Auto Club Speedway and NASCAR officials today announced that the Speedway's October Chase for the Sprint Cup race will now be 400 miles, rather than its traditional 500. Track officials said the event will be re-branded the Pepsi Max 400. The event will run in daylight, with the start time set for Sunday, Oct. 10 at noon (3 p.m. ET).
“As fans well know, conversations with NASCAR in regard to making Auto Club Speedway the most competitive track possible for NASCAR racing have been on-going,” said Speedway President Gillian Zucker. “The results of some changes made by NASCAR such as double-file restarts and tire changes were seen at our inaugural Chase race, arguably one of the best races ever at the Speedway. This additional rules change to 400 miles is further evidence of NASCAR's commitment to racing excitement and to Southern California race fans.”
The track's first Sprint Cup race of the season, set for Feb. 21, will remain a 500-mile event.