The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Auto club 500 weekend starts off at 5 pm Friday February 24 at the California Speedway. NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Bobby Labonte will be signing autographs at the "Fontana Racefest" where there will also be live music and a q and a time with Dale Earnhardt Jr.! Saturday's festivities will include the Busch 300 series. Sunday though, will be the big day when fresh off the Daytona 500, NASCAR racers will take to the wheel once again in Fontana for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Auto club 500. It will be nationally broadcast on Fox, including the pre-race show featuring grammy-nominated artist Jewel.

On Feb 18, 2006, Southern California native Jimmie Johnson won the season opener at the Daytona 500. He will look for back to back wins as he comes home to Southern California for the Auto club 500. Johnson's first ever win came at the California Speedway in 2002. Other former winners including Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin will be also be aiming for a spot in the Gatorade Victory Lane.

All signs point to fun this weekend in Fontana as NASCAR comes to Southern California.

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