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Special Del Mar "Racetracker" Train Returns For 2009

Amtrak once again has scheduled a special Del Mar " racetracker" train on Saturdays and Sundays between Orange County and Solana Beach starting the weekend of July 25 and 26 and running through September 5 and 6.

The trains, which can hold up to 700 riders, will originate at the Santa Ana station at 10:20 a.m. each day. The return trips north will leave Solana Beach at 6:46 p.m.

Amtrak will provide its regular north-and-south schedule throughout the summer (see listing below), but determined that because of high demand during the Del Mar race meeting they would increase passenger comfort with the addition of an extra train on weekends. The national rail service made arrangements to lease five coaches and an engine from San Diego's North County Transit District (Coaster Commuter Service) to make up the "racetracker" train.

The southbound "racetracker" train is designated as Train 1768 and follows this schedule: Departs Santa Ana at 10:20 a.m.; Irvine at 10:31 a.m.; San Juan Capistrano at 10:50 a.m.;Oceanside at 11:20 a.m. and arrives at Solana Beach at 11:35 a.m.

The northbound 'racetracker" train is called Train 1591 and follows this schedule: Departs Solana Beach 6:46 p.m.; Oceanside at 7:01 p.m.; San Juan Capistrano at 7:31 p.m.; Irvine at 7:47 p.m. and arrives at Santa Ana at 7:57 p.m.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club makes arrangements to meet all arriving trains and provide transportation to all departing ones aboard its popular English double-decker buses. The free service ferries racing fans from the Solana Beach station to the racetrack and back, a trip of just under one mile.

Below is a list of Amtrak trains -- in addition to the special "racetracker" weekend trains -- that have proven most popular with racing fans coming from (and returning to) Los Angeles or Orange County throughout the week. These trains originate in Los Angeles and make most of the following stops en route to Solana Beach: Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside.

Regular Amtrak Schedule -- Summer 2009

Key Racetrack Trains

Leaving Los Angeles (UnionStation) (Southbound)

Arriving Solana Beach (Seven Days a Week unless otherwise noted)

Leaving Solana Beach (Northbound)

Arriving Los Angeles (Union Station)(Seven Days a Week unless noted)

"Racetracker" Schedule – 2009

Leaving Santa Ana (Southbound)

Arriving Solana Beach (Saturdays and Sundays)

Leave 10:20 a.m. -- Arrive 11:35 a.m.

Leaving Solana Beach (Northbound)

Arriving Santa Ana (Saturdays and Sundays)

Leave 6:46 p.m. -- Arrive 7:58 p.m.

(* -- Saturday and Sunday trains leave at 6:56 p.m. instead of 6:29 p.m.)

(** -- This train runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)

For additional information or booking arrangements, go to Amtrak.com or call (800) 872-7245.