A Track That Still Resonates
Sam Mayer still recalls the final lap at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, where a daring move left him just inches from victory. The moment, captured by millions of viewers, became a personal milestone for the driver, who later posted on X, “I love you, I miss you,” a sentiment that quickly resonated across social media.
Promises Unkept and New Horizons
NASCAR had announced that the track would be replaced with a high‑banked, half‑mile short track, a plan that promised to reshape the Southern California racing landscape. Yet the proposal has stalled, and the series has instead sold a portion of the venue’s land to developers for an estimated $543 million to $569 million.
Former NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps publicly questioned the $300 million price tag associated with building the new facility, casting doubt on the financial feasibility of the original vision and highlighting the growing disconnect between policy and practical execution.
With the short track still unbuilt, NASCAR officials have begun scouting alternative sites across Southern California. Among the options on the table are temporary street circuits in Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as a potential venue in Bakersfield. The discussion has even brought up the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego as a possible temporary home, aiming to preserve the series’ presence in the region while a permanent solution is pursued.
The lingering absence of a permanent short track has left a void for fans who grew up watching races at the historic venue. For Mayer, the emotional connection to the track remains strong, and his words continue to echo among supporters who hope the sport will honor its commitments. As the search for a new home progresses, the racing community watches closely, aware that the next chapter will define the future of a beloved Southern California tradition.