fix it.”(SceneDaily.com, plus a report refuting the restrictor plate news at FoxSports)
MORE: Auto Club Speedway president Gillian Zucker said engineers are on their way to the Fontana track to take a look at what was behind the "weeper" problem that plagued the Auto Club 500 this past weekend. Weepers are caused when ground water starts to leak through cracks in the pavement. They were blamed for causing two crashes in the opening laps of the rain delayed race, involving Dale Earnhardt Jr., Casey Mears and Deny Hamlin. She said it's not known at this time if construction will be necessary or if future events will have to be postponed or rescheduled.(Orange Country Register)(2-27-2008)
UPDATE: Gillian Zucker, president of Auto Club Speedway, believes reconfiguring the 2-mile Fontana, Calif., oval into a restrictor-plate track is an idea worth considering seriously. "I love it," Zucker said Tuesday. "It's a game-changer. Michael Waltrip told me his idea about it Saturday night. It was funny at first, but I thought, 'Sure. Why not?' "
Zucker said they are going to rebuild part of the racing surface to repair the water seepage problems, commonly known as weepers, that arose last weekend. Heavy rain caused water to push up through the seams in the turns. "If we are going to tear it up anyway to fix the drainage, let's make it a lot more interesting," Zucker said. "It could be a very dramatic thing for us." Zucker said she hasn't spoken to anyone at NASCAR or International Speedway Corp., the track's parent company, about the idea yet. Zucker said she wants to know what fans think before she makes a decision.(ESPN.com)
UPDATE 2: A senior spokesman for track operator International Speedway Corp. said Wednesday that there are no plans to turn Auto Club Speedway into a restrictor-plate configuration or otherwise modify the layout of the 2.0-mile facility that hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually. ISC owns the track and ultimately would be the entity approving and paying for any track changes. But none are forthcoming, an ISC official confirmed. But Wes Harris, ISC’s senior director, corporate and investor communications, said Wednesday there are no plans for such an extreme and costly makeover. In fact, Harris said, it isn’t even in the discussion phase, nor is it likely to be.(SPEEDTV.com)(2-28-2008) Comment here
- Lots of Jet Fuel used at Calif: During the weekend, the jet dryers that circled Auto Club Speedway for more than 10 hours during several rain delays consumed more than 6,500 gallons of fuel. They burned 3,000 gallons on Sunday night as they tried in vain to dry the track. There were reports that the track ran out of fuel and had to have some trucked in from nearby Ontario International Airport on Sunday night. What could an airline do with that much fuel? According to Virgin Atlantic Airlines statistics, a Boeing 737-800 can fly 3,383 miles on 6,875 gallons of fuel. Jet dryers from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Sonoma's Infineon Raceway were used during the weekend.(Orange County Register)(2-26-2008)
- Calif and Atlanta to switch dates? UPDATE: Rowdy.com reports: "According to our good buddy David Poole, we might find ourselves watching the Labor Day race in Atlanta. There is talk of California and Atlanta switching dates with Cali getting the October Chase race and Atlanta getting Labor Day."(Rowdy.com)(2-22-2008)
UPDATE: Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark said Friday that the track has had no discussions with Auto Club Speedway of Southern California about swapping each track's respective fall race date. "I don't know where that's coming from," Clark said. "We'd certainly have to take a look at it and have to talk with our fans and employees and get their views on it. We'd have to at least look at it. If it would be a win-win deal for both sides, it would make sense."(Macon Telegraph)(2-23-2008) Comment here.
- California Speedway to change name UPDATE: In a landmark development within the motorsports industry, California Speedway will announce a deal with the Automobile Club of Southern California for the naming rights to the 11-year-old track. The agreement is for 10 years, but no financial terms have been released. According to industry sources, the deal is estimated to be worth between $50 to $75 million. "This will redefine track licensing," said Speedway president Gillian Zucker, who will preside over today's press conference along with Tom McKernan, president and CEO of the Auto Club. "It's a powerful platform, very unique. This will be more than a signage and media deal." Under the terms of the agreement, the official name of the track that first opened in 1997 will be the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. The Auto Club already had a presence at the Fontana facility. Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is the Auto Club 500 and the Speedway's drag strip was christened the Auto Club Dragway in 2007.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(2-21-2008)
UPDATE: International Speedway Corporation and the Automobile Club of Southern California—the nation’s largest member of the AAA federation—today unveiled details of a new partnership. At a trackside press conference, Speedway President Gillian Zucker and Auto Club CEO Tom McKernan announced the re-naming of the state’s premier motorsports facility as the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. The new partnership will place a premium on enhancing the fan experience at the Auto Club Speedway, with special initiatives aimed at Auto Club members, and a series of capital improvements that will make the racetrack more comfortable, accessible and enjoyable. Detailed plans are still being developed, but as soon as this year, fans can expect to see new escalators, increased shade, new misting zones, and new interactive fan-friendly elements incorporating new technologies. The Auto Club and its affiliated insurance company will use the Speedway facilities to expand development of automotive technology and driver safety initiatives. Activities will include testing at the Speedway to evaluate new automobile equipment and performance characteristics, and the opening of new Auto Club Teen and Mature Driver Schools at the track. The Auto Club Dragway, located on the north side of the Speedway facility, will continue as a site for the National Hot Rod Association street legal drag racing program, offering Southern Californians a safe alternative to illegal street racing.(California Speedway)(2-23-2008) Comment here
- Pepsi to sponsor Aug race at Calif: California Speedway has announced a multi-year agreement with Pepsi to serve as the title sponsor for the Speedway’s fall Sprint Cup Series Race. The race which traditionally takes place at the end of the Labor Day weekend and this year will run on August 31, 2008 will now be known as the Pepsi 500. In addition to its role as the title sponsor of the race, Pepsi will continue to serve as the “official soft drink and non-alcoholic beverage provider” of the Speedway, a designation the brand has held since 1997. The Pepsi 500 Weekend, featuring the Camping World 300 Presented by RVs.com (Nationwide Series race) and the Pepsi 500 (Sprint Cup Series race) will take place at California Speedway over the weekend of August 29-31, 2008.(California Speedway site)(2-20-2008)
- George Thorogood to perform at California: George Thorogood and the Destroyers will headline the Miller Lite Rock ‘n Racing show during the 2008 Auto Club 500 weekend at California Speedway. The band will take the stage on Saturday, February 23rd after the San Bernardino County 200 (Truck Series) and Stater Bros. 300 (Nationwide Series) races. The concert is presented by Miller Lite, the official beer sponsor of California Speedway. George Thorogood and the Destroyers join an entertainment lineup for the Auto Club 500 Weekend that also features Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top who will be performing a special concert prior to Sunday’s race. To purchase tickets to the Auto Club 500 weekend at California Speedway, call 800-944-RACE.(2-18-2008)
- ZZ Top will perform a special concert at California Speedway: Legendary blues rock trio ZZ Top will perform a special concert on Sunday, February 24, during the pre-race festivities at California Speedway’s 2008 Auto Club 500, Speedway President Gillian Zucker announced today. The concert will be free to all those in attendance for the 2008 West Coast Premiere of NASCAR. Fans who have pit passes for the race will be able to view the concert from the best seats in the house, on the track itself. To purchase tickets to the Auto Club 500 and ZZ Top’s pre-race concert at California Speedway, please call 800-944-RACE or log on to www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway)(1-29-2008)
- California looking for Oct date in 2009: NASCAR officials will release the 2008 Nextel Cup schedule in the near future, and it promises to offer little change. But in 2009, things might be different. California Speedway president Gillian Zucker said there seems to be "some energy around exploring alternate dates" for the Labor Day weekend race at her two-mile oval in Fontana and "we will keep on doing all we can to encourage that." The weather for this year's Sharp AQUOS 500 earlier this month was oppressive with temperatures hovering around 110 degrees. She has said she would like to hold the track's second race in October, which would put it in the Chase for the Championship, and bringing NASCAR's playoff spectacle to its biggest market would make a lot of sense, wouldn't it? Even though the track hasn't sold out for a NASCAR race in quite some time, the speedway again will play host to two Cup races next season, the first being in February and the second on the same steamy weekend in September. Just in case NASCAR officials keep their schedule the way it is, Zucker said she is adding more shady areas on the outside of the track, misters and air-conditioned places for fans to hang out before the race.(Orange County Register)(9-20-2007)
- Dylan & Cole Sprouse named Honorary Starters at California: Television and film stars, Dylan and Cole Sprouse will serve as Honorary Starters before the Sharp AQUOS 500, California Speedway President Gillian Zucker announced. As the honorary starters for the Sharp AQUOS 500, the Sprouse brothers will wave the green flag to signal to the 43 Nextel Cup Series drivers the beginning of the race. Identical twin brothers Dylan and Cole first gained national fame for playing a role on the ABC hit sitcom "Grace Under Fire". In 1999, the two made their big screen debut opposite Adam Sandler in "Big Daddy". The have also appeared in feature films including "The Astronaut's Wife" and "The Master of Disguise" and lent their voices to the animated movie "Eight Crazy Nights". Since 2005, the Sprouse's have held starring roles as Zack and Cody Martin on the hit Saturday morning original series "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody". To purchase tickets, call 800-944-RACE.(California Speedway)(8-31-2007)
- Etheridge to sing National Anthem at Calif: Grammy and Academy Award winning singer Melissa Etheridge will sing the National Anthem before Sunday's Cup race. "As an outspoken advocate for the environment, human rights, and cancer survivors, Melissa Etheridge is more than just a wonderfully talented musician," Speedway president Gillian Zucker said.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(8-29-2007)
- Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Lineup For California: Platinum recording artist 30 Seconds to Mars will headline the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing show in the Opportunity, California FanZone on Sunday afternoon, September 2, California Speedway President Gillian Zucker announced today. Miller Lite is the official beer sponsor of California Speedway. The Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing show is part of the California Speedway experience at Opportunity, California FanZone. The concert, and all musical performances on the center stage, is free for all guests with a paid admission to the Sharp AQUOS 500 Presented by Vikuiti Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday, September 2 and the Camping World 300 Presented by RVs.com Busch Series race on Saturday, September 1. 30 Seconds to Mars released their self-titled debut in 2002. The band followed with A Beautiful Lie in 2005, scanning over a million copies to date and spawning several hit singles including The Kill (Bury Me) which became the longest running single on Billboard's Modern Rock Chart, and From Yesterday which reached No. 1 on the same chart. Additional musical entertainment scheduled to appear throughout the weekend include Los Angeles hard-rock band Little Caesar and southern rocker Peter Branton. With the addition of 30 Seconds to Mars, the entertainers who will descend upon California Speedway continues to build as the race approaches, including an earlier announcement that 25-time Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder will serve as the Sharp AQUOS 500 Grand Marshal. The Nextel Cup Series returns to California Speedway over Labor Day Weekend for the Sharp AQUOS® 500. For more information about the race weekend at California Speedway, please visit www.californiaspeedway.com. To purchase tickets, call 800-944-RACE.(California Speedway)(8-27-2007)
- Stevie Wonder named Grand Marshal at California: Twenty-five time Grammy Award winner, Stevie Wonder, will serve as Grand Marshal of California Speedway's Sharp AQUOS 500 to be held on September 2, 2007. Wonder will announce the, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" command to the Nextel Cup drivers in front of the live audience and millions of fans watching at home on ESPN's race broadcast. The Nextel Cup Series returns to California Speedway over Labor Day Weekend for the Sharp AQUOS 500. For more information about the race weekend of California Speedway, please visit www.californiaspeedway.com. To purchase tickets, call 800.944-RACE.(California Speedway PR)(8-12-2007)
- Sharp AQUOS to sponsor California Cup race: California Speedway has announced an agreement with Sharp Electronics and 3M Company ("3M") to serve as the title sponsor for the Speedway's Fall Nextel Cup Series Race. The race, being held on Sunday, September 2, 2007, will be known as the Sharp AQUOS 500. As the sponsor of the Sharp AQUOS 500, Sharp and 3M will receive signage and branding opportunities throughout the Speedway over the entirety of the race weekend. The brands will also participate in several pre-race opportunities including parade laps and will utilize the Speedway's large screen video displays to present information about their variety of products. Sharp and 3M have teamed up on several co-marketing initiatives designed to enhance awareness of Sharp's AQUOS line of LCD TVs and 3M Vikuiti brightness enhancement films, including participation in Busch Series and Nextel Cup races.(California Speedway PR)(8-8-2007)
