WATCH: A massive crane falls off at the Auto Club Speedway demolition site

A massive crane recently toppled over during the ongoing demolition of the Auto Club Speedway in California, USA. Justin Schuoler, a journalist with the National Press Association, shared the news on his official X account. The demolition project started following the final NASCAR race in February last year.

Race enthusiasts from Southern California are looking forward to the new track configuration that is supposed to feature a half-mile layout, resembling a blend of Martinsville and Bristol styles. However, the revamped Auto Club Speedway track isn’t expected to be race-ready until 2025. Last year, reports surfaced that NASCAR had secured over half a billion dollars from selling most of the Speedway property.

The latest updates from the site indicate a significant accident, with a large crane collapsing across the road. Videos show that bulldozers have demolished the grandstands, much of the track surface has been torn up, and the concrete retaining walls of the Auto Club Speedway track have been dismantled.

The track in Fontana was a staple on the NASCAR Cup schedule from 1997 until 2023. Jeff Gordon won the first race held there and again secured victories in 1999 and 2004. Jimmie Johnson has the most Fontana wins, totaling six. The last Cup race on Fontana’s 2-mile layout was held last season, with Kyle Busch taking his fifth win at the California track after leading 27 laps.

Steve Phelps, during his annual State of the Sport address in November, discussed the Auto Club Speedway track's future. He emphasized the significance of the Southern California market to NASCAR and mentioned that the plan is to “most likely” introduce a short track. He said [via NBC Sports]:

“I would say that we are still planning on building a short track in Fontana. What the timing of that is, I don’t know. [...] This isn’t the best time to be building based on inflation, the cost of capital, et cetera. But our intention is to continue to be in the Southern California market.”

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Fans react to the Auto Club Speedway getting demolished and the crane falling over

Many NASCAR fans who are nostalgic about the track have expressed their sentiments, with one saying:

"It just wasn’t meant to be demolished. The track is showing its displeasure."

Here are a few more comments on the post:

"Good to see the speedway fighting back (Hope no one was hurt)," a fan said.

"The track is fighting back," claimed another.

"Even the crane is heartbroken to see such an amazing track being demolished," said one more enthusiast.

"Nature is healing," one felt.

"It’s a sign. The racing gods are angry," said another fan.