March 2011 Race Winner: #29-Kevin Harvick, 150.849, started 24th

March 2011 Pole Sitter: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 184.653, finished 10th

Most Wins: 5 - Jimmie Johnson

Most Poles: 3 - Kurt Busch

Most Top 5s: 12 - Jimmie Johnson

Most Top 10s: 13 - Matt Kenseth & Jimmie Johnson

Most Laps Led by a Leader: Mark Martin, 5/3/1998, 165 laps

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 1 - Kevin Harvick, 3/27/2011

Most Leaders: 16 - 9/7/2007

Most Lead Changes: 33 - 2/24/2008

Fewest Leaders: 8 - done twice, most recently 4/28/2002

Fewest Lead Changes: 18 - 5/3/1998

Most Cautions: 12 - 2/24/2008

Most Caution Laps: 51, 9/5/2004

Fewest Cautions: 4 - 6/22/1997 and 3/27/2011

Fewest Caution Laps: 16 - 3/27/2011

Most Running at the Finish: 42 - 9/3/2006

Fewest Running at the Finish: 31 - 10/11/2009

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 11 - Chevy; 10 - Ford; 1 - Dodge

Races won from starting pos 1: 1

Auto Club Speedway offers Valentine's Day ticket special: It's a Valentine's Day gift that both of you will love, spending time together at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 25. Whether you and your loved one are sitting side by side watching 43 of the world's best drivers battle for a trip to Gatorade Victory Lane; taking a stroll down pit road where race teams are getting ready for the big race; positioned front and center of the pre-race stage for driver introductions or listening to your favorite drivers talk with their crew chiefs on the scanner… It will be a memorable experience that you'll have together. The Valentine's Day ticket package is an incredible deal for just $99 (a $225 value) and includes: a pair of tickets to the Auto Club 400 (rows 1-14) on Sunday, March 25; a pair of Pre-Race Pit Passes; and Scanner Rental with a pair of headphones In addition to the Valentine's Day ticket package, Auto Club Speedway offers free parking and allows fans to bring in their own food, making race weekend an incredible value full of fun and entertainment. The Valentine's Day ticket package is available now through February 14, while supplies last. So don't let this package get away. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway Ticket Office.(ACS)(2-3-2012)

Every Tuesday in January Means a Free Kazoo for fans: Auto Club Speedway’s $35 Ticket Tuesday started Jan 3s today and NASCAR race fans who take advantage of one of the most unique and most talked about ticket promotions, will receive a FREE kazoo for each $35 ticket purchased on any Tuesday in January to celebrate National Kazoo Day. In addition to National Kazoo Day in January, Auto Club Speedway will celebrate National Bubblegum Day in February and National Make Your Own Holiday Day in March. Each Tuesday during the months of January, February and March, Auto Club Speedway will give away “extra goodies” to anyone who mentions “Ticket Tuesday” when purchasing a $35 ticket to the Auto Club 400 on March 25. But hurry, these extra incentives are sure to go quickly. Call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the Speedway ticket office on Tuesday’s between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. And for numerous ticket packages starting as low as $35 visit www.autoclubspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE (7223).(Auto Club Speedway)(1-4-2012)

Auto Club Speedway Holiday Ticket Packages expire on Dec 30: Purchasing Auto Club Speedway’s Holiday Ticket Packages should be a no brainer for those special NASCAR and INDYCAR fans in your life. With the highly anticipated return of 5-wide NASCAR racing and the thrill of record-setting INDYCAR open-wheel racing under the lights, the Holiday Ticket Packages offer some of the best deals around for Auto Club Speedway’s 2012 NASCAR and INDYCAR races. But you must act now! The holidays are fast approaching and these deals are set to expire on December 30, while supplies last. For more information or to purchase the best seats available visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office, located at 9300 Cherry Ave. in Fontana, call 800-944-RACE (7223) or log on to autoclubspeedway.com/holiday.(ACS)(12-27-2011)

Auto Club Speedway Holiday Ticket Packages expire on December 30: Purchasing Auto Club Speedway's Holiday Ticket Packages should be a no brainer for those special NASCAR and INDYCAR fans in your life. With the highly anticipated return of 5-wide NASCAR racing and the thrill of record-setting INDYCAR open-wheel racing under the lights, the Holiday Ticket Packages offer some of the best deals around for Auto Club Speedway's 2012 NASCAR and INDYCAR races. But you must act now. The holidays are fast approaching and these deals are set to expire on December 30, while supplies last. The Holiday Ticket Packages include:
Holiday NASCAR Hot Lap Pack- $74 (a $134 value)
• One (1) - Lower reserved grandstand seat (rows 1-14) to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 25, 2012
• One (1) - Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along where you'll ride shotgun in a 2-seat NASCAR race car driven by a professional instructor for a 3-lap qualifying run.
INDYCAR Holiday Offer - $55 (an $85 value)
• One (1) - GA ticket to the IZOD IndyCar Series Race on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012
• One (1) - Weekend Pit/Paddock Pass
• One (1) - Scanner rental
(Auto Club Speedway)(12-20-2011)

Auto Club Speedway askes for support with the Kazoo: Did you know that the kazoo was invented over 160 years ago in the USA? Ever since then fans young and old have been campaigning to make it the official musical instrument of America. Now is the time to step-up and do your part. By participating in “$35 Ticket Tuesdays” in January Auto Club Speedway will hand over a FREE kazoo, but it is up to you to tell the world how awesome it is!
In addition to National Kazoo Day in January, Auto Club Speedway will celebrate National Bubblegum Day in February and National Make Your Own Holiday Day in March. Each Tuesday during the months of January, February and March, Auto Club Speedway will give away “extra goodies” to anyone who mentions “Ticket Tuesday” when purchasing a $35 ticket to the Auto Club 400 on March 25. But hurry, these extra incentives are sure to go quickly.
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, be the first to take advantage of one of the most unique and what has become one of the most talked about ticket promotions. These offers are sure to be all the rage among NASCAR fans and will be available for a limited time only. Get your goodies – while supplies last – by calling 800-944-RACE (7223) or visiting the Speedway ticket office on Tuesday’s between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
During the month of January, to celebrate National Kazoo Day on January 28: Buy a $35 ticket on any Tuesday in January and you will get your very own kazoo - feel free to start your own band. When you are a big-time kazoo playing star don’t forget who got you started. During the month of February, to celebrate National Bubblegum Day on February 3: Buy a $35 ticket on any Tuesday in February and receive a pack of bubblegum. Did you know that according to the Guinness Book of World Records the largest bubblegum bubble ever blown is 20 inches in diameter?
· During the month of March, we celebrate National Make Your Own Holiday Day on March 26: Buy a $35 ticket on any Tuesday in March and receive our assurance that we will fully support a special day of any kind or any holiday you decide to make up (within reason) – especially if you make the day “National Auto Club Speedway Day!”(ACS)(12-15-2011)

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway is sharing its holiday spirit with you. Purchase a ticket to Auto Club Speedway’s NASCAR or INDYCAR races between Black Friday (Nov. 25) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 28) and we’ll put a little jingle back in your pocket with NO SERVICE FEES on ANY tickets purchased during that period. The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there. For a limited time, Auto Club Speedway is offering special Holiday Ticket Packages, for more information, go to autoclubspeedway.com.(11-22-2011)

Molly Ringwald named Honorary Starter of California Nationwide Race: Actress Molly Ringwald will serve as Honorary Starter for the Royal Purple 300 NNS race at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday, March 26. As Honorary Starter, Ringwald will wave the green flag to get the Royal Purple 300 underway. Race fans can also watch Ringwald on the breakout hit "The Secret Life of the American Teenager", which airs on Mondays at 8/7c on ABC Family. In addition to being an actress and author, Ringwald recently finished recording her first album with her jazz band which they hope to release in 2011.(ACS)(3-26-2011)

Howie Mandel named Grand Marshal for Fontana NNS race: Howie Mandel, judge of "America's Got Talent" and host of game-show "Deal or No Deal" will serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR's NNS Series race - the Royal Purple 300 - at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday, March 26. As Grand Marshal, Mandel will give the most famous command in racing, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines." Mandel is the host and executive producer of the upcoming Fox special MOBBED, an unscripted show that puts a hidden-camera spin on the "flash mob" concept. And, this summer he returns as a judge on NBC's hit talent competition series "America's Got Talent" alongside Sharon Osborne and Piers Morgan. Mandel recently received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Reality/Competition Host" for "Deal or No Deal" and a Daytime Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Game Show Host" for the syndicated version of the show.(ACS)(3-25-2011)

David Archuleta performing National Anthem at Fontana NNS race: Auto Club Speedway announced that American Idol Season 7 finalist David Archuleta will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Royal Purple 300 NNS race at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday, March 26. Archuleta's rendition of the National Anthem and the Royal Purple 300 will broadcast live on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. PT. Following American Idol, Archuleta released "Crush," the first single from his self-titled debut album, which charted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of its 2008 release and has since sold over two million downloads.(ACS)(3-25-2011)

Richard Marx to sing National Anthem for Auto Club 400: Singer-songwriter Richard Marx, who has sold over 30 million albums and written thirteen #1 hits, will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday. For more than two decades, Richard Marx has made an indelible mark on the music community and remained a fixture on pop and adult contemporary radio for years as an artist and producer working with some of the biggest names in the music business. Since his career began in 1987, Marx has made a commitment to giving back. He has performed benefit concerts for many organizations, including the TJ Martell Foundation, Toys For Tots, Make A Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Best Buddies, and the Special Olympics. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office.(ACS)(3-23-2011)

Sugar Ray Leonard name Honorary Starter at Auto Club Speedway: Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard will serve as Honorary Starter for the Auto Club 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 27. As Honorary Starter, Leonard will wave the green flag to get the Auto Club 400 underway. Sugar Ray Leonard is one of the legendary sports icons of the 20th century whose very name epitomizes boxing and conjures the image of a champion. In 1976 Leonard took the boxing gold medal home in the Olympic Games and won his inaugural fight as a professional the following year. In addition to the middleweight title, Leonard went on to win welterweight, junior middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight titles.(ACS)(3-23-2011)

Christian Slater named Auto Club 400 Grand Marshal: Actor Christian Slater, star of the upcoming FOX comedy “Breaking In”, will serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup race – the Auto Club 400 – at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 27. As Grand Marshal, Slater will give the command, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines,” to the 43-car field of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 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. “Breaking In”, is an offbeat workplace comedy about a high-tech security firm that takes extreme – and often questionable – measures to sell its protection services. It centers on a team of uniquely skilled oddball geniuses hand-picked to work for OZ (Slater), a larger-than-life head honcho who is a man of mystery and master of manipulation. ”Breaking In” premieres Wednesday, April 6 (9:30/8:30c) following ”American Idol.” For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office.(ACS)(3-22-2011)

Legendary Latin Rock Musicians to perforam at Auto Club Speedway: Newly formed rock group Undercover, will perform on the DiscoverIE FanZone Entertainment Stage prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 27 from 8:30 to 9:15 am at Auto Club Speedway. Undercover band members include legendary Latino rock musicians that have been entertaining fans for years. Lead guitarist, El Vampiro, has been an integral part of Mexico’s most popular rock band MANÁ, where he played thousands of sold out shows all over the world. He most recently played with Jaguares, another one of Mexico’s widely popular rock bands. Mauricio Claveria, who played drums for the legendary Chilean rock band, LA LEY, showcases his musical passion through his drum skills for Undercover. On the bass guitar, Poncho Toledo is best known for playing with Mexican band La Lupita, a group well known for crossing musical boundaries. Finally, providing the vocals for this powerhouse is Serralde, who began his singing and songwriting career in 2001 with his album titled “No Hay na’ Mejor” where it peaked on Billboard’s Top 10. In 2005, Serralde released his second album, “Serralde”, which topped the charts at #1 in the United States and Puerto Rico.
In addition to the Latin sounds of Undercover, race fans will be able to enjoy a full weekend of Viva La Fiesta, the Latino festival area located near Gate 14 in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone. Enjoy great tacos, burritos and salsas from King Taco. Listen to the traditional Mexican melodies of Mariachi Torres de Mexico, a live mariachi band on the Viva La Fiesta stage throughout the weekend. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office.(ACS)(3-22-2011)

NASCAR Hauler parade in California - March 24th: To help get the Auto Club 400 Weekend underway, the spectacle of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway from Citizens Business Bank Arena through Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. Stretching nearly an entire mile from the first hauler to the last, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway around 7 p.m. To see where the convoy will travel view the parade route at autoclubspeedway.com/HaulerParade.(ACS)(3-19-2011)

Free event to all Auto Club 400 ticket holders: Fans attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 27 will not only experience NASCAR’s return to Southern California, but they can also take part in the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk where they’ll take a lap on foot around the very same track where NASCAR drivers will race 5-wide exceeding speeds of 200 mph later in the day. Free for all Auto Club 400 ticket holders, the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk begins at 9 am with a Q&A with Coca-Cola drivers Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip. Following the Q&A is the walk around the 2-mile, D-shape oval. There will be plenty more activities for the whole family, including games, music, special events including a scavenger hunt, Story Time with NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, the opportunity to win special prizes and much more before the Auto Club 400 gets underway. Auto Club Speedway also offers free parking and allows fans to bring in their own food and beverages, making race weekend an incredible value full of fun and entertainment. Tickets to the Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 27 start as low as $35 and AAA members receive Show Your Card & Save discounts, including a special section with half-priced tickets for kids 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office.(ACS)(3-14-2011)

Good Charlotte to perform at Auto Club: Auto Club Speedway announced that multi-platinum rock sensation Good Charlotte will perform on the DiscoverIE FanZone Entertainment Stage prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 27. Tickets to the Auto Club 400, which include the Good Charlotte live pre-race performance, start as low as $35. Good Charlotte band members – vocalist Joel Madden, guitarist Benji Madden, guitarist Billy Martin, bassist Paul Thomas and drummer Dean Butterworth – have sold 10 million records and scored numerous mainstream radio hits including “Like It’s Her Birthday,” “The Anthem,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” “Hold On” and “Girls and Boys.” Get the Good Charlotte ticket package before it expires on Friday, March 18, or while supplies last. For more information or to purchase the Good Charlotte ticket package, call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway Ticket Office.(ACS)(3-11-2011)

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Ticket at Auto Club: Auto Club Speedway and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have teamed together to offer race fans an exclusive ticket/hospitality race package to benefit the organization’s Foundation. Purchase a special $99 ticket to the March 27th Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and receive:
· A lower reserved grandstand seat in rows 15-23 (upgrades available for an additional cost)
· Pre-race Pit Pass
· Parking
· Admission to the NFFF hospitality pavilion (includes food and select beverages)
· Special guest appearances in the hospitality pavilion
· Commemorative ACS/NFFF navy blue event t-shirt
· Donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
· (Offer expires March 25, 2011 or while supplies last)
Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org) to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Its mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend features special programs for survivors and coworkers along with moving public ceremonies. Call 909-429-5037 or visit autoclubspeedway.com/nfff for more information on the special NFFF package.(ACS)(1-17-2011)

Auto Club 500 becomes Auto Club 400: NASCAR continues to listen and respond to its fans and as a result, they will be the beneficiary of more exciting NASCAR Sprint Cup racing when it comes to Southern California in March. Changing the mileage from 500 to 400 for Auto Club Speedway’s October event along with double file restarts resulted in an action-packed three hours that media, drivers and fans called “the best race ever at Auto Club Speedway.” With that feedback, ACS officials announced today that the Auto Club 500 will now be the Auto Club 400. The race will take place on Sunday, March 27. In response to the mileage change and the excitement that it likely will produce, Auto Club Speedway is offering several ways to see the 5-wide excitement of NASCAR at Southern California’s premier motorsports facility. For tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit autoclubspeedway.com for more information.(ACS)(1-11-2011)

Auto Club Speedway Celebrates ‘Nothing Day’, ‘Extraterrestrial Abduction Day’: In the past, Auto Club Speedway has given race fans who purchased tickets on “Ticket Tuesdays” such goodies as zucchinis, pirate hats and pizzas – all in an effort to help celebrate “National Days” like ‘Sneak a Zucchini onto Your Neighbors Porch Day’, ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ and ‘National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day.’
Some have deemed our promotion ‘dumb’ (and that’s putting it nicely). So for all those who have that kind of attitude, purchase a $35 ticket any Tuesday in January and help us celebrate “National Nothing Day” on January 16th by getting NOTHING (except of course the ticket you purchase). That’s right, buy a ticket to the March 27th Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway and get no cupcakes, no tacos, no ice cream. You’ll get NOTHING and like it. More info and ticket packages starting as low as $35 visit autoclubspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE (7223).(Auto Club Speedway)(1-11-2011)

Auto Club Speedway tix on sale Monday: Beginning Monday, Dec. 13th at 8:30 am/pt, race fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to Auto Club Speedway’s Auto Club 500 race on March 27th, 2011. Ticket prices range from $35 to $105 and include some of the best seats in the house. Visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office, located at 9300 Cherry Ave. in Fontana, between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm/pt Monday through Friday, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or go to www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(12-13-2010)

Ticket transaction fees waived on Auto Club 500 tickets thru Cyber Monday: Auto Club Speedway is sharing its holiday spirit with you. Purchase a ticket to Auto Club Speedway’s Auto Club 500 between Black Friday (Nov. 26) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 29) and we’ll put a little jingle back in your pocket with NO SERVICE FEES and FREE SHIPPING on ANY ticket purchased during that time (a $12 savings per order on each), including our special “Holiday Package”. Fees will also be waived for those renewing their season tickets. Auto Club Speedway’s “Holiday Package” includes a grandstand ticket (rows 11-14) to the Auto Club 500 on March 27, a weekend pit pass to get an up close look as teams prepare for their Golden State debut and a certificate for a hot lap in the Auto Club Speedway car at a date to be determined – all for just $49 (a savings of over $40). Tickets prices range from $35 to $105. To purchase tickets to Southern California’s Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway, visit www.autoclubspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE (7223).(ACS)(11-28-2010)

Auto Club Speedway offer Exclusive Tix Packages, only at Phoenix: Auto Club Speedway is taking a road trip to Phoenix, Ariz. for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, Nov. 11-14. Along for the ride are exclusive ticket packages only available for purchase at PIR for Auto Club Speedway’s Auto Club 500 race weekend, March 25-27, 2011… the only place to find five-wide racing on the NASCAR circuit. The Auto Club Speedway #10 Chevy showcar and display, along with Auto Club Speedway representatives, will be on-site at Gate 7 behind the Bryan Grandstands in the Phoenix International Raceway Midway offering exclusive Auto Club 500 ticket packages available for purchase only at the ACS display in the Phoenix International Raceway Midway and include:
· Garage Tour Pack - $165 per person
· Infield RV Package - $400
· Buy a Sunday ticket and get a Saturday general admission ticket or Pre-Race Pit Pass for FREE
Fans who visit the ACS display and purchase four or more tickets will receive a free gift. These offers expire at the drop of the green flag on Sunday Nov. 14, 2010. For more information on these exclusive Auto Club 500 ticket packages call 909-429-5134.(ACS)(11-13-2010)

California Gubernatorial candidate named Grand Marshall for Sunday: California Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman will serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race – the Pepsi MAX 400 – at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, Oct.10. As Grand Marshal, the former eBay President and CEO, will give the command, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines,” to the 43-car field of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Through the years Whitman’s career led her to key executive positions at some of America’s best-known companies, including Disney, Stride Rite, FTD and Hasbro. In the fall of 1997 she met the founder of a tiny start-up company called eBay. She served as President and CEO from 1998-2008. When she joined eBay, the company had just $4.7 million in revenues and 30 employees; when she retired in March of 2008, ten years later, the company had nearly $8 billion in revenues and 15,000 employees worldwide.
Tickets: Race fans can be a part of all the Sunday action with tickets starting as low as $35 and many packages to choose from. 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. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com and be part of NASCAR in Southern California.(ACS)(10-8-2010)

ISC cuts jobs, keeps tightening belt: International Speedway Corp.[ISC] has cut more than 40 corporate positions -- all at its headquarters in Daytona, FL -- since announcing in August a company-wide initiative to reduce operational costs. The company's goal of reducing by 20% the size of its headquarters staff, which numbered 250 at the start of the year, has been met, said Dan Houser, ISC chief financial officer, said in a phone interview Thursday. Whether there will be additional job cuts will depend on the state of the economy, Houser said, although he added there are no further plans for staff reductions at this time. The company, hit by declining revenue because of the slow economy, has also responded by lowering ticket prices at its racetracks and putting some of its big development projects on hold, including its proposed entertainment/retail/dining complex across the street from Daytona International Speedway. ISC quietly severed ties late last year with the Baltimore-based developer that was to be a 50/50 partner in the planned Daytona Live! complex.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-8-2010)

NASCAR Hauler Parade at Auto Club Speedway: As if meeting NASCAR drivers and getting autographs wasn’t enough of a highlight for fans attending the Stater Bros. Racefest presented by Pepsi at Auto Club Speedway on Thursday, Oct. 7, add in a multi-city hauler parade and a chance to meet the likes of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Pepsi driver, Jeff Gordon. For the 6th year, Stater Bros. Supermarkets will sponsor this free event to the public (free admission and parking) which will be held in the DiscoverIE FanZone outside the front stretch and in the shadow of Auto Club Speedway.
Beginning at 6:15 pm on Thursday, Oct. 7, at Citizens Business Bank Arena, the spectacle of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will begin making its way to Auto Club Speedway through Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana. Stretching nearly an entire mile from the first hauler to the last, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Cherry Ave. and Auto Club Speedway’s main entrance around 7:00 pm Fans are expected to greet the haulers along the parade route, until the haulers make their final approach to the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone where all the Stater Bros. Racefest activities are taking place.
Stater Bros. Racefest is scheduled from 5 – 9 p.m.. In addition to the usual Racefest fare of driver autograph and Q&A sessions, a freestyle motocross stunt show with Rockstar Metal Mulisha, live music, rides, games, souvenir trailers and great food & beverages, this year’s event adds a few extra goodies for fans to enjoy. More info at autoclubspeedway.com.(10-6-2010)

Richard Petty added to Ford Racing Party Zone at Auto Club Speedway: "The King" Richard Petty has been added to the already impressive Ford Racing Party Zone lineup for Pepsi MAX 400 Weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Petty's Ford Racing Party Zone appearance is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 10 at 10:30a.m. In addition to "The King", Jack Roush will make a special appearance in the Ford Racing Party Zone fan hospitality tent during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff race weekend Oct. 9-10. Don't miss the chance to see these two legends of NASCAR reflect about their life - past, present and future. Joining "The King" and Roush in the Ford Racing Party Zone on Sunday, Oct. 10, will be NSCS Ford Racing Team drivers Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and AJ Allmendinger. By simply upgrading a grandstand ticket, fans can take their NASCAR race weekend experience to the next level. Admission to the Ford Racing Party Zone requires a valid grandstand ticket, in addition to the Ford Racing Party Zone upgrade at an additional charge. To purchase tickets, visit us online or by calling 800-944-RACE (7223).(ACS)(9-27-2010)

Kenny Loggins to perform at Auto Club Speedway: The Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone will be transformed into a Danger Zone when Grammy Awarding-winning, singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins takes the DiscoverIE FanZone main stage prior to the Chase for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series playoff race - the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday, Oct. 10 at Auto Club Speedway. Tickets to the Pepsi MAX 400, which includes the Kenny Loggins live performance, start as low as $35. Those wanting an extra dose of Kenny Loggins, can experience his race day performance at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 10, and then again at his full concert at Pechanga Resort and Casino on Friday, Oct. 29 for just $60. Get your Kenny Loggins ticket package before it expires on Thursday, Oct. 7, or while supplies last. For more information or to purchase the Kenny Loggins ticket package, call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway Ticket Office.(ACS)(9-26-2010)

Time Limited to get some deals at Auto Club: Now is the time to get some of the best deals for NASCAR weekend at Auto Club Speedway October 8-10 before they soon expire. Experience the thrill of NASCAR, with special ticket packages offering a full weekend of world-class racing and entertainment before it’s too late.
Expires September 19: Kevin Harvick Ticket Package for Only $29
Expires September 24: 10/10/10 Wedding and Vow Renewal Ticket Packages
Expires September 28: Ticket Tuesday Offer
Expires September 30: First Time Fan Ticket Package for the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday, Oct. 10 for $99
Expires September 30: Thunder and Chrome Ticket Package for $85
Expires October 7: All Day Food Fest Ticket Add-On just $35 (ages 13 and over) or $20 (ages 12 and under)
Expires October 9: Ford Racing Party Zone Ticket Add-on
Expires October 9: Budweiser Block Party Ticket Package for $99
Available While Supplies Last: Show Your Card and Save and Auto Club Speedway Lefty’s Kids Club Members. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(9-21-2010)

All Day Food Fest at Auto Club Speedway: On October 10, not only will NASCAR fans get their fill of "The Chase," they'll also get their fill of great food when the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup comes to Auto Club Speedway. For a limited time only, for just $35 (ages 13 and over) or $20 (ages 12 and under) fans can fill up on their favorite food as part of Auto Club Speedway's special all you can eat "All Day Food Fest" package. The advance purchase only package is available for the day of the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday, Oct. 10 at participating Auto Club Speedway concession stands scattered throughout the property. The "All Day Food Fest" package does not include a ticket to the race and all "All Day Food Fest" guests must have a valid grandstand admission or infield ticket to enjoy the all you can eat package. An "All Day Food Fest" wristband will be issued and is valid for (1) entrée, one (1) snack and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage each time through the line at participating locations and each pass is only valid for one person (no sharing). Hungry race fans must act now, as the All Day Food Fest package expires on Oct. 7.(ACS)(8-16-2010)

Auto Club Speedway will have one race for 2011: Auto Club Speedway will host one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend - March 25-27 - returning to its traditional spot on the schedule beginning in 2011. Speedway officials also continue to work in earnest to add events to the Speedway's race schedule in an effort to diversify on-track activity for the 2011 year. "Moving our Auto Club 500 event from February to March provides us the opportunity to show off the area's beautiful 'Chamber of Commerce' weather," said Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker. "Our staff and the thousands of Southern California loyal race fans look forward to the return of NASCAR's most talented drivers in both the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series as well as Southern California's own four-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.(ACS)(8-10-2010)

2011 schedule changes will be "impactful": NASCAR appears ready to give its 2011 Sprint Cup schedule a facelift. CEO Brian France said before Sunday's race at Indianapolis that stock car's top series is in the "final throes" of completing next year's Cup slate and that it could feature some "impactful" changes. International Speedway Corp. is asking for a second race in Kansas, while Speedway Motorsports Inc. wants Las Vegas to get a second Cup date. SMI is also hoping to bring a Cup race to its 1.5-mile track in northern Kentucky.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)
AND: NASCAR's 2010 Sprint Cup schedule is expected to have a considerably different look next season, including the site of the season finale. Some changes are expected in response to requests from major track owners International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc., but several other race dates are believed to be in play. Several sources told the Observer and ThatsRacin.com on Sunday that changes being contemplated include the season's final race, now held at Miami-Homestead. That ISC-owned track could get the second race of the 2011 season. Auto Club Speedway currently occupies that spot on the schedule. The sources said two tracks figure in the options being considered to replace Homestead as host of the season's final race weekend: Las Vegas and Daytona. A Las Vegas finale could make it more convenient for fans, teams, media and others to attend NASCAR's season-ending awards events. Those events, held in New York City for years, moved to the desert gambling-and-resort city for the first time last year. A season finale at Daytona would add a second restrictor-plate race to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(Charlotte Observer)(7-26-2010)

Scheduled changes, 3 tracks loses? 3 gain dates?: SPEED's Bob Dillner reported on the July 11th SPEED Report that rumors have Auto Club Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway with second race dates going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway getting a Sprint Cup race. No word how this will shake up the Sprint Cup schedule, can be figured out a few different ways. Look for Atlanta Motor Speedway to keep it's Labor Day weekend date and doubtful Las Vegas would get a summer date with the heat there.(7-13-2010)

Some 2011 schedule speculation: It appears more likely than ever the 2011 Sprint Cup slate will have a much different look than it has in recent seasons. NASCAR acknowledged both SMI and ISC have requested realignment date changes for next year, and there are reports Kentucky and a second date for Las Vegas will be part of the SMI plan, at the expense of races in New Hampshire and Atlanta, and Kansas will gain a second NASCAR weekend when Auto Club Speedway gets stripped of its February date.(CBS Sports) to see what tracks have already confirmed their dates for next year, check out my 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 'tentative' Schedule page.(7-5-2010)

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience coming to Auto Club Speedway: Rusty Wallace announced the creation of The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, a racing-themed attraction set to open this August at Auto Club Speedway in San Bernardino County, California. The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience will offer fans the chance to drive authentic stock cars built to current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series specs. The majority of the vehicles in The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience stables have actually been raced in Sprint Cup competition. Reservations for The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience are now being accepted. Dates are currently available this September through December, with many more dates scheduled for 2011. For reservations, additional information and details on upcoming promotions at The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, please visit racewithrusty.com or call 877.722.1232.(RWI PR)(7-3-2010)

Blue Angels to perform flyover at Auto Club Speedway: The world-renowned “Blue Angels” – the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron – will provide race fans with an aerial spectacle immediately following the National Anthem at the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR – the Auto Club 500 – on Feb. 21 at Auto Club Speedway. It is the first time the exclusive flying squadron will perform a flyover at the Speedway. Reaching speeds of 400 mph, the Blue Angels flyover will feature six blue and gold Boeing F/A-18 Hornets; the Delta formation will then fly back to Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., where they are currently based for winter training.(ACS PR)(2-19-2010)

Andy Garcia named Grand Marshal for Auto Club 500: Actor, producer, director and composer/musician Andy Garcia will serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR's 2010 West Coast Premiere - the Auto Club 500 - on Sunday, Feb. 21. As Grand Marshal, Garcia will give the command, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines," to the 43-car field of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Emmy, Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated Garcia (Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen), stars in the upcoming comedy film City Island, with Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife"), Steven Strait (10,000 BC), Dominik García-Lorido (The Lost City), Ezra Miller ("Californication"), Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Emily Mortimer (Shutter Island).(ACS PR)(2-19-2010)

WWF's Steve Austin to wave green flag for Auto Club 500: Auto Club Speedway announced that former WWF wrestling superstar Steve Austin will serve as Honorary Starter for the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21. Austin, starring in the upcoming 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment film “Damage”, which will be released on DVD on March 23, will get NASCAR’s West Coast Premiere underway at 12noon/pt on Sunday. "Having been a NASCAR fan for years, it is a real honor to be chosen to waive the Green Flag at Sunday's race. I can think of no better place to introduce my upcoming FOX film DAMAGE than at the Auto Club Speedway in front of tens of thousands of screaming race fans!" For more information or to purchase tickets to the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR at Auto Club Speedway call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(2-18-2010)

Auto Club Speedway Day in Los Angeles: Fans are invited to join #1-Jamie McMurray, the Daytona 500 Champion and Auto Club Speedway as Los Angeles city officials proclaim “Auto Club Speedway Day in L.A.” from the steps of L.A. City Hall on Thursday. Auto Club Speedway Day in L.A. will start (approx. 11:00 am/pt) at Los Angeles City Hall (200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA) where McMurray will be available for a fan Q & A before he and Gillian Zucker, President of Auto Club Speedway receive a proclamation from L.A. City officials declaring Thursday, Feb. 18 “Auto Club Speedway Day L.A.” throughout the city of Los Angeles.
Following the proclamation ceremony, McMurray will board a double-decker tour bus with an exclusive group of Auto Club Speedway season ticket holders on his tour of Los Angeles. First stop (approx. 12:20 pm/pt), the newest entertainment campus, L.A. Live (800 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Here, McMurray will have a sit-down conversation on ESPN radio with two-time Los Angeles Lakers NBA Champion Mychal Thompson and his radio partner Andrew Siciliano. McMurray will then travel to East Los Angeles to visit L.A.’s #1 favorite authentic Mexican food chain, King Taco. At King Taco, (4504 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA) he will enjoy a lunch and chat with fans and media (approx. 1:00 pm/pt).
Other stops and surprises are in the works and the tour will conclude with a return to L.A. City Hall. Fans are invited to show up at any of the stops to show support for McMurray as he gets ready for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race – the Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway. To see McMurray race at Auto Club Speedway, fans can take advantage of many Auto Club 500 weekend ticket packages starting as low as $35 and fan hospitality packages to have breakfast with Dale Jr. or brunch with the “King” Richard Petty and so much more! For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(2-17-2010

Katharine McPhee to perform National Anthem at ACS: Singer, songwriter and actress Katharine McPhee will perform the National Anthem at the Auto Club 500 NSCS race at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 21. Native Southern Californian, Katharine McPhee gained notoriety as the American Idol Fifth Season runner-up in 2006. Soon after, she released her first self-entitled solo album, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 in early 2007. Earlier this year, McPhee released her sophomore album Unbroken on Verve Forecast Records available in stores now. As an actress, McPhee can be seen in Adam Sandler's hit feature film, "House Bunny" and will be a guest on NBC's new TV comedy "Community," airing March 4th. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(2-17-2010)

Styx to perform at Auto Club pre-race concert: On Sunday, Feb. 21, legendary rock band STYX will play a pre-race concert performance on the Opportunity, California FanZone main stage that same morning at Auto Club Speedway before the Auto Club 500. The band is scheduled to take stage at 10:15 am, but fans are encouraged to gather early to see one of the world’s most popular rock bands. Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, Ricky Phillips and Chuck Panozzo (on occasion), have performed more live since ’99 than all of the previous years of its career combined. With big hit singles like Too Much Time on My Hands, Blue Collar Man, Come Sail Away and Renegade and classic albums like The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight and Cornerstone, one of music’s most enduring acts promises a masterful performance of classic rock hits. www.styxworld.com To see STYX and be part of the Auto Club 500 Weekend festivities, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com. Tickets start as low as $35.(ACS)(2-15-2010)

Near 70 degree temps at Auto Club Speedway: NASCAR fans from all 50 states are set to enjoy weekend festivities at Auto Club Speedway as near-70 temperatures are forecast to welcome fans ready to kick off two days of NASCAR premier racing, Feb. 19-21. Leading up to Friday’s activities, temperatures are forecast to reach into the mid-70s. Friday’s schedule has qualifying for Sunday’s Auto Club 500 set to begin at 3:30 local time as California native and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson looks to take his second straight race at Auto Club Speedway after taking October’s Chase race at ACS.
Perfect weather is again on tap for Saturday which see’s NASCAR’s newest star Danica Patrick making her West Coast NASCAR stock car debut as she attempts to qualify for Saturday’s NNS event. Qualifying begins at 9:30 while the 150-lap main event is set for 2:30 local time. Kids 12 and under are free all day Saturday with a paid adult.
On Sunday, the culmination of weekend activities is the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Auto Club 500, set to go green at Noon as inviting temperatures are forecast to continue throughout the day. “It’s great to see fans from all 50 states coming to Southern California to enjoy NASCAR racing at its best,” said Speedway President Gillian Zucker. “Auto Club Speedway and the greatest fans in sports continue to provide enormous economic impact to the region.”(ACS)(2-15-2010)

Reserve a Seat on Cable Car for Daytona 500 San Francisco Victory Tour: Thirty-five lucky fans have a chance to celebrate with the 2010 Daytona 500 champion on the 2nd annual San Francisco Victory Tour on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The winner of NASCAR’s Great American Race will be in San Francisco just three days after the big race and will be taken on a Victory Tour on-board a motorized cable car, beginning at North Vista Point at the Golden Gate Bridge at 12noon (PT). The Victory Tour will traverse the historic bridge, followed by stops at Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square, two of San Francisco’s most well-known areas. Race fans will follow the winner on the Victory Tour on a fan-only cable car, which will take the same route as the cable car that boasts the Daytona 500 winner. The tour will wind up at Willie Mays Plaza, home of the San Francisco Giants, for a fan rally and press conference at 12:45 p.m. Fans on the cable car will also receive preferred seating for the press conference.
For just $299, this once-in-a-lifetime package includes:
* One seat on the San Francisco Victory Tour Fan Cable Car
* One weekend pass for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 18-20
* One Pre-Race Pit and Track Pass (includes access to pits, pre-race festivities & driver intros on Sunday of race weekend)
* One Turn 9 Tailgater Parking Pass for all three days of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weekend
Only 35 of these special ticket packages will be sold, so act fast to reserve yours by calling 800-870-RACE today! Upgrade options are also available for fans who have already purchased race tickets.(ACS)(2-14-2010)

Montoya Ticket package at Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway has teamed up with #42-Juan Pablo Montoya for a special ticket package that will surely give Southern California race fans something to smile about. Fans that purchase the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package for only $142 will smile knowing that $42 from each ticket package will be donated to Montoya’s Formula Smiles Foundation benefitting the disadvantaged children of Montoya’s native country of Colombia. In addition to the $42 donation to the Formula Smiles Foundation, the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package includes:
· Lower Grandstand Reserved Seat (rows 11 to 23) to the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21
· Exclusive Q&A Session with Juan Pablo Montoya prior the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21
· Pre-Race Pit Pass providing up close access to pre-race activities
· Commemorative gift and Parking Pass
The JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package expires on Monday, Feb. 15, or while supplies last. For more information on the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package, visit autoclubspeedway.com/JuanPablo. As always, 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. Formula Smiles Foundation is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the United States, under status 501 c3, by Colombian racecar driver Juan Pablo Montoya and his wife Connie Freydell, which aims to improve, through sports, the quality of life of Colombian children in vulnerable situations.(Auto Club Speedway)(2-1-2010)

Train Service suspended for Auto Club race weekend: Due to current economic strains on thousands of race fans, Auto Club Speedway will not utilize METROLINK charter train service during the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR in February. However, tens of thousands of free parking spaces with easy access entrances await the throngs of race fans who will attend the Stater Bros. 300 NNS event on Saturday, Feb. 20 and the Auto Club 500 NSCS event on Sunday, Feb. 21 at Auto Club Speedway. “With the current economic downturn, there is very little demand for a service, no matter how convenient, that charges between $20 and $35 per person to ride the train,” said Speedway President Gillian Zucker. “We have plenty of on-site parking that is free and hope our fans will take full advantage.” For those now driving, in addition to free parking and easy access entrances, Auto Club Speedway has partnered with the Inland Empire’s MRN affiliate – KFROG – to make the trip a little easier. Fans making their way to Southern California’s Premier motorsports facility, can tune to 95.1 FM en route to the track for real time traffic updates and tips for easy entrance into the facility. For more information on the races at Auto Club Speedway, Feb. 19-21, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(1-25-2010)

“Hope for Haiti” drive-through fundraising event is underway at Auto Club Speedway: The “Hope for Haiti” drive-through fundraising event is underway at Auto Club Speedway. Southern Californian’s can join NBC4, Telemundo, the American Red Cross and Operation USA at Auto Club Speedway today until 6:30 pm/pt to help the Haitian relief efforts of the American Red Cross and Operation USA. Donations can be made in the form of cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross/Haiti Relief or Operation USA/Haiti Relief. Donations can also be made online at redcross.org and opusa.org. Representatives from the two charitable organizations, the TV stations and Auto Club Speedway will be on hand to help collect the donations. Joining the effort are radio stations KFRG 95.1 FM and Exitos 93.9 FM and Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA.(ACS)(1-15-2010)

Fall race at Auto Club Speedway shortened UPDATE: NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., which owns the 2-mile speedway, today will announce the Oct. 10 event, fourth in the Chase, will be renamed and shortened from 500 miles. The race, sponsored by Pepsi since 2008, will be known as the Pepsi Max 400 on the 2010 Sprint Cup schedule. "As fans well know, conversations with NASCAR in regard to making Auto Club Speedway the most competitive track possible for NASCAR racing have been ongoing," said Gillian Zucker, Speedway president, in a prepared statement. "The results of some changes made by NASCAR - such as double-file restarts and tire changes - were seen at our inaugural Chase race, arguably one of the best races ever at the Speedway. This additional change to 400 miles is further evidence of NASCAR's commitment to racing excitement and to Southern California race fans." The previous 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Fontana had all been 500 miles (250 laps). However, 400-mile races were a staple at now-defunct Riverside International Raceway until 1980. At that point, until its closure in 1988, the race distances were measured in kilometers. With 50 laps lopped off, it will change the strategy of the competitors and will eliminate at least one fuel stop. As the double-file restarts demonstrated in 2009, race leaders are all bunched up after caution periods. There was no word about ticket prices and how they'll reflect the shorter distances.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(1-13-2010)
UPDATE: Auto Club Speedway and NASCAR officials today announced that the Speedway’s October Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race – the Pepsi 500 – will now be 400 miles, rather than 500. Track officials also announced that the race, sponsored by Pepsi since 2008, will be re-branded the Pepsi Max 400. 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.(Auto Club Speedway)(1-14-2010)

The Dale Jr & Danica Ticket Package: Auto Club Speedway announced a limited number of the Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick ticket packages have been released in anticipation of Danica Patrick making her NASCAR Nationwide Series debut during Auto Club Speedway’s Stater Bros. 300 for JR Motorsports on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. For only $88 (a $140 value), the Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick ticket package includes:
· Saturday general admission seat to the NNS Stater Bros 300 race and qualifying*
· Sunday lower reserved grandstand seat to the NSCS Auto Club 500 race
· Weekend Pre-Race Pit Pass and a Parking Pass
(* Danica’s participation in the Stater Bros. 300 is subject to qualifying results)
With children 12 and under FREE on Friday and Saturday of race weekend, the $88 Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick ticket package is a great value for the entire family. The Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick ticket package expires on Jan. 31, or while supplies last. To purchase tickets, visit us online at www.autoclubspeedway.com or by calling 800-944-RACE (7223).(ACS)(12-27-2009)

Show your card and Save at Auto Club Speedway: Automobile Club of Southern California members have much to celebrate when NASCAR roars back to Auto Club Speedway on Feb. 21, as it’s also the 110th Anniversary of the Automobile Club of Southern California. To help celebrate this milestone, Auto Club Speedway is extending the Show Your Card & Save Offer. Members can get the best seats in the house at an incredible price. For only $110, the Show Your Card & Save Offer includes:
· Upper Reserved grandstand seat for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race – the Auto Club 500, Sunday, Feb. 21st (a $105 value)
· Upper Reserved grandstand seat for the NASCAR NNS race Stater Bros. 300, Saturday, Feb. 20th (a $50 value)
Members must act now as this offer expires on Jan. 31. For more information on the Show Your Card & Save Offer or to purchase tickets, visit www.autoclubspeedway.com or call (800) 944-RACE (7223).(ACS)(11-26-2009)

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)