Wildfires may halt CART race

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003 | 9:39 a.m.

The wildfires that are ravaging much of Southern California could threaten Sunday's CART Champ Car World Series race at California Speedway in Fontana, according to a track spokesman.

Dennis Bickmeier, director of public relations for the speedway, said it was a "possibility" that Sunday's CART season finale -- and Saturday's NASCAR Winston West Series support race -- could be postponed or canceled, but he added that there had been "no determination" made as of Monday afternoon.

"We continue to monitor the fire situation in San Bernardino County and throughout Southern California," track president Bill Miller said in a statement posted on the speedway's website.

"We are in contact with local officials on a number of items that may or may not effect the staging of this weekend's event, including the proximity of the fire, the air quality and transportation issues as many freeways are closed or are experiencing delays, as well as delays at numerous airports in the area."

California Speedway is about a mile off Interstate 15 between Riverside and the Cajon Pass.

Bickmeier said the speedway has offered county officials the use of the facility to support the firefighting effort, including the use of the track as a shelter for homeowners evacuated by the fires.

Sunday's King Taco 500 is the final round of the 19-race 2003 CART Champ Car World Series. Las Vegas resident Paul Tracy clinched the season championship last weekend in Australia, which might make it easier for the speedway and CART to postpone or cancel the event.