It’s the end of an era for Southern California auto racing.
After 25 years of high-speed thrills, monster trucks and demolition derby-style events, officials recently announced the Irwindale Speedway just east of Los Angeles is shutting down for good on Dec. 21, 2024.
The track opened in 1999, and it quickly became the go-to spot for all things racing. From NASCAR events to Thursday night drag races, the Speedway packed in crowds every season with a mix of pro and amateur events.
“Irwindale has been more than just a track—it’s been a home and gathering place for racing enthusiasts worldwide,” said Tim Huddleston, Irwindale Speedway’s president. “We’re grateful for every moment and memory we’ve shared as a community.”
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IRWINDALE, CA – MARCH 25: Todd Gilliland, driver of the #16 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota and Chris Eggleston, driver of the #99 NAPA Filters Toyota, lead the pack at the start of the K&N West Series Napa Twins 100 at Irwindale Speedway on March 25, 2017 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images) -
IRWINDALE, CA – JULY 02: A general view of the start of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – Toyota Dealers of Southern California 200 at Toyota Speedway on July 2, 2011 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images for NASCAR) -
IRWINDALE, CA – JANUARY 29: A general view of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on January 29, 2011 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images for NASCAR)
After years of narrowly escaping closure, the Speedway is now going to be bulldozed for an industrial park.
The land’s new owner, IDS Real Estate, bought the site in 2022, and the city has started reviewing plans for a mix of warehouses and commercial spaces to replace the track. The city council is set to discuss environmental impacts and more details next year.
The speedway is going out with a bang.
Its final season includes Night of Destruction, the Nitro Revival and SevenStock 26 in November. On Dec. 5, they’ll hold the last-ever “Thursday Night Thunder” drag event, followed by the Mooneyes Christmas Party on Dec. 7.
The speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza will be held on Dec. 21 and will feature NASCAR short-track races, trailer races, a drift invitational, and a closing ARCA Menards Series West race.
Tickets for the last events go on sale Friday, Nov. 8, so fans can grab a spot and say goodbye to a true SoCal racing legend.
It’s the end of an era for Southern California auto racing. After 25 years of high-speed thrills, monster trucks and demolition derby-style events, officials recently announced the Irwindale Speedway just east of Los Angeles is shutting down for good on Dec. 21, 2024. The track opened in 1999, and it quickly became the go-to spot for all […]