Tracks From The Past

Caption: The old Ascot in the teens. Source: Bruce Craig collection.

The definitive story behind race track heritage can be located in “History of Americas Speedways” published by National Speedway. Track: Ascot – Los Angeles, California Dates: 1904 – 1919 Note: Ascot was located on the site of an old Los Angeles County Fairgrounds.

Caption: Agajanian’s Ascot Park. Source: Offical track photo.

  Track: Ascot Park – Los Angeles, California Dates: 1957 – 1990 Note: First called Ascot on 9/18/1959.

  • 1/2 mile dirt oval (5/30/1957 – Nov. 1990). aka: New Ascot Stadium. aka: Bill McKay’s Los Angeles Speedway
  • Ran their first NASCAR

    GN race on 5/30/1959, won by Parnelli Jones.

  • 1/4 mile dirt oval (1/27/1963 – 1990).
  • 3/4 mile dirt road course (9/22/1959). Located on South Vermont Street.
  • 4/10 mile dirt road course (11/22/1959). Ran TQ on small road course.
  • 1/4 mile dirt figure 8 course (1962 – 1969).
  • Don Bronson and Dick Atkins were fatally injured her on 11/12/1966.
  • The late J.C. Agajanian was the 1977 RPM Promoter of the Year.
  • After J.C.’s death, his son’s Cary (1986 RPM Promoter of the Year), Chris and J.C. Jr. ran the now. Site is now industrial area.
  • The annual Turkey Night Grand Prix is one of the major events on the midget car series calender.
  • It was held at Ascot Park from 1960 – 1990. Since 1999, it has been held at Irwindale Speedway.

Caption: Ariel view of Irwindale Speedway. Source: Irwindale Speedway.

Track: Irwindale Speedway – Irwindale, California Dates: 1999 – Present Note: Located in the general area was Irwindale Raceway in Irwindale, California.

  • 1/4 mile paved dragstrip (1957 – 1961).
  • 1/10 mile paved oval (3/05/1961 – 3/12/1961). Ran TQ midgets on oval track.
  • The site is now a Miller Brewing Plant.
  • Irwindale Speedway – (3/27/1999 – Present).
  • 1/3 mile paved oval (3/27/1999 – Present.) West of I-605 on Live Oak.
  • 1/8 mile paved dragstrip (9/29/2001 – present).
  • 1/3 mile pave figure 8 course (1999-present).
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