Phoenix Raceway

Phoenix Raceway, located in Avondale, Arizona, just outside Phoenix, is a prominent and historic motorsports track known for its unique dogleg-style 1-mile tri-oval layout. Since opening in 1964, it has been a flagship venue in American racing, hosting a variety of series including NASCAR, IndyCar, and formerly CART and USAC events. The raceway is celebrated for its distinctive configuration and desert setting, making it a favorite among fans and drivers alike.

History

The track was built in 1964 on a 320-acre plot originally used for cotton farming near the Estrella Mountains. Businessman Richard Hogue led the initial development to create a multi-layout motorsports complex offering a 1-mile oval, a 2.5-mile road course, and a dragstrip, under the original name Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The unusual dogleg in the backstretch was designed due to the local terrain and the combined oval and road course configuration. The track replaced the Arizona State Fairgrounds as the region’s premier racing venue. Over the years, it transitioned ownership multiple times, including a period as FasTrack International Speedway from 1973 to 1976 before reverting to its original moniker.

NASCAR began holding races at PIR in 1978, with the NASCAR Cup Series debuting there in 1988. Since then, the track has hosted many memorable NASCAR events and gradually expanded its grandstand capacity to over 42,000 spectators by 2019.

Major track renovations include a 2011 reconfiguration that removed the interior road course to focus solely on oval racing and adjusted the dogleg to enhance side-by-side competition. A 2018 renovation moved the start-finish line and modified portions of Turns 1 and 2, improving racing sightlines and pit access. The facility is currently owned by NASCAR, with Latasha Causey serving as track president.

Most Famous Races Held

Phoenix Raceway is notable for hosting two annual NASCAR Cup Series events: the season-ending Championship Race in November, which frequently decides the series champion, and the spring weekend race (currently the Shriners Children’s 500). These events attract top drivers and national attention, often delivering dramatic finishes and pivotal playoff moments.

In addition to NASCAR, the track hosted IndyCar and CART races for decades, starting with USAC events in its inaugural year. The track was popular among open-wheel drivers including A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. While open-wheel racing has since ceased, the legacy of those competitions remains a defining part of the raceway’s history.

Track Information

Phoenix Raceway is a 1.0-mile (1.609 km) low-banked tri-oval with a signature dogleg on the backstretch that creates a unique rhythm to racing lines and challenges drivers’ car control. Turns 1 and 2 are tighter and more sharply banked than Turns 3 and 4, adding to setup complexity. The dogleg produces multiple racing grooves, encouraging overtaking opportunities.

The facility accommodates about 42,000 permanent seats and features modern amenities, including hospitality suites, garages, and expansive parking. Its desert location brings hot and dry conditions that can affect track grip and tire wear. Surrounding hillsides, known as Monument Hill, provide popular vantage points for fans outside the grandstands.