The Best Racetracks Near Los Angeles

Auto racing is a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled sport with a huge following in Southern California, especially in Los Angeles and San Diego. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just a fan of the sport, the region boasts some of the best auto racetracks in the country. From high-octane superspeedways to challenging road courses, there’s something for everyone. Our team at Capistrano Mazda has put together a list of some of the best racing tracks in Southern California where you can take your Mazda Miata.

Top Auto Racetracks in Southern California

One of the reasons why auto racing is so popular in Southern California is the weather. With sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round, it has the perfect climate for racing. Additionally, the region’s diverse landscape provides a variety of track options. From the desert to the mountains to the coast, there’s a track for every type of racing. Here’s a look at some of the best auto racetracks in or near Los Angeles and San Diego:

Buttonwillow Raceway Park

Buttonwillow Raceway Park is a 3.1-mile road course located in Kern County. The track is famous for its challenging layout, with 23 turns and elevation changes that test even the most skilled drivers. Buttonwillow hosts various events throughout the year, including sports car races and motorcycle races.

One of the unique features of Buttonwillow is its open track days, where drivers can bring their cars and test their skills on the track. There are also driving schools available if you want to improve your racing abilities.

Chuckwalla Valley Raceway 

Chuckwalla Valley Raceway is a newer track located in Desert Center. Renowned track architect Alan Wilson designed this 2.68-mile road course, which has quickly become a favorite among drivers. The track is known for its technical corners and high-speed straightaways.

In addition to the racing, Chuckwalla Valley offers a variety of amenities for drivers and fans. There’s a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, as well as garages and paddock areas for drivers to work on their cars.

Willow Springs International Raceway 

Willow Springs International Raceway is a classic Southern California track located in Rosamond. The 2.5-mile road course has been in operation since 1953 and has hosted a variety of races over the years. The track is also a popular place for car and motorcycle test events. Today, it hosts events for sports cars, motorcycles, and drifting.

One of the standout features of Willow Springs is its elevation changes. The track has a variety of hills and dips that add an extra element of challenge for drivers. There’s also an adjacent karting track if you want to experience racing on a smaller scale.

Speed Ventures

Speed Ventures is a professional racetrack located in Los Angeles, California. It features a variety of tracks for cars, motorcycles, and karts. The track has been designed to challenge the skills of professional drivers and offers a safe environment for all kinds of racing activities. The racetrack hosts various events throughout the year, such as drifting competitions, drag races, and autocross events. It also organizes lapping days, time trials, and driving schools, providing you with a fun environment to learn the limits of your Miata and improve your driving skills. 

Speed Ventures isn’t only a place for racing, but also for networking and socializing. It has a friendly and professional staff that helps you with registration, tech inspection, and track orientation. Also, it has a diverse and loyal community of race car enthusiasts that share their passion and experience with each other. 

Adams Motorsports Park

Adams Motorsports Park is a smaller track located in Riverside. The track is just over half a mile long and is designed for karting and minimoto racing. Despite its size, Adams Motorsports Park is a challenging track that requires skill and precision to navigate.

In addition to the racing, Adams Motorsports Park offers a variety of activities for fans and families. There’s a miniature golf course, batting cages, an arcade, a snack bar, and a picnic area.

Barona Speedway

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some exciting dirt track racing in SoCal, then consider checking out Barona Speedway. Located in Lakeside, this dirt track is just over a third of a mile long and features a semi-banked 1/4-mile clay oval track that hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year. From sprint cars to modifieds to stock cars, there’s always something exciting happening at Barona Speedway.

One of the unique features of Barona Speedway is its location on a Native American reservation owned and operated by the Barona Band of Mission Indians. In addition to the racing, the track is also a place for fun and entertainment. It offers a concession stand with a variety of good food and soft drinks. If you prefer, you can also bring your own barbecues and cooler. 

Irwindale Speedway

The Irwindale Speedway is a half-mile oval track located in Irwindale, California. This is one of the most popular racetracks in Los Angeles and is famous for its NASCAR and touring car races. Known as the “House of Drift” and the “LA’s 1/2 Mile Super Speedway,” the track has many curves and long challenges, which makes it ideal for high-speed runs. The races are always exciting and attract huge crowds of car racing fans.

If you want to get behind the wheel of a race car or a motorcycle, you will be glad to know that Irwindale Speedway offers driving experiences and lessons for car racing fans. The track also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the year. You’ll also find a variety of amenities, such as food and drinks, VIP suites, and souvenir shops. 

Want To Experience the Thrill of Racing in Southern California?

Whether you’re a fan of NASCAR, IndyCar, sports cars, or dirt racing, Southern California has something for everyone. So, get your Miata’s engines ready and experience the thrill of racing in the region. If you know of other great racetracks in Southern California, especially in Los Angeles and San Diego, please let us know so we can include them in our next update. Meanwhile, come and see us at Capistrano Mazda in San Juan Capistrano, California, to check out our inventory or schedule a service for your Mazda Miata today.