Fontana track president says new facility 'most likely' not ready for NASCAR racing in 2025

For those hoping to see NASCAR racing soon at what was once Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, don’t hold your breath. The Fontana track is being demolished and will eventually be replaced by a short track. That’s the idea, anyway.

Right now, the date for a return to Fontana is uncertain. It will take a year to a year and a half in order to get the new track built in the location. NASCAR owns the facility and covets its location in the Los Angeles market.

Dave Allen, track president, spoke with the LA Times about the future of the project.

“We’ve got some internal approvals to work through, but the hope is to have something to go out with sometime in the near future,” Allen said. “Right now we just don’t have anything to discuss until we have some approvals done.”

Allen also added that NASCAR and the track are “not in a position to commit to a timeframe right now.”

When asked if racing could return by next year, Allen threw a wet blanket on that idea as well.

“Yeah, most likely it wouldn’t be ready by next year.”

NASCAR out of Fontana, still in Los Angeles, for now

There is a lot of talk about the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum being in the final year of its current deal. NASCAR and the LA Coliseum have not announced an extension of the exhibition race at one of America’s most iconic venues.

NASCAR is out of Fontana for now. This could be the final year of The Clash at the Coliseum. So, what is the plan for Los Angeles and this California market? Right now, that remains uncertain as long as we don’t have a timeline for Fontana.

Would NASCAR risk taking a year off from racing in the LA area? Just when it feels like there is a little momentum in that area with The Clash, it would be a shame to pull out and risk losing it. Then again, there are times when distance makes the heart grow fonder.

If Fontana isn’t ready for NASCAR racing in 2025 and the Clash moves to another venue, it wouldn’t necessarily be the worst thing to take a break. Let the folks in California long for stock car racing. Then go back in there and put on a great event.

Whether that happens at Fontana or somewhere else remains to be seen. Maybe we get a street race in California one day?