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Phoenix Raceway
Location7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, Arizona, 85323
Time zoneUTC−7
Coordinates33°22′29.1″N 112°18′40.14″W / 33.374750°N 112.3111500°W / 33.374750; -112.3111500
OwnerNASCAR (2019–present)
International Speedway Corporation (1997–2019)
OperatorNASCAR (1997–present)
Broke groundSeptember 19, 1963; 61 years ago (1963-09-19)
OpenedJanuary 4, 1964; 60 years ago (1964-01-04)
Construction cost$1 million USD
Former namesPhoenix International Raceway (1964–1973, 1976–2017)
FasTrack International Speedway (January 1973–August 1976)
Jeff Gordon Raceway (November 15, 2015)
ISM Raceway (2018–January 2020)
Major eventsCurrent:
NASCAR Cup Series
NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race (1988–present)
Shriners Children's 500 (2005–present)
Former:
IndyCar Series
Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix (1964–2005, 2016–2018)
CART
Circle K/Fiesta Bowl 200 (1964–1986)
Websitephoenixraceway.com
Dogleg Oval (1964–present)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length1.000 miles (1.609 km)
Turns4
BankingStart / Finish Straightaway: 3°
Dogleg: 10–11°
Straightaway from Dogleg to Turn 1: 10°
Turn 1: 8°
Turn 2: 8–9° (Progressive)
Backstretch: 3°
Turns 3 & 4: 10–11° (Progressive)
Race lap record0:19.7379 [182.392 mph (293.531 km/h) (Brazil Tony Kanaan, Dallara DW12, 2016, IndyCar Series)
Road Course (1991–2011)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length1.510 miles (2.430 km)
Turns12
Race lap record0:50.695 (Argentina Juan Manuel Fangio II, Eagle MkIII, 1992, IMSA GTP)
Exterior Road course (1964–1990)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length2.000 miles (3.219 km)
Turns7
Long Road course (1964–1990)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length2.700 miles (4.345 km)
Turns14
Race lap record1:44.400 (United States Dave MacDonald, Cooper Monaco King Cobra, 1964, Group 4)
Short Road course (1964–1990)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length1.400 miles (2.253 km)
Turns7

Phoenix Raceway (formerly known as ISM Raceway from 2018–2020, Phoenix International Raceway from 1964–1973 and 1976–2017, and FasTrack International Speedway from 1973–1976) is a 1-mile (1.6 km) oval with a dogleg track in Avondale, Arizona. The track has held a variety of events since its opening in 1964, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and CART races. Phoenix Raceway is currently owned by NASCAR and is led by track president Latasha Causey.

Description

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Configuration

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Phoenix Raceway in its current form is measured at 1-mile (1.6 km), with 11 degrees of banking in the first two turns and 9 degrees of banking in the last two turns. Both the front and backstretches do not have any banking; however, the dogleg located on the backstretch

Amenities

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Phoenix Raceway is located in Avondale, Arizona, and is served by Avondale Boulevard, which is an exit of Interstate 10.[1] As of

Track history

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Planning and construction

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On July 10, 1963, The Arizona Republic's Frank Gianelli reported that a group formed by businessman Richard Hogue acquired a 320-acre (130 ha) plot of land originally used to grow cotton in Estrella Mountains.[2][3] With the purchase, the group made plans to build a $500,000 (adjusted for inflation, $4,976,087) motorsports complex including a 1-mile (1.6 km) oval, a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) road course, and a dragstrip under the name of Phoenix International Raceway (PIR).[2] The plan immediately faced opposition from the competing Arizona State Fairgrounds, who wished to pave their track in order to host United States Auto Club (USAC) races despite PIR officials wanting to collaborate with Fairgrounds officials.[4] However, the Fairgrounds' paving plan was vetoed unanimously by the Arizona Fair Commission on August 26. In the same day, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors passed a permit to initiate PIR construction.[5]

Groundbreaking took place on September 19, with Hogue stating at a groundbreaking interview that "we'll be racing by late November or early December".[6][7] In November, Hogue announced the first events for the track, with Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and NASCAR Grand National Series events being announced for December and January 1964, respectively.[8][9] However, the track's opening was pushed back to January 4 due to construction delays.[10] By the end of the year, with paving complete, the facility was approved for SCCA, USAC, and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) races.[11] At the end of the facility's construction, the entire complex cost approximately $1 million to build.[12][13]

Early years

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A. J. Foyt (pictured in 1996) won the first race at Phoenix Raceway's oval track.

PIR opened as scheduled, running informal SCCA events in January 1964.[14][15] A month later, the first formal events at the facility were held, with Jack Hinkle winning the first highlight race at PIR's road course.[16][17] PIR received mixed initial reception; although its amenities were praised, some spectators complained about a hidden 50-cent (adjusted for inflation, $5) grandstand fee alongside visibility problems caused by light poles.[18] PIR's drag strip held its first events on March 1.[19] The oval held its first race 21 days later, with A. J. Foyt winning a USAC event.[20][21] In April, alongside obtaining a sanction from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA),[13] PIR ran its first FIA-sanctioned event, with Dave MacDonald winning a 155-mile (249 km) event.[22]

Initially, PIR struggled with attendance, causing the facility to cancel international events in 1964 due to cost issues.[23][24] In July, Harry Redkey and Bob Huff, racing promoters of the Manzanita Speedway and Tucson Speedway, respectively, took over operational duties of PIR,[25][26] with Huff stating hopes of implementing "a series of major improvements" and a seating expansion to 13,500 to the facility.[26] By November, renovations to the facility's grandstand and walls were made. However, the facility still faced heavy traffic issues in Bobby Ball Memorial event that took place in the same month,[27] partially causing the cancellation of a USAC stock car race in early 1965.[28][29] Traffic improvements to PIR were completed in March 1965 alongside the widening of the track's surface in the turns.[30] In June, a $10,000 renovation to PIR's dragstrip that aimed to install increased lighting started.[31] By the end of 1965, Hogue stated in a response to a PIR critic in a letter to the editor that PIR invested over $100,000 in renovations, including a refurbished main grandstand and the addition of 2,000 seats.[32][33]

PIR experienced numerous crashes resulting in serious injury or death in its early years. In its first ever dragstrip event on March 1, PIR experienced its first fatality when drag racer Robert Snyders crashed during a qualifying run on the drag strip.[19] In early December, Bobby Marshman succumbed to second and third-degree burns suffered during a tire testing crash on November 27.[34][35] In August 1965, the dragstrip oversaw its second fatality when 17-year-old Phil Miner lost control of his car and crashed at approximately 160 miles per hour (260 km/h).[36][37] In February 1967, 13-year-old Maurice Gallegos suffered major head injuries after hitting a truck during a go-kart race;[38] Gallegos survived the incident and later sued PIR for $1,687,624 (adjusted for inflation, $15,421,043) for "inadequate and ineffectual protection" and a lack of "prompt and adequate assistance after the accident".[39]

Nancy Hogue era

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Sometime between 1965–1967, Richard Hogue and his wife, Nancy, divorced.[40] By February 3, 1967, Nancy was described in The Arizona Republic as the sole owner of PIR.[41] On the 15th, racing promoter J. C. Agajanian took over Redkey and Huff as the promotional director of PIR.[42] Two days later, Nancy filed an injunction order against Redkey and Huff for "fail[ing] to return... the corporate's properties, papers and records." She also revealed that she fired the duo as they spent "extravagant amounts of money for travel, hotels, entertainment, telephone calls, salaries, etc."[43] In response, the duo sued Hogue for $200,000 (adjusted for inflation, $1,827,545) on March 2 for multiple claims, including a breach of contract, claims of Nancy deceiving the duo, and Nancy refusing to give any stock to the duo despite an agreement.[44]

By October 1967, according to an Arizona Daily Star report, grandstand seating had expanded to 25,000.[45] On January 23, 1968, PIR held its first major stock car events, with Don White winning a USAC event.[46][47] In March, Agajanian confirmed discussions about removing PIR's backstretch dogleg from its oval track, stating that the corner was "dangerous as hell".[48] Three months later, the decision was confirmed by Jerry Raskin, PIR's public relations official, with the backstretch becoming a straight line.[49] Reportedly, the reconfiguration was complete by September;[50] however, the claim that the dogleg was ever removed has been disputed by racing historian Kevin Triplett, who did not find any evidence that the reconfiguration ever happened.[40]

Events

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Racing events

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NASCAR

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As of 2024, the track holds two annual NASCAR Cup Series dates: the spring Shriners Children's 500 and the fall NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race. The former was first held in 2005

Open-wheel racing

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Other racing events

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Non-racing events

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References

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  1. ^ Gómez, Laura (November 9, 2017). "NASCAR race weekend: How to get to PIR, where to park, what to avoid". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved November 4, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b Gianelli, Frank (July 10, 1963). "New Raceway Due". The Arizona Republic. p. 29. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  3. ^ "New International Raceway Cotton Field 6 Months Ago". The Arizona Republic. March 16, 1964. p. 27. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  4. ^ "Race Interests Fail to Agree". The Arizona Republic. July 16, 1963. p. 27. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  5. ^ "Commission Vetoes Paving Fairground Oval". The Arizona Republic. August 27, 1963. p. 25. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  6. ^ "Race Track To Get Start". The Arizona Republic. September 13, 1963. p. 57. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  7. ^ Gianelli, Frank (September 20, 1963). "Track Shows Early Speed". The Arizona Republic. p. 37. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  8. ^ Rowe, Jack (November 16, 1963). "Sports Car Corner". Tucson Citizen. p. 7. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  9. ^ "150-Miler Will Open Race Plant". The Arizona Republic. November 9, 1963. p. 55. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  10. ^ Rowe, Jack (November 23, 1963). "Sports Car Corner". Tuscon Citizen. p. 43. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  11. ^ Bird, Tracy (December 29, 1963). "Phoenix Raceway To Open". Arizona Daily Star. pp. C5. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  12. ^ Gianelli, Frank (March 21, 1964). "PIR Builder Man of Vision". The Arizona Republic. p. 57. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  13. ^ a b Dean, Paul (April 16, 1964). "Hot Ride on Road Course". The Arizona Republic. p. 47. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  14. ^ "New Raceway Baptized". The Arizona Republic. January 5, 1964. pp. D5. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  15. ^ Gianelli, Frank (January 7, 1964). "Sports Feud Full of Hate". The Arizona Republic. p. 28. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  16. ^ Gianelli, Frank (February 16, 1964). "Sports Racing Worth Watching". The Arizona Republic. pp. C1. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  17. ^ Pierson, Gerry (February 17, 1964). "Jack Hinkle Wins PIR Race Honors". The Arizona Republic. p. 24. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  18. ^ Gianelli, Frank (February 21, 1964). "Gripes Made, More Coming". The Arizona Republic. p. 39. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  19. ^ a b Pierson, Gerry (March 2, 1964). "PIR Prizes Divided; Death Mars Racing". The Arizona Republic. p. 28. Retrieved October 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  20. ^ "Green Monster Featured at Bee Line". The Arizona Republic. March 8, 1964. pp. 2C. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  21. ^ Pierson, Gerry (March 23, 1964). "Foyt Powers to Easy Victory in PIR 100". The Arizona Republic. p. 27. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  22. ^ Pierson, Gerry (April 19, 1964). "MacDonald, Cobra Capture FIA Race". The Arizona Republic. p. 30. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  23. ^ Gianelli, Frank (June 16, 1964). "Hogue Retains Faith in PIR". The Arizona Republic. p. 30. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  24. ^ Rowe, Jack (September 5, 1964). "PIR International Cancelled". Tucson Citizen. p. 6. Retrieved October 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  25. ^ "Redkey Takes PIR Control". The Arizona Republic. July 3, 1964. p. 43. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  26. ^ a b "Huff Adds Raceway To Auto Duties". Tucson Citizen. July 9, 1964. p. 44. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  27. ^ Gianelli, Frank (November 24, 1964). "Traffic Jam Monumental". The Arizona Republic. p. 29. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  28. ^ "Local Race Postponed". The Arizona Republic. December 23, 1964. p. 36. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  29. ^ Crawford, Bob (January 13, 1965). "Power Struggle Kills Race". Tucson Citizen. p. 19. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  30. ^ Smith, DeWayne (March 24, 1965). "New Parking Plan To Avoid Race Jam". Phoenix Gazette. p. 59. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  31. ^ Allison, Bob (June 22, 1965). "Phony Ring Division Due For Elimination?". Phoenix Gazette. p. 28. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  32. ^ Summers, Walt (November 28, 1965). "Auto Race Track Conditions Described As 'Primitive'". The Arizona Republic. p. 7. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  33. ^ Hogue, Richard P. (December 5, 1965). "PIR Critic No Race Authority". The Arizona Republic. p. 7. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  34. ^ "Race Vet Marshman Burned in PIR Crash". The Arizona Republic. November 28, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  35. ^ "Marshman Loses Battle for Life". The Arizona Republic. December 4, 1964. pp. 1D. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  36. ^ "PIR Crash Kills Tucson Drag Racer". The Arizona Republic. August 23, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  37. ^ Pierson, Gerry (August 24, 1965). "Miner Will Never Tell His Story". The Arizona Republic. p. 28. Retrieved November 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  38. ^ "Youth Hurt In Kart Race". The Arizona Republic. February 6, 1967. p. 26. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  39. ^ "Racer, 13, Files $1 Million Suit". Arizona Daily Star. Associated Press. May 27, 1967. pp. 2A. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  40. ^ a b Triplett, Kevin (October 11, 2016). "Early racing at Phoenix International Raceway". Kevin Triplett's Racing History. Retrieved November 3, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ^ "Agajanian Joins PIR". The Arizona Republic. February 3, 1967. p. 35. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  42. ^ Wood, Dennis (February 16, 1967). "J. C. Agajanian Takes Over As PIR Promotion Manager". The Arizona Republic. p. 55. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  43. ^ Wood, Dennis (February 18, 1967). "Injunction Order Filed in PIR Case". The Arizona Republic. p. 53. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  44. ^ Wood, Dennis (March 3, 1967). "PIR Owner Is Sued". The Arizona Republic. p. 75. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  45. ^ "J. C. Agajanian Brings USAC Race To Phoenix". Arizona Daily Star. October 27, 1967. pp. 2D. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  46. ^ "USAC Sanctions Stock Car Race at PIR in Winter". The Arizona Republic. November 20, 1967. p. 49. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  47. ^ Wood, Dennis (January 29, 1968). "Don White Stock Car Victor at PIR". The Arizona Republic. p. 26. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  48. ^ Wood, Dennis (March 24, 1968). "Phoenix Raceway Due Facelifting". The Arizona Republic. pp. 1E, 11E. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  49. ^ "'Foyt's Corner' Demise Near". The Arizona Republic. June 22, 1968. p. 59. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
  50. ^ "PIR Dogleg Is Removed". The Arizona Republic. September 19, 1968. pp. 1D. Retrieved November 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)  
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