Ontario Motor Speedway Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a popular racetrack located in the state of California.


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Summary

The park was opened in 1970 and closed in 1980 due to financial difficulties.

One of the main reasons to visit Ontario Motor Speedway Park was to witness thrilling car races featuring famous drivers such as Mario Andretti and Richard Petty. The track was known for its high-speed oval design and was one of the fastest tracks in the world.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at the park include the main grandstands, pit lane, and victory lane. Visitors can also explore the infield area, which features a lake and picnic areas.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was the first track in the United States to have a lighting system, allowing for night races to take place. The park also hosted a variety of events, including concerts and festivals.

The best time of year to visit Ontario Motor Speedway Park was during the racing season, which typically ran from February to November. However, since the park has been closed for several decades, it is no longer possible to visit and witness live races.

Overall, Ontario Motor Speedway Park was a beloved attraction for racing enthusiasts during its time in operation, and its legacy still lives on in the memories of those who attended races there.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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