Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA is a former motorsport race track that operated from 1970 to 1980. It was located in the city of Ontario, California, and hosted a variety of racing events, including NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing.
The speedway was built by millionaire land developer and motorsports enthusiast Bill France Sr., who also founded NASCAR. It was designed to be one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world, and it quickly became a popular destination for racers and fans alike.
Ontario Motor Speedway Park hosted some of the most famous races in motorsports history, including the 1971 Daytona 500, which was won by Richard Petty. The track also hosted the 1974 Indianapolis 500, which was won by Johnny Rutherford.
Ontario Motor Speedway Park closed in 1980 due to financial problems. The track was sold to a developer, who demolished it and built a shopping mall on the site.
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was a legendary race track that operated from 1970 to 1980. It was known for its high speeds, challenging layout, and major racing events.
- Location: Ontario, California
- Owner: Bill France Sr.
- Events: NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA
- Capacity: 150,000
- Closure: 1980
- Current Use: Shopping mall
- Legacy: One of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world
- Historical Significance: Hosted some of the most famous races in motorsports history
Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a major player in the world of motorsports. It hosted some of the biggest races in the world, and it helped to launch the careers of some of the most famous drivers in history. The track’s closure in 1980 was a major loss for the sport, but its legacy lives on. Ontario Motor Speedway Park will always be remembered as one of the greatest race tracks in the world.
Location
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was located in the city of Ontario, California. This location was chosen for several reasons:
- Proximity to Los Angeles: Ontario is located just 35 miles east of Los Angeles, making it easy for fans and drivers to attend races.
- Access to transportation: Ontario is located near several major highways and airports, making it easy to get to and from the track.
- Climate: Ontario has a mild climate, which is ideal for racing.
The location of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was a major factor in its success. The track was easily accessible to fans and drivers, and the climate was ideal for racing. As a result, Ontario Motor Speedway Park quickly became one of the most popular race tracks in the world.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park in 1980 was a major loss for the sport of motor racing. However, the track’s legacy lives on. Ontario Motor Speedway Park will always be remembered as one of the greatest race tracks in the world.
Owner
Bill France Sr. was a major figure in the world of motorsports. He was the founder of NASCAR and the driving force behind the construction of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA. France was a visionary leader who had a passion for racing. He was determined to create a world-class race track that would attract the best drivers and fans in the world.
- France’s Vision: France envisioned Ontario Motor Speedway Park as a place where fans could experience the thrill of racing in a safe and family-friendly environment. He wanted to create a track that would be challenging for drivers but also fair and exciting for fans to watch.
- France’s Leadership: France was a strong leader who was able to get things done. He was able to secure the funding and support needed to build Ontario Motor Speedway Park. He also worked closely with drivers and teams to ensure that the track was safe and fair.
- France’s Legacy: Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a major success. It quickly became one of the most popular race tracks in the world. France’s legacy lives on through the track, which continues to host major racing events today.
Bill France Sr. was a visionary leader who had a passion for racing. He was the driving force behind the construction of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA, which became one of the most popular race tracks in the world. France’s legacy continues to live on through the track, which continues to host major racing events today.
Events
The events held at Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA played a major role in its success. The track hosted some of the biggest races in the world, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing. These events attracted large crowds of fans and helped to make Ontario Motor Speedway Park one of the most popular race tracks in the world.
The connection between Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA and the events it hosted was symbiotic. The track provided a world-class facility for the events, and the events helped to generate revenue and popularity for the track. The combination of the track and the events created a unique experience for fans and drivers alike.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park in 1980 was a major loss for the sport of motor racing. However, the legacy of the track lives on through the events that it hosted. The NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing continue to be some of the most popular racing events in the world.
Capacity
The capacity of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was 150,000 people. This made it one of the largest race tracks in the world. The large capacity allowed Ontario Motor Speedway Park to host major racing events, such as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing. These events attracted large crowds of fans and helped to make Ontario Motor Speedway Park one of the most popular race tracks in the world.
The large capacity of Ontario Motor Speedway Park was also a major factor in its success. The track was able to generate a significant amount of revenue from ticket sales and concessions. This revenue helped to keep the track operating and to make improvements to the facility. The large capacity of Ontario Motor Speedway Park also helped to create a unique atmosphere for fans. The large crowds of people created a sense of excitement and energy that made the races even more enjoyable.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park in 1980 was a major loss for the sport of motor racing. However, the legacy of the track lives on. The large capacity of Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a major factor in its success, and it continues to be a model for other race tracks around the world.
Closure
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA closed in 1980 due to financial problems. The track had been struggling financially for several years, and the rising costs of operating a race track made it impossible for the track to continue operating.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a major loss for the sport of motor racing. The track had been one of the most popular race tracks in the world, and it had hosted some of the biggest races in the world, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park also had a major impact on the local economy. The track had been a major employer in the area, and its closure resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a reminder of the challenges that face the sport of motor racing. The rising costs of operating a race track make it difficult for tracks to remain open, and the closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a sign that the sport is facing some challenges.
Despite the challenges, the sport of motor racing continues to be popular. Fans around the world enjoy watching races, and there are still many tracks that are able to operate successfully. The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a sad reminder of the challenges that the sport faces, but it is also a reminder of the resilience of the sport.
Current Use
The current use of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA as a shopping mall is a reminder of the changing landscape of the retail industry. In the past, people went to malls to shop for a variety of goods and services. However, the rise of online shopping has led to a decline in the popularity of malls. As a result, many malls have been forced to close or to find new uses for their space.
The Ontario Motor Speedway Park shopping mall is one example of a mall that has been able to adapt to the changing retail landscape. The mall is located in a densely populated area, and it offers a variety of stores and restaurants that are popular with local residents. The mall also has a number of unique features, such as a movie theater and a bowling alley, that make it a popular destination for families.
The success of the Ontario Motor Speedway Park shopping mall shows that malls can still be successful in the 21st century. However, malls need to be able to adapt to the changing needs of consumers. Malls need to offer a variety of stores and restaurants that are popular with local residents. Malls also need to have unique features that make them a destination for families and other groups.
Legacy
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was known for its high speeds and challenging layout. The track was designed by Bill France Sr., who was the founder of NASCAR. France wanted to create a track that would be challenging for drivers but also fair and exciting for fans to watch. The track’s unique design, which included high-banked turns and long straightaways, made it one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world.
The track’s legacy as one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world helped to make it a popular destination for drivers and fans alike. The track hosted some of the biggest races in the world, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing. The track’s challenging layout and high speeds made it a favorite among drivers, and the large crowds of fans that attended races at Ontario Motor Speedway Park created a unique and exciting atmosphere.
The closure of Ontario Motor Speedway Park in 1980 was a major loss for the sport of motor racing. However, the track’s legacy continues to live on. The track’s unique design and challenging layout have influenced the design of other race tracks around the world. The track’s legacy as one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world is a reminder of the great moments in motor racing history that were created at Ontario Motor Speedway Park.
Historical Significance
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA hosted some of the most famous races in motorsports history. These races helped to make the track one of the most popular and well-respected in the world.
- The 1971 Daytona 500: This race was won by Richard Petty, and it is considered to be one of the most important races in NASCAR history. The race was also notable for the death of driver Buddy Baker, who was killed in a crash during the race.
- The 1974 Indianapolis 500: This race was won by Johnny Rutherford, and it is considered to be one of the most famous races in IndyCar history. The race was also notable for the fact that it was the first Indy 500 to be run on a paved track.
- The 1978 NHRA Winternationals: This race was won by Don Garlits, and it is considered to be one of the most important races in NHRA history. The race was also notable for the fact that it was the first NHRA race to be held at Ontario Motor Speedway Park.
- The 1980 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship race: This race was won by Dale Earnhardt, and it is considered to be one of the most important races in NASCAR history. The race was also notable for the fact that it was the last race to be held at Ontario Motor Speedway Park before it closed.
These are just a few of the many famous races that were held at Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA. The track’s historical significance is undeniable, and it is one of the reasons why it is still remembered today.
FAQs about Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA. The goal is to provide concise and informative responses that address common concerns or misconceptions.
Question 1: When did Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA open and close?
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA opened in 1970 and closed in 1980.
Question 2: Who owned Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA?
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA was owned by Bill France Sr., the founder of NASCAR.
Question 3: What types of events were held at Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA?
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA hosted a variety of events, including NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing.
Question 4: What was the capacity of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA?
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA had a capacity of 150,000 people.
Question 5: Why did Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA close?
Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA closed in 1980 due to financial problems.
Question 6: What is the current use of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA?
The current use of Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA is a shopping mall.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Ontario Motor Speedway Park Ontario CA. For more information, please visit the track’s official website.
Transition to the next article section:
…
Tips for Ontario Motor Speedway Park Visitors
Ontario Motor Speedway Park in Ontario, California is a former motorsport race track that operated from 1970 to 1980. It was one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world, and it hosted some of the most famous races in motorsports history, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing.
If you’re planning on visiting Ontario Motor Speedway Park, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Tip 1: Arrive early.Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a large track, and it can take some time to get around. Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to find your seats, explore the track, and get something to eat.Tip 2: Bring sunscreen and a hat.Ontario Motor Speedway Park is located in Southern California, and the sun can be very strong. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.Tip 3: Stay hydrated.It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot California sun. Bring a water bottle or two with you, and refill them throughout the day.Tip 4: Be aware of your surroundings.Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a busy place, and there are a lot of people moving around. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to get lost or separated from your group.Tip 5: Have fun!Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a great place to watch some of the best racing in the world. Relax, enjoy the races, and have a great time!
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and find good seats.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by bringing water with you and refilling it throughout the day.
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay with your group.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the races!
…
Conclusion
Ontario Motor Speedway Park in Ontario, California was one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. The track hosted some of the most famous races in motorsports history, including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing. The track’s unique design and challenging layout made it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.
Ontario Motor Speedway Park closed in 1980 due to financial problems, but its legacy lives on. The track’s design has influenced the design of other race tracks around the world, and its races continue to be remembered by fans of motorsports. Ontario Motor Speedway Park is a reminder of the great moments in motorsports history, and it is a testament to the passion of the people who built and raced on it.