NASCAR Tracks - The Phoenix International Raceway

The Phoenix International Raceway hosts a varietywhere the similarity ends.
of NASCAR and IRL events throughout the year.Carl has three wins in the all-new car series and could
The Phoenix International Raceway was opened inhave had a fourth. Thats close to domination of the
1988, and the Checkers Auto Parts course is 312seven races so far but the good result have come
miles long - which equals 312 laps - and last year'son the super speedways, not the two short tracks.
race had an average speed of 103 MPH. For allCars get together and hook up in that second
sections of this top raceway the tickets are greatgroove. But you can pass just about anywhere on
and your sure to enjoy the Checker Auto Parts 500this racetrack. Carved from the foothills of Estrella
that is run there each year.Mountains in 1964 the Phoenix International Raceway
The Phoenix International Raceway, built in 1964,was a new star in the world of open-wheeled racing
boasts the world's fastest one-mile oval paved trackwhen it was opened. It wasn't until 1988, when
for auto racing, and the Manzanita Speedway holdsNASCAR came to Phoenix that the raceway became
Sprint, midget, and stockcar races. The Phoenixtruly world-class sporting venue.
International Raceway was opened in 1988, and thePIR provides two great NASCAR weekends, one in
Checkers Auto Parts course is 312 miles long - whichthe fall, and one in the spring. Fans from all over visit
equals 312 laps - and last year's race had an averagethe Valley of the Sun for these two great weekends
speed of 103 MPH.filled with the best in Sprint, Busch and Craftsman
Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) is a great trackTruck Series racing. PIR is easy to get to from
to visit if you want to experience NASCAR but on adowntown. Take I-10 west to Avondale Blvd
smaller scale compared to much larger tracks and(formerly 115th Avenue), and drive south (left) for 6
spectators. It's easier to bring the kids to this trackmiles. PIR is now in the outer suburbs of the
because it is smaller and therefore the crowds arefast-expanding Arizona city. The track hosted its first
smaller. Phoenix International Raceway is one of theUSAC Indy car races in 1964 with AJ Foyt winning
most unique tracks on the NASCAR schedule.the 100-mile event and Lloyd Ruby a 200-miler but it
Phoenix International Raceway may the same lengthremained underdeveloped.
as those two Nextel Cup Series venues, but thats