Plans are in the works to convert Auto Club Speedway, a 2-mile track in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, into a half-mile short track. There are currently only three short tracks on the Cup Series circuit and no big NASCAR oval has ever been converted into a smaller layout.
NASCAR submitted site plans to San Bernardino County on Tuesday, laying out a proposal that will involve remodeling much of the existing infrastructure while also reducing the size of the property’s footprint to free up land for other uses or an eventual sale. According to the plan, which is being called “Next Gen in California,” the track would have long straightaways like Martinsville Speedway but high-banked corners like Bristol Motor Speedway.
“We are still very early in the process, but we are excited about what this ambitious project could mean for our loyal fans in Southern California,” said Craig Neeb, NASCAR executive vice president, chief innovation officer, in a statement. “This is our first step towards creating a state-of-the-art facility that would deliver the intense short-track racing our fans love, an intimate viewing experience, and upgraded suites and hospitality areas that would position Auto Club Speedway among the top entertainment venues in the market.”
The Athletic reported that NASCAR submitted site plans to San Bernardino County on Tuesday. The Athletic notes the plans call for the track to be half a mile. The track would have long straightaways similar to Martinsville Speedway. The corners would be banked similar to Bristol Motor Speedway.
The only short tracks that host Cup races are Martinsville, Bristol and Richmond Raceway, site of this week’s Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series races.
As you can see, it would be a total redo of the current layout in Fontana with none of the current track and garages remaining. Looking at this planed layout, it looks like most of the current Fan Zone, outside the race track will remain. With the track layout shrinking so much, the new garage area looks like it will be moved outside the track on the back stretch. Perhaps, creating a tunnel getting from inside the track to the garage area?
