FONTANA, Calif. — It appears that Auto Club Speedway could be reconstructed into a half-mile short track as soon as next year.
The Athletic originally reported that NASCAR submitted a site plan to San Bernardino County officials to remodel the two-mile superspeedway. The reported goal would be to transform the track in time for a 2022 event on the new short-track layout.
NASCAR officials confirmed the move on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are still very early in the process, but we are excited about what this ambitious project could mean for our loyal fans in Southern California,” said Craig Neeb, NASCAR executive vice president and chief innovation officer. “This is our first step toward creating a state-of-the-art facility that would deliver the intense short-track racing our fans love, an intimate viewing experience and upgraded suites and hospitality areas that would position Auto Club Speedway among the top entertainment venues in the market.”
Construction is expected to begin following the spring NASCAR weekend at the former California Speedway, which has been hosting NASCAR races since 1997.
NASCAR fans have been asking for more short track races for years and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and Richmond Int’l Raceway are the only short tracks on the schedule.