California Speedway

California Speedway, the track that brought oval racing back to the Golden State, is wide enough to allow NASCAR's top stars to race comfortably side by side.

Given that California Speedway was built by Roger Penske before its subsequent sale to International Speedway Corporation, it should come as no surprise that the superspeedway that opened in Fontana in 1997 bears a strong resemblance to its sister track in Michigan. In fact, both are 2.0-mile "D" shaped ovals.

The primary difference lies in the degree of banking in the corners. California is banked at 14 degrees in the four turns, compared to 18 degrees at Michigan. As a result, California is a slightly slower speedway, with a qualifying record of 187.432 mph set by Ryan Newman in April of 2002 (contrasted to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 191.149 at Michigan).

California Speedway is located at 9330 Cherry Avenue in Fontana, approximately 40 miles east of Los Angeles. The frontstretch, which includes the 11-degree-banked tri-oval, measures 3,100 feet, and the 3- degree-banked backstretch is 2,500 feet long. The length of the two straights puts a premium on horsepower, but the relatively flat corners also require a car to handle properly.

California Speedway is a race track where fuel mileage can figure prominently in the outcome. Jeff Gordon won the inaugural race there in 1997. The California Speedway plays host to the NAPA Auto Parts 500, a Nextel Cup favorite.

The events at California Speedway continue a tradition of the sport at California ovals that dates back to April, 1951.

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