The is a
NASCAR Nextel Cup Stock Car Race held at the
California Speedway in
Fontana ,
California . This is one of two races held at the California Speedway, the other being the
Sony HD 500 . Prior to
2005 , the race was held in May. When the
NASCAR Realignment of that year was made, the race was moved to February.
After nearly a decade, NASCAR came back to
Southern California on
June 22 ,
1997 with the inaugral California 500. The race featured 21 lead changes among a dozen different drivers. Jeff Gordon passed Mark Martin with 11 laps remaining and sped to victory.
Terry Labonte took second, giving
Hendrick Motorsports another 1-2 finish.
