Plans are currently in the works to convert Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., into a "half-mile short track," according to Gluck & Bianchi of THE ATHLETIC. NASCAR yesterday submitted site plans to San Bernardino County "laying out a proposal that will involve remodeling much of the existing infrastructure while also reducing the size of the property's footprint to free up land for other uses or an eventual sale." The track "would have long straightaways" like Martinsville Speedway, but "high-banked corners" like Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR Exec VP and Chief Innovation & Development Officer Craig Neeb "confirmed the plans." Initial designs have the new short track at Auto Club Speedway "using part of the existing frontstretch -- banked at 11 degrees -- then diving into a pair of high-banked turns similar to Bristol." What is currently pit road "would get reconfigured with similar banking as the frontstretch and become the new track's backstretch." Seating capacity "would be reduced overall but new seating "would be built in the turns." By making a large investment in a renovation, NASCAR "would actually solidify its presence in Southern California." If approved in time for work to begin next year, the new track "could be potentially completed in time for the 2023 season" (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/8).
