- Shooting suspect arrested; accused of firing into crowd at NASCAR event: A man suspected of opening fire on a crowd at California Speedway during NASCAR [Busch Series] races last month was arrested Monday by sheriff's deputies. Ramon Luis Caraballos, 30, of San Bernardino was booked into Central Detention Center on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies from the Fontana station responded to a reported shooting at 8:17pm/pt, Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Speedway, 9300 Cherry Ave. The shooting occurred after a fight between Caraballos and another man. Deputies said Caraballos had been drinking and punched the man in the face. He then pulled out a knife and later got a gun from his car. He fired twice at the man and a crowd behind him, but no one was struck, deputies said. Investigators identified Caraballos as the suspect Monday and arrested him in San Bernardino. Sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller did not have any further information on the incident Tuesday evening. He was being held on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon in lieu of $50,000 bail, according to the sheriff's online log. A call to California Speedway on Tuesday was not returned.(San Bernardino County Sun)(3-21-2007)
- Aikman subs for Schroeder as starter at California: Troy Aikman isn't accustomed to filling in as a sub, but he gladly accepted the role Sunday when asked to wave the green flag for the Auto Club 500. The NFL Hall of Famer replaced actor Rick Schroeder, who was scheduled to do the honors before telling California Speedway officials Saturday that he couldn't make it. Speedway officials were scrambling to find a replacement. Getting another actor wasn't a good option in Southern California on the day of the Academy Awards. But Aikman already was at the track. He's the co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing with another former fellow Dallas Cowboys quarterback -- Roger Staubach. They own the #96 DLP Chevy driven by Tony Raines.(ESPN.com), Aikman also threw footballs out to the crowd from the flagstand.(2-26-2007)
- Oscar Winner Costner Named Grand Marshal for California Cup race: Kevin Costner will serve as Grand Marshal of the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway on February 25, 2007. Costner will give the "Gentlemen, Start your Engines" command to the Nextel Cup drivers in front of the live audience and those watching at home on FOX. In addition, Costner will energize fans when he performs live with "The Kevin Costner Band" on the Opportunity, California FanZone stage during pre-race festivities. The California Speedway will host the kickoff of NASCAR racing on the West Coast with the Craftsman Truck Series San Bernardino County 200 (February 23), the Busch Series Stater Bros.300 (February 24) and the Nextel Cup Series Auto Club 500 (February 25). Costner and his six-member band will play a set of original rock music. The group first made its public debut in August 2006 at the “Field of Dreams” film site in Dyersville, Iowa, drawing thousands of fans. Since then, they have played numerous venues across the country. Tickets for the Auto Club 500 weekend are going fast! To purchase tickets or to receive more information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or visit racetickets.com or www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(1-31-2007)
- California Speedway Donates $1 for Every Speedway Holiday Card Sent Over the Internet in December: Send a unique holiday e-card from California Speedway’s official website and the speedway will donate up to $5,000 to Meals on Wheels. The artwork depicts Santa relaxing by the fireplace and reviewing a “Top 10 wish list” made by California Speedway fans. His elves, along with the California Speedway staff, have checked off the entire list as 2006 was a phenomenal year for fans at the southern California motorsports facility. Subtle images have been drawn into this design, including surfboards, checkered flag slippers on Santa, a California Speedway logo chair, the California Speedway water tower outside the window and the artist’s trademark signature on Santa’s mug. This holiday e-card was specially designed by California Speedway Art Department Manager Tony Montano. To send this card, visit www.californiaspeedway.com and click on the link to send a holiday e-card. Once there, type in friend’s and family’s e-mail addresses, a special note and hit send. There is no limit to how many holiday e-cards that can be sent, and for every e-card sent during the month of December, California Speedway will donate $1 to Meals on Wheels, up to a $5,000 donation.(California Speedway PR)(12-7-2006)
- California Speedway Improves Sight Lines, reconfigs RV area: As part of its ongoing commitment to providing the best racing experience for fans, California Speedway President Gillian Zucker announced that the infield RV area has been reconfigured to improve sight lines for grandstand guests and the television audience, and to improve the safety conditions for drivers and safety workers by providing NASCAR officials with a better view of the track's backstretch from the tower. The reconfiguration comes in response to feedback from NASCAR officials, guests and television partners and will further ensure that in 2007 and beyond, California Speedway's February and September NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekends are fun and memorable for all involved. While the changes will result in improved sight lines for NASCAR officials and grandstand fans, the view from more than 40,000 lower grandstand seats - some of the most popular seats - will be dramatically improved. Following a sight line study conducted by Associated Engineers, Inc. of Ontario, Calif., the Speedway removed the first row of backstretch RVs placing an additional 50 ft of space after the inside retaining wall and the 150 ft. skid pad. The new open area will be fenced off and will not be accessible to the public. The reconfiguration resulted in the displacement of 157 of 1,800 RV spots and Zucker called each RV owner to explain the necessity of the changes. While these changes have benefited the track’s grandstand guests and home viewers, California Speedway has not forgotten the dedicated infield RV fans. NEXTEL Vision screens will be added to the backstretch so that infield RV guests will have an even better view of the racing action and will be able to view in full detail all pre-race and on-track entertainment. The screens will be supplemented by FM band radio (104.7) transmitting the audio PA signal and MRN broadcast. For tickets to the upcoming Auto Club 500 weekend at California Speedway, or for more information, visit www.californiaspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE. (California Speedway PR)(11-27-2006)
- California Speedway considering track options: When Dale Earnhardt Jr. suggested that California Speedway reconfigure its track, it wasn't the first time track president Gillian Zucker had heard that suggestion. In fact, she has heard plenty of suggestions on how to make racing better on the 2-mile oval. She has gone to other tracks and talked to drivers, owners and NASCAR officials about how to create more side-by-side racing. "There are a lot of different opinions," Zucker said Saturday. "If you go back and look at the finishing order of the race, you can figure out who thinks it's a great race track and who thinks it could use a lot of work. ... It is only a 10-year-old race track. To tear it up would be a major undertaking and it is something that we're not going to do unless we're absolutely certain that by doing it, it would provide the most competitive racing surface in the nation." Although Homestead-Miami Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been reconfigured recently, Zucker said it might not be as simple at a 2-mile oval such as California. Adding banking would be difficult in Turn 1, Zucker said, because speeds are already so high going into that turn. Reducing the 70-foot width of the track could be an option. The other major factor that would go into any sort of repaving/reconfiguring project would be how it would improve sightlines, something that Zucker wants to focus on. "We have a good number of people in those grandstands that can't see all the way around this facility," Zucker said. "That is something that I think is really important to try to correct."(SceneDaily.com)(9-5-2006)
- 'Earl' drives a pace lap: Jason Lee, star of the NBC sitcom "My Name Is Earl" [and a Jayski Fave show] was the honorary pace car driver, driving ahead of Todd [they mean Brett] Bodine on the track. Sunday's race [at California Speedway] was the first for him. "Indy, I like a lot, and Formula One," said Lee. "I've seen some races up in Canada. I get to drive the pace car, that's pretty exciting. That's the kind of stuff you think about when you're a kid." Ethan Suplee, who plays Lee's brother Randy on the show, was also in attendance. "Randy, can you believe we're actually here? We're at NASCAR," Lee said in character. "What are the odds on Ricky Bobby winning this race?" Suplee replied, also in character, a reference to Will Ferrell's movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(9-4-2006)
- Founder of America Supports You Program to Join Speedway Fans at California: Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, and the architect of the America Supports You program will join NASCAR fans at the California Speedway Sept. 3, 2006. America Supports You is an outreach program launched by the Department of Defense to recognize citizens’ support for military men and women and to communicate that support to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
• 86 NASCAR race cars including pace cars will carry the America Supports You decal during the Busch Series Race on Saturday, Sept 2, and the NEXTEL Cup Series on Sunday Sept 3. In addition, America Supports You logo will be stenciled in color on the grass along the front straightaway of the Speedway.
• In conjunction with the California Speedway, America Supports You will provide race fans an opportunity to text their vote of support for our military men and women in uniform. Text messaging is an interactive component of the America Supports You program designed to give all Americans a way to show the volume of their support, and it provides a strong message to members of the military. Barber and sports announcers will invite spectators to actively show their support by texting “Thanks” to T-X-A-S-Y (89279) from their cell phones.
• Shout outs from the troops stationed overseas to NASCAR fans will play on California Speedway jumbotrons, and America Supports You public service announcements will be broadcast in-stadium for on-site fans.
In addition, Barber will be interviewed on Sunday afternoon during pre-race ceremonies from the California Speedway along with four military members recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, including SPC Robby R. Case, SSgt Paula Denise Newman and Sergeant Patrick Bauschke.(NASCAR PR)(9-3-2006)
- Dale Jr. - rebuild Calif Speedway if: Some view NASCAR races at the California Speedway as boring because there isn't enough passing, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a blunt solution Friday: Start over in Fontana. "Dig it up and rebuild it," he said when asked how to generate closer racing on the two-mile, D-shaped oval. "They do it at other places, so I don't see why we couldn't do it here. It's a little too flat, The banking is flat in Turns 1 and 2 and it's not conducive to good racing." All four corners have 14-degree banking. "We're going 196 [mph] down the front straightaway into a flat corner," Earnhardt said. "How are you supposed to race around that? You do your best just to get around it uneventfully, you know, much less try to pass somebody." The track's banking is flatter than some Nextel Cup tracks, but others have even less banking in the corners, including the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(Los Angeles Times)(9-2-2006)
- Marcia Cross Named Honorary Starter for the SONY HD 500: Award-winning TV and film actress Marcia Cross will wave the green race flag at the start of the Nextel Cup Series race at the California Speedway on Sunday, September 3, 2006. Marcia is excited to team up with rookie racecar driver J.J. Yeley of the #18 car to raise awareness about migraine headaches. Migraines have been part of Marcia's life for years. She experienced her first migraine when she was in high school and for many years she suffered, unable to effectively manage her migraines. More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches and almost half of all people who suffer from migraines are undiagnosed. If left untreated, migraines can be highly disruptive, even disabling, making it impossible to participate in daily activities. Marcia hopes to educate race fans about migraines and encourages those who suffer from frequent, bad headaches to talk to their doctor about their symptoms. A tool she recommends to help you talk to your doctor is the Headache Quiz and can be found at www.headachquiz.com. Getting the right diagnosis can mean the difference between debilitating pain and getting relief.(California Speedway PR)(9-2-2006)
- Clarkson named Grand Marshal at California: California Speedway announced that Grammy Award-winning and Sony recording artist, Kelly Clarkson, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the SONY HD 500 on Sunday, September 3, 2006. Clarkson will give the most famous words in motorsports, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines," in front of the Southern California crowd and to a national television audience on NBC during the Labor Day NASCAR weekend event. She will also lead the Nextel Cup Series field off pit road in the Grand Marshal car prior to the start of the SONY HD 500. Clarkson, winner of FOX TV's first American Idol, hails from Burleson, Texas. Tickets for the weekend are on sale now and start as low $20. For more information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or log on to www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(8-31-2006)
- Midway Grand Opening at California Speedway to Feature Spectacular Musical Line-Up: California Speedway announced a star studded entertainment line up to debut the Entertainment Stage of the track's multi-million dollar Midway renovation project opening on Labor Day NASCAR weekend. The Entertainment Stage will be the centerpiece of the Town Center, which also includes Apex by Wolfgang Puck, a full-service restaurant. Other features in the newly redesigned Midway include a retail store, enhanced shade features, giant video walls, improved picnic and leisure areas and interactive performers. Taking the stage prior to the SONY HD 500 is Puddle of Mudd, Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts, and Julie Roberts. With the design almost doubling from the previous Midway, the new Midway will include many entertainment features and interactive performers scattered throughout the environment.
Ground breaking for the eye-catching new Midway redesign project began in February, almost immediately following the checkered
flag of the 2006 Auto Club 500. Since then, construction crews have been working through the Spring and Summer months to complete the project before the SONY HD 500 on Labor Day weekend. Tickets to the Nextel Cup Series SONY HD 500 at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend (September 1-3) are going fast. For tickets call 800-944-RACE [7223] or log on to californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(7-20-2006)
- Consultant to help California tix sales: Long-time NASCAR consultant, short-track owner and France family friend Ken Clapp will help California Speedway in its efforts to boost slumping ticket sales at the facility. In an exclusive interview with SPEEDTV.com Thursday at Phoenix International Raceway, Clapp, 67, said he has made a commitment to assist in the revitalization of the Southern California speedway. Clapp said he was asked by NASCAR Vice Chairman Bill France, Jr. last month at Las Vegas to take on the project. “I told him it will take five years,” said Clapp, who will serve as a consultant to track President Gillian Zucker. First up on Clapp’s list is a barnstorming tour with Zucker of the Southern California media, where he has deep roots and many friends. Clapp, who for many years was co-owner and operator of the fabled Stockton 99 Speedway, said some dramatic changes could be in the works at California Speedway. Among them are a possible date change for the spring race, to move it further away from the nearby Las Vegas race, and a track redesign similar to the one done at Homestead-Miami Speedway a couple of years back. The goals are to create better racing and draw more fans.(Speed Channel)(4-22-2006)
- No plans to move any of Martinsville or California races: International Speedway Corp. Chief Operating Officer John Saunders says the company has no plans to move any of its NASCAR Nextel Cup races from Martinsville Speedway and California Speedway. Answer questions during a conference call with financial analysts to discuss the company's first-quarter financial results, Saunders today said that overall weekend attendance was down at California for February, but ISC remains bullish on the Los Angeles market. He said that the move of a race from North Carolina Speedway at Rockingham for a second California event beginning in 2004 has resulted in increased ticket sales and sponsorship revenues but has not met the company's expectations.
"While the Southwest is an underdeveloped region for NASCAR racing, we believe it is strategically important to have two major Cup weekends in the nation's second-largest media market," Saunders said. "As part of our long-term growth efforts. We are changing ticket pricing and packaging strategies, as well as adding amenities designed to enhance the fan experience. We remain confident in the long-term success of the California Speedway."
Martinsville is typically the subject of rumors about tracks that might lose a race because it has only 64,000 grandstand seats, about 5,000 more than Darlington, which has one race. All other ISC tracks that have two races have at least 75,000 seats, except the Watkins Glen road course. Martinsville is also located in Virginia, not far from Richmond International Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway "We have stated previously that realignment, which is a NASCAR initiative, is something that we're very interested in and that we would look in time to markets that are saturated, smaller markets and where we have opportunities to go to larger, underserved markets," Saunders said. "But having said all of that, there are no plans sitting here today to do anything with Martinsville's schedule in 2006, 2007 and no plans beyond that at this point"(SceneDaily.com)(4-6-2006)
- California Speedway's Zucker Woman of the Year: Assemblymember Bill Emmerson (R-Redlands) recognizes California Speedway President Gillian Zucker as the 2006 Woman of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District. "As President of California Speedway, Gillian Zucker oversees one of the busiest motorsports facilities in the country," Assemblymember Emmerson said. "The Speedway has an economic impact on the local economy of $220 million, and it is the hard work of both Gillian and her staff that has
made California Speedway a fixture in Southern California's sports and recreational world." When Gillian Zucker was appointed fourth President of California Speedway on June 23, 2005, she became the first female president of a track hosting a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event in the country. Prior to her tenure with California Speedway, Ms. Zucker worked with both Daytona International Speedway and Kansas Speedway. "Gillian is a model of success for women in the community, and is truly an astounding individual. I am honored to select Gillian Zucker as Woman of the Year for 2006," stated Assemblymember Emmerson. The Woman of the Year event is an annual event to celebrate remarkable women in California who are making a difference in their communities. Honorees from throughout the state were honored in Sacramento on Monday, March 20th during a special ceremony. Zucker was awarded with an Assembly resolution in honor of her service to our state and our country. Assemblyman Emmerson will host a Woman of Distinction Reception to locally recognize Zucker as Woman of the Year, as well as 63 other Women of Distinction from the 63rd District on Thursday, March
30.(California Speedway PR)(3-31-2006)
- Calif Speedway Prez Bulldozes Building: Concrete bricks tumbled to the ground at California Speedway on Wednesday afternoon as Speedway President Gillian Zucker drove a CAT 950 Wheel Loader into a souvenir building at Gate 13 to make way for the
multi-million dollar Midway redesign. After a quick lesson, Zucker used the machine's bucket to hit the first concrete brick wall. Seconds later it tumbled down. She continued in the same fashion, maneuvering the loader around the building until all that remained was a pile of rubble on the ground. At the site where the souvenir building stood, Wolfgang Puck's Apex restaurant will be built. The restaurant will feature dine-in accommodations, as well as takeout windows for easy access for race fans during NASCAR events. Next to Apex will sit a full service retail store where California Speedway guests can get all their Speedway and race team gear. Behind the motorsports facility's grandstands, and south of Apex, will be grass leisure areas, a town center and a concert stage. Driver merchandise trailers will wrap around promotional displays throughout the Midway to create a street festival atmosphere. Guests
will have easy access to the Midway from the west side of the property with a new accessible bridge from Lot 11. Other key elements in the new Midway include shade features, modified entry gates, expanded hospitality areas, radio broadcast locations, giant video walls, leisure areas and grass and water accents. The new midway, bringing the majority of the key entertainment features within California Speedway's fence line, will nearly double the midway footprint from 12.2 acres to 23.8 acres. Demolition of asphalt began at California Speedway on March 6. The new Midway will begin to take form later this spring and into the summer. The first public opening of the Midway will take place during the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series SONY HD 500 this Labor Day weekend (September 1-3).
For more information about California Speedway and to order tickers, please visit californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(3-24-2006)
- California not to sell out? Don't be surprised if there are empty seats Sunday at California Speedway during the Auto Club 500, the first of two stops this year for the Nextel Cup Series in Fontana. This race probably won't sell out again no matter what the speedway's marketing team does if NASCAR officials continue to hold it the week after the season-opening Daytona 500, NASCAR officials dealt California Speedway a difficult hand when they moved this race from late April or early May to February, holding it only two weeks before a wildly successful event in Las Vegas. That means the Nextel Cup Series is racing twice in basically the same market in less than a month. Las Vegas is only 224 miles away from Fontana, a four-hour drive up Interstate 15 (or an even shorter airplane ride). Brian France, the CEO of NASCAR, said he is expecting a large turnout for Sunday's race in Fontana, but even he told the media at the Daytona 500 he wasn't anticipating a sellout. California Speedway's second Cup date seems to be safe for the time being, however. NASCAR officials want to ride the wave of excitement created by the Daytona 500 into their biggest market. There probably will be about 80,000 screaming NASCAR fans in the grandstands.(Orange County Register)(2-22-2006)
- Bank of America to sponsor four ISC tracks: Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday that it has reached a five-year agreement with International Speedway Corp. to sponsor four race tracks, including California Speedway near Los Angeles. Financial terms of the latest sponsorship deal, which also includes tracks in Kansas City, Mo.; Avondale, Ariz.; and Watkins Glen, N.Y., were not disclosed. In return for its financial support, Bank of America wins the right to place advertisements and ATMs at each of the four tracks as well as entertainment space and other promotional rights. Last summer, Bank of America struck a deal with ISC's chief rival, Speedway Motorsports Inc., to sponsor Lowe's Motor Speedway in nearby Concord, N.C., and tracks at Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Bank of America also will sponsor the Nextel Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in October, the Bank of America 500.(ESPN.com/AP)(2-22-2006)
- California Speedway Day in LA: Representatives from the City of Los Angeles will declare February 22, 2006 as "California Speedway Day in L.A." They will be joined at City Hall by the winner of the 2006 Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson, who will be in town in preparation for the February 26, 2006, Auto Club 500 at California Speedway. Johnson will drive to the south steps of City Hall in a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race car for the ceremony proclaiming February 22, 2006 as "California Speedway Day in L.A."(California Speedway)(2-21-2006)
- Ride the Rails to California Speedway: Race fans throughout the southland are revving up to be chauffeured – via rails – to the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway on February 26. The same Metrolink trains that carry thousands of Southern California residents to and from work everyday will be providing race weekend service arranged by California Speedway and San Bernardino Associated Governments. These trains will make a special stop on the San Bernardino Line at the Speedway on Friday and Saturday of race weekend, with a specially chartered service dedicated solely for the race crowd on Sunday. Race day Sunday Metrolink service will arrive at California Speedway early enough so fans can tour the midway and depart approximately one hour following the finish of the race, no matter when the checkers wave. Metrolink has been providing reliable service to California Speedway NASCAR events since the inaugural event in 1997. Round-trip passes for the train service must be purchased in advance, as there are no sales locations at California Speedway on race weekend. Sunday’s Metrolink charter service can be purchased through the California Speedway ticket office at 800-944-RACE [7223]. Passes for the Friday and Saturday train service that makes a special stop at California Speedway can be purchased at any Metrolink station that has a ticket vending machine (TVM). For more information about Metrolink’s service to California Speedway, including stations providing Sunday, February 26 Auto Club 500 service, visit www.californiaspeedway.com and click on the “Fan Info” link. For more information about Metrolink’s traditional service, visit www.metrolinktrains.com.(California Speedway PR)(2-20-2006)
- Honorary Starter, Race Official and National Anthem singer: California Speedway announced that Hilary Duff will serve as Honorary Starter, Haylie Duff will serve as Honorary Race Official and Fantasia Barrino will sing the National Anthem for the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, February 26. Kicking off NASCAR coverage on FOX, the Auto Club 500 is the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR as the second race of the season for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, one week following the Daytona 500. Hilary and Haylie Duff will help start the race by serving as Honorary Starter and Honorary Race Official, respectively, helping to wave the Green Flag to start the race. Screen star and multi-platinum recording artist Hilary Duff has starred in a number of motion pictures, including “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “A Cinderella Story,” and “The Perfect Man.” She has recorded two multi-platinum albums “Metamorphosis” and the self-titled “Hilary Duff” and recently completed her “Still Most Wanted” concert tour promoting her highly successful third album “Most Wanted.” A talented singer and songwriter, Haylie Duff is also a gifted actress who garnered worldwide attention with her 2004 role as ‘Summer’ in “Napoleon Dynamite.” This past season she starred in a recurring role in the critically-acclaimed series “Seventh Heaven” for The WB. Speedway officials also announced that “American Idol” winner and four-time Grammy nominee Fantasia Barrino will open race day festivities with the singing of the National Anthem. A native of High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia was the winner of Season Three’s “American Idol” competition. Her debut CD “Free Yourself” was released in November 2004, and the album’s title track was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.(California Speedway PR)(2-20-2006)
- Shav Glick named Grand Marshal of Auto Club 500: California Speedway announced recently that legendary motorsports writer Shav Glick - who retired in January from the Los Angeles Times - will serve as Grand Marshal for the Auto Club 500 on February 26. The Auto Club 500 is the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR as the second race of the season for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, one week following the Daytona 500. At the race, Glick will give the "Drivers, start your engines" command to those in attendance and to a live television audience on Fox. A native Californian, Glick got his first byline in a daily newspaper in 1935 at the Pasadena Post - he was 14 years old. In 1954, legendary publisher Otis Chandler recruited Glick to the Los Angeles Mirror, which became a part of the Los Angeles Times in 1963. In 1969, Glick began covering motorsports for the Times, retiring from that post in January of this year. Glick has won countless awards in a career that has spanned nearly 70 years. In 2004, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He has won the Jim Murray Outstanding Journalist Award; STP/AARWBA Writing, Broadcast and Photography honors; and the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award. He was only the fourth person in the 18-year history of the Motor Press Guild to receive a lifetime achievement award, and is a member of the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. To purchase tickets for the 2006 Auto Club 500, contact the speedway ticket office at 800-944-RACE [7223](California Speedway PR)(2-14-2006)
- New RV sites on sale this weekend at California: California Speedway announced the creation of more than 500 additional overnight RV camping spaces that will be christened during the Auto Club 500 weekend, February 24-26, 2006. The new camping section will go on-sale this Saturday (Dec. 17) during California Speedway's Garage Sale. The new camping section is located on Napa Street just west of Gate 5. More than 500 additional overnight RV camping spaces will be added to the approximately 1,800 infield spaces currently offered at California Speedway during the NASCAR weekends. The new camping section is on a packed and treated gravel lot that will be dust free on race weekend. Portable restrooms and showers will be present on the secure and lit camping area. Most camping spaces
are 20 ft. by 45 ft. A complimentary shuttle service will be available for overnight guests to the entrance gates. Guests interested in being part of the new camping section at California Speedway must purchase a package that includes two "Fan Pack" renewable season tickets (includes two Saturday and Sunday upper grandstand reserved seats) and one reserved RV camping site. The total weekend package is $410 with additional "Fan Pack" season tickets available upon request. Load in to all California Speedway camping sections will begin the Thursday of NASCAR race weekend. A complete list of rules and information is available in the 2006 Guest Guide. For more information about camping at California Speedway, or to reserve your space, call 909-429-5000. To purchase tickets to the Auto Club 500, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or visit www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(12-15-2005)
- Richter honored with Award: The Fabulous Fifties honored California native Les "Coach" Richter with the Lindley Bothwell Lifetime Achievement Award during their annual banquet at the Petersen Automotive Museum on Wednesday evening, December 7.
Guest honoring Mr. Richter included Ram's teammate Merlin Olsen, Dan Gurney on Riverside International Raceway, Greg Penske on early California Speedway, California Speedway President Gillian Zucker on NASCAR, George Follmer on IROC, Andy Porterfield on SCCA and Shav Glick of the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Richter currently serves as vice president of special projects for International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and based at California Speedway. He was instrumental in the development of the two-mile, state-of-the-art
superspeedway, overseeing the project for builder Roger Penske from demolition of the historic Kaiser Steel Mill, to its transformation into a world-class racing facility. The opening of the Speedway marked the return of professional oval track auto racing to the Southern California region. Mr. Richter served as the first Grand Marshal for the inaugural California 500 presented by NAPA on June 22, 1997.
A veteran motorsports executive, Mr. Richter's name is synonymous with motor racing in Southern California. In 1959, he became the executive director of Riverside International Raceway (RIR). Two years later, he became the president and general manager of RIR, a position that he held until 1983. He is credited with making RIR consistently profitable through his nationally known innovations and creativity, including the creation and promotion of the NASCAR Motor Trend 500 in 1963, and the planning and execution of the raceway's $3.6 million improvement plan in 1969. Mr. Richter is the chairman of the board for the International Race of Champions (IROC). Known to many as auto racing's "All-Star Event", IROC is open only to the world's twelve best drivers, who are selected and invited to participate in
one of motor racing's most unique competitions. Richter was the first player chosen in the regular draft of the National Football League in 1952. The New York Yankees Professional Football Club, who moved to Texas that year to become the Dallas Texans, selected him. On June 13, 1952, the Los Angeles Rams traded 11 players and draft choices to the Dallas Texans for the rights to Les Richter - an NFL record. Mr. Richter went on to play for the Rams for nine years, making all-pro as a linebacker for eight years. Mr. Richter served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant of the 44th Infantry Division. Affectionately known as "Coach" - from his days coaching an army football team while stationed at Fort Lewis Washington and later as a Player/Coach with the Rams - he resides in Riverside, California, with his wife Marilyn, and is the father of a son, Jon, and a daughter, Anne.(California Speedway)(12-9-2005)
- California Speedway to host blowout sale: California Speedway and Americrown, the official merchandise company of
International Speedway Corporation, will host a Garage Sale on Saturday Dec. 17th with past event and old Speedway logo merchandise for purchase. Items, including clothing, Speedway signage, toys and more, will be drastically reduced, with up to one-third savings from race weekend prices. More info at www.californiaspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-944-RACE.(California Speedway PR)(12-8-2005)
- NBC Actor to be Sony HD 500 Grand Marshal: Actor Josh Duhamel, who stars in the television hit "Las Vegas," has been named Grand Marshal for California Speedway's "Finish Under the Lights" SONY HD 500 on Sunday, September 4th. At this year's race,
Duhamel will give the "Drivers, start your engines" command to those in attendance and to a live television audience on NBC. Duhamel is entering his third season as Danny McCoy on NBC's Monday night "Las Vegas," produced by NBC Universal Television Studios and Dreamworks Television. This fast-paced, sexy drama follows the elite Las Vegas surveillance team charged with maintaining the security of one of "Sin City's" largest resorts and casinos. Tickets for the SONY HD 500 are available online at www.californiaspeedway.com or by calling 800-944-RACE [7223].(PR)(9-2-2005)
- Concert before Cup race at Calif: Billboard's 1998 "Alternative Artist of the Year," Everclear is the headlining act for the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert at California Speedway on Sunday, September 4, 2005, at 2:00pm/pt. Louis XIV will open the musical entertainment on race day at its new location inside Gate 16, behind the main grandstands. Catch all the sounds of Everclear and NASCAR at California Speedway during the SONY HD 500 race weekend at California Speedway. Sunday's schedule at the speedway includes the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert followed by the SONY HD 500. A grandstand ticket is needed to attend the concert. For ticket and event information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or visit www.californiaspeedway.com.(PR)(9-2-2005)
- Indy Car Demo before Calif. Cup race: Jimmy Kite has been asked to run demonstration laps at California Speedway prior
to Sunday's SONY HD 500 NEXTEL Cup event. The laps will give the diehard stock car fans at Fontana's two-mile oval a sense of what they can expect when the IRL IndyCar Series makes its appearance there on October 16 for the season finale TOYOTA Indy 400.(PR)(9-2-20005)
- Baseball great Tommy Lasorda named Starter for Sony HD 500:Dodger Special Advisor to the Chairman and Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, will serve as Honorary Starter for the SONY HD 500 on September 4th at California Speedway. As Honorary
Starter, Lasorda will wave the green flag to start the 43 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers. "We are very excited to have Tommy Lasorda here to start our second annual SONY HD 500, which will end under the lights," said Speedway President Gillian Zucker. "His name is synonymous with Southern California, making him a perfect fit to get the state of California's largest spectator event underway."
Lasorda, the only manager in baseball history to win both a World Series and Olympic gold medal, is currently in his 56th season within
the Dodger organization. He was named Vice President in 1996 after retiring as manager, a position he held for 20 seasons. He was
promoted to Senior Vice President in 1998. Lasorda's current responsibilities include scouting, evaluating and teaching minor
league players, acting as an advisor and ambassador for the Dodgers' international affiliations, and representing the franchise at more
than 100 speaking engagements and appearances to various charities, private groups and military personnel each year. Lasorda compiled a 1,599-1,439 record and won two World Championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles from 1976-96. His 16 wins in 30 N.L. Championship Series games were the most of any manager at the time of his retirement. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1997, his first year of eligibility. "I am enthused, and excited to be named the Honorary Starter," Lasorda said. "Waving the green flag is like swinging a bat; it's all in the wrists."
Lasorda, along with previously announced Grand Marshal, Josh Duhamel ("Las Vegas") continues a tradition of high-profile celebrities,
athletes and politicians who have participated in or attended California Speedway's NASCAR events. Others scheduled to be a part of
the SONY HD 500 include Trek Thunder Kelly, Chris Kirpatrick ('Nsync), Benji Madden (Good Charlotte), Joel Madden (Good Charlotte), Frankie Muniz and Wayans brothers (Damon, Keenan Ivory, Marlon and Shawn).
Tickets for the SONY HD 500 are available online at www.californiaspeedway.com or by calling 800-944-RACE [7223].(PR)(8-31-2005)
- Sadler to Walk of Fame: Elliott Sadler, the driver of the #38 M & M's Ford will join past NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racers who have won at California Speedway when he's inducted into the "Walk of Fame." The ceremony, which will feature Sadler placing his footprints, signature and a bronze placard with his likeness into cement, will take place at Gate 12 on Saturday, September 3rd at 11:00am. California Speedway will present a gift to Sadler to help commemorate his historic win during the induction.(California Speedway)(8-30-2005)
- NASCAR Meets the NFL Ticket Package: Here's one great offer that NASCAR and NFL fans can't miss: enjoy a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race and an NFL game for under $150. California Speedway and the San Diego Chargers have partnered up to bring a "Bolt to the Races" package to sports fans. The package is $145 per person and includes one lower level grandstand ticket to the September 4th SONY HD 500 and one view level ticket to the November 20th San Diego Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills game. Other great extras that are part of the "Bolt to the Races" deal include your choice of a bus ride to the race (from Qualcomm Stadium) or to the game (from California Speedway), a Sunday NASCAR Pre-Race Pit Pass, California Speedway hat, San Diego Chargers Yearbook and San Diego Chargers hat. This special ticket offer is only available through the California Speedway Ticket Office. For more information, or to order your "Bolt to the Races" package, call 909.429.5000. You must mention the "Bolt to the Races" package name to get this deal.
For more information about California Speedway and the SONY HD 500 event, visit www.californiaspeedway.com. For more information about the San Diego Chargers, visit www.chargers.com..(Calirfornia Speedway)(8-10-2005)
- Another Hire at California: hearing that Mike Yurick has been hired as Director of Operations at California Speedway in Fontana. The formal announcement is set for Aug. 15. Yurick is leaving the Riverside Motorsports Park project in Merced, Calif. He was the president of the operation. Prior to his employment at RMP, Yurick was the Director of Operations for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(8-5-2005)
- Gatorade Victory Lane Returns To Tri-Oval Grass at California: Celebrate with the winner of The SONY HD 500 at California September on September 4, 2005. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 500-mile event marks the return of Gatorade Victory Lane to the
front of the speedway's grandstands. California Speedway announced the construction of a new and improved Gatorade Victory Lane on the tri-oval grass - front and center to the grandstands. "Fans have been very vocal since my arrival at the speedway that the front and center Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at California Speedway was a special part of this track's experience," said Gillian Zucker, California Speedway president. "Through a great cooperative effort with the sanctioning bodies at NASCAR and IRL as well as our marketing partner, Gatorade, victory lane will be back where it belongs as part of the fan experience." From the inaugural NASCAR race in 1997 through the 2003 Auto Club 500 the original victory lane was located on the tri-oval grass, next to pit road and straight out from Garage In. Heightened safety concerns with media crossing pit road at Garage In while race cars were pulling into the garage following the race led to the existing Gatorade Victory Lane being moved to Pit In by Turn 4. This location has been used for IRL and NASCAR races from the 2003 TOYOTA Indy 400 through the February 2005 Auto Club 500.
California Speedway's Gatorade Victory Lane will be located on the tri-oval grass, adjacent to pit road and the start/finish line. The
new footprint will include approximately 2,800 square feet of checkerboard floor, including parts of the original victory lane/pre-race square location and stretching towards Turn 1. The new Gatorade Victory Lane will feature two entrances: one for the car, team and sponsors and another for media. The media entrance will be at the east end of victory lane, minimizing safety concerns that were present with the original victory lane as it is approximately 80 ft. beyond where cars will turn into the garage area following therace. For ticket and event information, call 800.944.RACE [7223] or visit www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway)(8-4-2005)
- Labor Day Weekend Races to Finish Under the Lights: Overwhelming fan reaction to night racing at California Speedway has resulted in later start times for the speedway's NASCAR Labor Day weekend events. It was announced that California Speedway's three September NASCAR events - NASCAR West Series 200, NASCAR Busch Series 300 and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series SONY HD 500 - will have night racing finishes. Friday's West Series 200 will race completely under the lights with a start time of 8:00pm/pt. Saturday's action will feature NEXTEL Cup qualifying beginning at 2:20pm/pt followed by the Busch Series 300. This race has a start time of 5:35pm/et. (last year's event started at 3:00 p.m.) and "Finishes Under the Lights."
Sunday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series SONY HD 500 will begin at 5:10pm/pt [8:10pm/et].
Tickets to the NASCAR Labor Day weekend event are available now. For ticket and event information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or visit www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway)(7-29-2005)
- California Speedway gets Sponsor for Sept. race: California Speedway announced that a Letter of Intent has been entered into by Sony Electronics, Inc., to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 500 mile event at the speedway on Sunday, September 4. The multi-year sponsorship agreement for the Labor Day weekend event - the SONY HD 500 - is currently being finalized. "We are proud to welcome Sony to our family of corporate sponsors at California Speedway," said speedway President Gillian Zucker. "We're delighted to bring Sony's breakthrough technology and entertainment enhancements to the fans at the track as we strive to make the SONY HD 500, Southern California's 'can't miss' Labor Day event." The SONY HD 500, which will be televised nationally in high definition on NBC, will start at 8:10pm/et, allowing for a finish under the lights. This will be the eleventh NEXTEL Cup Series race at California Speedway's two-mile, D-shaped oval. Through the race entitlement, SONY will become the "Official Consumer Electronics Product" for this holiday NASCAR weekend. Sony is in its fifth year as an associate sponsor to Penske Racing South's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series #12 alltel entry driven by Ryan Newman. For the
Labor Day weekend event, Sony will be the primary sponsor for the #12 SONY HDTV Dodge. For more information about Sony, go to www.sony.com.
Tickets for the SONY HD 500 Labor Day weekend are on sale now. For ticket and event information, call 1-800-944-RACE [7223] or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(7-19-2005)
- California Speedway Names New President: Gillian Zucker, who currently serves as Vice President of Business Operations and Development at Daytona International Speedway and once served as Assistant General Manager for the High Desert Mavericks Baseball Club in Adelanto, Calif., has been named President of California Speedway. Zucker, 36, replaces William G. Miller, who announced his resignation from the Speedway in March. She will assume her duties July 5th. As President, Zucker will be responsible for all strategic planning and day to day operations of the facility including event execution and fan development.(California Speedway PR)(6-23-2005)
- California offers 2006 season packages: California Speedway announced new changes in the ticket packages for 2006.
Leading the charge into the new racing season will be tiered seating, where loyal guests will be rewarded with the best seats in the house. This new seating chart will feature season ticket holders in the upper portion of the grandstands only, while the lower section will be strictly for Sunday only tickets and Friday and Saturday general admission seats. Sunday only tickets will be available in a limited number of seats in the upper section of Turn 1. In addition to the new grandstand layout, fan amenities have been upgraded in
the Season Ticket Holder sections, which will feature roving vendors, minimizing the amount of time guests will spend away from the racing action. Each season ticket holder will receive an annual gift as well as a quarterly newsletter from the superspeedway. In addition, the event atmosphere and entertainment throughout the facility will undergo some changes to the delight of guests. Current Season Ticket holders should expect to get their renewal form and 2006 brochure in the mail this week. All renewals must be submitted to the
California Speedway Ticket Office by June 22. More info at www.californiaspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE [7223](California Speedway)(6-6-2005)
- Tragic News: Two people were killed Thursday in a crash at California Speedway in Fontana. A private car club was renting the speedway at the time of the crash. A Porsche Carrera GT crashed into a retaining wall and came to rest on the track's infield. Authorities said two people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The second person in the car was transported by Mercy Air to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. That person later died. The track is home to the California 500, Nextel Cup 500, the Toyota Indy 400 and other motorsport events. The 2-mile D-shaped oval surrounds an infield portion used for road courses and a 13-turn interior test circuit. Private parties can rent the track to turn laps.(NBC4.tv)(6-2-2005)
- Candidates for Calif Post: Bryan Sperber's [Presdient of Phoenix] search for candidates to take the helm of California Speedway, that key Los Angeles anchor for the International Speedway Corp., could now include two of this sport's top marketing veterans, Ty Norris and Bill Armour, and one of the sport's rising management talents, Talladega's Rick Humphrey. All three are products of R. J. Reynolds' sports marketing operation, which has also produced track presidents Curtis Gray at Homestead-Miami, Chris Powell at Las Vegas, Jeff Byrd at Bristol, and Grant Lynch at Talladega.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-30-2005)
- California Speedway President Announces Resignation: William G. Miller, President of California Speedway since Sept. 2000, announced his resignation from the speedway effective March 31, 2005. No permanent replacement for Miller has been named at this time. Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber will oversee operations of the speedway until a replacement is named. "There is never a perfect time to leave an organization, but I thought now would be best for me and my family," Miller said. "It also gives the team here time to work toward its two upcoming events in April and prepare for the Labor Day NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event. It's been an honor and a pleasure to work with this team and our family of sponsors and partners." During his tenure as President, the speedway experienced unprecedented growth in the event schedule and facility usage, including two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekends, bringing the total to six major spectator events promoted by the speedway. With the opening of the road course
and drag strip in 2001, the facility quickly gained the reputation as one of the most multi-purpose venues in the country. In 2004, the
facility was in use over 330 calendar days. "It was my dream to manage a top-tier professional motorsports facility. I've lived and enjoyed that experience to the fullest," Miller said. "I've learned and worked for some of the best in the business. ISC and Penske Motorsports gave me the tools and the opportunity to be successful and grow the sport. I am grateful for their support and proud of all that my team and I have accomplished. It's time to focus on new challenges and opportunities to apply my leadership skills and add value to a new organization."(California Speedway)(3-24-2005)
- Sept. Calif Tix on sale: Single-day tickets to the Labor Day NASCAR Weekend (September 2-4, 2005) at California Speedway go on-sale today, March 23rd. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series (Sept. 4), NASCAR Busch Series (Sept. 3) and the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series (Sept. 2) will be competing on the 2-mile, D-shaped oval. The NEXTEL Cup 500-mile race is the second to last event before the "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup" is solidified. California Speedway offers several convenient methods for ticket purchases: · Online at www.californiaspeedway.com · Calling 1-800-944-RACE [7223] · Visiting the California Speedway ticket office outside the speedway's administration building at 9300 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA 92335.(California Speedway)(3-23-2005)
- California Race Attendence Down: That brilliant Daytona 500 finish a week ago didn't translate into a big crowd in the Los Angeles market - which is NASCAR's largest market. Yesterday's crowd for the California Auto Club 500 was estimated at less than 70,000, at a facility which holds 92,000 [other estimates say 90,000 total were there for 110,000 including infield]. The France family shut down North Carolina Speedway at Rockingham because that track was unable to fill its 60,000 seats and moved that tour date here. However, Bill Miller, the president of California Speedway, put on a happy face when insisting to the media that, despite the numerous empty seats, "We're pleased with the weekend. "There are a lot of elements that go into saying 'What is a successful event?' I go to the sponsors, to the industry people, to NASCAR, the people who are out there, and they're saying this has been a successful weekend. It's just not gauged on one element. It is the whole package." Miller declined to release specific attendance figures.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND Miller noted several factors which might have affected attendance, notably the unusual bad weather (more than 10in of rain in the general in the days before the race), which affected nearby streets, the track itself, and perception of the event. "Certainly the weather has had a huge impact," he said. "There's no question, when it leads off the national news on Tuesday." He also noted that SoCal customers do not yet have the awareness and fervor of fans in NASCAR's traditional Southeastern homeland. "It has to do with where we are in the maturity of the West Coast and the emphasis of taking [NASCAR] out here," he said.(Speed Channel), one thing noticed, you didn't see many shots on TV of the grandstands.(2-28-2005)
- Auto Club extends with California Speedway: The Automobile Club of Southern California -- the nation’s largest AAA affiliate -- today signed a three-year agreement to continue as the title sponsor for the Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at California Speedway, continuing a partnership that dates back to the speedway’s opening in 1997. California Speedway President Bill Miller and Automobile Club of Southern California President and CEO Thomas V. McKernan Jr. made the announcement.
An original California Speedway corporate partner, the Auto Club’s relationship with California Speedway began in 1997 with the Auto Club 200 Inaugural NASCAR Winston West Series race. The company moved its sponsorship to the NASCAR Busch Series race in 1999 with the Auto Club 300, continuing with that event through the 2002 race. The Auto Club assumed the event title sponsor of the then NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 2003. In addition to its title sponsorship of the Auto Club 500, the Automobile Club of Southern California will have a presence as an “Official” status partner at all of California Speedway’s major spectator events, including both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekends; the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited weekend; Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series weekend; Southern California Historic SportsCar Festival; and the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series weekend. The “Official” categories include: Auto Club, Motor Club, Roadside Assistance Provider, Auto Insurance Provider, Home Insurance Provider and Life Insurance Provider. The Auto Club’s motorsports program also serves as a forum to educate young men and women, reaching out to thousands of high school students each year to motivate them to prepare for life after graduation and to inform them about career opportunities in automotive technology fields. Nearly 70 Auto Club offices from San Diego to Bishop serve members of 13 Southern California counties with a variety of automotive and insurance services, travel discounts and planning, roadside assistance and financial services. For more information on the Automobile Club of Southern California and its services, log on to www.aaa.com.(California Speedway site)(2-27-2005)
- He's Back: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be at California Speedway Sunday for the Auto Club 500. Schwarzenegger will participate in pre-race activities, then watch the NEXTEL Cup’s second race of the season.(California Speedway site)(2-26-2005)
- Magic Johnson Named Grand Marshall for Auto Club 500: California Speedway says retired basketball star Magic Johnson will be the grand marshal for Sunday's Auto Club 500 Nextel Cup race. Johnson, a member of basketball's hall of fame who is working with NASCAR to broaden its appeal to minorities, will give the command to the drivers to start their engines before the race.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-24-2005)
- Southern 500 coming back in 2006? UPDATE 3 No Plans: ESPN Magazine is reporting [Dec. 6th page 140] that Labor Day racing may return to Darlington [Raceway] as early as 2006. NASCAR were concerned at the negative reaction to the mothballing of the 54-year-old Southern 500, and that was before LA [Los Angeles] TV stations bailed on the race at Fontana, CA [California Speedway, Sept 5th on NBC], Darlington's replacement, in favor of baseball.(ESPN Magazine)(12-1-2004), been told that the NBC affilaite in LA doesn't carry baseball, so not sure of that reference.
UPDATE: from an ESPN Insider chat with NASCAR President Mike Helton when asked about the 'return' of the Southern 500: "The 2005 schedule that has been released shows the only Darlington race being on the Saturday before Mother's Day. Since we only plan one year at a time, that is the most current answer."(ESPN.com Insider)(12-8-2004)
UPDATE 2 - California could lose a 2nd date? Among the rumors at the Nextel Media Tour in Charlotte, N.C., is that one of California Speedway's two NASCAR dates could be in trouble. Mind you, it's strictly something said and repeated but never finding its way into print. After all, it's rather silly to even think about. Absurd is perhaps a better adjective. NASCAR, track owner International Speedway Corp. and the controlling France family went to great lengths to realign the schedule in 2004 to give Fontana its Labor Day Sunday night event. To even propose such a thought after one race is unthinkable. However, it indicates someone somewhere is concerned about whether NASCAR will ever catch on in Southern California. Apparently, selling 93,000 seats or so, not to mention another 15,000 in the infield, isn't enough for some. There have been published reports in various Southern newspapers that California Speedway is encountering problems selling tickets for the Feb. 27 Auto Club 500.(more at the Daily Bulletin)(1-28-2005)
UPDATE 3 - No plans to return Darlington's race to Labor Day: Darlington won’t get its date back. NASCAR president Brian France said there are no plans to give Darlington Raceway back its traditional Labor Day weekend date despite published reports that the track with that date might lose a race. He also didn’t totally close the door. “That’s always possible,” he said. “But I think they want to build their equity on the Saturday night race Mother’s Day weekend, and they’re very focused on doing that.” Speculation that California Speedway might lose the Labor Day date it inherited from Darlington last year surfaced during NASCAR’s media tour in Charlotte two weeks ago.(The State)(2-11-2005)
- California Testing - Fans Invited: As part of NASCAR's Preseason Thunder, several NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series teams will participate in a test session at California Speedway from January 31 - February 3, 2005. As of early January, nine NASCAR Busch Series drivers have confirmed for the first two days of the test and 32 NEXTEL Cup Series drivers have confirmed for the remaining two days of the test. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test dates, February 2 - 3, will be open to the general public, free of charge from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Guests will be invited to park inside the oval in the Suite Parking Lots and view the test session from above the Terrace Suites on Pit Road to get up close to the action. A few additional entertainment-type opportunities are also being worked on for guests who attend the test, including a Terrace Suite opening, which will allow guests to experience how the NASCAR weekend's Suite Action puts them right on top of the action in one of the Speedway's well-appointed luxury suites. A three-day Suite Action package for February 25-27 is $1,100 and a two-day for February 26-27 is $950. Individual tickets for the upcoming race weekend will also be on sale, and guests who purchase tickets at the test to any one of the three February 25-27 race dates will receive a free license plate frame. Those that have already purchased tickets and bring a friend to the test who purchases a race ticket will receive a free license plate frame as well as the ticket purchaser. Party Zone passes, featuring driver question and answer sessions on race weekend, are also on sale. This fan hospitality area is located inside the Infield and every Party Zone pass includes a pit pass for the day purchased. Saturday's pass is $85, Sunday's pass is $125 and a combined two-day pass is $175. A weekend pit pass, which will allow guests to tour pit road prior to each day's race, is also available. For ticket and event information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or visit www.californiaspeedway.com.
A tentative list of drivers confirmed as of January 13 for the NASCAR test at California Speedway follows:
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Drivers (2/2-3):
#01-Joe Nemechek, #07-Dave Blaney, #0-Mike Bliss, #2-Rusty Wallace, #5-Kyle Busch, #6-Mark Martin, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr, #9-Kasey Kahne, #10-Scott Riggs, #12-Ryan Newman, #14-John Andretti, #16-Greg Biffle, #17-Matt Kenseth, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #21-Ricky Rudd, #24-Jeff Gordon, #25-Brian Vickers, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton, #38-Elliott Sadler, #40-Sterling Marlin, #41-Casey Mears, #42-Jamie McMurray, #43-Jeff Green, #44-Terry Labonte, #45-Kyle Petty, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #49-Ken Schrader, #77-Travis Kvapil, #88-Dale Jarrett #91-Bill Elliott and #97-Kurt Busch.
NASCAR Busch Series Drivers (1/31-2/1):
#6-Paul Wolfe, #2-Clint Bowyer, #10[#15?]-Michel Jourdain Jr, #18-JJ Yeley, #20-Denny Hamlin, #22-Kenny Wallace, #32-Shane Hmiel, #41-Reed Sorenson, #44-Justin Labonte.(California Speedway PR)(1-14-2005)
- Karts at California Speedway: The California Speedway will host the Roadrace Karting Festival Jan 8-9th. Karts ranging from 100cc to 250cc Superkarts will be competiting and running speeds from 90 to 140mph down the main straight. There is a free viewing area and for $15 fans can roam around the garage check out the karts and go out to the hot pit area. More info at the Southern California Karters site.(1-3-2005)
- California to implement Saturday qualifying rules: California Speedway announced that it will be the first speedway on the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series season schedule to implement Saturday qualifying during the February 25-27 NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend, which also includes a Friday night NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The Auto Club 500 race weekend takes place one week after the season-opening Daytona 500. NASCAR announced a new rule in mid-November stipulating a change in the 2005 qualifying procedures where all cars will be impounded following their qualifying session, meaning teams will not be permitted to work on the cars and will have to focus their efforts on preparing for race set-ups starting with the all-important practice sessions on Friday. Qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Auto Club 500 is slated for 12:10pm/pt on Saturday, February 26. Cup qualifying is sandwiched between NASCAR Busch Series qualifying, which kicks off the day at 10:00am/pt, and the NASCAR Busch Series 300-mile race, which starts at 3:00pm/pt and will likely finish "Under the Lights." Saturday concludes with the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert, which is free for all guests with a Saturday ticket, followed by a spectacular fireworks show by PyroSpectaculars. In addition, 2004 Auto Club 500 champion Jeff Gordon will be inducted into the speedway's Walk of Fame at Gate 12 either prior to or after NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying. Tickets for Saturday are just $40 in the lower level reserve section
and $50 in the upper level reserve section. While Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying has moved to Saturday, Friday remains full of on-track action with a new, first-ever Friday night NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, which joins the Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup Series races for this new NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend. Craftsman Truck Series qualifying for the American Racing Wheels 200 starts the day at 10:00am/pt. Two Busch Series practice sessions will be held from Noon to 1:10pm/pt. and from 2:50 to 3:50pm/pt. The NEXTEL Cup Series will also have two practice sessions to fine-tune their machines from 1:20 to 2:40pm/pt and a final practice session from 4:00 to 5:00pm/pt, setting the stage for the American Racing Wheels 200 at 6:15pm/pt. Tickets for Friday are general admission and just $30 with children 12 and under free.
Two other new NASCAR rules are scheduled to be in effect at California Speedway during the February weekend aimed at bringing the NASCAR competition closer. A new gear rule for NASCAR's top three premier racing series will limit the maximum RPMs that all engines will be able to produce in competition. The other new rule, a reduction of the rear spoiler by an inch at all non-restrictor plate tracks, effects just the NEXTEL Cup Series teams. The spoilers will be 4.5 inches in height, reducing aero-push and enhancing the passing ability of the cars. Tickets are on sale now at 800-944-RACE [7223] or online at www.californiaspeedway.com for this February Tripleheader Weekend. Pre-race Pit passes and Party Zone passes, California Speedway's fan hospitality featuring several NASCAR stars, are also on sale.(California Speedway PR)(12-22-2004)
- Southern 500 coming back in 2006? ESPN Magazine is reporting [Dec. 6th page 140] that Labor Day racing ma yreturn to Darlington [Raceway] as early as 2006. NASCAR were concerned at the negative reaction to the mothballing of the 54-year-old Southern 500, and that was before LA [Los Angeles] TV stations bailed on the race at Fontana, CA [California Speedway, Sept 5th on NBC], Darlington's replacement, in favor of baseball.(ESPN Magazine)(12-1-2004)
- Races looking for sponsors: at least four race tracks are looking for a title sponsor for their Nextel Cup races in 2005:
Chicagoland [Tropicana left, will miss the big orange]
Michigan [DHL lasted one year, will they be involved in NASCAR ?}
California [Pop Secret moved from the Rock for a year, General Mills
Talladega [EA Sports gone]
California is looking for $2 million for the labor day prime time race
(NASCAR Scene Print)(11-26-2004)
- Olympians to attend the Cup race at California: Fresh from Athens, 2004 Olympic Gold Medallists Amanda Beard, Leah O'Brien-Amico and Kimberly Rhode will be on hand at this weekend's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 race at California Speedway. Combined, these athletes have garnered 13 Olympic medals. Beard, who hails from Irvine, Calif., won gold swimming in the 200 breaststroke and claimed silver medals in both the 200 individual medley and four-by-100 relay. Just completing her third Olympic games, Beard's career total medals now sits at seven. She also holds the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke, set in July 2003. O'Brien-Amico earned her third gold medal with the U.S. Softball team last month. The Chino Hills, Calif., resident drove in five runs during the team's championship quest in Athens. Rhode, an accomplished double trap shooter, collected her second gold and third Olympic medal overall in Athens. Just one week after her 17th birthday, the El Monte, Calif., resident made the 1996 Olympic team and became the youngest female gold medallist in Olympic shooting history. She is currently studying Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona.(California Speedway PR)(9-2-2004)
- California Speedway gets sprayed: Seeking to prevent a West Nile virus outbreak among NASCAR fans, San Bernardino County health officials will spray pesticides around the California Speedway in the early morning hours today.
The timing of this Sunday's race - the first to be run at dusk, when mosquitoes are active - played a role in the decision, a county spokesman said, but not a deciding role. Because Fontana had six of San Bernardino County's first West Nile virus cases, officials decided it would be prudent to reduce the mosquito population around the Speedway before having fans from around the state and the region spend all weekend outside there, county spokesman David Wert said.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(9-1-2004)
- Tix still available at California/Ride the train: Tickets for the NASCAR events at California Speedway during Labor Day weekend are available by calling 1-800-944-RACE [7223]. Prices for Sunday's Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 race are $105 and $65. For Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series Target House 300, tickets are $50 and $40, while Friday's Chevy Trucks Pole Day tickets are just $10. Tickets can be purchased on the speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com.
AND Reserved seats on the specially chartered trains to California Speedway for the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 can be purchased through the speedway's ticket office by calling 800-944-RACE [7223] or logging onto www.californiaspeedway.com.(9-1-2004)
- Fly Over: the Fly Over for the 250-lap Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway will be conducted by four F-15C's out of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.(California Speedway PR)(9-1-2004)
- Calif Busch Race Grand Marshall: California Speedway announced Olympic figure skating champion and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton as the Honorary Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Busch Series Target House 300 on September 4. With Hamilton presiding over the race, he and the children of Target House will get the event underway by giving the most famous words in motorsports, "Gentleman, start your engines," via satellite from Memphis, TN. Target House is a home away from home for families and children receiving care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As an extension of St. Jude's commitment to care for any child regardless of the family's ability to pay, Target House provides fully furnished apartments, free-of-charge. Target House continues to be funded by Target Stores and its vendor and celebrity partners. The Target House 300 joins the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race Labor Day weekend. For ticket and event information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(8-31-2004)
- Race Weeks heats up in Fontana: To celebrate the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend, the City of Fontana, the Fontana Downtown Business Association and the Fontana Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up with California Speedway to invite residents to the first "Fontana Race Week" celebration. The weeklong festival is slated for September 1-5, capping with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pop Secret 500 at the superspeedway. Activities during "Fontana Race Week" include a golf tournament, rally, block party, NASCAR themed "Cruise Night" and will culminate with the racing events at California Speedway during Labor Day weekend.
Here's a look at the five day celebration:
Rally: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series transporters, including the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet hauler, will make a pitstop at City Hall on Thursday, September 2 at noon to be part of a rally. These haulers are 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs that NASCAR teams use to transport two racecars, engines, tools and support equipment to the racetracks. Cars are towed in the top section, while the bottom floor is used for workspace. Join the Rally and watch these NASCAR transporters travel the final four miles of their 2,400-mile trip across country for the weekend's racing. City Council will present the "Keys to the City" honoring California Speedway and NASCAR.
Block Party: NASCAR driver appearances will highlight an evening packed with excitement to get the party started on Thursday, September 2 from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Block Party will take place in the area of the Civic Center Campus, Community Church Hall, Fontana Women's Club and will block off Sierra Avenue near City Hall. SPEED Channel's Summer Blast Tour, which features a 50 ft. x 20 ft. display, will be on-site with tons of giveaways. Get your NASCAR and California Speedway apparel at the Americrown display and fill your goodie bags with tons of other great items from a host of other vendors. NASCAR show cars, including the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford, will be on display. NASCAR drivers will be signing autographs between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a short period of time at the California Speedway display. Drivers who are scheduled to appear include Scott Riggs and Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR Cruise Night: Fontana's monthly "Cruise Night" will get a visit from NASCAR on Friday, September 3 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Everyone will get a chance to check out some of the most spectacular classic cars and cruisers at the intersection of Arrow Blvd. and Nuevo Rd. NASCAR drivers will make special stop by appearances that evening. As an added bonus, "Cruise Night" participants will have the opportunity to bring their cars to California Speedway on Saturday where they can take in all the NASCAR action, the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert sounds and take their cars out on the track for a cruise.
For additional information about "Fontana Race Week" call 909-350-7620. California Speedway guests who are camping in the
infield for the weekend can take advantage of a shuttle service to and from the activities on Thursday (4:00 - 9:30 p.m.) and Friday (6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
To cap off the week, California Speedway will host three great days of racing excitement. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series teams will practice and qualify for the weekend's races on Friday, September 3. Friday's general admission tickets are $10 (children 12 and under are free with a paid adult). Saturday will feature NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice, the NASCAR Busch Series Target House 300 and the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert featuring Camp Freddy. Saturday reserved seating tickets are $40 and $50. The Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500, featuring the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, will take place late Sunday afternoon. Sunday's reserved seating tickets are $65 and $105.
For more information, call 800-944-RACE [7223] or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com. When you call, ask how you can get even
closer to the action with California Speedway's $45 pit pass or fan hospitality Party Zone.(California Speedway PR)(8-30-2004)
- Richard Petty to be Grand Marshall of the Pop Scret 500: California Speedway announced that seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty will serve as Honorary Grand Marshal for the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 on September 5. Petty's NASCAR career spans over three decades and he holds all-time records for most career wins (200), poles (127), wins in a season (27 in 1967), consecutive wins (10 in 1967) and starts (1,185). Petty, 67, was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1997. He has also been named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers.
The Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 joins the Target House 300 NASCAR Busch Series race Labor Day weekend. Tickets for Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series race and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice are $40 and $50. Sunday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pop Secret 500 tickets are $65 and $105. For ticket and event information call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the
speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com.(California Speedway PR)(8-27-2004)
- Miller Announces Concert Series: Miller Brewing Company announced this year’s “Rock ‘n’ Racing” concert series will kickoff with a trackside concert featuring popular rock band Live during the NASCAR Auto Club 500, May 1 at California Speedway in Fontana, California. Miller’s Rock ‘n’ Racing program combines two of our country’s greatest pastimes – racing and live music. It will feature a series of trackside concerts at select NASCAR Nextel Cup and the Indianapolis 500, including:
May 1, Fontana, NASCAR Auto Club 500 featuring Live
May 22, Charlotte, NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge featuring Live
May 27, Indianapolis, IRL’s Carb Day featuring Blues Traveler
July 9, Chicago, NASCAR Nextel Cup Tropicana 400 featuring Puddle of Mudd
Sept. 4, Fontana, NASCAR Nextel Cup Pop Secret 500 featuring Camp Freddy
(4-30-2004)
- National Anthem at California: Hayley Westenra, 16, of New Zealand will sing the national anthem during today's pre-race ceremonies. Westenra's debut recording, "Pure," was released in North America April 6.(Press Enterprise)(5-2-2004)
- California Speedway Seats Sold Out; Sept Tix on sale: California Speedway announced that Sunday's Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race is sold out; however, infield wristbands for $45 remain on sale, according to Bill Miller, president of California Speedway. It marks the eighth straight year the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race has sold out at the two-mile D-shaped oval. "After having our biggest Saturday crowd ever, it gives me great pleasure to announce the sellout of the Auto Club 500. This is another great achievement for California Speedway and once again shows the popularity of NASCAR racing in Southern California," Miller said. "We are looking forward to a tremendous race on Sunday, which will set the tone for our Labor Day Weekend Pop Secret 500." Individual tickets for the Sunday, September 5, Pop Secret 500 went on sale Saturday at the speedway inside of Gates 12 and 14. Tickets were also available on the speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com and by phone at 1-800-944-RACE (7223). Tickets sellers will also be available inside Gates 12 and 14 on Sunday. "NASCAR's return in September will be special with the "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500," Miller said. "We definitely want to encourage our guests coming out on Sunday to purchase their tickets for September as NASCAR's stars return to Southern California." Tickets for the Pop Secret 500 are $105 and $65. The weekend also features a 300-mile NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday.(California Speedway Site)(5-2-2004)
- Nice Gesture: Stater Bros. Markets is proudly donating a total of 1000 tickets to military personnel for the upcoming NASCAR races at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. This donation includes tickets for the "Stater Bros. 300" NASCAR Race on Saturday, May 1, 2004 as well as the "Auto Club 500" NASCAR Race on Sunday May 2, 2004. Stater Bros. is the "Official Grocery Store" of the California Speedway for 2004. Stater Bros. is also the title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series event "The Stater Bros. 300" at the California Speedway on Saturday, May 1, 2004.(PRNewswire)(4-27-2004)
- California to test the lights: California Speedway will light up the entire facility of the 2-mile, D-shaped oval for the first time on Friday, April 30th. The multi-million dollar lighting project began in October 2003 in anticipation of the “Finish Under the Lights” Pop Secret 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in September. Approximately 130 light poles (29 grandstand, 24 skybox and 74 free standing) will light the racing surface from the oval’s exterior. An additional 390 mirtran lighting structures are located throughout the infield inside the retaining wall. 1,500 lighting fixtures (bulbs), 250 tons of concrete and 200 miles of wire were used to make the system. Once lit, the massive lighting system will utilize 2.5 million watts of power.(California Speedway PR)(4-30-2004)
- California Tix Sales Light? UPDATE Look for a sellout...again: Ticket sales for the May 2 California 500 are reportedly way down, because fans are buying tickets to the new Labor Day weekend race instead. Nextel team owners report their sponsors are being offered blocks of tickets to try to fill the stands.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-18-2004)
UPDATE: California Speedway president Bill Miller did not waver from his task last week when published reports indicated ticket sales for next Sunday’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Auto Club 500 were “soft.” “We do have tickets, but the availability is limited,” said Miller. “We don’t have corporate blocks but we’re not down to selling ones or twos. The nature of this market is to gravitate toward the event.” Late buyers may stumble onto premium seats. Miller indicated some of the Speedway’s best seats will become available this week after being released by the ticket office. With the Auto Club 500 seven days away, less than 8,000 tickets remain for the race. Miller is confident the “sold out” shingle will be displayed by week’s end, signaling more than 110,000 in attendance. That would mean all 92,000 grandstand tickets and the 5,000 or so sky box or terrace suite seats sold. The infield has been sold out for months, although $45 wristbands will be available Sunday morning. That’s contrary to what was written last week, specifically the Winston-Salem Journal reporting a week ago ticket sales were soft and revised it to “poor” on Friday. The story attributed the situation to the fact fans were more interested in buying tickets to the inaugural Sept. 5 Pop Secret 500. In reality, individual ticket sales for Fontana’s second Nextel Cup race do not go on sale until Saturday. As a matter of fact, sales have ensured that Saturday’s NASCAR West and Busch Series races will probably be the best attended in the Speedway’s eight-year history.(Press Telegram)(4-27-2004)
- California Speedway Boss is influential: California Speedway President William Miller was named one of Southern California's 25 most influential sports executives by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Miller, who became CMS president in 2000, ranked 23rd on the list.(NASCAR Scene Daily 'Free' Newsletter)(4-2-2004)
- California Next with SAFER: California Speedway President Bill Miller announced that installation of the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) wall is scheduled to begin at the superspeedway in early April with an anticipated completion date prior to the April 30-May 2nd Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend. Two sets of barriers will be placed along the turns at the two-mile oval, with the first set starting at the entrance of turn one and running continuously to the exit of turn two. The second set will start at the entrance of turn three and run continuously to the exit of turn four. A third set of barriers will be placed on the inside retaining
wall off the exit of turn two, extending approximately two-thirds of the way down the backstretch.(California Speedway PR)(3-2-2004)
- Latest Darlington rumor: When the lights go up, the Labor Day date comes back and everyone wins. California can have Darlington's new November date -- making the big L.A. market part of the 10-race title chase -- and the Southern 500 returns to its traditional weekend. Why would they be putting up lights at Darlington for either of its two cool-weather events? It's such a perfect solution, you kinda figure it's not true.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-21-2004)
- Race for Relief Efforts Led by Overwelming Fan Support: California Speedway and the American Red Cross today announced the "Race for Relief" monetary donation total of $143,284.29 to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief fund, which is being administered by the American Red Cross. The largest of the monetary donations, $93,462.50, came from California Speedway ticket holders who donated the cost of their Champ Car weekend tickets to the disaster relief efforts following its cancellation. Close to 500 ticket holders responded with ticket totals averaging at $200, with some as high as $900. With wildfires raging in the nearby mountains, and throughout Southern California, California Speedway turned to relief mode to help those affected by the fires. On November 1st and 2nd, California Speedway opened its facilities to raise funds and act as a drop-off site for much needed items for fire victims. The outpouring of support kicked off on Wednesday at the SpeedFreaks Party at Dave & Busters. The SpeedFreaks, Kenny Sargent, Crash Gladys, Lugg Nuttz and Statt Mann, host parties to kick-off the speedway's events, however with the King Taco 500 canceled, the crew conducted an auction to jump start the "Race for Relief" effort. Motorsport professionals from across the country over-nighted autographed items with short notice for the auction. The next event was the two-day "Race for Relief" donation site at the speedway where people could donate money, food and clothing. The two-day donation total surpassed $20,000 from the community and speedway partners. Included in the two-day total were donations from California Speedway ($5,000), Penske Automotive Group ($5,000) and Kawasaki Road Racing employee and company match ($2,400). KFRG radio station was on-site during the two day event and played a key roll in the promotion of the relief efforts in the days leading up to "Race for Relief." As well, more than five truckloads of clothing, diapers, toys, toiletries and houseware items were collected and donated to area shelters and the Salvation Army. With food donations from Americrown, the speedway's on-site food and beverage company, and several CART Champ Car teams, a 24-ft. Penske truckload of food, enough to serve 3,000 meals, was distributed to 11 shelters with the help of Inland Harvest. As if all of this wasn't enough, Gatorade, Gate City Distributors and Red Bull donated beverages to the firefighters. Bottled juices, waters, sports and energy drinks in excess of 1,500 cases were distributed to fire base camps to refresh those fighting the blazes. Other miscellaneous donations included Dewalt Tools (two pallets of power tools), Michigan International Speedway (clothing and 400 die-cast cars) and Lucas Oil Products (linens, books, hairbrushes and a $250 Target giftcard). Monetary donations were also received from Bridgestone ($10,000), CARA Charities ($1,000), Indy Racing League ($10,000) and Searing Industries ($1,000).(California Speedway PR)(12-17-2003)
- California Speedway Tix on sale Dec 1st: California Speedway's 2004 individual race tickets go on sale beginning December 1st, with the exception of the NASCAR Labor Day weekend tickets that go on sale May 1st. Season ticket packages for
2004 are on sale now, featuring the Ultimate Season Package, the NASCAR Six Pack and the Pick Your NASCAR Weekend packages. Purchasing at California Speedway is easy when you go online at www.californiaspeedway.com and navigate through the online purchasing center, including an interactive 3-D map that allows you to check out a panoramic view from available seating locations. Not computer savvy? No problem, the second option is calling 1-800-944-RACE (7223) and talking to a customer service representative who can assist you. The third option is visiting the speedway's ticket office in person at 9300 Cherry Avenue in Fontana, Calif., north of the 10 freeway - off the Cherry Ave. exit.(11-24-2003)
- California Speedway wants fee back: A subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation, the parent company of California Speedway, has filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in Central California seeking the return of most of the $2.5 million sanctioning fee paid to CART for the now-canceled season-finale. The race, scheduled to be run last Sunday in Fontana, Calif., was postponed by California Speedway on Oct. 28 with a series of wildfires still raging through Southern California. CART announced the cancellation of its season-ending King Taco 500 on Oct. 29. Chris Pook, CART's president and CEO, said the sanctioning organization had looked at several options for running the race later, but could not come up with a suitable date. The petition to the court asks for the return of the sanctioning fee less "a mutually agreeable amount for legitimate expenses reasonably incurred by CART in preparing for the event." Financially strapped CART reported third-quarter losses of $34.4 million last week, and said if its proposed sale to the new Open Wheel Racing group falls through it probably would liquidate its remaining assets and go out of business.(CNNSI/AP)(11-7-2003)
- Phoenix to accept California Speedway Tix: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that it will be accepting tickets for those individuals who have tickets to the CART race weekend to be held at California Speedway this weekend. The California races have been cancelled due to the wildfires affecting the surrounding area. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been effected by the horrible fires in Southern California," said PIR president Bryan R. Sperber. "By offering this opportunity, we hope to provide ticket holders to the CART race the opportunity to watch any of four exciting races offered during the Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend. We hope those ticket holders at come to PIR will find being around the track this weekend a small measure of comfort." Those interested in exchanging tickets for any of the four races at PIR this weekend must do so at the Gate 3 Ticket Office the day of the race. Tickets can be exchanged for the Cruise America 125 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race on Thursday, the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race on Friday, the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, and the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race on Sunday. This is a ticket for ticket exchange, and the value of the ticket does not matter. "We appreciate this offer from Phoenix International Raceway to our fans at California Speedway," Bill Miller, president of California Speedway said. "While the focus is very much on what is happening with the fires in Southern California and our concern remains with helping those who have been affected by this tragedy, this does provide a great opportunity for our valued guests to take a trip and see a great motorsports show at PIR." A limited numbers of tickets still remain for the four NASCAR races this weekend by calling 602-252-2227, online at www.phoenixraceway.com, or at the Gate 3 ticket office at PIR.(10-30-2003)
- California Speedway Hosts "Race for Relief" to Benefit Fire Victims: Thousands of San Bernardino County residents have been displaced by the Grand Prix and Old fires. California Speedway President Bill Miller announced today the "Race for Relief," a disaster relief initiative where California Speedway will become a drop-off site for items to aid those affected by the fires and those fighting them to be held this weekend. Monetary donations are extremely critical. Donations to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief Fund, which is being administered by the American Red Cross, can be made at the speedway. "The Speedway is making the initial donation of $5,000," Bill Miller, California Speedway president, said. "For guests who had tickets to this weekend's event, which has been cancelled, account holders can donate the face value of the ticket to the relief fund." Information for ticket account holders is on the speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com.
Residents can bring donations to the speedway located at 9300 Cherry Avenue in Fontana off the 10 freeway on Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., or ship them to California Speedway, 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. Some of the items needed for fire victims are nonperishable food, baby food, diapers, blankets, clothes, toys, towels, and personal hygiene products. These items will be donated to the Salvation Army and other area shelters, such as the Inland Harvest Food Bank.
Also, speedway officials have been in contact with fire personnel to assist in their fire fighting efforts. Many people fighting the fires have experienced dehydration. California Speedway's "Race for Relief" will be supplying donations of beverages to base camps for those fighting the Grand Prix and Old fires beginning on Thursday.
Various companies are joining the "Race for Relief" effort by donating items and/or being on-site for the weekend:
Michigan International Speedway has donated flashlights, clothing and hundreds of small cars to help kick off the "Race for Relief."
Dewalt tools and Roush Racing have donated items as well as Champ Car teams, including Patrick Racing, Newman-Haas, Walker Racing, Rocket Sports and American Spirit, which have donated food and beverages.
California Speedway asks those in the community to help individuals and families displaced by the fires. For more information on the
"Race for Relief" please visit www.californiaspeedway.com.(10-30-2003)
- Winston West/CART Event Postponed at California UPDATE CART Race Canceled: The CART season finale, scheduled for Sunday at California Speedway, has been postponed indefinitely due to the state of emergency caused by a series of wildfires in and around San Bernardino County. Bill Miller, president of the speedway, said CART officials wanted to run the event as scheduled and there were lengthy discussions between the track and the sanctioning body on Monday and Tuesday before the track made its decision.(CNNSI/AP)(10-29-2003)
AND Officials for NASCAR and California Speedway have postponed the King Taco 200, NASCAR Grand National Division, Winston West Series event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1. Current championship point standings in the NASCAR Winston West Series will be used to determine eligibility of drivers for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Nov. 6-8 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. NASCAR officials also announced the postponement of the Winston West Series championship awards ceremony, which had been slated for Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA.(Racing West)(10-29-2003)
UPDATE: The California wildfires that are currently burning in Southern California have led to the unfortunate cancellation of this weekend’s King Taco 500 at California Speedway, the race that would have been the final event of the 2003 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.(CART site)
A California Speedway newsletter reports the WInston West race has been cancelled also, the speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com currently has a form on it for account holders to download and fill out if they want to select option 2 or 4. The form must be returned to the speedway by November 14th.(10-29-2003)
- California Speedway Lights: The lighting of California Speedway in anticipation of next year's "Finish Under The Lights" Pop
Secret 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race on September 5th will commence on Monday, October 13th, speedway President Bill Miller
announced today. The tentative construction schedule by Musco Lighting will begin with the construction of pole foundations around the exterior of the speedway's two-mile oval and quarter-mile Street Legal Drag Strip, California Dragway, from October 13-November 14. The next phase of the project, beginning November 17, is for the installation of pole foundations in the infield portion of the speedway. According to Musco Project Manager Mark Flesner, other phases on the road to completing the lighting project include: installation of pit
road poles and lights; installation of oval perimeter poles and lights; installation of drag strip poles and lights; installation of grandstand poles and lights; installation of infield lights, with a projected completion of the project in the Summer of 2004. Season ticket packages for 2004 are on sale now, featuring the Ultimate Season Package, the NASCAR Six Pack and the Pick Your NASCAR Weekend packages. For purchasing and event information, log on to www.californiaspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(PR)(10-8-2003)
- Another Lawsuit: Greg Moore's wrongful death lawsuit will be back in a U.S. court later this year or early 2004. Lawyers representing Moore's estate filed an appeal earlier this summer arguing the wrongful death lawsuit resulting from the Maple Ridge, B.C., driver's fatal crash in 1999 shouldn't have been dismissed. The brief, filed with the Riverside, Calif., County Court of Appeals, names Championship Auto Racing Teams and California Speedway Corp. as defendants. The appeal is an attempt to overturn an earlier decision by a lower court to dismiss the suit. Moore, 24, died when his car crashed into a wall during the Marlboro 500 at California Speedway. Lawyers representing the Moore estate maintain the death was caused because when the car left the course, it skidded on grass in the track's infield and slammed into a concrete wall that was void of any energy-absorbing material.(Toronto Sun/CP)(9-16-2003)
- California Speedway Season Tix: Starting Wednesday, August 6th, fans purchasing new season tickets at California Speedway for the 2004 season, which features two NASCAR Nextel Cup races, will have the opportunity to select their seats online at www.californiaspeedway.com using the speedway's interactive 3-D grandstand map and secure online purchasing services. All new orders must be paid in full at the time of purchase. Packages include: Ultimate Season Package; NASCAR Six-Pack Package; NASCAR Weekend Package. Season tickets for 2004 will go on sale via phone August 13th by calling 1-800-PIT-SHOP (748-7467).(California Speedway PR)(8-6-2003)
- New Ticket Plans for California: With two NASCAR Winston Cup weekends in 2004, California Speedway announced new ticket pricing, policies and packages for 2004. For the first time, the speedway is implementing a payment plan for season ticket renewals, infield RV renewals and California Speedway Club renewals. Renewals for season ticket holders were mailed this morning. Deposits can be made for new season ticket sales now by calling 1-800-PIT-SHOP or on the speedway's website at www.californiaspeedway.com. The 2004 season will be the first time California Speedway will offer renewable NASCAR tickets. In addition, the ticket pricing structure will move to a two-tiered pricing system, lower rows 1-23 and upper rows 24-48. The speedway is also offering a NASCAR fan layaway plan for the Ultimate Season Package, the new NASCAR Six-Pack Package and the new Renewable NASCAR Weekend Package. The plan calls for a $65 deposit per ticket ordered payable by credit card. Individual race tickets, pending availability, will go on sale via the Internet and telephone for the May Auto Club 500 in December. For the September Pop Secret 500, tickets go on sale in May of 2004.(California Speedway PR)(6-17-2003)
- It's OFFICIAL - California gets 2nd race, on Labor day, Darlington moves to 2nd Rockingham slot, which loses a race: Beginning in 2004, California Speedway will get a second NASCAR Winston Cup date -- Sunday night during Labor Day weekend. This first official move of the Winston Cup Series' "realignment 2004" was announced Friday. The inaugural Pop Secret 500 is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm/et on Sunday, Sept. 5th, and will be telecast live on NBC. California Speedway is touting it as the first Sunday night prime time Winston Cup event. NASCAR president Mike Helton deflected all questions about additional future changes to the schedule. In 2004, North Carolina Speedway, a 60,113-seat oval in Rockingham, NC will lose its second date on the schedule, in the fall. This season Rockingham's spring race was held Feb. 23, a date that has been weather-plagued through the years. The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, a 60,000-seat oval, will replace Rockingham's fall date. The Southern 500 has been held on Labor Day weekend for 53 years at Darlington, the 1.336-mile South Carolina oval. Darlington maintains its spring event, held annually in March since 1957.(NASCAR.com)(6-13-2003)
- 2004 Schedule to be announced this coming weekend? UPDATE NO: NASCAR is expected to unveil the 2004 Winston Cup schedule this weekend, and the only major change is that California will get a second race, replacing the fall date at Rockingham. Insiders say Darlington will lose a race in 2005 to an International Speedway Corporation track. Phoenix would be the best choice, but the race probably will go to Kansas or Chicago, the circuit's newest cookie-cutter tracks. Not only is weather seldom a factor at Phoneix, the track has considerably more character than Kansas or Chicago and produces better racing.(Sporting News), it was announced last Friday on Totally NASCAR that on June 13th, the California to Labor Day and Darlington getting the 2nd Rockingham date in Nov would be announced at Michigan.(6-9-2003)
UPDATE: International Speedway Corp.[ISC] has scheduled a news conference for 1:00pm/et on Friday, June 13th at Michigan International Speedway where officials are expected to announce ISC will move one of the Winston Cup race dates at its track in Rockingham, NC, to California Speedway in 2004. In addition, the second race at California Speedway, will be held during Labor Day weekend, traditionally the home of the Southern 500 at Darlington, SC, another ISC track. Since joining the series in 1997, California has usually hosted its Winston Cup race in April. That race will remain, sources said. Darlington's Southern 500 will take a date later in the season, but will continue to host two Winston Cup races in 2004, sources said. Reports surfaced last weekend at Pocono that NASCAR could announce the entire 2004 schedule this weekend, but NASCAR officials on Tuesday said the schedule was not completed.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-10-2003)
