It was a very important race for NASCAR Cup drivers at Fontana. Everyone anticipated it to be an action-packed race. The weather was rough, leading up to the days of the race, and that led to some troubles on the track. The wet weather had led to most of their schedule getting canceled a day before the race.

Luckily, by the next day, the track was dry and good enough for the race. But after a few laps, the front of the cars looked like they had been sandblasted. Even the pit crews had to be careful not to slip on debris during the stops. The ordeal that the drivers and crew went through was made evident by Bubba Wallace and Martin Truex Jr’s conversations over the radio.

Bubba Wallace and Martin Truex Jr. had issues with visibility during the race

Most Cup Series races see some chaos on the track due to crashes and car wrecks. But this year’s Pala Casino 400 was different for the drivers. Within a few laps into the race, drivers had to face the brunt of the weather and a dirty track. And 23XI Racing‘s Bubba Wallace was certainly not very happy about it.

Speaking to his spotter Kraft during the race, he said, “Say clear Freddie (Kraft). My shield’s open because I can’t see a ******* thing! We all got sandblasted. I can’t see where I’m running.”

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr faced something similar. In his conversation with his spotter over the radio, he said, “Hit the ground pretty hard, running lower in (turn) four. It’s hard to see right now. My windshield’s ****.”

Though the track was cleaned up later, it was tough for the drivers to see as it seriously affected the windshields. However, it may have provided drivers with a memorable final race before the Auto Club Speedway’s renovation.

Auto Club Speedway’s epic last race before bidding adieu

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The Auto Club Speedway is cherished by many NASCAR drivers and fans. Drivers love the track because of its width and its coarse grip. But it will soon be demolished to make room for a proposed half-mile track. This second race of the current Cup season, where Kyle Busch clinched his first win for RCR, was the last before this beloved track is torn apart.

Read More: Bubba Wallace’s Wife Amanda Reacts to Husband’s “Dirty Gal” Having a “Bum End”

Fontana won’t be hosting a NASCAR race in 2024, and the new setup might not be ready until 2026 as the plans to restore it are still vague. The decision brings an end to an entertaining era for NASCAR in California’s rich racing culture.

While fans will look forward to the next race in Las Vegas, they would have unique memories of the 2023 Fontana race. What did you make of the race and of Bubba Wallace and Truex Jr’s words?

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