Ontario, CA – Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to start your engines and take a look at the Ontario Motor Speedway. Join Ontario Museum of History & Art’s Curator of Collections, Michelle Sifuentes, for Highlights from the Collection talk on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 2 PM.

The Ontario Motor Speedway was once located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, just north of the Interstate 10 freeway. The 2.5 mile track, designed as a replica of the racetrack at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, operated from 1970 to 1980. In addition to the main track, it also had an infield road course and a drag strip. The speedway held the California 500 and nine Winston Cup races.  During its existence many greats drove on its track: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Mario Andretti, to name a few. Many drivers felt it was one of the best tracks ever built in the country and referred to it as the “Indy West.”  The speedway was not just for racing – in 1974, California Jam I took place. This was a massive music festival that some considered the “Woodstock of the West.” Another concert, California Jam II, took place in 1978. Sadly, the speedway was not destined to last: the track was sold in 1980 to the Chevron Land Management Company and demolished in 1981.

The Museum will bring out artifacts from Ontario Motor Speedway and will discuss the speedway’s history and legacy.  In addition, local historian Ray Callahan will be on hand to share some tidbits from his ongoing research on the Speedway. Although it has been gone for over 30 years, the memory of this once great track is still strong. Come learn more about this lost gem and share your memories of the Ontario Motor Speedway. Admission is free and reservations are required.

The Ontario Museum of History & Art is located at 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762. Gallery hours are Noon to 4 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free.  For more information, please contact (909) 395-2510.  The Ontario Museum of History & Art is a public-private museum operated by the City of Ontario with support from the non-profit Ontario Museum of History & Art, Associates.