The new track was built just 4 miles (6.4 km) from the previous Ontario Motor Speedway where the California 500 was held between 1970 and 1980.
'"[1] A major wildfire, which was dubbed the Old Fire, started on October 25, was just one of many in the Southern California region at the time.
Our dialogue with the CART management team was very disappointing, but all we had to do was look up in the sky and see ashes falling down and the decision was made easy.
"[2] When attempts to find a date to reschedule the event failed, the race was officially cancelled by CART on October 29.
Points leader Paul Tracy had already clinched the season championship following the previous race at Surfers Paradise.
[6] The financially insolvent CART was sold at the end of 2003 and the re-organized Champ Car never returned to California Speedway.