Exploring the Rich Sporting History of Vibrant Fontana, CA

Nestled in the heart of San Bernardino County, Fontana is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its industrial prowess and multicultural population, this bustling city has played an important role in the sporting world over the years.

For those who are interested in exploring the rich sporting history of Fontana, there are several places that you simply cannot afford to miss. From historic race tracks to iconic sports venues, each location tells a unique story about this vibrant community and its people.

One of the most famous events that took place in Fontana was the 1976 NHRA Winston World Finals at Ontario Motor Speedway (9300 Cherry Ave., Ontario). This event marked one of drag racings greatest moments as Shirley Muldowney became the first woman to win a Top Fuel championship. The speedway no longer exists but fans can see historical photos and artifacts at Auto Club Speedway (9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana).

Another iconic location is Miller Park (17004 Arrow Blvd.), which serves as both a recreational area for locals and home to many youth baseball games. It is named after A.J Pappy Miller who led onfield negotiations with Jackie Robinson during his playing days at Pasadena City College. Robinson would go on not only integrate Major League Baseball but also become an icon around integration efforts within American society.

The Steelworkers Auditorium inside Lewis Library & Technology Center (8437 Sierra Ave.) hosts exhibits about early NASCAR races held nearby at Kaiser Steel Mill Track decades ago when steel production dominated California economy.The library itself contains archives chronicling Southern Californias sport heritage including Olympic athletes from nearby cities like Pomona Meadows.

Lastly, visitors must visit Bill Martin Sr Sports Complex located next door Rialto High School ((595 S Eucalyptus Ave., Rialto) where generations have honed their skills in baseball, softball and soccer. The complex is named after Bill Martin Sr, legendary coach of Eisenhower HS football team during the schools dominant run in the 1970s.

The above locations are just a few examples of Fontanas rich sporting history. Each location provides a unique perspective on this vibrant city and its people. Whether youre a diehard sports fan or simply looking to learn more about the local culture, exploring these sites is an absolute must for any traveler seeking insight into Southern California sport heritage.

Websites: www.autoclubspeedway.com; www.cityofrialto.org/260/BillMartinSrSportsComplexpythonlibrary.readthedocs.io/en/stable/library/turtledemo.html

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