Pala Casino 400 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Pala Casino 400

NASCAR Cup Series
Venue	Auto Club Speedway
Location	Fontana, California, United States
Corporate sponsor	Pala Casino Resort and Spa
First race	1997 (1997)
Last race	2023 (2023)
Distance	400 miles (643.737 km)
Laps	200 (Stages 1/2: 60 each Final stage: 80)
Previous names	California 500 Presented by NAPA (1997–1999) NAPA Auto Parts 500 (2000–2002) Auto Club 500 (2003–2010) Auto Club 400 (2011–2020) WISE Power 400 (2022)
Most wins (driver)	Kyle Busch (4)
Most wins (team)	Hendrick Motorsports (8)
Most wins (manufacturer)	Chevrolet (13)
Circuit information
Surface	Asphalt
Length	2.0 mi (3.2 km)
Turns	4

The Pala Casino 400 was an exciting NASCAR Cup Series stock car race. It took place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. This race covered 400 miles (about 644 kilometers).

For many years, it was the second race of the Cup Series season. It usually happened right after the famous Daytona 500 race. The Pala Casino 400 was a big event for racing fans in Southern California.

About the Race's History

The race logo from 2022

The Pala Casino 400 race has changed quite a bit over the years. Before 2005, it was held in late April or early May. For a long time, until 2010, the race was even longer, covering 500 miles.

How the Race Changed

In 2005, NASCAR made some big changes to its race schedule. This race was moved to February, happening just one week after the Daytona 500. Then, in 2011, it moved again to March.

Also in 2011, the race distance was shortened from 500 miles to 400 miles. This change made the race faster and more exciting.

Race Sponsors Over Time

The race had different main sponsors through the years. From 2003 to 2020, the Automobile Club of Southern California was the main sponsor. In 2022, WISE Power took over as the sponsor. Finally, in 2023, the Pala Casino Resort and Spa became the title sponsor. This is how the race got its last name, the Pala Casino 400.

Past Race Winners

This table shows all the drivers who won the Pala Casino 400 race over the years. It also shows their team, car maker, and other details.

Drivers with Multiple Wins

Some drivers were so good they won this race more than once!

Teams with Multiple Wins

These racing teams had multiple victories at the Pala Casino 400.

Car Makers with Most Wins

Which car manufacturers built the winning cars most often?

Sponsors of Winning Cars

These companies sponsored the cars that won the race.

Exciting Race Moments

Here are some memorable moments from the history of this race:

• 1997: NASCAR returned to Southern California with the first California 500. There were many lead changes. Jeff Gordon won after passing Mark Martin with only 11 laps left.
• 2000: Jeremy Mayfield won for Penske Racing South. After the race, he jumped on his car's roof, which caused a small dent. For a while, NASCAR didn't let drivers jump on their cars in victory lane.
• 2001: Rusty Wallace won this race. He honored his friend Dale Earnhardt by driving around the track with a special flag.
• 2002: Many cars had to leave the race due to crashes or engine problems. Jimmie Johnson won his very first career race here.
• 2008: The race started on a Sunday but had to be stopped because of rain. A car even flipped over due to water on the track! The rest of the race was finished on Monday, with Carl Edwards taking the win.
• 2013: Kyle Busch won after a thrilling last-lap crash between Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. Kyle Busch also won the Nationwide race the day before, making it a "weekend sweep." This was the first time a Joe Gibbs Racing car and a Toyota car won at Fontana.
• 2014: This race had many tire problems, with over 20 cars having flat tires! Despite this, Kyle Busch won again after an exciting finish. He battled side-by-side with Kyle Larson on the very last lap.
• 2016: Jimmie Johnson won his 77th career race. This win helped him later tie the record for most career championships with racing legends Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.
• 2019: Kyle Busch earned his 200th win in a NASCAR National Series race. He won all three parts of the race and came back from a penalty. This tied him with Richard Petty for the most wins ever!
• 2020: Before the race, there was a special tribute to Jimmie Johnson. His teammate, Alex Bowman, then led most of the race and earned his second career victory.
• 2022: The Cup Series returned to Fontana after two years. This race had a record 12 caution flags and many lead changes. Kyle Larson won by passing Daniel Suarez with just three laps left.