IRWINDALE, Calif. — Irwindale Speedway and Dragstrip is set to close following this season, ending a quarter-century as a motorsports hub in Southern California, Irwindale Speedway & Event Center Inc. announced Tuesday.
Since opening in 1999, Irwindale has been home to NASCAR races, demolition derbies, street-legal drag racing and the iconic Formula Drift events at “The House of Drift,” along with numerous car culture festivals. Its final event, Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza, is set for Dec. 21, marking the close of a significant chapter in racing history.
“Irwindale has been more than just a track—it’s been a home and gathering place for racing enthusiasts worldwide,” said Tim Huddleston, President of ISEC. “On behalf of my wife Lisa and our partners Bob and Maureen Bruncati, we extend heartfelt thanks to our fans, racers, sponsors, and the City of Irwindale for their unwavering support over the past 25 years.
“We’re grateful for every moment and memory we’ve shared as a community.”
Events will continue through the remainder of 2024, with highlights including Thursday Night Thunders, Night of Destruction on Nov. 2, Nitro Revival on Nov. 8-9 and SevenStock 26 on Nov. 16.
The dragstrip will host its final events in December, starting with the last Thursday Night Thunder on Dec. 5, giving fans one last chance to race down the dragstrip or enjoy the burnout box. Irwindale Dragstripwill then close out its history with the legendary Mooneyes Christmas Party on Dec. 7, featuring drag racing, a classic car show, live entertainment and more.
Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza on Dec. 21 promises an unforgettable finale, packed with heart-pounding action. NASCAR short-track races, wild Night of Destruction events like Figure-8s and Trailer Races, a high-octane Drift Invitational and the ARCA Menards Series West fills the day.
This historic event will be Irwindale’s biggest and most thrilling celebration yet, a fitting tribute to the legacy of a track that has defined West Coast racing for 25 years.
While the closure marks the end of an era, Irwindale’s motorsports legacy will continue as its assets and events transition to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield for 2025, ensuring that Southern California’s racing spirit endures.