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 that took place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. It was a big event where drivers raced their powerful cars for 400 miles (about 644 kilometers). For many years, this race was the second one in the Cup Series season, right after the famous Daytona 500. The race was last held in 2023.

Race History and Changes

The 2022 race logo

The Pala Casino 400 race has a long history. It started way back in 1997. For its first few years, it was held in late April or early May. It was also a longer race, covering 500 miles.

Changes to Race Date and Length

In 2005, NASCAR changed its schedule. This race 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 made the race faster and more exciting.

Race Sponsors Over Time

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

Exciting Moments and Key Races

Over the years, many memorable things happened at this race. Here are some of the highlights:

1997: The First Race

The first race, called the California 500, happened on June 22, 1997. It was a thrilling race with many lead changes. Jeff Gordon won by passing Mark Martin with only 11 laps left. His teammate, Terry Labonte, finished second, making it a great day for their team, Hendrick Motorsports.

2000: Jeremy Mayfield's Win

Jeremy Mayfield won this race for Penske Racing South. After his win, he jumped on the roof of his car. This caused a dent, and NASCAR had to make new rules about celebrating in Victory Lane.

2001: A Special Tribute

This race happened on what would have been Dale Earnhardt's 50th birthday. Rusty Wallace won, holding off Jeff Gordon. In a special moment, Rusty drove around the track holding a flag with the number "3" on it, honoring Dale Earnhardt.

2002: Jimmie Johnson's First Win

This race had many crashes and engine problems, with almost 10% of the race under caution. Jimmie Johnson won his very first career race, beating Kurt Busch. After a crash involving Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR made a new rule. Drivers who crashed had to go to the infield care center for a check-up.

2008: A Race Delayed by Rain

The 2008 race started on a Sunday but had to finish on Monday because of heavy rain. During the race, Casey Mears spun out on wet track, hitting Dale Earnhardt Jr. and flipping over. Carl Edwards eventually won the race when it resumed on Monday.

2013: Kyle Busch's Big Win

Kyle Busch won this race after a dramatic crash on the last lap 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 team and a Toyota car won at Fontana in the Cup Series. The crash caused Denny Hamlin to miss four races due to a back injury.

2014: Tire Troubles and a Thrilling Finish

The 2014 race had a lot of tire problems, with over 20 tires failing! Many top drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, had to recover from tire issues. The race ended with an exciting "green-white-checkered" finish. Kyle Busch battled side-by-side with Kyle Larson on the last lap, winning his second straight race at Auto Club. There were 35 lead changes, showing how competitive the race was.

2016: Jimmie Johnson Makes History

After a late caution, Jimmie Johnson pulled ahead to win his 77th career race. This win meant he passed Dale Earnhardt in career victories. Johnson later won his 7th Championship, tying Earnhardt and Richard Petty for the most career championships.

2019: Kyle Busch's 200th Win

Kyle Busch earned his amazing 200th win across all of NASCAR's top three series. He won all three stages of the race and came back from a penalty. This win tied him with Richard Petty for the most NASCAR National Series wins ever.

2020: Alex Bowman's Victory

Before the race, there was a special tribute to Jimmie Johnson, as it was his last race at Fontana. His teammate, Alex Bowman, then led most of the race (110 laps) to earn his second career victory.

2022: Return to Fontana

After two years away, the Cup Series returned to Fontana. This race had a record 12 cautions and 32 lead changes. The defending series champion, Kyle Larson, made the winning pass with just three laps to go.

Race Statistics

Here are some interesting facts about the winners of the Pala Casino 400 and its earlier versions.

Multiple Winners (Drivers)

Multiple Winners (Teams)

Manufacturer Wins

Sponsor Wins