Auto Club Speedway Bag Policy

You know that feeling when you’re packing for a road trip, and you start throwing snacks into a bag like you’re prepping for a minor apocalypse? That’s exactly the energy I brought to my first trip to Auto Club Speedway. I had a backpack that looked like a plump, overfed raccoon, stuffed with water bottles, granola bars, and a suspiciously large bag of beef jerky. Turns out, the Speedway’s bag policy is less “apocalypse pantry” and more “strict lunch monitor from middle school.”

Let’s be real: nobody enjoys getting their bag checked like they’re at airport security. You stand there, holding your breath, hoping the kind security guard doesn’t find your secret stash of Funyuns. The good news? Auto Club Speedway’s bag policy is actually pretty chill once you know the rules, like that one friend who’s super laid-back but has one weird pet peeve. They mostly just want you to stop trying to smuggle in a full cooler disguised as a fanny pack.

The First Rule: Size Matters (But Not in a Clutch Way)

The Speedway allows bags that are smaller than 14” x 14” x 14” — basically, the size of a decent loaf of bread. If your bag is bigger than that, you’re looking at a mandatory return trip to your car. I once saw a guy try to bring in a duffel bag that could have comfortably housed a small child. Spoiler: the child stayed in the parking lot.

Here’s the kicker: clear bags are your best friend. Think of them as the transparent, slightly dorky cousin of your favorite tote bag. They’re like that awkward but totally reliable friend who shows up to every party with a bottle of water and a smile. The Speedway strongly recommends clear bags to speed things up, but they don’t require them for standard admission — just keep it small.

What About Diaper Bags and Medical Bags?

If you’re carting around a small human, you’re in luck. Diaper bags are allowed as long as they are also subject to search. Think of it as a “you can bring the wipes, but not the entire diaper factory” policy. Medical bags and necessary items — like insulin pumps or EpiPens — are also fine, but you might need to use a designated entrance lane. It’s like the VIP line at a club, but instead of glitter, you get peace of mind.

No progress on project at former Auto Club Speedway near Fontana – San

One time, a mom behind me had a bag that could have doubled as a portable changing table. The security guard just nodded, gave it a quick peek, and waved her through. I think he was more scared of the baby than the bag. Moral of the story: be honest, be small, and don’t be a hero with a 40-ounce soda.

The “No-Go” Zone: Don’t Be That Person

Remember that beef jerky I mentioned? Yeah, it’s a no-go. Outside food and drinks are not allowed unless you have a medical or dietary need. That includes your water bottles, your giant tub of popcorn, and definitely your secret flask disguised as sunscreen. The Speedway has plenty of concession stands, so just embrace the $8 hot dog. It’s a rite of passage, like paying too much for nachos at a baseball game.

Weapons? Obviously, leave the hockey masks and chainsaws at home. Also, laser pointers are banned. I learned this the hard way when I tried to entertain my friend by pointing a red dot at a race car. The security guard gave me a look that said, “You are exactly the reason we have rules.” So, don’t be me. Leave the toy lightsabers in the car, too.

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The G.O.A.T. Strategy: The Clear Fanny Pack

If you want to be the hero of your group, invest in a clear fanny pack. You can wear it like a belt, look like you’re from 1992, and breeze through security in seconds. Your wallet, phone, and car keys fit perfectly, and you won’t have to hold a soggy program all day. It’s the ultimate “I’m here for the racing, not for the drama” move.

And if you forget? Don’t panic. The Speedway often has locker rentals near the gates. It’s like a hotel for your bag, but cheaper and with fewer bed bugs. Just toss your giant backpack in, grab your clear pouch, and strut into the stands like you own the place.

Fontana Speedway Seating Chart

The Golden Rule: Be Cool, Be Quick, Be Zen

The bag policy is really about one thing: getting you into the action as fast as possible. The Speedway staff are pros — they’ve seen everything, from a guy with a live chicken (true story) to a woman trying to bring a ceramic bowl full of chili. Patience is your friend. If you show up with a bag that looks like you’re moving out of your apartment, you’re going to be the main character in a slow-motion security drama.

Take it from someone who once tried to bring a pocket-square-sized bag just to feel rebellious: the best bag is the one you don’t have to think about. Keep it small, clear if possible, and pack only the essentials — your ticket, your sunscreen, and your enthusiasm. Oh, and leave the beef jerky at home. Trust me, the $9 footlong you’ll buy inside tastes a lot better when you’re not wrestling with a security guard over a stick of dried meat.

Now go forth, pick your smallest bag, and get ready to hear those engines roar. And if you see a guy with a clear fanny pack and a dab of chili on his shirt? That’s probably me. Wave hello.