Thousands of fans hit Irwindale Speedway for one last ride

For the very last time, thousands of fans flocked to the Irwindale Speedway on Saturday. 

They gathered to wish a fond farewell to their beloved track, where countless memories were made and some people's dreams of becoming professional drivers came true. 

"It's the last day. I came here for the first day 25 years ago, this is exactly where I sat," said Carol Oberst. "I was very excited, but I was also very sad to come here today because we have nowhere to go now that's close by."

Irwindale Speedway opened back in 1999, quickly becoming a hotspot for all things racing, from Nascar to drag racing. 

"I grew up coming here," said Tommy Troutner. "I decided to give my kids a last hurrah, seeing it and kind of kissing the memories goodbye. ... I've seen people come from just a garage build to become a professional."

Oberst said that it's not just the cars that drew in the crowds.

"The people," she said. "The families always are happy when they are here, no one is every sad. Even if they lose a race, nobody is sad. ... We are going to miss it. The whole Irwindale family is going to miss it."

The new owners of the property plan to turn the area into an industrial park, but exact details are not expected to be released until early-2025.