“We don’t have room”: NASCAR’s Steve Phelps comments on future of Auto Club Speedway

Modified Apr 04, 2025 00:40 GMT

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NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps commented on the possibility of turning the site in Fontana, California, into a half-mile track. He said it in an interview with Hauler Talk.

The former Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, hosted NASCAR races from 1997 to 2023. It was closed for redevelopment as part of the ambitious “Next Gen California” project. The site is planned for a half-mile short track. In 2023, NASCAR sold 433 of the 522 acres to developers who are converting the land into a logistics facility and industrial park. The only original part of the racetrack is the pit road and parts of the Frontstretch stand.

The redevelopment project has been paused indefinitely, with the Commissioner of NASCAR citing a substantial price tag as the reason for the pause. To Hauler Talk, he said:

"Would I like to build a new facility in Fontana? I would. You know, it would be a short track because we don't have room for anything else, frankly. And do I think creating a short track out there would be a cool thing for us? Yes. With that said, it's $300 million to build that facility. Is that the best use of that money? That is the big question. The cost of capital right now is still really high.", Phelps said.

"So for us to just press pause right now is essentially what we're doing. You know, trying to be as transparent about that as possible. But yeah, I'd love to build a facility out there. When that is going to happen, or if that's going to happen, I don't have a timeline.", he added.

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Steve Phelps was recently appointed as NASCAR’s first-ever commissioner after serving as the president of NASCAR. As a president, Phelps oversaw major changes in NASCAR, including the launch of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program to support female and minority drivers in NASCAR. To broaden the reach of NASCAR, he partnered with organizations such as The Trevor Project and The Urban Youth Racing School.

Steve Phelps makes his vision clear in his first remarks as NASCAR Commissioner

Following his appointment as NASCAR's Commissioner, Steve Phelps emphasized the importance of unity within the sport. He believes NASCAR will be stronger and more successful when all stakeholders collaborate effectively, functioning more like a cohesive league similar to the NFL or MLB.

"The more we act like a league, the better it’ll be for all stakeholders. Not just NASCAR the company, but NASCAR the sport because we are stronger together than we are apart. So, to me, that is the No. 1 thing in my job that is the most critical.”, he said via Racer.com

Phelps aims to bridge the competitive gap stemming from NASCAR's structure, where the organization doesn't "own" itself entirely. His primary mission is to foster closer collaboration across the industry, encompassing racetracks, teams, and drivers. By uniting these elements, he envisions creating collective benefits for everyone involved.

About the author

Born and raised in Pune, India, where a strong emphasis on education instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. My academic journey led me to Amity University in Noida, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. This foundation in communication arts ignited a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience engagement.

The allure of cinematic storytelling further captivated me, prompting me to pursue a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the prestigious University of Glasgow. This enriching experience honed my critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to dissect narratives, understand the nuances of performance, and craft compelling narratives of my own. During my time in Glasgow, I honed my writing skills as a contributor to the university newsletter, covering a diverse range of topics from local sporting events to film screenings and reviews. This experience cultivated my ability to research, analyze, and articulate my thoughts in a clear and engaging manner.

My interests extend beyond the world of film, encompassing a diverse spectrum of sporting passions. From the exhilarating world of Formula 1 to the thrilling spectacle of NASCAR, I find myself captivated by the raw power, strategic brilliance, and human drama that unfold on the racetrack. My passion for sports, coupled with my deep understanding of storytelling, provides a unique perspective that I aim to bring to my writing about NASCAR.

I am eager to share my insights and passion for this exhilarating sport with a wider audience. My background in film, coupled with my experience as a writer and my deep-seated love for competition, equips me to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of NASCAR – the speed, the strategy, the human element, and the sheer thrill of the race.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua