PHOENIX RACEWAY - AVONDALE AZ
Phoenix International Raceway was built in 1964 around the Estrella Mountains on the outskirts of Avondale. Because of the terrain and the incorporation of a road course and drag strip, designers had to build a "dogleg" into the backstretch; (later this would become the frontstretch). The hillsides adjacent to the track also offer a unique vantage point to watch races from. "Monument Hill" (locally called "Rattle Snake Hill"), located alongside turns one and two is a favorite among race fans because of the unique view and lower ticket prices. Phoenix International Raceway was built with the goal of being the western home of open wheel racing. Sports cars and USAC began racing at the track in 1964, and the track quickly became a favorite of drivers and soon replaced the old track at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. In 1973, the
track was purchased by FasTrack International, Inc. and renamed FasTrack International Speedway. The name was reverted to Phoenix International Raceway in August 1976 when USAC team owner Bob Fletcher bought the speedway. In 1977, the first Copper World Classic was held, a marque event for USAC midget and Silver Crown cars. NASCAR began racing at Phoenix International Raceway in 1978. However, it was not until 1988 when NASCAR's premier series began racing at the track. That first race was won by Alan Kulwicki where in his celebration he performed the first "Polish Victory Lap". In 1991, the old 2.5 miles road course was removed and replaced by a 1.51 miles infield road course. Davey Allison won here back to back in 1991-1992; and it wasn't until
2000-2001 until Jeff Burton did it again. In 2004, NASCAR announced it would give a second annual race weekend to Phoenix International Raceway starting with the 2005 season. Following the announcement, the track installed lights to allow the newly scheduled NASCAR race to be run in the evening. In 2007 Jimmie Johnson would win the first of three in a row at the track. In November 2010, ISC and the Avondale City Council announced plans for a $100 million long-term development for Phoenix Raceway. $15 million would go towards repaving the track for the first time since 1990 and building a new media center. On January 30, 2017, Phoenix International Raceway and ISC announced a $178 million renovation. The project was completed in
October 2018, just in time for their November race weekend. The track made many improvements, additions and changes. Seating was added; along with a midway and they added a Fan Zone in the infield. The moved the start/finish line to just before the dogleg, thus flipping the layout. Pit road now ran down the back straight. On March 26, 2019 it was announced that starting in 2020, the track will become the host of the NASCAR championship weekend, moving it from Homestead-Miami Speedway. The first year of hosting the final race of the Cup season saw Chase Elliott win the Championship. The track always seems to produce close finishes. Elliott's winning margin of 2.7 second was the largest margin since
cars cut the dog-leg on a restart
2012. Kevin Harvick has been dominant at Phoenix. He has collected nine wins as of the start of 2023. Next closest is Jimmie Johnson with four. Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr have three each.
All Photos copyright and are property of their respective owners