What’s Next for Auto Club Speedway?
For years, Auto Club Speedway in Fontana was NASCAR’s stronghold in Southern California. Today, the former two-mile oval sits largely dormant—demolished grandstands, weeds growing through pit lane, and a redevelopment plan that remains unclear.
In 2023, NASCAR sold roughly 400 acres of the property to Hillwood Development Company—the Dallas-based real estate firm led by Ross Perot Jr.—for about $543 million.
The reason is simple: the track sits in the Inland Empire, arguably the hottest logistics market in the United States thanks to its proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Hillwood’s plan is to build a massive industrial project known as Speedway Commerce Center, with over 6 million square feet of warehouse and logistics space.
From a real estate perspective, it’s hard to argue with the economics. That land is worth far more moving freight than hosting two NASCAR weekends a year.
But the motorsport story isn’t finished.
The Short-Track Vision
NASCAR originally planned to replace the superspeedway with a half-mile short track on the remaining portion of the site. Short tracks are widely seen as producing some of the best racing in the sport—and a smaller venue would dramatically reduce operating costs.
But construction has yet to begin, and officials have acknowledged the project is currently on pause.
A Familiar Story in Motorsport Real Estate
What’s happening in Fontana isn’t unique. Across the industry, racetrack owners are rethinking how these large properties create value.
Some projects have leaned fully into redevelopment.
Others have turned motorsport facilities into mixed-use lifestyle destinations.
Consider a few examples:
Daytona International Speedway transformed its campus through the $400M “Daytona Rising” redevelopment, integrating premium hospitality and entertainment infrastructure.
Miami International Autodrome proved that temporary circuits paired with luxury hospitality can deliver massive economic impact.
Private motorsport clubs like The Concours Club in Miami have shown that trackside real estate and membership models can drive recurring revenue.
Each reflects a broader shift: racetracks can no longer rely on race weekends alone.
They need year-round economic engines.
The Opportunity at Fontana
From a Green Flag perspective, Fontana still has enormous potential.
Even with industrial development moving forward, the remaining land could support:
A modern NASCAR short track
Trackside hospitality or club experiences
Automotive experience centers or OEM testing facilities
Motorsport-adjacent entertainment or hospitality
Southern California remains one of the largest car culture markets in the world. The challenge isn’t demand. The most successful venues aren’t just tracks anymore—they’re destinations, hospitality platforms, and mixed-use ecosystems.
