Although noise and safety considerations have threatened its existence in recent years, the All American Speedway has played a big role in the Roseville community since the racetrack opened in 1955. Originally called the Roseville Speedway and then the Placer County Speedway, the track has formed the basis of a lot of family outings during the past 59 years, and it’s drawn interest from lots of race enthusiasts from throughout the western states as well. Each week, about 1,500 people visit the 1/3-mile NASCAR-sanctioned track at the Speedway, which is operated by the nonprofit Placer County Fair Association.
But as important as it is to the local and regional racing community, the Speedway also plays a critical part in Roseville’s economy. As the central feature of the Placer County Fairgrounds, the racetrack generates about 60% to 70% of the funds needed to keep the fairgrounds in operation all year round.
Money from race-related events also provides critical funding for the annual Placer County Fair; in fact, as the result of recent statewide budget cuts, without the revenue from racetrack activities, the fair would have to be scrapped. Much of the revenue goes toward the upkeep of the fairgrounds buildings, which generate an additional stream of income through space rentals for private parties.
All American Speedway
The All American Speedway began as a ¼-mile dirt track that was located within the fairgrounds’ rodeo stadium. Although initially the track was not built specifically to accommodate auto racing, as interest in racing increased and the sport became more widely accepted and enjoyed, the raceway as paved in the early 1970s and its name was changed to “All American.”
Despite its continued popularity with local race enthusiasts, the raceway has come under attack in recent years due to concerns over noise. Modifications to the track have helped address these issues so the Speedway can remain a vital part of the Roseville experience.