| | | | | | | | | | Phoenix International Raceway | Bright Lights, Big Party |
| | Avondale, AZ Phoenix International Raceway is rich in racing tradition. The annual Fall NASCAR weekend, which includes NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, Craftsman Trucks and Featherlite Southwest Series races, is one of the biggest events in the whole state. And the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race is arguably the biggest one-day sporting event in Arizona.
With its unique tri-oval shape, Phoenix International Raceway has a curve in the middle of its backstretch between turns two and three, often referred to as “the dogleg.” The original builders were constrained by the rock hills and the incorporation of an external road course and dragstrip in the design. The dragstrip was rarely used once nearby Firebird International Raceway became a regular stop on drag racing tours. Used mainly for private testing and as parking lot access roads during oval events, the external road course was later replaced by the current infield road circuit.
In 1964, Phoenix International Raceway was opened as the new home of major open-wheel racing in the Phoenix area.
The tourism industry was just starting to grow in Phoenix and drivers like Mario Andretti and A.J. Hoyt came to love coming there – not to mention the 1-mile paved oval with a unique bend in the backstretch.
NASCAR’s Cup Series didn’t come to Phoenix International Raceway until 1988, and the inaugural race was won by the late Alan Kulwicki. He debuted his Polish victory lap there after taking the checkered flag.
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