Originally Posted by
Late_Model_Mark
Let me chime in on this cool post CIRF. For 50+ years I lived in California and went to 98% of the tracks that operated from my first race in 63 till I moved to Alabama. I am going to leave out my precious Drag Strips I went to and so miss as well as leaving out the pavement ovals since you are a dirt guy and primarily a open wheel dude. (It's all good)
In my view starting from South, to the mid-section to the northern part then on to the very upper parts of the state, these are my favorites.
**I first must mention the very best ever this state had for dirt, it has been gone far to long but in my view there is nothing dirt wise for me that will ever be better or top, Ascot Park, period.**
Since CIRF you have gone to Perris and Ventura, nowadays that is about it for the So-Cal area. When we would go to Ventura we would always say we were going to hear "screamin' Jim" Naylor. Went to the track way back when it was smaller and flatter, good joint. Perris, a no brainer.
Central state. I have 3 tracks that to me are the best in the region. Number 1 is Bakersfield Speedway in Oildale. Cool nostalgic facility, racy as heck, hooter the heck in the summer, great for non-wing cali 360's, Midgets, and IMCA Mods. The Budweiser Nationals in October is a good one.
Number 2, I just love this place, location is awesome, close to the ocean, Santa Maria Speedway. Right off Hwy 101, great sightlines, good dirt, nice summer air, good events. Must check out JOCKOS steake house in Nipomo, epic.
Number 3, When I went there it was called Kings Speedway in Hanford. With covered grandstands in a fairgrounds, this little 3/8mi. gem is just a fun racetrack. Saw the WoO and Western All Star LM's there a lot.
Northern Cali, number 1 in my view the best in this region is Ocean Speedway in Watsonville. (great strawberries when is season) Another joint that is close to the ocean, very nice surface, good racing and fan friendly, has a great atmosphere.
Number 2, this track has that black river soup/gumbo dirt, another covered grandstand fairground track, Petaluma Speedway. Smack dab in the middle of town, good racing, no dust, fun place to go.
Number 3, Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Gold Cup, nuff said on that joint, it works.
Very Northern California, number 1 would be the track in Yreka, Siskyou Motor Speedway, Diamond saw 1 lone race up there, a IMCA Modified type show, the facility is nothing special for sure yet it is a racy track but dusty.
Number 2, and I don't think they run there but it was very unique and was way up in the mountains and trees, at the time it was called American Valley Speedway in Quincy, a awesome little 3/8mi. in the fairgrounds. They rolled out the red carpet when once a year they would hold a 2-day Late Model show. Picturesque would be a good word.
The last one, and the place wasn't a palace, it was called Diamond Park in Susanville
LMM