Jim Thurman
At one time, Greater L.A. was dotted with auto racing tracks. Now just one oval track remains, and it, too, is scheduled to close soon. Opened in 1999, Irwindale Speedway will make way for an outlet mall as soon as next year. From 1903 races on a dirt oval where the Memorial Coliseum now sits through an era of huge, wooden motordromes in the '10s and '20s and on to a post-World War II boom, Los Angeles was a hotbed of auto racing in the 20th century. There have been at least 35 oval tracks in the area. Considered one of the finest facilities of its type, Irwindale Speedway has only a few more dates on its schedule. Take advantage of what will likely be your last chance to see what was once a major sport in Los Angeles.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.