Phoenix Raceway

Phoenix Raceway, a 1-mile tri-oval track nestled in Avondale, Arizona, has been a prominent fixture in motorsports since its inception in 1964. This renowned venue plays host to two exhilarating NASCAR race weekends each year, with the championship finale becoming a highlight since 2020. Under NASCAR’s ownership and management, Phoenix Raceway has seen a diverse range of racing events over the years, including appearances by CART, IndyCar Series, USAC, and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

As one of the select venues on the NASCAR calendar to host multiple race weekends annually, Phoenix Raceway has been a pivotal stop for NASCAR Cup Series races since 1988, transitioning from a late-season event to a springtime spectacle in 2005. Additionally, the track has been a steadfast supporter of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since its inaugural season in 1995 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 1999.

Since 2020, Phoenix Raceway has proudly served as the venue for NASCAR’s Championship Weekend across its top three series. Taking over from Homestead-Miami Speedway, Phoenix Raceway has become the epicenter of NASCAR’s thrilling championship battles, solidifying its status as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts. With plans in place to continue hosting the championship races through at least the 2024 season, Phoenix Raceway remains a cornerstone of NASCAR’s illustrious history.

HISTORY

Phoenix International Raceway, constructed in 1964 near Avondale, Arizona, boasts a unique design weaving around the picturesque Estrella Mountains. To accommodate the challenging terrain and incorporate a road course and drag strip, designers ingeniously crafted a distinctive “dogleg” into the backstretch. Initially featuring a 2.700-mile road course that meandered both inside and outside the primary oval track, the venue offered a thrilling array of racing experiences.

In 1973, the track changed hands and underwent a brief name alteration to FasTrack International Speedway under new ownership. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that NASCAR’s premier series, now known as the NASCAR Cup Series, made its debut at the track. Anticipating the arrival of NASCAR, Phoenix International Raceway underwent significant enhancements, including the construction of a three-story suite building outside turn 1 and a boost in grandstand capacity to accommodate 30,000 eager fans.

Just before NASCAR’s grand entrance, adversity struck when the main grandstand fell victim to a lightning strike, engulfing it in flames. Undeterred, the track rose from the ashes, completing reconstruction in time for the inaugural NASCAR Cup race. The race’s victor, Alan Kulwicki, etched his name in history not only for his win but also for initiating the iconic “Polish Victory Lap” celebration, marking a memorable moment in the track’s storied legacy.

TRACK INFORMATION

Phoenix Raceway, originally equipped with a sprawling 2.700-mile road course spanning both inside and outside the main tri-oval, underwent a significant transformation in 1991. The track was reconfigured to feature a sleeker 1.510-mile interior layout. Currently boasting an estimated grandstand seating capacity of approximately 51,000 spectators, Phoenix Raceway underwent further enhancements in 2004 with the installation of lights around the track, coinciding with the addition of a second annual NASCAR race weekend.

In November 2010, plans were unveiled for a comprehensive $100 million long-term development project at Phoenix International Raceway. A notable aspect of this endeavor included allocating $15 million toward repaving the track for the first time since 1990 and constructing a new media center. Additionally, the track underwent a reconfiguration, which encompassed several key adjustments. These modifications included widening the front stretch, converting pit stalls from asphalt to concrete, and shifting the dogleg outward by 95 feet, resulting in a tighter turn radius. Moreover, progressive banking was introduced to the turns to facilitate side-by-side racing opportunities.

The extensive reconfiguration project, led by project leader Bill Braniff, was completed by mid-August 2011. Subsequent testing by drivers revealed the newly designed dogleg and backstretch to resemble a “rollercoaster,” with pronounced elevation changes offering a dynamic racing experience. Renovations in 2018 further refined the pit road and infield areas, culminating in the relocation of the start/finish line to just beyond what was formerly turn 2.