NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell has acknowledged that converting Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, into a short track will present significant difficulties. Speaking on November 6, 2026, O'Donnell described the project as "a real challenge" as the series moves forward with plans to transform the 2-mile superspeedway into a shorter configuration.
The redevelopment of the Southern California venue has been a topic of discussion for several years, with NASCAR aiming to create a more compact facility that could host Cup Series races on a layout similar to tracks like Martinsville or Bristol. The project involves substantial construction work, including reshaping the racing surface, modifying banking, and reconfiguring spectator areas.
O'Donnell's comments highlight the complexity of the engineering and logistical hurdles involved in such a major track transformation. The timeline for completion and the first race on the new short track configuration have not been specified.
