Perris Auto Speedway is the epicenter of dirt track racing in Southern California. This legendary half-mile clay oval roars to life from February through October. The speedway provides high-octane, family-friendly entertainment every Saturday night. It is a staple of American short-track racing culture. This guide details everything that makes a night at “The PAS” an unforgettable experience.
A Iconic Southern California Venue
The speedway sits at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California. Crews meticulously maintain the half-mile clay oval to ensure the surface stays fast and competitive. This clean and well-organized facility creates an electric atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
- Visit the half-mile clay oval at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds.
- Watch intense racing on a meticulously prepared track surface.
- Enjoy excellent views of the entire track from the grandstand seating.
- Experience an electric atmosphere in a clean, organized facility.
Saturday Night is Race Night
The core season runs from late winter through fall, with races held nearly every Saturday night. Gates typically open in the late afternoon to welcome fans before the action begins. The cool evening air eventually fills with the smell of racing fuel and the roar of pure horsepower.
- Enter the gates during the late afternoon.
- Watch the heat races start as the sun sets.
- Enjoy the main events under bright stadium lights.
- Experience the thrill of Saturday night racing.
The Premier Sprint Car Division
The speedway is famous for its headline stars, the 410 Sprint Car division. These incredibly powerful open-wheel machines feature 410 cubic inch engines that produce massive horsepower. Because they race without wings, drivers face a pure and demanding technical challenge on the clay oval.
- Watch the track’s most powerful open-wheel machines.
- Hear the breathtaking roar of a full field of engines.
- Witness fierce competition from highly skilled drivers.
- Experience the raw intensity of wingless sprint car racing.
Diverse Racing Lineup
While sprint cars are the headline, other divisions provide variety.
IMCA Modifieds
These powerful, fender-covered stock cars remain a staple of the speedway. They consistently rank as crowd favorites due to their aggressive, door-to-door racing style. The heavy bodies allow for frequent contact and exciting battles on the clay.
- Watch high-powered stock cars battle for position.
- Experience intense, door-to-door racing action.
- Cheer for your favorite driver in this fan-favorite division.
- Witness the durability of fender-covered racing machines.
Street Stocks
This division features older, American-made stock cars built for durability and speed. The racing is consistently aggressive and keeps the crowd entertained throughout every lap. These classic machines provide a nostalgic yet high-energy experience for every fan in the stands.
- Watch classic American-made stock cars compete.
- Enjoy aggressive driving and high-energy battles.
- Experience one of the most entertaining divisions on the track.
- Witness vintage steel body cars in full-contact action.
Junior Midgets & Mini Dwarfs
Young drivers learn their craft here as they compete in smaller, agile racing machines. These cars run support events that showcase the future stars of the sport. The division provides a vital stepping stone for athletes rising through the ranks.
- Watch the next generation of drivers develop their skills.
- Enjoy fast-paced support events between headline races.
- Identify future champions early in their careers.
- Experience the excitement of high-speed developmental racing.
Special Events and Major Races
The speedway calendar is punctuated by prestigious special events.
The SoCal Showdown
This is a major race drawing top national talent.
The Easter Eggstravaganza
A fun, family-focused event with racing and Easter activities.
The California Racers Hall of Fame Night
This event honors the legends of West Coast racing.
The Oval Nationals
The Oval Nationals serves as the crown jewel event and remains one of the nation’s most prestigious sprint car races. Top drivers from across the country travel here to compete for a large prize purse. The event spans multiple nights in early November, drawing massive crowds to the fairgrounds.
- Compete for one of the largest purses in the sport.
- Watch elite drivers from across the United States.
- Attend a premier multi-night racing festival.
- Experience the prestige of a national-level sprint car event.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Pricing
Perris Auto Speedway provides a safe and welcoming environment for families of all ages. The facility offers very affordable ticket prices and classic racetrack food at fair prices. These features make it an ideal destination for a fun and budget-friendly night out.
- Save money with discounted admission for children aged 6–12.
- Bring children under 5 for free at most events.
- Enjoy classic racetrack snacks from the concession stands.
- Relax in a secure, family-oriented atmosphere.
The Spectator Experience
You can feel the vibration of the cars in your chest as they roar past the stands. The racing remains non-stop with minimal downtime between events to keep the energy high. An expert announcer keeps the crowd informed and engaged throughout the entire night.
- Bring ear protection because the engines are gloriously loud.
- Arrive early to select your preferred general admission seat.
- Carry a blanket or stadium cushion for extra comfort.
- Experience the physical power of high-speed racing vibrations.
Pit Access and Driver Interaction
For an additional fee, fans can purchase a Pit Pass to go behind the scenes. This pass grants access to the pit area before the races begin, where you can watch teams prepare their machines. This exclusive access serves as a huge draw for racing enthusiasts.
- Enter the pit area for a close-up look at the cars.
- Watch mechanics and teams tune engines for the race.
- Meet your favorite drivers and collect autographs.
- Experience the pre-race preparation firsthand.
“Feel the Thunder”
Visiting Perris Auto Speedway
Check the track’s website or social media before you travel to verify the latest schedule. While the main season runs from February to October, special events often extend into November. Planning for the local climate ensures you stay comfortable throughout the entire night.
- Dress in light layers for warm summer nights.
- Bring a jacket for chilly winter and spring events.
- Carry cash for quick ticket and concession purchases.
- Confirm event times to avoid weather-related changes.
Perris Auto Speedway Stands Out
The track delivers authentic, grassroots racing at its best. It maintains a long, storied history within the sport and serves as a vital training ground for rising stars. The facility upholds an unwavering commitment to providing affordable family entertainment for every fan.
- Watch iconic sprint cars slide sideways on the clay.
- Support a venue with a deep and storied racing history.
- See up-and-coming drivers develop their professional skills.
- Enjoy high-quality entertainment that fits a family budget.
Experience the raw power and sideways action. Spend a Saturday night at Perris Auto Speedway.
Perris Auto Speedway, dirt track racing Perris, sprint car racing, Saturday night racing, The PAS, Oval Nationals, 410 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Lake Perris Fairgrounds, things to do in Perris, family entertainment Perris, SoCal Showdown, pit pass, racing schedule, Perris California, Inland Empire attractions, short track racing, clay oval, motorsports, affordable family fun.
Website: www.perrisautospeedway.com
Address: Perris Auto Speedway, 18700 Lake Perris Dr, Perris, CA 92571
Location Map:






































