Motor racing enthusiasts often wonder what led to the closure of the Ontario Motor Speedway, a racetrack that had once hosted some of the most exciting races in North America. Built in the late 1960s, the Ontario Motor Speedway was a state-of-the-art facility designed to attract the biggest names in motorsports. However, just a decade after its grand opening, the speedway was shut down permanently.
Despite its brief run, the Ontario Motor Speedway has left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsports. While there were several reasons for the track’s closure, one factor stood out among the rest: financial troubles. In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of the Ontario Motor Speedway, examine the challenges that the track faced, and discuss the legacy that it has left behind.
The Rise and Fall of Ontario Motor Speedway
The Ontario Motor Speedway was built in the late 1960s and was considered one of the most advanced racetracks of its time. The track was designed to attract some of the biggest names in motorsports and provide fans with an unparalleled racing experience. However, the glory days of the speedway were short-lived, and the track was shut down permanently just a decade after its grand opening.
One of the main reasons for the speedway’s closure was financial troubles. Despite its immense popularity and numerous high-profile races, the track was unable to generate enough revenue to cover its operating costs. Additionally, the oil crisis of the 1970s made it even more difficult for the speedway to stay afloat, as rising fuel prices made it more expensive to host races and attract fans.
The Construction and Opening of the Speedway
The Ontario Motor Speedway was built on a 975-acre plot of land in the city of Ontario, California. Construction of the speedway began in 1968 and was completed just in time for the inaugural race in 1970. The speedway was a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a 2.5-mile oval track, a drag strip, and an infield road course.
The opening race of the Ontario Motor Speedway was a massive success, with more than 180,000 fans in attendance. The race was won by Richard Petty, one of the most legendary drivers in NASCAR history. In the years that followed, the speedway would host some of the biggest races in motorsports, including the Indianapolis 500 and the California 500.
The Challenges and Legacy of the Speedway
- Financial challenges: Despite its popularity, the Ontario Motor Speedway struggled to generate enough revenue to cover its operating costs. The track relied heavily on ticket sales and sponsorships, and was unable to secure enough funding to continue operating.
- The oil crisis: The oil crisis of the 1970s made it even more difficult for the speedway to stay afloat, as rising fuel prices made it more expensive to host races and attract fans.
- Legacy: Although the Ontario Motor Speedway was only open for a short time, it had a significant impact on the world of motorsports. The speedway hosted some of the biggest races of its time, and was considered a major innovation in the world of racing. Today, the site of the former speedway is home to a shopping mall and office park, but the memories of the track and its legendary races live on.
In conclusion, the rise and fall of the Ontario Motor Speedway is a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by even the most advanced and popular racetracks. Despite its immense popularity and significant contributions to the world of motorsports, the speedway was unable to overcome its financial struggles and ultimately had to close its doors. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Ontario Motor Speedway lives on, and the track will always be remembered as one of the most important and innovative racetracks of its time.
Challenges Faced by the Ontario Motor Speedway
The Ontario Motor Speedway, although a beloved and iconic racing venue, faced numerous challenges throughout its lifespan. One of the primary challenges faced by the speedway was its location. Located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, the speedway was not easily accessible by public transportation and lacked nearby lodging facilities. This made it difficult for fans to attend events and limited the potential revenue for the venue.
Another challenge faced by the Ontario Motor Speedway was the competition from other racing venues. During the 1970s, the speedway faced fierce competition from other established venues such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway. This competition made it difficult for the Ontario Motor Speedway to attract top drivers and teams, which resulted in lower attendance and revenue.
Location Challenges
- Accessibility – The speedway’s location on the outskirts of Los Angeles made it difficult for fans to attend events, as there were no nearby public transportation options.
- Lodging Facilities – The lack of nearby lodging facilities made it difficult for out-of-town fans to attend events and limited the potential revenue for the venue.
- Competition – The speedway faced competition from other racing venues in the area, which limited its potential revenue.
Competition Challenges
During the 1970s, the Ontario Motor Speedway faced stiff competition from other established racing venues such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway. This competition made it difficult for the Ontario Motor Speedway to attract top drivers and teams, which resulted in lower attendance and revenue. The lack of major events and notable drivers also contributed to the decline of the venue.
- Competition – The Ontario Motor Speedway faced competition from other established racing venues such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway.
- Lack of Major Events – The lack of major events and notable drivers contributed to the decline of the venue and its eventual closure.
- Financial Constraints – The cost of hosting major events and maintaining the speedway also placed financial constraints on the venue.
The Economic Impact of Ontario Motor Speedway
The Ontario Motor Speedway had a significant impact on the local and state economy during its operation from 1970 to 1980. The construction of the speedway created thousands of jobs, boosting the economy and providing a new source of revenue for the region. However, the speedway’s eventual closure in 1980 also had an impact on the local and state economy, which we’ll explore below.
The construction of the Ontario Motor Speedway brought in over $25 million to the local economy during its development. Thousands of construction jobs were created, as well as long-term jobs at the speedway, including positions in management, security, concessions, and maintenance. In addition, the speedway attracted visitors from across the country, bringing in tourism revenue for the surrounding businesses and hotels.
The Positive Economic Impact of the Speedway
- The construction of the speedway created thousands of jobs in the local area, boosting the economy and providing a new source of revenue.
- The speedway attracted visitors from across the country, bringing in tourism revenue for the surrounding businesses and hotels.
- The speedway also hosted major events such as the Indy 500 and NASCAR races, which generated millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy.
The Negative Economic Impact of the Speedway’s Closure
Despite the initial economic benefits of the speedway, its closure in 1980 had a negative impact on the local and state economy. The speedway had become a significant source of revenue for the region, and its closure resulted in the loss of jobs and a decline in tourism revenue.
- The closure of the speedway resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, which had a ripple effect on the local economy.
- The region lost revenue from tourism as the speedway’s events and visitors were no longer contributing to the local economy.
- The closure also had a psychological impact on the local community, as the speedway had become an important part of their identity and sense of pride.
How Did the Ontario Motor Speedway Compare to Other Tracks?
When it opened in 1970, the Ontario Motor Speedway was touted as the “Indianapolis of the West”. It was a state-of-the-art facility that could host a variety of races, including open-wheel and stock car events. However, despite its impressive features, the speedway faced stiff competition from other tracks across the country.
One of the biggest challenges for the Ontario Motor Speedway was its location. While it was situated in Southern California, one of the largest markets in the country, it was also far from other major racing venues. This made it difficult to attract top-level drivers and teams, who often preferred to race at tracks that were closer to their home base. As a result, the speedway struggled to build a consistent fan base, which impacted its long-term viability.
Facilities
- The Ontario Motor Speedway was a modern facility that was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- It had a unique, two-mile, banked oval track that was considered to be one of the fastest and most challenging in the world.
- The track also featured a road course that was used for sports car and motorcycle races.
Competition
Despite its impressive facilities, the Ontario Motor Speedway faced stiff competition from other tracks across the country. One of its main rivals was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which had a long history and was considered to be the most prestigious track in the world. Other tracks, such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, also had their own unique features that made them popular with fans and drivers alike.
In addition to these challenges, the Ontario Motor Speedway also struggled with financial difficulties. It was owned by a group of investors who were often at odds with one another, and this led to a lack of cohesive vision and planning. The speedway was ultimately unable to attract enough revenue to sustain itself, and it closed its doors after just nine years of operation.
The Legacy of the Ontario Motor Speedway
The Ontario Motor Speedway may have only been open for a short time, but its legacy still lives on. One of the biggest impacts the track had was on the world of motorsports, inspiring many other tracks and raceways across the country to follow suit.
Another significant legacy of the Ontario Motor Speedway is the economic impact it had on the surrounding area. The track was a massive attraction for visitors from all over, bringing in revenue for local businesses and creating jobs for residents.
The Impact on Motorsports
The Ontario Motor Speedway was a groundbreaking track for its time, and its influence can still be felt today. The track was one of the first to feature a high-banked, two-mile oval, which quickly became the standard for many other racetracks around the country. The speedway was also one of the first to host multiple racing series and events throughout the year, paving the way for other tracks to do the same.
Many of the most iconic moments in motorsports history took place at the Ontario Motor Speedway, including the first NASCAR race to be held under the lights. The track’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of racers and racing fans to this day.
Economic Impact on the Surrounding Area
- During its brief tenure, the Ontario Motor Speedway was a major economic driver for the surrounding area.
- Visitors from all over the country flocked to the track, staying in local hotels and eating at nearby restaurants.
- The speedway also created jobs for local residents, from ticket sellers to concessions workers to security personnel.
When the track closed its doors for the final time, it left behind a void in the local economy. However, the legacy of the Ontario Motor Speedway still lives on, and the impact it had on the surrounding area will not be forgotten anytime soon.
What Happened to the Land After the Ontario Motor Speedway Closed?
After the Ontario Motor Speedway closed in 1980, the land was sold to a developer who planned to build a mixed-use development on the site. However, these plans fell through and the land remained undeveloped for several years. In the early 1990s, the land was sold again and a shopping center was built on the site.
Today, the land that once held the Ontario Motor Speedway is occupied by the Ontario Mills Mall, one of the largest outlet malls in California. The mall features over 200 stores, a movie theater, and several restaurants. While it is a far cry from the high-speed action of the Ontario Motor Speedway, the mall has become a popular destination for shoppers and tourists alike.
The Demolition of the Speedway
After the Ontario Motor Speedway closed, the track and grandstands were left to deteriorate for several years. In 1981, the grandstands were demolished and the site was left vacant. A few years later, the track was also demolished, and the land was sold to developers. The demolition of the Ontario Motor Speedway was a sad end for a track that had once been one of the premier racing venues in the United States.
The Ontario Motor Speedway Museum
While the Ontario Motor Speedway may be gone, its legacy lives on at the Ontario Motor Speedway Museum. The museum features a collection of racing memorabilia and artifacts, including race cars, trophies, and photographs. Visitors can learn about the history of the track and the drivers who competed there. The museum is located in nearby Ontario, California, and is open to the public on select days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the closure of the Ontario Motor Speedway?
The Ontario Motor Speedway closed its doors due to financial struggles caused by low attendance and high maintenance costs. Attendance began to decline in the early 1970s and the speedway was unable to draw in large crowds as it had in the past. Maintenance costs were also a major issue, with the track requiring constant repairs and upkeep.
When did the Ontario Motor Speedway close?
The Ontario Motor Speedway officially closed in 1980 after eight years of operation. The final race at the speedway was held on Labor Day weekend of that year and marked the end of an era in racing history.
What happened to the land after the Ontario Motor Speedway closed?
The land that the Ontario Motor Speedway once stood on was developed into a shopping center, a housing development, and a business park. The mall that was built on the site is now known as the Ontario Mills and is one of the largest shopping centers in the state of California.
Was the Ontario Motor Speedway profitable during its operation?
While the Ontario Motor Speedway was initially profitable, the high maintenance costs and declining attendance eventually led to financial struggles. The speedway was also facing competition from other racing venues, which added to the financial pressures.
Was the Ontario Motor Speedway a popular racing venue?
Yes, the Ontario Motor Speedway was a popular racing venue in the 1970s, attracting some of the biggest names in racing. The speedway was known for hosting high-profile events such as the California 500 and the Indianapolis 500.
What is the legacy of the Ontario Motor Speedway?
The Ontario Motor Speedway played an important role in the history of racing in Southern California and left behind a lasting legacy. The speedway was known for its fast track and exciting races, and it helped to establish the area as a major hub for motorsports. Today, the site of the former speedway is a popular shopping and entertainment destination.