Travel Log: Fontana

From one coast to the other, it's a long haul but it's also a completely different perspective of NASCAR. Last week was deep in the sport's racing roots. This week, Fontana, Calif., is a touch of the sport's new appeal, from Hollywood celebrities to the sweeping oval that dots the schedule more times than not.

Fontana has its history, and much of it sits directly in front of Auto Club Speedway. And so it's on to Round 2 of the 36-week schedule.

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• San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States, spanning an area of nearly 3 million acres. It is larger than the nine smallest states. Fontana is located inside the county.

• The Country Store in Baker, Calif., has sold more winning California State Lottery tickets than any other place in the state, according to 50states.com. A rest stop between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the community is also home to the world's tallest thermometer. Baker is 83 miles north of Fontana.

• The highest point in the continental United States is in California at the summit of Mount Whitney (14,495 feet). Traveling east 76 miles takes one to the lowest point in the continental United States, Badwater in Death Valley National Park (282 feet below sea level). Both are less than 250 miles north of Fontana.

• Gold was first discovered in California in late January 1848, by James W. Marshall, a native of New Jersey. He found the precious metal in the American River that flowed by Sutters Mill, a sawmill for which Marshall worked. Reportedly, he never saw a profit from the landmark discovery due to being forced from his own land by others seeking the same fortunes.

• California was named after Califia, a mythical paradise recorded in the 1510 piece written by Garcia Ordonez Rodriguez de Montalvo. Califia, it was written, was said to be, among other things, "rich in gold."

Best Burger: Baker's Drive Thru
Best Barbecue: Bobby Ray's Bar-B-Que
Best Restaurant: El Chalet Salvadoreno

Admitted as State: Sept. 9, 1850, as the 31st state
Capital: Sacramento
Nickname: Golden State
Population Rank: 1st
Largest City: Los Angeles

Auto Club Speedway sits just off the 10 -- Interstate 10, for out-of-towners. It's located about 50 miles east of Los Angeles, although the commute isn't as easy as that. Especially any time between 7-10 a.m., or between 4-6 p.m. So tourists, beware.

It's an interesting road that takes you into Auto Club Speedway. The dusty trail rides fans right by historic Kaiser Steel, the cornerstone of Fontana's transition from an agricultural community to industrial during the post-World War II era. At one time, the mill was the only of its kind west of the Mississippi.

But don't let the ruggedness of the mill fool you. The mountain view on the back side of the facility is pretty spectacular. What's the best way to get in and around Auto Club Speedway? RacingOne provides a Guest Guide with all the ins and outs, dos and don'ts.
• Auto Club Speedway

Weekend Schedules: Cup Series | Nationwide Series | Truck Series