NASCAR Cup Series: Clarifying the Schedule and San Diego’s Status
The NASCAR Cup Series does not currently hold a race at a track in San Diego, California. While the circuit maintains a significant presence in the Golden State, its official 2024 and 2025 schedules include events at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana—though the facility is undergoing major redevelopment—and the Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. No professional NASCAR national series race has been hosted in San Diego.
Why is there confusion about a San Diego race?
NASCAR fans often search for a San Diego race due to the sport’s long history of racing in Southern California. For decades, the NASCAR Cup Series competed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, located in San Bernardino County. Because Fontana is roughly 100 miles north of San Diego, casual followers sometimes conflate the two locations. Furthermore, the sport’s expansion into various West Coast markets leads to frequent speculation about new venues, though NASCAR has not announced any plans to build or utilize a racing facility within San Diego city limits.
Where does NASCAR race in California?
The primary home for NASCAR in California is Sonoma Raceway, a 1.99-mile road course located in the Sonoma Valley. According to the official NASCAR schedule, the Cup Series visits this venue annually for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Additionally, the sport has historically utilized the Irwindale Speedway for lower-tier regional events, such as the ARCA Menards Series West, but these are distinct from the premier Cup Series circuit.
What is the status of the Auto Club Speedway?
The Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, which served as the primary Southern California stop for the Cup Series, is currently inactive for NASCAR racing. In 2023, NASCAR announced plans to redevelop the two-mile oval into a short track. As of late 2024, the property remains in the planning and development phase, meaning the series has shifted its focus to other venues while the project remains ongoing.
Comparison of California Racing Venues
| Venue | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sonoma Raceway | Sonoma, CA | Active (Cup Series) |
| Auto Club Speedway | Fontana, CA | Redevelopment Pending |
| San Diego | San Diego, CA | No NASCAR Facilities |
How to track official race results
To view verified results and standings, fans should rely on official resources rather than third-party aggregators. The NASCAR Race Center provides lap-by-lap data, official finishing orders, and post-race technical inspection reports. These official records confirm that no race has been conducted in San Diego, ensuring that fans avoid misinformation regarding the series’ geographical footprint.