Short-track racing has been a fan favorite and has produced numerous memorable moments in NASCAR history. From close finishes to epic battles, short-track racing has been a key part of the sport’s heritage. However, NASCAR’s vision to find new fans with the LA Coliseum race has left many existing fans sour. Although the exhibition race has gained popularity in garnering a new audience, NASCAR is still grappling with its future in the Southern Californian market.
Moreover, in order to continue their expansion with short-track racing, they had even planned to demolish the iconic Auto Club Speedway. Their intention was to rebuild the entire venue as a short-track site. However, as per eminent journalist Adam Stern, there have been no official statements regarding NASCAR’s plan to execute this at the moment.
Talking about this, Stern recently tweeted, “Asked if @NASCAR’s lack of an official commitment on the @AutoClubSpdwy change was a sign that it isn’t 100% committed yet to building a short track in Fontana, COO Steve O’Donnell said: ‘It’s fair to say we’re evaluating the [L.A.] market as a whole.’“
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Asked if @NASCAR’s lack of an official commitment on the @AutoClubSpdwy change was a sign that it isn't 100% committed yet to building a short track in Fontana, COO Steve O’Donnell said: "It’s fair to say we’re evaluating the [L.A.] market as a whole." https://t.co/eIXBrQxl2J
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 13, 2023
The update was enough to rile up fans and the local community—as was evident from their reactions on social media.
NASCAR fans are concerned about Auto Club Speedway’s future
Fans expressed their concern on Twitter regarding the future of the iconic track. They mentioned that the track did not need to be torn down. Some of the fans even criticized the NASCAR management for taking calls like this for expansion. They suggested that there were already quite a lot of short tracks around the country and that they should be renovated instead.
No one asked for Auto Club to change layouts to begin with…..or race inside a stadium to begin for that matter.
— Nathan Platt (@nathanplatt) February 13, 2023
The answer is to not change Auto Club. It really is that simple. Nobody asked for it at all and we'd rather have Auto Club on the schedule than no LA race whatsoever. It'll take years likely for the reconfiguration which is surely what is causing question from Nascar.
— Anthony (@nascar_fan1234) February 14, 2023
Man I would hate if they moved away from a short track and did another road course or street race..
— Dan Doherty (@DanDohe04719846) February 13, 2023
@NASCAR @AutoClubSpdwy please don’t change! We love the track as it is!!
— Aaron Douglas (@AaronDouglas426) February 13, 2023
Instead of building these crazy street courses and smaller then small short tracks. Build an oval .5 track or bigger in LA or beside LA. Chicago.. etc. quit blowing millions on gimmicks and invest it if that’s the market you guys want.
— Kaleb L (@KiNg_ChO2) February 14, 2023
I see it as this, there are many short tracks that NASCAR can race at if they invested in them. Hell, Irwindale is a viable short track. There are only 5 2+ mile ovals in the country! I would hate to lose one of the biggest tracks in the country that has produced amazing racing.
— Brendan Sanders (@BASReport2018) February 13, 2023
Keep auto club as an oval. Plain and simple
— Dalton Mobley (@Swishh77) February 13, 2023
Well this can't be good
— David DeLeon (@DavidEDeLeon) February 14, 2023
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Goodbye Fontana.
— Chris Blackmore 🇺🇸 (@USMC_NASCARFire) February 14, 2023
However, with NASCAR’s intent to cater to a wider audience, the future of the track remains uncertain. This year will see the introduction of the first-ever NASCAR street race in Chicago. But, fans are already unhappy with this move from the organizers. It is left to be seen how well the event is received.
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Moreover, there have been rumblings of NASCAR trying to get themselves into New York. It could indicate another street race-type event. Although, the prospect still remains uncertain.
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