Minor-league NASCAR racing returns to Irwindale Speedway

After more than a year’s absence, Irwindale Speedway will again host minor-league NASCAR stock car racing, starting Saturday night.

The night’s program at the half-mile paved track includes so-called super late models and other types of cars that are part of NASCAR’s lower-level Whelen All-American Series and its other “Home Tracks” divisions.

Opened in 1999, the 6,000-seat Irwindale track near the intersection of the 605 and 210 freeways initially drew raves as one of the best short tracks in the nation.

But it struggled amid the economic slump of recent years, and its previous operator filed for bankruptcy in February 2012.

Now under new management, Irwindale Speedway said in January that it would bring back NASCAR racing on 14 nights this year, starting with Saturday’s event.

Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., with racing starting at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.

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