Operation Dust Devil visits Auto Club Speedway before venue's demolition
The 10th week of Operation Dust Devil included sheriff’s deputies working in the rain and snow in places like the High Desert and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, which is slated for demolition.
During the period ending Sunday, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies patrolled Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley and Morongo.
Deputies issued two California Vehicle Code citations, two California Penal Code Citations, made two arrests, towed one vehicle, and recovered one stolen vehicle.
The weekend brought winter weather conditions throughout the Inland Empire, High Desert, and mountain regions, covering 90% of the legal and illegal riding areas in snow.
On Sunday, Operation Dust Devil deputies worked the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana for the sold-out Pala 400 NASCAR CUP Series race.
The race took place after severe weather conditions postponed Saturday's event at the speedway.
Deputies contacted approximately 2,500 attendees, who received pamphlets and education regarding legal riding areas and Off-Highway Vehicle safety. Visitors of all ages were able to take photos with deputies and off-road patrol vehicles.
"It was cold and wet, but we came out to watch the races at the speedway's final day,” said Jason Hartwick, 45, of Apple Valley, who attended the event with his two sons. “We've been coming here for years and we're bummed that it's going to be demolished."
He also commented that he was "surprised and happy" to see sheriff’s deputies at the speedway.
Harwick told the Daily Press that he appreciates the off-road enforcement and education by the Sheriff’s Department.
“My uncle has a 4-acre ranch near Yucca Valley that is frequently invaded by off-roaders,” Hartwick said. “They’re loud and they don’t care if they trespass. The area definitely need more enforcement."
During the latest operation, deputies also used the inclement weather to instruct a side-by-side safety class to Search and Rescue members in Morongo.
The safety course allows search and rescue members the ability to improve skills and become certified to operate department-owned OHVs.
Auto Club Speedway demolition
After Sunday’s race, the 2-mile, high-speed Auto Club Speedway, which hosted NASCAR since 1997, will be demolished, according to Sports Illustrated.
Once the debris is hauled away, construction will begin on a new state-of-the-art half-mile track.
NASCAR also plans to sell off a large amount of its 568-acre property on which the speedway sits to construct an entertainment and hotel complex.
Stock car racing is expected to return to the new speedway in either late 2024 or early 2025.
In 1995, the legendary 2.0-mile supe rspeedway was constructed on the grounds of the demolished Kaiser Steel Mill. The track was completed a year later.
Operation Dust Devil
Operation Dust Devil will take place throughout most of 2023 to encourage safe and responsible off-highway vehicle operation through education and enforcement throughout the county.
The operation will focus on off-highway vehicle operations throughout the county's 20,105 square miles.
The operation will include personnel from the department's Off-Highway Vehicle Team and various patrol stations. Also, several other agencies, including Hesperia Park Services, the California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Forest Service.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Operation Dust Devil visits Auto Club Speedway before venue's demolition
