3 iconic NASCAR racetracks that no longer exist, ft. Auto Club Speedway

Over the years, NASCAR has seen many iconic racetracks come and go, leaving behind unforgettable memories for fans and drivers alike. Tracks like Auto Club Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and Kentucky Speedway once played host to major races, but they are no longer in operation or are currently out of operation on the NASCAR calendar.

While some were removed due to economic reasons, others fell at the hands of redevelopment or fading interest. The sport moves forward and even though these tracks are no longer in operation, they remain a significant chapter in NASCAR's history Let’s take a look at 3 iconic Race Tracks that no longer exist.

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#3 Kentucky Speedway

The Enquirer Kentucky Speedway - Source: Imagn

Located in Sparta, Kentucky, the Kentucky Speedway opened in 2000 with great promise, with a 1.5-mile asphalt track and a seating capacity of 66,000. The $153 million facility was a product of Jerry Carroll’s vision to bring major motorsports to the region.

The track hosted some of NASCAR’s most prestigious events, including the Quaker State 400 (2011-2020), NASCAR Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series races. It also featured the Kentucky Indy 300 from 2000 to 2011, producing memorable moments in IndyCar history.

However, the track had its share of challenges. Its NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2011 had severe traffic issues, which hurt its reputation. Though it did undergo repaving in 2016 and banking modifications to bring about a better racing experience, Kentucky Speedway struggled to maintain its reputation.

NASCAR stopped all events at the venue after the 2020 season, and the track was turned into a multi-use facility. Ford Motor Company used it for storing vehicles during the semiconductor shortage, and an EDM music festival was held here in 2022. Despite some desperate efforts, the facility has gone into disrepair, and with no state subsidies available for renovation.

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#2 Chicagoland Speedway

NASCAR: Camping World 400 Chicagoland Speedway - Source: Imagn

Chicagoland Speedway, located in Joliet, Illinois, opened in 2001 as a 1.52-mile tri-oval track designed for high-speed racing. The $130 million project was a collaboration between IMS and ISC, and it quickly became a fan favorite for its close finishes, specifically during the IndyCar Series races it hosted until 2010. NASCAR events also brought excitement to the venue, with the introduction of night racing in 2008 elevating the excitement.

The track’s decline began in 2020 when NASCAR races were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Chicagoland lost its place on the NASCAR schedule altogether. The property was partially redeveloped into an industrial park, leaving much of the track unused.

Although it hosted the 2023 SuperMotorcross World Championship Playoff Round 2—its first major event since 2019—there are no plans for NASCAR or other big racing events to return. With no clear direction for its future, Chicagoland Speedway remains largely inactive.

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#1 Auto Club Speedway- NASCAR

Auto Club Speedway - Source: Imagn

Auto Club Speedway, located in Fontana, California, was one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks until its closure in 2023. Built on a former Kaiser Steel Mill site, the 2-mile track opened in 1997 and was initially called California Speedway before being renamed in 2008 due to a sponsorship deal with the Auto Club of Southern California.

Over the years, the venue has hosted an array of motorsport events, including NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, and AMA Superbike races. Known for its wide racing surface, Auto Club became a fan favorite for its multi-groove action.

The track hosted its final NASCAR race in February 2023 before demolition began in October of that year. NASCAR originally planned to rebuild the facility as a short half-mile oval, drawing inspiration from Martinsville and Bristol, with high banking and tight racing.

However, by late 2024, NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that the project was on indefinite hold due to high construction costs and other priorities within the organization. With redevelopment plans stalled, Auto Club Speedway’s future reconstruction plan looks uncertain, making its closure a big loss for NASCAR fans.