Three Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Sprint Cup race at: There are three current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
Auto Club Speedway 0 for 17 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 11 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Darlington 0 for 17 with a best finish of 3rd in 2009
Stewart has won at 19 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(10-11-2009)

California considering shorter race: Auto Club Speedway Gillian Zucker said the track is considering shortening one of the two annual races from 500 miles to 400 miles and did little to hide the fact she’d like to swap race dates with Phoenix. The first California race is run in February, right after the Daytona 500 while Phoenix runs in April. “Everybody knows that we’ve had some challenges with weather during (February),” she said.(Associated Press)(10-12-2009)

Christian Slater driving pace car at California: Christian Slater will be behind the wheel of the Official NASCAR 2010 Chevy Camaro Pace Car as he leads the field of 43 stock cars before the start of the Inaugural Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race - the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, October 11. With an impressive career that spans the worlds of film, television and stage, Slater has established himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Currently Slater stars in the ABC drama series "the forgotten," from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Warner Bros. Television. "the forgotten" airs Tuesday's (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.(Auto Club Speedway PR)(10-7-2009)

Jesse McCartney singing National Anthem at California: Multi-platinum recording and actor Jesse McCartney will perform the national anthem prior to the Inaugural Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff race-the Pepsi 500 on Sunday, Oct. 11. With his release of "Departure" in May 2008, McCartney struck hard, establishing himself at the forefront of a new pop/R&B hybrid. His single, "Leavin'" became the #1 most played Top 40 in 2008 and spent 5 weeks at #1 on the CHR Top 40 Chart and went gold and platinum with over 2 million digital downloads on iTunes.(Auto Club Speedway PR)(10-7-2009)

Kelsey Grammer named Grand Marshal at Auto Club:Auto Club Speedway announced that Kelsey Grammer will serve as Grand Marshal for Southern California’s Inaugural Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff race -- the Pepsi 500 on Sunday, October 11 at Auto Club Speedway. Grammer, who stars in the new ABC comedy Hank will give the most famous command in racing "Gentlemen, start your engines" to all 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who are vying for the coveted checkered flag. John C. Reilly, star of the upcoming film Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant named Grand Marshal of the Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway, the Copart 300. Fans can take advantage many Pepsi 500 weekend ticket offers starting as low as $35 and including ticket packages to celebrate Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; a ticket deal to see the stars of NASCAR and the stars of TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory 2009; the chance to get up close and personal to Jimmie Johnson and so much more. In addition to top notch live entertainment and a variety of Pepsi 500 ticket packages, fans experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full day of entertainment and fun at a fantastic family value. To purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(10-6-2009)

The Hills Star to wave green flag for Pepsi 500 at ACS: Audrina Patridge who stars on the hit MTV series The Hills has been named Honorary Starter for the much-anticipated Inaugural Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race – the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, October 11 at 12pm/et [scheduled green flag 3:31pm/et]. As Honorary Starter for the Pepsi 500, Patridge will wave the Green Flag from the top of the flag stand on the Speedway’s start/finish line, to get the Pepsi 500 underway. Fans can take advantage of many Pepsi 500 weekend ticket offers starting as low as $35 and including ticket packages to celebrate Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; a ticket deal to see the stars of NASCAR and the stars of TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory 2009; the chance to get up close and personal to Jimmie Johnson and so much more. In addition to top notch live entertainment and a variety of Pepsi 500 ticket packages, fans experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full day of entertainment and fun at a fantastic family value. To purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(10-5-2009)

Auto Club Speedway revamp on hold?: Auto Club Speedway proposed a multimillion-dollar revamp of the Fontana track to foster closer racing and boost crowds at its two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup races, but the track's owner has taken no action on the plan. The plan called for raising the banking of the track's four turns to 23 degrees from the current 14 degrees and narrowing its width in certain sections, all to bring the cars closer together and promote more passing, according to motor racing sources familiar with the proposal who agreed to speak on the condition that they not be identified. Making the changes probably would cost $23 million to $30 million and could be completed between the track's two NASCAR race dates, and would involve digging up the entire turns to make their banking steeper, they said. The 565-acre Auto Club Speedway, formerly called California Speedway, is 50 miles east of Los Angeles and holds its next NASCAR Sprint Cup race Oct. 11. Its other race is in February. After this year's February race, Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker proposed the reconstruction plan to the track's owner, International Speedway Corp., the sources said. But International Speedway's board of directors has taken no action on the idea, including at a meeting last month, largely because the project is too costly at a time when the company, which owns or operates 13 tracks, is struggling with the weak economy and slumping attendance, the sources said. Zucker declined to confirm or deny the proposal. But she said in a statement that "it's no secret that making Auto Club Speedway the most competitive NASCAR track on the circuit is something I have been advocating since I arrived here four years ago." International Speedway spokesman Lenny Santiago also declined to comment on the plan but said "potential projects are discussed internally on a regular basis for all of our facilities."(Los Angeles Times)(10-1-2009)

Fans can be a part of Foreigner music video at California: Race fans attending the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on Oct. 11th will be part of history on more than one level. Not only will those attending witness the "first" ever Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Southern California, but they will also have the opportunity to be part of the "first" live performance video shoot of rock-and-roll legend Foreigner's "Can't Slow Down" at Southern California's premier motorsports facility on Sunday, Oct. 11. Fans wishing to take part in the taping should gather at the main stage in the Opportunity, California FanZone at 10:15 a.m. One of the world's most popular and enduring rock bands, Foreigner will use Auto Club Speedway as the backdrop for its NASCAR-inspired title track to their new three-disc collection, including a CD album of all new music, a CD album of brand new remixes of the band's original hit recordings, and a DVD of the band in concert and beyond. The release will be available from Rhino Entertainment Sept. 29, exclusively at Walmart.(Auto Club Speedway PR)(9-28-2009)

Auto Club Speedway letting fans choose 2010 race start time: For the first time ever, race fans will have the opportunity to choose what time the green flag for a NASCAR race will wave. Auto Club Speedway is giving that option to race fans across the country to choose either a noon or a 4:30 p.m. (both times PT) start time for the Auto Club 500, the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010. It's up to the fans to have their say. Tell us: early start time or late start time. And feel free to give us your reasons. Just like a true election, the choice with the most votes wins. Fans must vote now before the poll closes! To vote, visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/time. For information on all events at Auto Club Speedway, or for ticket information, call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS PR)(9-24-2009)

Johnson to be inducted into Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame: Native Southern Californian Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevy, will take his place alongside past Auto Club Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners when he is inducted into the ACS Walk of Fame on Saturday, October 10 at 9:30 a.m. during the inaugural Southern California Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Located at Gate 12, on the east end of the Opportunity, California FanZone, the ACS Walk of Fame ceremony has become a must attend, fan favorite. Race fans join Johnson as his footprint, signature and a bronze plaque are preserved in concrete during the enshrinement ceremony.(Auto Club Speedway PR)(8-20-2009)

Auto Club Speedway and TNA Wrestling Join Forces: Auto Club Speedway and TNA Wrestling are joining forces to offer NASCAR and wrestling fans a special ticket price for its October events. For $55.00 Fans can get a ticket to the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Ca on October 11, AND a ticket to TNA Wrestling's Bound for Glory Pay Per View live event on October 18 at the Bren Center on the Campus of UC Irvine. The fans that take advantage of this promotion will be joined at Auto Club Speedway by SPEED analyst Hermie Sadler at the track. For more information, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(8-6-2009)

New start time for Auto Club Speedway race in Oct: Auto Club Speedway officials today announced a new start time for Southern California’s inaugural “Chase Race”. The green flag for NASCAR’s much anticipated “playoff” event – the Pepsi 500 – is set to wave at 12:00pm [3:00pm/et] on Oct. 11. Speedway officials also reiterated that some of the ticket packages offered for the inaugural Chase Race are available for a limited time only and urged fans to contact the ticket office to reserve their seat to one of the most anticipated motorsports events in Southern California. A few of the many exciting ticket packages, at price points for all fans, include:
Hendrick Motorsports celebration: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon are scheduled to make appearances on stage at the Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Party Zone presented by Pepsi. Cost for the limited Sunday package is $125 and includes a Pre-Race Pit Pass.
$35 Ticket Tuesdays: Each Tuesday ACS will give ticket buyers a little something extra for purchasing a $35 Pepsi Rock N’ Rows ticket. Receive free ice cream in June, Krispy Kreme donuts in July and California-grown zucchini in August.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Birthday [October 10th]: Celebrate Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 35th birthday with an $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Package.
Jimmie Johnson package: Q&A with Jimmie Johnson, grandstand ticket, Pre-Race Pit Pass and limited edition commemorative crystal gift, all for $148, with a portion of the ticket package price donated to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
Fans experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full day of entertainment and fun at a fantastic family value. To purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(7-29-2009)

The Chase Comes to Auto Club Speedway: Southern California race fans have two great reasons to celebrate come October – Southern California’s inaugural “Chase Race” – the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 35th birthday. As if getting the fourth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup isn’t enough, fans can also celebrate one of NASCAR’s biggest stars’ birthday in style. To help celebrate Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s birthday, Auto Club Speedway is offering an $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package, October 10-11th. Fans can also purchase Pepsi Rock n’ Rows $35 tickets and be part of the celebration. Both are expected to sell out quickly. The $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package (a $150 value) comes complete with a Saturday general admission ticket for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race – the Camping World RV Service 300 presented by Coleman; a Sunday reserved seat for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race – the Pepsi 500 and a weekend pit pass that gets race fans up close and personal to all the on-track action. In addition to the $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package, Auto Club Speedway offers free parking, allows fans to bring in their own food and other cost-savings opportunities for fans to experience a full weekend of entertainment and fun for the entire family. To purchase the $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package or the Pepsi Rock n’ Rows tickets, call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the new www.autoclubspeedway.com for more information.(Auto Club Speedway)(6-30-2009)

HBO Show "Entourage" visits Auto Club Speedway: The HBO hit comedy series Entourage recently made a two-day stop at Southern California’s premier motorsports facility – Auto Club Speedway. Auto Club Speedway got a taste of international flair on track as cast members Kevin Connolly (Eric), Adrian Grenier (Vince), Kevin Dillon (Drama), Jerry Ferrara (Turtle), shot an episode which included the new Ferrari California – the latest edition to the new generation of Ferraris. The episode is scheduled to air in July.(Auto Club Speedway)(5-15-2009)

New emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)