Car Racing in California | Thunderous NASCAR & Motorsports
Car races in California deliver high-speed excitement for motorsports fans throughout the year. The state is home to iconic venues like Auto Club Speedway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where major racing events attract large crowds and top drivers.
From NASCAR races to drag racing and road course competitions, there’s a wide variety of events to experience. Fans can enjoy the roar of engines, thrilling finishes, and a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment and fan activities.
Whether you’re a dedicated racing enthusiast or a first-time spectator, California’s car racing scene offers adrenaline-filled experiences and unforgettable moments.
Featured Events
The Diversity of California Car Racing
California’s car racing scene reflects the state’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity. You can experience:
- Oval track racing: NASCAR, IndyCar, and local short tracks
- Road racing: Sports cars, GT cars, and prototypes on permanent road courses
- Street racing: Temporary circuits through city streets
- Drag racing: Quarter-mile acceleration battles
- Off-road racing: Desert races, stadium trucks, and short-course off-road
- Historic racing: Vintage cars from racing’s golden eras
- Club racing: Amateur competition at tracks throughout the state
This guide covers major car racing events throughout California, from north to south, professional to amateur.
Major Professional Road Races
California’s permanent road courses host some of the most prestigious events in American motorsports.
Sonoma Raceway (Sonoma)
Formerly known as Sears Point, Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile road course in the heart of wine country. It features dramatic elevation changes and technical corners.
Toyota/Save Mart 350
NASCAR’s Cup Series visits the road course at Sonoma Raceway for this annual event. The twisting course through the wine country hills is a stark contrast to the ovals where NASCAR typically races. It tests drivers’ road racing skills and often produces surprising results.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma
- Series: NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Typical Date: June
- Track: 2.52-mile road course
- Highlights: Wine country setting, elevation changes, hairpin turn, carousel.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Race: The support race for the Cup event features up-and-coming drivers and road course specialists.
Sonoma Raceway NASCAR Weekend: The full weekend includes practice, qualifying, and support races from series like the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and local club racing.
Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
IndyCar previously concluded its season at Sonoma with this road course event. While currently not on the schedule, it may return in the future.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma
- Series: IndyCar Series (historically)
- Typical Date: September (historically)
- Track: 2.385-mile road course (modified layout)
- Highlights: Championship finale, wine country, technical course.
NHRA Sonoma Nationals
The NHRA visits Sonoma Raceway’s drag strip for this summer event.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway (drag strip)
- Series: NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
- Typical Date: July
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Wine country setting, summer racing, nitromethane thunder.
Sonoma Speed Festival
Historic racing at Sonoma Raceway features vintage cars from all eras.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway
- Series: Historic racing
- Typical Date: May
- Track: Road course
- Highlights: Historic cars, wine country, paddock access.
Sonoma Raceway Club Racing: Throughout the year, clubs like the SCCA and NASA host amateur racing events at Sonoma.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Monterey)
Laguna Seca is one of the most famous race tracks in the world, renowned for its iconic “Corkscrew” turn. It sits on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.
Grand Prix of Monterey
IndyCar visits Laguna Seca for this popular event. The track’s challenging layout and the Corkscrew provide spectacular racing.
- Location: WeatherTech
- Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Series: IndyCar Series
- Typical Date: September
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: The Corkscrew, Monterey Peninsula, historic track, competitive racing.
Motul Course de Monterey
IMSA’s sports cars visit Laguna Seca for this endurance race, often held alongside IndyCar.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Series: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
- Typical Date: September
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: The Corkscrew, multi-class racing, prototype and GT cars.
MotoAmerica World Superbike: While primarily a motorcycle event, MotoAmerica also features high-performance cars in support races.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
This world-famous event features historic race cars from all eras competing on the track. It is part of Monterey Car Week and attracts massive crowds and an incredible array of vehicles.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Series: Historic racing
- Typical Date: August
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: Historic cars, Monterey Car Week, paddock access, Corkscrew views.
Monterey Historics: Part of Monterey Car Week, these events celebrate automotive history.
Laguna Seca Club Racing: The SCCA, NASA, and other clubs race at Laguna Seca throughout the year.
Buttonwillow Raceway Park (Buttonwillow)
Buttonwillow is a versatile road course in the Central Valley with multiple configurations. It is a hub for club racing and time attack events.
NASA Championships
The National Auto Sport Association holds its annual championships at Buttonwillow Raceway, featuring everything from spec Miatas to radical prototypes.
- Location: Buttonwillow Raceway Park
- Series: NASA
- Typical Date: September
- Track: Multiple configurations
- Highlights: Club racing, diverse classes, amateur competition, championships.
Global Time Attack
Time attack events at Buttonwillow draw heavily modified cars competing for fastest lap times.
- Location: Buttonwillow Raceway Park
- Series: Global Time Attack
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Multiple configurations
- Highlights: Highly modified cars, lap record attempts, tuner culture.
SCCA Majors Tour: The Sports Car Club of America holds races at Buttonwillow as part of its national tour.
25 Hours of Thunderhill: While at Thunderhill, this endurance race sometimes has preliminary events at Buttonwillow.
Buttonwillow Track Days: Numerous organizations host track days at Buttonwillow for enthusiasts to drive their own cars.
Willow Springs International Raceway (Rosamond)
Willow Springs is a legendary track in the high desert, known for its high-speed, sweeping corners. The facility includes multiple configurations.
Willow Springs Big Willow: The main 2.5-mile road course is one of the fastest in the country. It hosts numerous racing events.
Streets of Willow: A tighter, more technical course within the facility.
Horse Thief Mile: A short, challenging course.
Global Time Attack
Time attack events at Willow Springs draw heavily modified cars.
- Location: Willow Springs International Raceway
- Series: Global Time Attack
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Big Willow, Streets of Willow
- Highlights: High-speed corners, desert setting, lap records.
SCCA Majors Tour: The SCCA holds races at Willow Springs.
NASA SoCal Events: NASA holds races at Willow Springs throughout the year.
Willow Springs Track Days: Numerous organizations host track days at Willow Springs.
Willow Springs Motorcycle Races: While primarily for cars, the track also hosts motorcycle racing.
Thunderhill Raceway Park (Willows)
Thunderhill is a popular road course in Northern California, known for its 25-hour endurance race.
25 Hours of Thunderhill
This legendary endurance race challenges teams to race for a full day plus one hour. It attracts teams from across the country and features everything from spec Miatas to purpose-built race cars.
- Location: Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows
- Series: Endurance racing
- Typical Date: December
- Track: 3-mile road course (with multiple configurations)
- Highlights: Endurance challenge, unique format, diverse field, night racing.
NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill: The event is organized by NASA and is a highlight of the endurance racing calendar.
Thunderhill Club Racing: The SCCA, NASA, and other clubs race at Thunderhill throughout the year.
Thunderhill Track Days: Numerous organizations host track days at Thunderhill.
Major Street Races
Street circuits through city streets provide a unique challenge and atmosphere.
Grand Prix of Long Beach
One of the most famous street races in the world, the Long Beach Grand Prix has been a fixture since 1975. It is a world-class event that draws massive crowds.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
IndyCar headlines a weekend that includes multiple support series. The race through the streets of Long Beach is a highlight of the IndyCar calendar.
- Location: Long Beach street circuit
- Series: IndyCar Series
Typical Date: April - Track: 1.968-mile street course
- Highlights: Shoreline Drive,
- historic venue, celebrity sightings, festival atmosphere.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
IMSA shares the weekend with IndyCar at Long Beach, featuring multi-class sports car racing.
- Location: Long Beach street circuit
- Series: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
- Typical Date: April
- Track: 1.968-mile street course
- Highlights: Street racing, multi-class action, Shoreline Drive.
Formula Drift Long Beach
Professional drifting is a huge part of the Long Beach weekend, with drivers sliding cars through the streets.
- Location: Long Beach street circuit
- Series: Formula Drift
- Typical Date: April
- Track: Street course section
- Highlights: Drifting, smoke, style, competition.
Historic Trans Am Series: Historic Trans Am cars race at Long Beach, celebrating the series’ heritage.
Stadium Super Trucks: High-flying trucks jump over obstacles in support races.
Porsche Carrera Cup: One-make Porsche series provides competitive racing.
Long Beach Grand Prix Support Races: Numerous other support series fill the weekend schedule.
Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race: A unique race featuring professional drivers and celebrities in identically prepared cars.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (Historic)
The event’s history dates to 1975, with Formula One, Formula 5000, and other series having raced there over the decades.
Major Oval Track Races
California’s ovals host high-speed, side-by-side racing.
Auto Club Speedway (Fontana)
This two-mile oval in Fontana is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR. It produces thrilling, high-speed racing.
Auto Club 400
NASCAR’s Cup Series visits Auto Club Speedway for this annual race. The two-mile oval produces some of the fastest speeds in the series. The event typically takes place in February or March.
- Location: Auto Club Speedway, Fontana
- Series: NASCAR Cup Series
- Typical Date: February/March
- Track: 2-mile oval
- Highlights: High speeds, side-by-side racing, Southern California fans.
Production Alliance Group 300: The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Fontana.
NASCAR Truck Series Race: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series also races at Fontana.
Auto Club Speedway ARCA Race: The ARCA Menards Series races at Fontana.
Fontana Drag Strip: The facility also includes a quarter-mile drag strip that hosts events.
Auto Club Speedway Track Days: The track occasionally hosts lapping days for enthusiasts.
Note: Auto Club Speedway is undergoing reconfiguration and may have a modified schedule. Check current status.
Irwindale Speedway
This half-mile oval in Southern California hosts weekly NASCAR Weekly Series racing, drag racing, and special events. It is a hub for local short track racing.
NASCAR Weekly Series: Weekly racing featuring late models, super late models, and other classes.
Irwindale Drag Strip: The eighth-mile drag strip hosts weekly drag racing.
Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Events: Special events include the Turkey Night Grand Prix midget car race.
Irwindale Event Center: The facility also hosts car shows and other automotive events.
Kern County Raceway (Bakersfield)
This track near Bakersfield hosts NASCAR Weekly Series racing and special events.
NASCAR Weekly Series: Weekly racing featuring late models and other classes.
Kern County Raceway Special Events: Occasional special events and touring series visits.
Madera Speedway
This third-mile oval in the Central Valley hosts weekly racing and special events.
Madera Speedway Weekly Racing: Weekly racing featuring late models, modifieds, and other classes.
Madera Speedway Special Events: Occasional special events and touring series visits.
Stockton 99 Speedway
This historic quarter-mile oval has been racing since 1947. It hosts weekly racing and special events.
Stockton 99 Speedway Weekly Racing: Weekly racing featuring late models, modifieds, and other classes.
Stockton 99 Speedway Special Events: Occasional special events and touring series visits.
All-American Speedway (Roseville)
This track near Sacramento hosts NASCAR Weekly Series racing and special events.
NASCAR Weekly Series: Weekly racing featuring late models and other classes.
All-American Speedway Special Events: Occasional special events and touring series visits.
Major Drag Racing Events
California is a drag racing hotbed, hosting some of the most important events in the sport.
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (Pomona)
The historic Pomona drag strip has been hosting races since the 1950s. It is the season opener and closer for the NHRA.
NHRA Winternationals
The NHRA season opens at Pomona each February. This event features Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and more. It is one of the most prestigious races in drag racing.
- Location: Auto Club Raceway, Pomona
- Series: NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
- Typical Date: February
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Season opener, 10,000-horsepower cars, historic venue, Winternationals tradition.
NHRA Finals
The NHRA season concludes at Pomona in November. Champions are crowned at this legendary event. The atmosphere is electric as titles are decided.
- Location: Auto Club Raceway, Pomona
- Series: NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
- Typical Date: November
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Championship finale, title-deciding runs, historic venue, season conclusion.
NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion
This nostalgic drag racing event celebrates the history of the sport. It features vintage dragsters, funny cars, and hot rods.
- Location: Auto Club Raceway, Pomona
- Series: Nostalgia drag racing
Typical Date: October - Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Vintage cars, historic atmosphere, hot rod culture.
Pomona Drag Strip Weekly Events: The track hosts weekly drag racing and test-and-tune sessions.
Famoso Raceway (Bakersfield)
Famoso is a historic drag strip in Bakersfield, known for its nostalgia events.
California Hot Rod Reunion
This legendary nostalgia drag racing event at Famoso Raceway is one of the largest in the country. It features vintage dragsters, funny cars, and hot rods from racing’s golden era.
- Location: Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield
- Series: Nostalgia drag racing
- Typical Date: October
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Vintage cars, nostalgia atmosphere, massive event, hot rod culture.
March Meet
This nostalgic drag racing event at Famoso in March is another huge gathering.
- Location: Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield
- Series: Nostalgia drag racing
- Typical Date: March
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Vintage cars, nostalgia atmosphere, March tradition.
Famoso Raceway Weekly Events: The track hosts weekly drag racing and test-and-tune sessions.
Sonoma Raceway Drag Strip (Sonoma)
The NHRA visits Sonoma Raceway’s drag strip for the Sonoma Nationals in July.
NHRA Sonoma Nationals
The NHRA visits Sonoma Raceway for this summer event. It features Top Fuel, Funny Car, and other classes.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway (drag strip)
- Series: NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
- Typical Date: July
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Wine country setting, summer racing, nitromethane thunder.
Sonoma Raceway Drag Strip Weekly Events: The track hosts weekly drag racing and test-and-tune sessions.
Auto Club Dragway at Auto Club Speedway (Fontana)
The Fontana facility includes a quarter-mile drag strip that hosts events.
Auto Club Dragway Events: Various drag racing events, including NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competition.
Street Legal Drags: Regular street legal drag racing nights for enthusiasts.
Sacramento Raceway (Sacramento)
This drag strip in Sacramento hosts weekly drag racing and special events.
Sacramento Raceway Weekly Drags: Weekly drag racing and test-and-tune.
Sacramento Raceway Special Events: Occasional special events and nostalgia races.
Major Off-Road Races
California’s deserts and mountains provide the perfect terrain for off-road racing.
SCORE International Baja 1000 (Baja California, Mexico)
While technically in Mexico, this legendary off-road race draws massive California participation and is a cornerstone of West Coast off-road culture. Many California teams and drivers compete.
- Location: Baja California, Mexico (various routes)
- Series: SCORE International
- Typical Date: November
- Terrain: Mexican desert, mountains, beaches
- Highlights: Legendary status, extreme endurance, Baja terrain, adventure.
Best in the Desert Racing
Mint 400
Another legendary desert race in Las Vegas that draws many California competitors.
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Series: Best in the Desert
- Typical Date: March
- Terrain: Nevada desert
- Highlights: Historic race, tough terrain, off-road culture.
Caliente 250
This desert race in Eastern California is part of the Best in the Desert series. It runs through the high desert near Caliente.
- Location: Caliente, California
- Series: Best in the Desert
- Typical Date: November
- Terrain: High desert
- Highlights: California desert racing, tough terrain, remote location.
Parker 425
While in Arizona, this race draws many California competitors.
Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
This short-course off-road series races at tracks throughout the West, including California venues.
Glen Helen Raceway (San Bernardino)
This legendary facility hosts Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series events. The track features jumps, whoops, and close-quarters action.
- Location: Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino
- Series: Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Short-course off-road
Highlights: Jumps, side-by-side action, trucks and buggies.
Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park: This facility hosts off-road racing events.
Prairie City SVRA (Sacramento): This state vehicular recreation area hosts off-road events.
Mojave Desert Racing
Various organizations host races in the Mojave Desert.
- MDR (Mojave Desert Racing) Events: This organization hosts desert races throughout the Mojave.
- SNORE (Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts) Events: While based in Nevada, SNORE events draw California competitors.
Stadium Super Trucks at Long Beach
The trucks jump over obstacles on the Long Beach street course.
- Location: Long Beach street circuit
- Series: Stadium Super Trucks
- Typical Date: April
- Track: Temporary street course
- Highlights: Jumps, airborne trucks, spectacular action.
Major Time Attack and Tuner Events
Time attack events pit heavily modified cars against the clock.
Global Time Attack
Global Time Attack holds events at California’s major road courses.
Global Time Attack at Buttonwillow
Time attack at Buttonwillow Raceway.
- Location: Buttonwillow Raceway Park
- Series: Global Time Attack
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Multiple configurations
- Highlights: Highly modified cars, lap record attempts, tuner culture.
Global Time Attack at Willow Springs
Time attack at Willow Springs International Raceway.
- Location: Willow Springs International Raceway
- Series: Global Time Attack
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Big Willow, Streets of Willow
- Highlights: High-speed corners, lap records, tuner cars.
Global Time Attack at Sonoma
Time attack at Sonoma Raceway.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway
- Series: Global Time Attack
- Typical Date: Various throughout year
- Track: Road course
- Highlights: Wine country, technical course, tuner competition.
Major Vintage and Historic Races
California hosts some of the world’s most prestigious vintage racing events.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Laguna Seca)
This world-famous event during Monterey Car Week features historic race cars from all eras competing on the track. It is a bucket-list event for any motorsports enthusiast.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Series: Historic racing
- Typical Date: August
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: Historic cars, Monterey Car Week, paddock access, Corkscrew views.
Coronado Speed Festival (Coronado)
This event at Naval Air Station North Island features historic military aircraft and vintage race cars. The unique setting on a runway with bay views is spectacular.
- Location: Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado
- Series: Historic racing
- Typical Date: August/September
- Track: Runway course
- Highlights: Historic cars, military aircraft, bay views, unique setting.
Sonoma Speed Festival (Sonoma)
Historic racing at Sonoma Raceway features vintage cars from all eras.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway
- Series: Historic racing
- Typical Date: May
- Track: Road course
- Highlights: Historic cars, wine country, paddock access.
Bakersfield March Meet (Famoso)
This nostalgic drag racing event at Famoso Raceway is one of the largest in the country. It features vintage dragsters and hot rods.
- Location: Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield
- Series: Nostalgia drag racing
- Typical Date: March
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Vintage dragsters, nostalgia atmosphere, March tradition.
Local Track Racing and Club Events
California has dozens of local tracks and clubs hosting racing for amateurs and enthusiasts.
SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)
The SCCA holds races at tracks throughout California, including:
- SCCA Majors Tour: National championship series events at Laguna Seca, Sonoma, Buttonwillow, Willow Springs, Thunderhill
- SCCA Regional Races: Local events at all major tracks
- SCCA Time Trials: Performance driving events
- SCCA Autocross: Solo competition in parking lots
NASA (National Auto Sport Association)
NASA holds races at tracks throughout California, including:
- NASA Championships: Annual championships at Buttonwillow
- NASA Regional Races: Events at all major tracks
- NASA High Performance Driving Events: Track days for enthusiasts
Local Short Tracks
- Irwindale Speedway: Weekly oval racing
- Kern County Raceway: Weekly oval racing
- Madera Speedway: Weekly oval racing
- Stockton 99 Speedway: Weekly oval racing
- All-American Speedway (Roseville): Weekly oval racing
- Ventura Raceway: Weekly dirt track racing
- Santa Maria Raceway: Dirt track racing
- Placerville Speedway: Dirt track racing
- Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico): Dirt track racing
- Ocean Speedway (Watsonville): Dirt track racing
- Calistoga Speedway: Dirt track racing
- Petaluma Speedway: Dirt track racing
Track Day Organizations
Numerous organizations host track days for enthusiasts to drive their own cars on California’s great tracks:
- SpeedSF: Events at Sonoma, Laguna Seca, Thunderhill
- Hooked on Driving: Events at various tracks
- NASA High Performance Driving Events: At all major tracks
- SCCA Track Nights: Evening track time
- Various car clubs: Porsche Club, BMW CCA, Audi Club, etc.
California’s Motorsports Paradise
California offers racing fans an unparalleled variety of events. From the world-class professional competitions at Sonoma, Laguna Seca, Long Beach, and Pomona to the grassroots action at local short tracks, there is something for every enthusiast.
The state’s diverse geography provides everything from high-speed ovals to technical road courses, from drag strips to desert trails. Its perfect climate allows for year-round racing in many disciplines.
From Thunderous Ovals to Twisting Road Courses | Car Races Across California
Whether you are a die-hard NASCAR fan, an IndyCar enthusiast, a sports car aficionado, a drag racing devotee, or a casual observer, California’s racing scene welcomes you. The roar of engines, the smell of rubber and fuel, the thrill of competition. It’s all here.
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