“Going to Be a Depressing Venue”: Glimpse of NASCAR’s Questionable Auto Club Speedway Revamp Leaves Fans Divided

The Auto Club Speedway, once the crown jewel of NASCAR racing in California, is undergoing a significant transformation that has fans buzzing—and not all of the feedback is positive. Nestled in Fontana, this 2-mile D-shaped superspeedway has been a staple of stock car racing since its opening in 1997, hosting legendary drivers and unforgettable moments. Beyond the roar of engines and the thrill of competition, the speedway has also played host to Hollywood, with scenes from films like Charlie’s Angels and Herbie: Fully Loaded were all shot on this legendary asphalt. But now, as NASCAR plans to convert it into a high-banked short track, the reactions from fans are as varied as the paint schemes on the cars.

As insiders took a look at the layout for the speedway, they made note that NASCAR could be planning to downsize the Auto Club Speedway and it has sparked a wave of nostalgia and concern among fans. Many recall the days when the track hosted two NASCAR weekends a year, and its wide, sweeping turns allowed for thrilling racing and dramatic finishes. With a grandstand capacity of 68,000 and a total capacity of 122,000, it was a place where fans could gather to witness history. As the decision to demolish parts of the iconic track for a new half-mile configuration has left some feeling like they’re watching a beloved old friend fade away. The speedway’s rich history includes unforgettable victories, such as Jeff Gordon’s first win at the California 500 and Jimmie Johnson’s six victories at the Auto Club 400, making the prospect of a new layout feel like a gamble.

It seems that NASCAR could be  keen on improving its short-track racing package, especially with the introduction of the Next Gen car and by reconfiguring Auto Club Speedway, as they aim to create a venue that enhances the on-track product, allowing for better racing dynamics that fans and spectators crave. This move would align with a broader trend in sports where venues are being revamped to meet contemporary standards. Just as other sporting venues in Southern California have undergone significant renovations, the Auto Club Speedway is set to modernize its facilities to provide a more engaging and comfortable experience for fans.

That said, as the demolition of the grandstands and portions of the track continues, NASCAR fans have taken to social media to express their mixed emotions. While some are excited about the potential for more short-track racing, which many believe could lead to closer competition and more action-packed races. However, there are others who are less optimistic, with one fan lamenting, “That is going to be a depressing venue squeezed in between all those warehouses.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many who fear that the new layout will lack the charm and excitement that made the original speedway so special.

Here’s what fans have to say about the transformation:

One fan wondered when the whole project was officially announced, pointing out that Auto Club isn’t even the sponsor anymore—it’s now dubbed “Next Gen California.” It seems like everyone is trying to keep up with the changes, and some are ready to stop the panic over whether the project will ever see the light of day. They said, “Does anyone know when this was released or rendered? Because Auto Club is not the sponsor of the “track” “project” or speedway anymore. Remember it’s “next gen california” now…”

Amongst the negative takes, there’s some excitement about the new layout as one fan exclaimed, “1 mile high banked? Sign me up. I don’t give a s*** what’s around it!” Clearly, they’re all in for the thrill of the race, even if it means dodging a few warehouses. After all, if Las Vegas can be surrounded by a sea of warehouses and still host thrilling races, why not Fontana?

Another passionate fan bluntly stated, “That is going to be a depressing venue squeezed in between all those warehouses.” The fear is palpable that the new track might lack the charm and excitement of its predecessor, which has hosted countless memorable races and moments over the years.

Skepticism also runs high, with fans expressing doubts about the timeline for construction. One user pointed out, “I’m not believing this until I see shovels to dirt,” emphasizing the frustration over previous delays and the uncertainty surrounding the project’s completion. And let’s not forget the confusion over the design; one fan quipped about the low-res images, questioning how anyone could determine if it resembles New Hampshire or has high banks based on such images, they said, “Not sure how you can tell it’s like New Hampshire or has high banks based on that low res potato quality drawing.”

As the anticipation and anxiety swirl around the Auto Club Speedway, it’s clear that fans are deeply invested in the future of this iconic track. Whether they’re excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, one thing is for sure: the conversation is far from over, and the racing community will be watching closely as the changes unfold.