Fontana, CA — In a stunning reversal, Auto Club Speedway has officially scrapped its highly anticipated short track reconfiguration project and will instead move forward with rebuilding the original two-mile superspeedway layout, multiple sources confirmed Friday.
The announcement comes after years of speculation and planning aimed at transforming the historic Fontana oval into a high-banked short track—something NASCAR had billed as a key part of its future direction. Construction delays, logistical hurdles, and shifting priorities within NASCAR and its fanbase are believed to have contributed to the dramatic change in direction.
“After careful evaluation, we’ve decided to preserve and enhance the legacy of Auto Club Speedway by restoring the original two-mile configuration,” said a senior NASCAR official. “It’s a track that delivered some of the most exciting races in recent memory and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers.”
The two-mile oval, which first opened in 1997, became known for its high speeds, wide racing surface, and thrilling finishes—especially in the Gen-6 and Next Gen eras. From Kyle Larson’s dominant runs to Kyle Busch’s milestones, Auto Club provided a unique West Coast flavor to the NASCAR schedule that fans feared might be lost forever.
The short track project, initially announced in 2020, had gained momentum in response to a renewed push for more short track racing across the Cup Series calendar. However, construction never began in earnest, and rumors of the plan being shelved had intensified in recent months.
Drivers and fans alike have expressed mixed reactions. While many welcomed the idea of adding another short track to the schedule, others were nostalgic for Fontana’s wide-open style and strategy-heavy races.
With the restoration plans now confirmed, construction is expected to begin later this year, with a targeted reopening date still to be announced. NASCAR has not yet said when Fontana will return to the Cup schedule, but the move opens the door for a potential return to Southern California with the track’s original identity intact.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates as plans for the rebuild unfold.
