My first introduction to Auto Club Speedway was a million years ago as a guest of a race sponsor. Last Sunday’s visit didn’t have all the bells and whistles of that skybox experience, but I’m sure glad we went. I know I’m full of bias since it’s my home track, but I think Auto Club has given us some of the best racing I’ve seen. Sunday’s race did not disappoint even if I wasn’t snuggled in a warm suite.
Our weekend began with us feverishly watching weather apps. As most of you know, Southern California has had one of the wettest, coldest winters on record. Mother Nature did not relent just because NASCAR was in town. Rain (and SNOW) canceled all racetrack activity until Sunday. When my husband, brother, and I left San Diego County at 7am Sunday morning, a light rain was falling. Fortunately, the rain cleared before we hit Riverside County. The cold had not dissipated, though. Temperatures never climbed higher than the low 40s—freezing for these Southern Californians. I was bundled up in a jacket and gloves with a blanket in tow.
We made it to the track at 9am and were greeted by the roar of the jet dryers and the smell of carne asada being grilled by tailgaters. We like to hit the merch haulers and grab our scanners before the crowds hit, so we headed in without trying to crash anyone’s party. Even though it was early, a band was playing Spanish hits and a ring was set up for Lucha Libre. It’s always fun to see different cultures and groups represented at the track. We listened to some music, had a Joey Logano sighting (I’d hoped it was a good omen since I’d taken him to win in my NASCAR pool), and then headed to the pits.
This is where the day took a turn and became frustrating. Due to the rain, the pit experience was reduced—completely understandable. The jet dryers were doing their thing so walking the track or lounging on the grass was off limits. Management had diverted access to the pits through the pedestrian tunnel instead of from the grandstands. Everything was great on the way in. The lines were long to scan our pit passes, but not unexpected as we were accessing the working part of the infield, and they were maneuvering fans and race vehicles in a tight space. It was a reduced pit experience, but we watched Goodyear staff prep tires, we saw the pit boxes, and saw some spare parts storage. The experience fell apart as we were headed back to the grandstands to grab some lunch, though. The gate from the pedestrian tunnel back to the grandstands was inexplicably closed, and they funneled us completely outside of the track. We were confused. Track personnel were confused. We had no choice but to get back in line and go through security at the entrance all over again. Frustrating.
Shaking off that experience, we found a great seating area on the terrace by turn four and had some tasty pulled pork and indulged in a cocktail (or two). Hands down, the highlight of lunch was the view, though. Despite what the television networks tell you, Fontana is not a pretty town (nor is it anywhere near Hollywood, but I digress), so seeing the track surrounded by snow covered mountains was a once in a lifetime treat.
We headed up to our seats and settled in for a great race. It was so much fun to watch with all the lead changes! We left our radios on scan, so we listened to a lot of driver and spotter personalities whom we hadn’t heard before. I’d never listened to an MRN broadcast from the track, so it was fun listening to their shenanigans during national commercials (but I miss FanVision). They helped us to figure out the penalties and to keep track of who was in the top five when the race had the long green flag run at the end. We all thought it was Ross Chastain’s race to win after dominating the first two stages, but Kyle Busch swooped in for the win. My brother was thrilled since that was who he had taken in the same pool I’m in. There’s nothing like a little sibling rivalry and smack talk at the end of a race. I only wish I was the one dishing it out!
Auto Club Speedway was showing her age on Sunday. The track was cracked and bumpy, lights weren’t working in some restrooms, and paint was faded and dull. I’m glad that I got to be a part of her final race, though. I really hope to be back in 2025 to inaugurate a new short track. I don’t even need a seat in a skybox.
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