Change comes at a cost. In NASCAR, the community is usually divided into two factions when the development of a racetrack comes into question. While some argue for the emotional value of a venue, others side with the financial side of things. Well, both of these aspects certainly go hand in hand. However, in this tug of war, one more racetrack has lost the battle of relevance.

The latest venue to join the club is the iconic Auto Club Speedway. Surrounded by a picturesque mountain range in Fontana, the track is one of the most beautiful places to watch a stock car race in the United States. With the speedway set to undergo widescale changes, fans have taken to social media platforms to mourn the demolishment and wave goodbye to one of their most celebrated two-mile tracks in the sport’s history.

Fontana is set to get a new look

With the passing of time, NASCAR has shifted its attention to short tracks and road courses. It has decided to amend the Auto Club Speedway by shortening the track. Races on these tracks have seen more frequent contacts, close-quarter racing, unpredictable winners, and a new requirement of expertise. While this could benefit short-track aces like Chase Elliott or Tyler Reddick, many other drivers would have hoped to keep racing at a quintessential Fontana race annually.

The speedway is all set to become a half-mile track if the impending changes are implemented. With the search for newer tracks still ongoing, giving classic venues new attire has not gone down well with the fans. NASCAR’s thought process in this situation stems from making it a more watchable sport than it is, and the authorities want fans to be immersed in the racing experience instead of attending races for its sake, forcing them to take the necessary steps.

Autoclub Speedway president Dave Allen spoke on the renovation earlier this year in February when the news of Fontana’s exclusion from 2024 was relayed. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he said, “I think we’ve been at a point where entertainment is our business.”

“What the drivers do on the track is how memories are generated and what people are thinking about when they leave. But it’s the integration of everything. It’s important for us to stay diversified and provide entertainment for people to have fun all day long.”

The expected time period for completing the project has been estimated to be around two years. Although NASCAR is still open to scrapping this plan and not turning the track into a concert venue with added features, it seems unlikely. But while some want to see a new look in Fontana in 2026, others stand against the decision.

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Teary-eyed reactions as Auto Club Speedway becomes victim to a business opportunity

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NASCAR is trying to adapt to changing times for multiple reasons, with viewership and sales being the prime. With the rise in affinity for shorter durations of racing, the Dallas-based company and NASCAR’s business partner, Hillwood, looked at the track as a business opportunity. After a complete revamp of the track, it is possible that it could generate millions of Cup Series races on it, but fans are taking it otherwise.

NASCAR will only retain 89 acres of land in the deal and has conceded ownership of the rest. One of the fans on Twitter was visibly angry at the change in focus from NASCAR. Moving from a diverse set of tracks to shorter tracks has angered old-school fans a lot. The fan commented, “Got rid of one of its best tracks to pay for a gimmick street course.“

“RIP can’t believe they are actually gonna tear it down- great memories Auto Club will be missed”, said another follower of the sport, deeply saddened and mourning the demolishment.

Auto Club Speedway’s demographic placement is another factor that has hurt a lot of fans. People from across the country have wished to visit California just to get a glimpse of this scenic racetrack. One such fan was left lamenting the announcement after having failed to visit the track previously. He wrote, “Too pure for this world. Always wanted to make a trip out to that track. It’s a real shame knowing I’ll never get that opportunity.”

Many more fans will share his feelings of sadness and regret as the two-year project takes its baby steps. As for how the results fare, it will only be known with time.

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