Irwindale Speedway & Dragstrip, a cornerstone of Southern California’s motorsports culture, will close its gates for good at the end of the 2024 season. The venue, known as “The House of Drift,” has hosted everything from NASCAR races to demolition derbies and street-legal drag racing since its opening in 1999. Its final event, the Irwindale Speedway Farewell Extravaganza, is scheduled for December 21, 2024.
Since opening in 1999, Irwindale has been home to NASCAR races, demolition derbies, street-legal drag racing, and the iconic Formula Drift events at “The House of Drift,” along with numerous car culture festivals. Its final event, Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza, is set for December 21, marking the close of a significant chapter in racing history.
“Irwindale has been more than just a track—it’s been a home and gathering place for racing enthusiasts worldwide,” said Tim Huddleston, President of ISEC. “On behalf of my wife Lisa and our partners Bob and Maureen Bruncati, we extend heartfelt thanks to our fans, racers, sponsors, and the City of Irwindale for their unwavering support over the past 25 years. We’re grateful for every moment and memory we’ve shared as a community.”
Events will continue through the remainder of 2024, with highlights including Thursday Night Thunders, Night of Destruction on November 2, Nitro Revival on November 8-9, and SevenStock 26 on November 16. The dragstrip will host its final events in December, starting with the last Thursday Night Thunder on December 5, giving fans one last chance to race down the dragstrip or enjoy the burnout box.
Irwindale Dragstrip will then close out its history with the legendary Mooneyes Christmas Party on December 7, featuring drag racing, a classic car show, live entertainment, and more—a fitting farewell to the iconic drag racing venue.
Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza on December 21 promises an unforgettable finale. Fans can expect a full day of NASCAR short-track races, wild Night of Destruction events like Figure-8s and Trailer Races, a high-octane Drift Invitational, and the prestigious ARCA Menards Series West.
This historic event will be Irwindale’s biggest and most thrilling celebration yet, a fitting tribute to the legacy of a track that has defined West Coast racing for 25 years.
While the closure marks the end of an era, Irwindale’s motorsports legacy will continue as its assets and events transition to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield for 2025, ensuring that Southern California’s racing spirit endures.
This story was originally published on October 30, 2024. 
The post Irwindale Speedway & Dragstrip to Close at the End of 2024 Season, Final Farewell on December 21 first appeared on Drag Illustrated.