Irwindale Speedway, a cornerstone of Southern California’s racing scene since 1999, is set to host its final event before closing permanently to make way for an industrial park. This closure marks the end of a venue that has been instrumental in the careers of many drivers, including NASCAR Cup Series competitor Cole Custer.
A Personal Loss for Cole Custer
For Cole Custer, Irwindale Speedway is more than just a track; it’s where his racing aspirations took root. Reflecting on the impending closure, Custer shared, “The biggest thing is just how special that place is. It was my home track for the most part. I think what’s made Irwindale special is just how racy the racetrack is. I mean, it puts on some of the best racing you’ll ever see with side-by-side battles and slide jobs and people using each other up. So it’s definitely gonna be missed.”
Eager to honor the track’s legacy, Custer expressed his desire to participate in its final race, stating, “Somebody is going to be able to walk away there and say that they were the final winner at Irwindale. I think that’s a cool experience, and hopefully get to have a shot at it.”
Irwindale Speedway’s Legacy
Irwindale Speedway has been celebrated for its unique design, featuring both half-mile and quarter-mile configurations with banking, as well as an 1/8 mile drag strip. The venue hosted notable events like the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown and the Turkey Night Grand Prix, becoming a hub for racing enthusiasts.
However, financial challenges and ownership changes over the years led to the discontinuation of these events and ultimately, the decision to close the track. The final event is expected to be a grand farewell, with autograph signings, fireworks, traditional racing, destruction derbies, and auto soccer games, bringing together the Southern California racing community for one last celebration.
A Broader Trend in Southern California
The closure of Irwindale Speedway is part of a concerning trend in Southern California, where several racetracks have faced similar fates. Auto Club Speedway, Riverside International Raceway, and Ontario Motor Speedway have all been closed or repurposed, raising questions about the future of motorsports in the region.
As the racing community bids farewell to Irwindale Speedway, drivers like Cole Custer are left to cherish the memories and experiences that these local tracks provided, even as they grapple with the loss of the venues that launched their careers.
