Has anyone heard about the future of The Auto Club Drag Strip at Fontana? There are a number of rumors about the Drag Strip and none of them are encouraging. Rather than rely on rumors I would like to hear from people who have direct knowledge of the tracks future.

As much as I like to race at Bakersfield I can no longer tow that far, not am I interested in trying on a monthly basis.

Regards:

Bob

They are NOT on the 2021 NHRA LODRS event list!!!

Bob-I too have heard RUMORS and yes not favorable. I was told that the property that the dragstrip occupies has been sold. This has been in the planning since Nascar decided to change to 1/2 mile track and sell off the surrounding property. The dragstrip would seem to be something that could be used during all the planning which could take years in development, but it is inevitable to me that our dragstrips life is not going to be as long as we want it to be. Tell the owners of Barona to increase the pit parking.

Sounds like I picked a good time to retire. Now all I gotta do is talk my son into selling the race truck.

A great source told me that the dragstrip portion of the property has been sold to Amazon. Makes sense because of the train access and they will make a spur for Amazon. A perfect spot for a distribution center, Cherry Ave., close to the 10 freeway etc. Really disappointing for us racers. Now nowhere to race other than Vegas 5 1/2 hours and Bakersfield 3 hours.

Always wanted a bass boat...............

Where is the nearest lake Charlie? Hey? Charlie do you and Larry remember the scooter you two donated
to the super street banquet at least 14 or 15 years ago and they picked a ticket out and Larry won it, then Larry said no to that pick another ticket. Well I was the lucky one. Anyway again Thanks. Well the scooter has finally stopped running. Charlie I need a mechanic?

I'm not like you geezers (Charlie, Larry and Bob) I am way too young to retire just not ready to make the 272 (one way) mile tow from Lakeside to Bakersfield twice a month.

I wonder what the home prices are like in Bakersfield, maybe I could get a place with my very own oil derrick in the back yard. Oh happy day.

Bob

I heard another rumor that Amazon also purchased the Houston and Route 66 properties either for speculation or dist. centers. Now that the rumors are flowing has anyone else heard that?

quote:

I heard another rumor that Amazon also purchased the Houston and Route 66 properties either for speculation or dist. centers. Now that the rumors are flowing has anyone else heard that?

It wouldn't surprise me Bob.

Amazon is buying large properties all over the Country and those you mentioned would be prime locations for Amazon Distribution Centers. They recently opened a huge Distribution Center in Poway a few miles North of San Diego and are building a second one in San Ysidro on the Mexican Border between San Diego and Tijuana. These facilities are hiring thousands of people, can't imagine what the folks in New York were thinking when they rejected Amazon's bid to build their headquarters in New York City. Really stupid move.

If the Fontana property has been sold it will be tragic loss for Drag Racers in Southern California. Perhaps K&N saw the handwriting on the wall and was part of the decision to move to Texas. California is going to Hell in a hand basket.

Bob

It's almost like Amazon has figured out that racetracks represent large, under-utilized properties they can get for a good price.

quote:

Originally posted by RPROGAS:
Has anyone heard about the future of The Auto Club Drag Strip at Fontana? There are a number of rumors about the Drag Strip and none of them are encouraging. Rather than rely on rumors I would like to hear from people who have direct knowledge of the tracks future.

As much as I like to race at Bakersfield I can no longer tow that far, not am I interested in trying on a monthly basis.

Regards:

Bob

Loosing tracks sucks! Had that conversation with a group this weekend. I think it’s time for us to push NHRA for some answers on Bakersfield. Very well could be a waste of time ? Changes coming to Sonoma also. More travel in our future if we want to race or move...

Gotta love the rumor mill. Hopefully someone in the know can confirm or deny. Thought the Fontana thing came up earlier this year. As for RT66 they have said no 2021 racing but that entire area is surrounded by wharehouses.

Unfortunately Sonomas fate seems sealed with only Wednesday night program remaining for drag racing.

Since we are spreading rumors whats up with Sacramento raceway? Seems like I always here there are closing.

Sacramento can continue to operate until Dave Smith passes away. Then it loses it conditional use permit. I assume it will then actively look for a buyer.

Loosing tracks sucks! Had that conversation with a group this weekend. I think it’s time for us to push NHRA for some answers on Bakersfield. Very well could be a waste of time ? Changes coming to Sonoma also. More travel in our future if we want to race or move...[/QUOTE]


Bakersfield doesn't want NHRA races. They have a very successful program going.

I meant to mention another Amazon moment. At the Las Vegas strip while I was there for the 1st div. race and Jegs SN there were truck trailers parked out just north of our staging area. Someone said that all those trailers are from Amazon and pay the strip 160K a month to park. Al is that true???If that is true then maybe the vulnerable dragstrip properties are attractive to Amazon for some reason.

quote:

Originally posted by 50fordsst:
I meant to mention another Amazon moment. At the Las Vegas strip while I was there for the 1st div. race and Jegs SN there were truck trailers parked out just north of our staging area. Someone said that all those trailers are from Amazon and pay the strip 160K a month to park. Al is that true???If that is true then maybe the vulnerable dragstrip properties are attractive to Amazon for some reason.

I heard it was 130k per month...Its still an insane amount!

On Fontana: No Divisional scheduled. Sonoma has nothing but Wed. nights, (2) divisionals and a National, Bakersfield doesn't seem interested in NHRA stuff, and Sac is on its way out at some unknown time (its been closing "next year" for years). California Drag racing is in big trouble.

Fontana is going to reopen the first weekend in March.

Amazon buying the property was a rumor but the land is cess pool from the steel mill

quote:

Originally posted by I.P. Dailey:
Fontana is going to reopen the first weekend in March.

Amazon buying the property was a rumor but the land is cess pool from the steel mill

No better use for it other than a race track.
Great news.

Yea! If and when it does open it is scheduled the weekend after the Nascar race. Please re-open, I have been disappointed enough this month. Thinking about going out and protesting and burning and of course looting. Oh sorry that's what the other side does when they don't get there way. My mistake!