Kyle Busch’s Wife Samantha Laments Auto Club Speedway’s Absence From NASCAR as She Heads Off to Las Vegas

Kyle Busch and the Auto Club Speedway have an emotional connection that goes a long way back. The track’s absence from this year’s NASCAR calendar has prompted his wife, Samantha Busch, to reflect on its significance with a sense of loss. Samantha has been a keen observer of Kyle’s journey. Thus, to her, the track’s contribution to Kyle’s racing narrative is undeniable.

Since its first NASCAR race in June 1997, Auto Club Speedway’s 2-mile high-speed track has faithfully served its dedicated fan base. Witnessing numerous thrilling moments over the years, the track reached its end during the 2023 Pala Casino 400, where Kyle Busch clinched his 61st cup series career win on its final lap. However, driven by NASCAR’s efforts to sustain viewership and see the game through a window of business opportunities, the decision to replace the track was made.

The demolition of Auto Club Speedway signifies the end of an era, with plans underway to replace it with a short track, bringing a significant transformation in the motorsport landscape. Reflecting on the changes the track’s absence will bring in both professional and personal aspects for her and Kyle Busch, Samantha Busch took to Instagram to share her thoughts.

In a video on her Instagram stories, she said, “It’s still so bizarre to me that we’re not going to Fontana um it’s just been such a common thing to do all three races on the West Coast, so a little sad.”

She further shared, “but we do have some fun stuff planned in Vegas uh well first Brexton’s doing quarter midget racing out there so that’s easy because it’s right um in the parking lot of Vegas so he’ll be doing that.”

The Legacy of Kyle Busch and The Fontana Track

At the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Kyle Busch claimed his first career cup series victory in 2005 while driving for Hendrick Motorsports. Since then, the track has witnessed Busch securing four additional wins for two different teams. It’s noteworthy that Busch’s fifth victory in Fontana coincided with the track’s final race, perhaps underscoring a fitting conclusion to their shared history.

This victory was not only a significant achievement but also propelled Busch to reach remarkable milestones. The win marked his first victory lane visit for Richard Childress Racing, after he walked away from a longstanding partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing. It also signified his 19th consecutive season of securing at least one Cup Series race win, surpassing the previous record set by Richard Petty. Additionally, it marked the 95th Cup Series victory for brothers Kyle and Kurt Busch, surpassing the record previously held by Bobby and Donnie Allison.

“That all makes it memorable,” Busch said, as per New York Times. “I love California and this speedway has always been great to me. The fans here have been great.”

Kyle Busch added that he liked how big the racetrack was and how drivers could move around freely to find the best way to drive their cars, and “make their own destiny“. He expressed sadness over how it was the last race on the track in its current form, but was glad that he could win its final race.

Read More: “NASCAR Sold Their Soul”- Heartbroken Fans Refuse Insider’s ‘Short Track’ Consolation Amidst Auto Club’s Questionable Future

In the realm of NASCAR, a racetrack can hold a lot more significance than one might think as it embodies memories and experiences for drivers and fans alike. And the realization must have come stronger than ever now that the 2024 season is in full swing. As we bid farewell to the 2-mile track, its legacy of thrilling races and cherished memories lives on.