IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY & DRAGSTRIP TO CLOSE AFTER 2024 SEASON, WITH FINAL FAREWELL SET FOR DECEMBER 21ST

[RitcheyRch]

Irwindale Speedway & Event Center Inc. (ISEC) has announced that Irwindale Speedway and Dragstrip will close following the 2024 season, ending a quarter-century as a beloved motorsports hub in Southern California. Since opening in 1999, Irwindale has been home to NASCAR races, demolition derbies, street-legal drag racing, and the iconic Formula Drift events at “The House of Drift,” along with numerous car culture festivals. Its final event, Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza, is set for December 21, marking the close of a significant chapter in racing history.

“Irwindale has been more than just a track—it’s been a home and gathering place for racing enthusiasts worldwide,” said Tim Huddleston, President of ISEC. “On behalf of my wife Lisa and our partners Bob and Maureen Bruncati, we extend heartfelt thanks to our fans, racers, sponsors, and the City of Irwindale for their unwavering support over the past 25 years. We’re grateful for every moment and memory we’ve shared as a community.”

Events will continue through the remainder of 2024, with highlights including Thursday Night Thunders, Night of Destruction on November 2, Nitro Revival on November 8-9, and SevenStock 26 on November 16. The dragstrip will host its final events in December, starting with the last Thursday Night Thunder on December 5, giving fans one last chance to race down the dragstrip or enjoy the burnout box. Irwindale Dragstripwill then close out its history with the legendary Mooneyes Christmas Party on December 7, featuring drag racing, a classic car show, live entertainment, and more—a fitting farewell to the iconic drag racing venue.

Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza on December 21 promises an unforgettable finale, packed with heart-pounding action. Fans can expect a full day of NASCAR short-track races, wild Night of Destruction events like Figure-8s and Trailer Races, a high-octane Drift Invitational, and the prestigious ARCA Menards Series West. This historic event will be Irwindale’s biggest and most thrilling celebration yet, a fitting tribute to the legacy of a track that has defined West Coast racing for 25 years.

While the closure marks the end of an era, Irwindale’s motorsports legacy will continue as its assets and events transition to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield for 2025, ensuring that Southern California’s racing spirit endures.

IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY & DRAGSTRIP TO CLOSE AFTER 2024 SEASON, WITH FINAL FAREWELL SET FOR DECEMBER 21 – Irwindale Speedway

irwindalespeedway.com

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Can’t wait for another mall like what befell Ontario Motor Speedway and Riverside International Raceway. (warning: sarcasm)

That sucks to hear.

 

[Big B Hova]

Bummer. My son was looking forward to attending another drag race event there.

Soon there will be nothing fun left anywhere and just a bunch of malls and apartments full of people living off the government.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Super sad.

For the drag racers - There will be no where left around here but Famoso out in Bakersfield.

Well......they did build a 330' (a quarter of a quarter of a mile . . . ) in Riverside.
But what is the point in that? So lame

RIP IRWINDALE

 

[DUN]

Sucks Irwindale is a great, racey track.

No Fontana, no Irwindale, Perris is under threat due to a potential water project... fuckin aye.


Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway is Socal's only option now

 

[coolchange]

Taught my kid to drag race at irwindale. I ran the real irwindale back in the day. Sad.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Super sad.

For the drag racers - There will be no where left around here but Famoso out in Bakersfield.

Well......they did build a 330' (a quarter of a quarter of a mile . . . ) in Riverside.
But what is the point in that? So lame

RIP IRWINDALE

Just Famoso and Barona. Looks like more will head to the streets again even though it never really stopped.

 

[92562]

Super sad.

For the drag racers - There will be no where left around here but Famoso out in Bakersfield.

Well......they did build a 330' (a quarter of a quarter of a mile . . . ) in Riverside.
But what is the point in that? So lame

RIP IRWINDALE

There still is Barona but it is sad to see all these tracks go away. I'm hoping that Lynsi can open up more events at Pomona.

 

[Looking Glass]

Is this where they hold the "Nitro Revival" every year? Damn, California was Where It Was At, for racing and Motor Sports of all kinds.

Contrary to some people's beliefs, This Is Not Progress.

 

[Bigbore500r]

There still is Barona but it is sad to see all these tracks go away. I'm hoping that Lynsi can open up more events at Pomona.

Yea, but that's even further for us. Either way, we need to go check it out and support the track.
once they go away, nothing ever comes back

 

[rivermobster]

I'll miss the demolition derbies for sure.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Kids now don't care about motorsports or motorcars for that matter. Everything will be electric and boring, just how libs like it. Let's build some more low income apartments to "bring down the cost of housing" for their voters.

 

[TimeBandit]

In the early 80's I road raced the tracks at Riverside and Ontario.

I really never thought I would be a part of the "I remember when" generation.

 

[coolchange]

Kids now don't acre about motorsports or motorcars for that matter. Everything will be electric and boring, just how libs like it. Let's build some low incoming apartments ls to "bring down the cost of housing" for their voters.

I think you’re wrong. My kids friends do.

 

[Havasu blue label]

My kids as well and grandkids

 

[FROGMAN524]

I think you’re wrong. My kids friends do.

I'd say outside of Havasu and SoCal, todays 16-25 year olds are more interested in the metaverse than wrenching on a vehicle,. Remember, RDP is a small bubble.

 

[mjc]

Bummer. My son was looking forward to attending another drag race event there.

Soon there will be nothing fun left anywhere and just a bunch of malls and apartments full of people living off the government. View attachment 1444408

Well hope to see you at the march meet next year at Famoso, so he can watch racing.

 

[JFMFG]

I'll miss the demolition derbies for sure.

I miss doing the trailer races as a shake down before chino derby and oc. Such a great time.

 

[ltbaney1]

Is this where they hold the "Nitro Revival" every year? Damn, California was Where It Was At, for racing and Motor Sports of all kinds.

Contrary to some people's beliefs, This Is Not Progress.

yes it is, it is coming up too. 11/8 and 11/9. sucks to loose the track, they are talking about next year being famoso or Barona. its not the last one according to the family that puts it on.

 

[timstoy]

I thought I read somewhere that Irwindale had a contract through 2025 but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Unfortunately Irwindale 2 as I call it joins the long list of drag strips, motorcycle parks, Ascot and boat racing venues that have closed over the years. I was at Lions drag strip for the last drag race and I got the same knot in my stomach reading about Irwindale closing. It was good while it lasted but they just built a bunch of new tilt up buildings across the street so I figured Irwindales days were numbered. Hope to make it out one more time and remember the memories!

 

[Gelcoater]

Can’t wait for another mall like what befell Ontario Motor Speedway and Riverside International Raceway. (warning: sarcasm)

That sucks to hear.

Every time I drive past the Moreno Valley mall I want to puke.


People didn’t even go to that mall shortly after it opened, carjack central.

My father in law used to tell stories of when he raced a little Fiat out there in the 70s, guys showed up from all over.

Celebrities there were just another racer.
He specifically called out Paul Newman, most humble guy ever who would lend a hand, or a part if someone needed.

Sad days, all the race tracks are disappearing or gone for a long time.

 

[92562]

Yea, but that's even further for us. Either way, we need to go check it out and support the track.
once they go away, nothing ever comes back

If you come down for a weekend event, the casino is close by and a cool place to eat & stay.

 

[92562]

Every time I drive past the Moreno Valley mall I want to puke.


People didn’t even go to that mall shortly after it opened, carjack central.

I drag raced my 70 Chevelle at Riverside while in college at UCR. After the last race, the track operators took the timing equipment and would set it up Wednesday nights on Palmyrita Ave. Back then it was nothing but orange groves. CHP would often come by and run their 5.0 Mustangs. It was a lot of fun until the low mini-truck crowd started showing up with beer. CHP shut it right down.

I have never set foot in that mall on principle. (I do go to Portillo's though)

 

[Vamodsquad]

If I was there, the first thing I would do after I walked through the gate, go get a couple of t-shirts. One to wear, one to save !

 

[oldman]

Every time I drive past the Moreno Valley mall I want to puke.


People didn’t even go to that mall shortly after it opened, carjack central.

My father in law used to tell stories of when he raced a little Fiat out there in the 70s, guys showed up from all over.

Celebrities there were just another racer.
He specifically called out Paul Newman, most humble guy ever who would lend a hand, or a part if someone needed.

Sad days, all the race tracks are disappearing or gone for a long time.

Bet money very few even knows what huge sign for that mall even represents.

 

[rivermobster]

If I was there, the first thing I would do after I walked through the gate, go get a couple of t-shirts. One to wear, one to save !

I wish I would have done that at the REAL Irwindale Raceway.

This one was always a joke to me.

Get off my lawn!!!

 

[oldman]

Seems like Irwindale has been on and off the chopping block for years. Every time it looks bleak someone comes in with just enough money to keep the gates open.

 

[oldman]

I wish I would have done that at the REAL Irwindale Raceway.

This one was always a joke to me.

Get off my lawn!!!

Miller brewery, I think about the original every time I go by it.

The other one was OCIR off of Sand Canyon when it was a dirt road into the race track, and nothing was around.

64 funny cars, I'll bet there aren't 64 competitive funny cars running today.

Also Jet cars.

 

[mjc]

Miller brewery, I think about the original every time I go by it.

The other one was OCIR off of Sand Canyon when it was a dirt road into the race track, and nothing was around.

64 funny cars, I'll bet there aren't 64 competitive funny cars running today.

Also Jet cars.

And fox hunts.

 

[rivermobster]

And fox hunts.

And speedway!

 

[timstoy]

And speedway!

And Motocross also!

 

[oldman]

And speedway!

At the fairgrounds.

 

[rivermobster]

At the fairgrounds.

They had Speedway at the OG Irwindale Speedway. I think it was Wednesday night?

Bracket racing was Thursday.

Fun stuff back then.

 

[rrrr]

The only event I attended at Irwindale was the 2002 Turkey Night Grand Prix. Watching the midgets on the fast half mile track was an awesome experience.

It was a classic race, and all time great Dave Darland bagged the win in the Steve Lewis #9.

 

[rivermobster]

I miss doing the trailer races as a shake down before chino derby and oc. Such a great time.

 

[Willie B]

… I am wrecking my brain trying to remember if I ever went to the real Irwindale dragstrip… I know for sure I went to Riverside… and San Gabriel… Both of which I can visualize… But I just don’t have a mental image of the old Irwindale…
… I really couldn’t see the big deal with this Irwindale… Not a big fan of 1/8 mile drag racing

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I saw this news a few days ago. Definitely sad but also not surprising. It's hard to believe that with all the high rollers around us, nobody wants to build (and keep) a local track! Why doesn't Lynsi Snyder, Jay Leno or Dave Johnson step up?

I'm gonna hit up the Nitro Revival for sure and maybe enter the drag racing at the Mooneyes deal for a last hurrah.

 

[JFMFG]

I think unfortunately my generation numerous kids don’t know how to wrench or care too. I have buddies that can’t even change a tire. My cousins husband asked for help hanging a tv a few years back I asked if he had certain tools and he didn’t know what a socket set was. It’s really sad. Without the volume of people using and paying to use the track kinda hard to keep them open.

 

[jailbird141]

Back to street racing I guess. Anyone who has been around for a while knows "they" have been going after Pomona for a long time. I hope they never succeed in closing it but I am afraid it is just a matter of time. Will be a sad day for sure.

 

[Looking Glass]

Back to street racing I guess. Anyone who has been around for a while knows "they" have been going after Pomona for a long time. I hope they never succeed in closing it but I am afraid it is just a matter of time. Will be a sad day for sure.

I have always heard the noise surrounding Pomona and the traffic and On and On and On. This is like back in the Midwest where "City Folks" want to Get away From It All and move to the country, BUT!! then Bitch and Moan about the Smell!! "IF you don't care for the Smell of Pig Shit, you should not have moved by a "Pig Farm"

Pomona was there long before most of the complainers were, AND the Farms with their "Aromas" were around for decades.

 

[whiteworks]

I think unfortunately my generation numerous kids don’t know how to wrench or care too. I have buddies that can’t even change a tire. My cousins husband asked for help hanging a tv a few years back I asked if he had certain tools and he didn’t know what a socket set was. It’s really sad. Without the volume of people using and paying to use the track kinda hard to keep them open.

There is a major mechanical disconnect with the screen generation. Very basic concepts like turning something clockwise vs. counter clockwise when given instruction to do so is just not a skill they possess. As well if you look at the out of the box horsepower that is created by factory options on new stuff there really is no need to deeply modify things anymore. Any LEO will attest that a clapped out camry with a tweaker making a run for it will go 130MPH and only needs one hub cap to do so.

 

[ltbaney1]

I saw this news a few days ago. Definitely sad but also not surprising. It's hard to believe that with all the high rollers around us, nobody wants to build (and keep) a local track! Why doesn't Lynsi Snyder, Jay Leno or Dave Johnson step up?

I'm gonna hit up the Nitro Revival for sure and maybe enter the drag racing at the Mooneyes deal for a last hurrah.





View attachment 1444526

Hey thats me in the car, my dad driving the wagon and my sister in the passenger seat! if you make it out next weekend stop by and say hi.

 

[oldman]

I have always heard the noise surrounding Pomona and the traffic and On and On and On. This is like back in the Midwest where "City Folks" want to Get away From It All and move to the country, BUT!! then Bitch and Moan about the Smell!! "IF you don't care for the Smell of Pig Shit, you should not have moved by a "Pig Farm"

Pomona was there long before most of the complainers were, AND the Farms with their "Aromas" were around for decades.

A lot of the houses around Pomona are well over 50 years old, It's been a long time since Pomona was in the boonies, But I would agree a new generation moves in and starts complaining.

And it does shock me that they have been able to fight off "Progress" this long.

 

[CommanderLee]

California has to shut it down. Just look at all of the pictures, everyone is smiling and having a great time. All walks of life together having fun and getting along. We cannot have that we need another warehouse!

I swear that I truly think that is what they want. If they are not tearing something like this down for another warehouse, its to build more apartments. Anyone want to buy a house in La Mirada?????

 

[Looking Glass]

A lot of the houses around Pomona are well over 50 years old, It's been a long time since Pomona was in the boonies, But I would agree a new generation moves in and starts complaining.

And it does shock me that they have been able to fight off "Progress" this long.

How long has Pamona been "OUT" so to speak?

 

[ChrisV]

Streeets about to be hot.

 

[traquer]

Sad to hear. California used to be the pinnacle of the USA in every way, slowly it's going away.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Streeets about to be hot.

About to be hotter. My friend Matt been racing on the street almost every night of the week.

 

[ChrisV]

About to be hotter. My friend Matt been racing on the street almost every night of the week.

Crazy horse?

 

[RitcheyRch]

Crazy horse?

Yes.