Orange Show Speedway

Tucked within the National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, California, Orange Show Speedway has earned its place as a pillar of West Coast stock car racing. With a history stretching back to 1947, it holds the distinction of being the longest continually operating racetrack in the region.

Originally constructed within the confines of a football stadium, the quarter-mile asphalt oval has been a proving ground for countless drivers, teams, and racing enthusiasts. Over the years, it has evolved into a diverse racing venue, hosting everything from traditional stock car battles to figure-eight and skid plate racing.

A History of NASCAR & Stock Car Racing

Throughout its decades of operation, the track has been home to some of the most important stock car racing events in the region. The NASCAR Winston West Series, an early forerunner to today’s ARCA Menards Series West, made 10 stops here between 1963 and 1978. The series returned in 2016 after a nearly four-decade absence, running three more races between 2016 and 2018.

The NASCAR Southwest Series competed at the speedway 16 times from 1986 to 1997, adding to its legacy as a key venue for West Coast short-track competition. These events solidified the track’s reputation as a stepping stone for rising talent.

Diverse Racing Divisions for All Fans

One of the defining characteristics of Orange Show Speedway is its variety of racing divisions, ensuring an action-packed schedule throughout the season. The lineup includes:

–Pro Late Models - Highly competitive stock cars built for speed and handling.

–Street Stocks - A classic short-track division known for close racing and physical battles.

–Mini Stocks & Sport Compacts - Affordable, entry-level racing classes offering high-intensity competition.

–INEX Bandoleros & Legends - A training ground for young drivers aiming for bigger series.

–Pro-4s & Pony Stocks - Exciting four-cylinder divisions that add variety to the program.

–American Race Trucks - High-performance pickup-style stock cars that bring their own brand of excitement.

–Figure 8 & Barber Pole Racing - Unique, unpredictable events that challenge drivers with crossover action.

–Skid Plate Racing & Demo Derbies - Crowd-favorite spectacle events featuring spinning cars and destruction.

–Jr. Fan Club - A division designed to introduce the next generation of racers to the track.

With a mix of traditional stock car events and entertainment-focused races, the venue provides something for every kind of motorsports fan.

A Track That Launched Racing Careers

Few short tracks can claim to have played a role in producing NASCAR champions, but Orange Show Speedway has done just that. Several of the sport’s biggest names got their start at this tight quarter-mile oval, including:

–Kevin Harvick - 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

–Kurt Busch - 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

–Ron Hornaday Jr. - Four-time NASCAR Truck Series Champion.

The track continues to be a launching pad for future stars, with young talent honing their skills in various developmental divisions before making their way up the racing ladder.

A Central Location for Racing Fans

Positioned in downtown San Bernardino, the track’s easy accessibility makes it a go-to destination for racing enthusiasts throughout Southern California. Situated within the National Orange Show Fairgrounds, the speedway is surrounded by a deep-rooted motorsports culture, ensuring that each event carries a sense of tradition and excitement.

With its historic legacy, competitive racing lineup, and status as a NASCAR talent incubator, Orange Show Speedway remains one of the premier short tracks on the West Coast. Its ability to blend nostalgia with modern grassroots racing ensures that it remains a thrilling motorsports destination for years to come.

For those looking to experience the excitement of short-track stock car racing, Orange Show Speedway offers a front-row seat to wheel-to-wheel battles, rising racing stars, and unforgettable action on one of California’s most iconic ovals.