Auto Club Speedway Tailgate | Auto Club 400 Guide

Overview

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Fast facts

Year Opened: 1997

Capacity: 122000

City / State: Fontana / California

Biggest Event: Auto Club 400

All time Champion: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Matt Kenseth

Recent Winner: Kyle Busch

Last 5 Winners

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2019

Kyle Busch won the 2019 Auto Club 400 with a time of 2:47:42. He was able to beat Joey Logano who got 2nd and Brad Keselowski who got 3rd.

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2018

Martin True,x Jr. won the Auto Club 400 in 2018 with a time of 2:42:41. He was able to beat Kyle Larson who got 2nd place, and Kyle Busch who ended up in 3rd.

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2017

Kyle Larson won the Auto Club 400 in 2017 with a time of 2:57:46. He was able to beat Brad Keselowski who got 2nd place, and Clint Bowyer who ended up in 3rd. The race extended to 202 laps due to a NASCAR Overtime finish.

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2016

Jimmie Johnson won the Auto Club 400 in 2016 with a time of 2:59:17. He was able to beat Kevin Harvick who got 2nd place, and Denny Hamlin who ended up in 3rd. The race extended to 205 laps due to a NASCAR Overtime finish.

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2015

Brad Keselowski won the Auto Club 400 in 2015 with a time of 2:58:18. He was able to beat Kevin Harvick who got 2nd place, and Kurt Busch who ended up in 3rd. The race extended to 209 laps due to a NASCAR Overtime finish.

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Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Racing fans in Southern California won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate before the Auto Club 400. The Auto Club 400 is the biggest NASCAR race of the year in Southern California and as a result fans from all over the area come out to party hard and cheer on their favorite drivers on race weekend. The atmosphere here is one big party, so all you’ll need to do is break out the tent, grill, and cooler, and you’ll be in for a good time.

If tailgating the day of the race isn’t enough for you, then make sure to reserve a camping spot at the track. The infield camping is the best spot to be if you want to watch the action from your RV as well as where you’ll find the best party atmosphere. Even if you aren’t camping in the infield though, you’ll still have a fantastic time celebrating race weekend by camping with fellow NASCAR fans.

In addition to the fun that camping and tailgating provide, you’ll also find lots of other must-see event surrounding the Auto Club 400. The Busch Block Party, in particular, is a can’t miss for any NASCAR fan. The block party features a premium race experience full of food, drinks, and lots of pre-race entertainment. Tickets to the Busch Block Party also include Pre-Race Pit Passes, so you’ll be able to get up close to all your favorite drivers as well.

If you aren’t looking to splurge on the Busch Block Party, then the Fan Zone is a great place to hang out before the race. The Fan Zone offers a lot of entertainment options including live music, games, and giveaways. Stop by the Fan Zone before the race to get the most out of your trip to the Auto Club Speedway.

There are few better tailgating experiences in Southern California than the one found outside the Auto Club Speedway, so don’t miss your opportunity to take part in this incredible pre-race bash.

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Traditions

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Fan Zone

The Fan Zone at the Auto Club Speedway is the center of the pre-race entertainment. Here you’ll enjoy live music, games, giveaways and much more. Make sure to check out the Fan Zone before the race if you want the full Auto Club 400 experience.

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Pit Passes

Pit Passes are a must for any diehard NASCAR fan. The Pre-Race Pit Pass gives you access to everything that goes on behind the scenes and allows you to see your favorite team prep for the race. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a picture in Victory Lane, so don’t miss the opportunity to get this one of a kind souvenir.

Where to tailgate

Busch Block PartyThe Busch Block Party is a great place to tailgate before the race. The block party includes access to the NXS 300 and Pre-Race Pit Passes while also providing you with a buffet, drinks, and a Q&A. If you’re looking for a premium pre-race experience, then the Busch Block Party is just the thing for you.
Infield CampingReserve an infield camping spot if you want to experience the best party atmosphere at the Auto Club 400. The infield offers an incredibly unique experience before, during, and after the race, so don’t miss out.
Parking Lots (General Parking, Platinum VIP, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, and Red)No matter where you park, you’ll have an excellent time tailgating with your fellow NASCAR fans. The party atmosphere surrounding the Auto Club 400 is one of the most fun of any tailgating experience in Southern California, so arrive early and take it all in.

Stadium Guide

In Game

A trip to the Auto Club Speedway is just what the doctor ordered for any gearhead in Southern California. The Auto Club Speedway is home to a wide variety of racing events throughout the year making it a must-see for anyone who loves motorsports.

The best time to head out to the Auto Club Speedway is during the Auto Club 400. The NASCAR race draws fans from all over and is the speedway’s biggest event of the year. The weekend-long event features several races and is a can’t miss, so come on out and cheer on your favorite drivers in the beautiful Southern California weather.

When it comes to taking in the Auto Club 400, there are few better ways to do so than by taking in the race at the Budweiser Lounge or Richter’s Club. Both of these clubs offer incredible views of the track and come with a variety of amenities. If you want to get access to the garages before the race and see all the magic that goes on behind the scenes, then make sure to get tickets to the Budweiser Lounger or Richter’s Club during the Auto Club 400.

Those of you who aren’t into NASCAR will still want to make the trip to the Auto Club Speedway as the track is home to a wide assortment of other racing events. The Auto Club Dragway is home to drag races throughout the year making a trip to the Auto Club Speedway a must for any drag racing fan. You can even take part in the drag races yourself.

Classic car and BMW fans will also find themselves right at home at the Auto Club Speedway as the Southern California Sports Car Festival and Bimmerfest are two of the track’s biggest events of the year. You’ll meet lots of car enthusiasts at both these events, so book your calendar when these two car shows come to town.

The Auto Club Speedway is home to a variety of different motorsport events and car shows making it the perfect travel destination for anyone who loves cars.

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Things to check out

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Auto Club Dragway

If you love drag racing, then you’ll be right at home at the Auto Club Speedway. The Auto Club Speedway is home to lots of drag racing events during the season, so check the calendar and start planning your trip.

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Southern California Sports Car Festival

The Southern California Sports Car Festival is a fantastic event for anyone who loves cars. You’ll not only be able to see some incredible vehicles, but you’ll also be able to take in a Sportscar Vintage Racing Association race making for one great weekend.

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Bimmerfest

BMW fans won’t want to miss Bimmerfest. Bimmerfest features a car show, two track days, a beer garden, and much more. Get your tickets to Bimmerfest and plan a trip to Fontana in June to be a part of the fun.

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Driving Schools

No matter what your driving dreams, Auto Club Speedway has a driving school for you. Here you’ll find schools for everything from exotics to stock cars to motorcycles, so find the school that is right for you and head down to Auto Club Speedway.

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Budweiser Lounge

The climate controlled Budweiser Lounge is the perfect place to take in the Auto Club 400 and NXS 300. The lounge also includes preferred parking, pit lane access, victory lane access, and garage access among other amenities, so make your reservation today.

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Richter's Club

Richter’s Club offers an incredible in-race experience for any diehard NASCAR fan. Not only will you have access to the garages before the race you’ll also get to ride in the pace car, have breakfast with the track president, and attend the NASCAR Driver’s Meeting.

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VIP Upgrade

Upgrade to the VIP experience for your chance to get an exclusive VIP tour of the garage, ride in the pace car, and get VIP access to the driver intros. The VIP upgrade is perfect for any diehard NASCAR fan, so don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy this incredible experience.

Bars & Restaurants

Sundowner’s Family Restaurant

Longtime spot with big menu of American fare, including 40 lunch specials & steak & seafood dinners.

8983 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335, USA

909-823-4515

Bar website

american - $$
Islamorada Fish Company

With original Islamorada recipes begun more than 60 years ago, you'll understand why the sign says "World Famous!"

7777 Victoria Gardens Ln, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-922-5400

Bar website

american - $$
La Chiquita Tacos

You'll always find people talk about the famous carne asada burrito from La Chiquita!

10543 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA 92337, USA

909-428-6668

Bar website

mexican - $$
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q

Regional chain serving slow-cooked meats & other Southern-style eats plus cocktails.

12624 N Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-463-7427

Bar website

bbq - $$
BRIO Tuscan Grille

Warm, relaxed Italian eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, wine & cocktails.

12370 S Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-463-1036

Bar website

italian - $$
Graziano’s Pizza Restaurant

Casual spot for pizza along with calzones, pasta & sandwiches in a no-frills space since 1969.

7426 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA 92336, USA

909-773-1772

Bar website

italian - $
Pizza101

Many specialty pies with inventive toppings, plus wings, hoagies & cheese breads for takeout.

14584 Baseline Ave #310, Fontana, CA 92336, USA

909-429-0101

Bar website

pizza - $$
4th and Mill

Local mainstay serving housemade pizzas, burgers, craft beer & cocktails in a fun environment.

11260 Fourth St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, USA

909-758-9115

Bar website

american - $$
Etiwanda Roadhouse

Serving Rancho Cucamonga, in one form or another, since 1923.

12583 Highland Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-899-1016

Bar website

american - $
Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

Sports-bar chain serving gourmet pizzas, burgers, wings & more in a relaxed space filled with TVs.

16927 Sierra Lakes Pkwy, Fontana, CA 92336, USA

909-823-2300

Bar website

pizza - sportsbar - $$
The Mad Claw

Explore and experience Mad Claw's oustanding speciality options of seafood and flavour.

12802 E Foothill Blvd #101, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-646-8880

Bar website

american - $$
Paul Martin’s American Grill

Stylish, eco-minded local chain serving seasonal American fare, craft beers & artisanal cocktails.

12594 N Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-899-3900

Bar website

american - $$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails & pork chops.

7905 Monet Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

909-463-0416

Bar website

steakhouse - $$$