Phoenix Raceway – The Desert Jewel of American Motorsports

Introduction

Phoenix Raceway as viewed from the nearby Monument Hill, with the one-mile oval nestled in the desert landscape. Phoenix Raceway (formerly known as Phoenix International Raceway) is a historic motorsports venue located in Avondale, Arizona, just outside Phoenix. Opened in 1964, it was originally envisioned as the “Indianapolis of the West,” featuring a uniquely shaped 1-mile oval, a quarter-mile drag strip, and a winding 2.5-mile road course all in one facility. The track was built in the foothills of the Estrella Mountains on former desert farmland, giving it a scenic backdrop and a fast, wide-open setting. Over the decades, Phoenix Raceway has hosted nearly every form of major racing – from NASCAR stock cars to IndyCar open-wheel races and sports car events – establishing itself as the premier racing destination of the Southwest. Today it’s best known as a NASCAR stronghold, even serving as the annual host of NASCAR’s Championship Weekend for all three national series since 2020.

Track Specifications

Phoenix Raceway is a 1.0-mile (1.6 km) oval with an asphalt surface and a distinctive layout. Unlike a typical oval, it has a sudden kink in the backstretch – a “dogleg” turn – which creates an irregular D-shape and opens up exciting passing opportunities. The track’s banking varies by section: Turns 1-2 are banked at about 9°, Turns 3-4 at 11°, the main straightaway at 9°, and the dogleg/backstretch at a mild 3°. These modest banking angles, combined with the dogleg, make Phoenix a unique challenge – drivers often dive low across the apron through the dogleg to set up passes. The tri-oval’s length is exactly one mile, so races here often use lap counts in easy multiples (e.g. 312 laps ≈ 500 km). Phoenix’s lap record reflects its high speed despite the short length: an IndyCar driven by Tony Kanaan clocked a blistering 19.7-second lap (182.4 mph) during a 2016 qualifying run. The track can also be converted to a road course configuration; in fact, in its early years a 2.7-mile road course and a smaller infield road course were part of the complex. Phoenix’s modern capacity is listed at approximately 42,000 spectators in the grandstands, with additional general admission viewing on a rocky hillside outside Turns 1-2 known as “Rattlesnake Hill.” Fans who perch on Rattlesnake Hill get a panoramic view of the track (at the cost of a hike!), and that area’s name comes from old tales of track workers having to shoo away desert critters like rattlesnakes before races. Overall, Phoenix Raceway’s physical character – a comparatively flat, doglegged oval under the desert sun – makes it one of NASCAR’s most distinct and exciting short tracks.

Phoenix Raceway

Famous Events and Races

Phoenix Raceway frequently produces nail-biting finishes – here Aric Almirola (#10) edges out Alex Bowman (#48) by just 0.045 seconds at the 2025 spring race. Phoenix Raceway has been the scene of countless iconic moments in racing history. The track’s very first NASCAR Cup Series event in 1988 set the tone: a young Alan Kulwicki earned his maiden victory and celebrated by driving a reverse “Polish Victory Lap” around the track so he could wave to the crowd. That quirky celebration instantly became legend and is still fondly remembered as a Phoenix highlight. In the decades since, virtually every big name in American racing has competed here. A.J. Foyt won the track’s first oval race in 1964, and fellow open-wheel icons like Mario Andretti and Al Unser also turned laps on the old road course and oval in the mid-20th century. Once NASCAR’s top series arrived, champion drivers from Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace to Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson all battled for Phoenix trophies. Jeff Gordon memorably broke through in 2007 with his first Phoenix win after 17 tries – it was also his 76th career win, tying the late Dale Earnhardt on the all-time list. Gordon celebrated by holding a flag with Earnhardt’s #3 out the window on his victory lap, symbolizing the passing of the torch. Jimmie Johnson, for his part, was so dominant in the late 2000s that he notched three straight Cup wins at Phoenix (becoming the track’s winningest driver at the time).

Phoenix has produced its share of surprise winners and dramatic finishes. In 1996, Bobby Hamilton scored an emotional first Cup win here, putting the iconic #43 back in Victory Lane for the first time in 12 years. In 2011, Kasey Kahne pulled off an upset victory in the Fall Cup race – a win that ended up foreshadowing Tony Stewart clinching the championship a week later. Fans also witnessed Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final career win at Phoenix in 2015, when a well-timed rain shower helped him secure an unlikely victory in a race that was cut short by weather (an event Jr. himself called “fortunate” and which indeed became his last Cup win). Some moments at Phoenix have been jaw-dropping for off-track fireworks: the November 2012 Cup race erupted in a famous brawl after Jeff Gordon deliberately wrecked Clint Bowyer, leading to crews tangling in the garage area and a lot of bruised feelings. Phoenix fans got a front-row seat to that chaos, which remains one of NASCAR’s most talked-about feuds.

In recent years, Phoenix Raceway has cemented its status by hosting NASCAR’s Championship Weekend – the final, title-deciding races for the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series – since 2020. This means champions are crowned on Phoenix’s front straight, adding new historic moments annually (e.g. Chase Elliott’s first Cup championship in 2020, Kyle Larson’s championship in 2021, and so on). Fittingly, the racing drama has been superb. Phoenix frequently delivers photo finishes – for instance, Kevin Harvick beat Carl Edwards to the line by 0.010 seconds in Spring 2016, the closest margin in track history. And just in 2025, as shown above, a NASCAR race at Phoenix came down to a 0.045-second difference between first and second place, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. With its long list of past winners including legends (Andretti, Foyt) and NASCAR heroes (Kulwicki, Gordon, Johnson, Harvick, Busch, and many more), Phoenix Raceway’s resume of races is as rich as any track in the country. Every year, fans can count on at least one truly memorable moment unfolding in the “Valley of the Sun.”

Facilities and Amenities

Phoenix Raceway offers a fan-friendly facility that has seen major upgrades in the last decade. The main grandstands (expanded and renovated as part of a $178 million modernization in 2018) now stretch from Turn 1 through the dogleg, providing great sightlines and much-needed afternoon shade for a large portion of seats. Approximately 42,000 spectators can be seated in the grandstands, all of which are now chair-back seats with modern amenities. In addition, the track’s hillside terrace – Rattlesnake Hill – allows general admission viewing from a natural slope overlooking Turns 1-2. Many fans love spreading a blanket on this hill for a picnic-like race experience (just watch out for the cacti!). During the 2018 renovation, Phoenix Raceway also built a new infield fan zone and garage experience. This lets fans with passes enter the infield, get up-close to the garages, peer into NASCAR inspection bays, and even watch post-race celebrations from inside a new Gatorade Victory Lane. It’s an immersive addition that brings fans closer to the action than ever before.

The track’s amenities cover all the bases: plentiful concessions featuring everything from classic track fare to local Southwest cuisine, merchandise haulers and an official gift shop for all your gear, and various interactive displays during big race weekends. Phoenix even has some unique permanent eateries – notably the “SPEED Cantina,” a one-of-a-kind trackside sports bar & grill outside Turn 2. (It was opened in partnership with the SPEED TV network and designed by a local firm, making it a cool place to grab tacos or a beer while at the race.) For those seeking a VIP experience, the track offers hospitality suites and clubs, such as the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club – a branded hospitality area built on the site of the former Raceway Club, offering trackside dining, drinks, and entertainment for guests who want an upgraded experience. Throughout the facility, recent renovations have ensured accessibility (with ADA-compliant seating and shuttles), lots of restrooms and cooling stations, and even free Wi-Fi connectivity as part of the ISM Raceway technology initiative in 2018.

Phoenix Raceway is also well set up for spectators who bring their own accommodations. Parking is extensive, with free general parking lots surrounding the speedway and paid premium options closer to the gates. The track is easily accessed off Interstate 10 via Avondale Blvd, making traffic flow relatively straightforward (though on sold-out race days, expect some delays getting in and out). For camping enthusiasts, Phoenix is a paradise – there are multiple campgrounds on site for RVs, fifth-wheels, and tents, allowing fans to essentially live at the track all weekend. Many campers line the hill overlooking the backstretch or set up in the GEICO Gecko Campgrounds around the facility, often arriving days in advance to build a mini-city of tailgating. Camping at Phoenix is almost a tradition of its own, with evening concerts, camper-only events, and beautiful desert sunsets. Finally, being located in the Phoenix metro area means there’s no shortage of lodging and attractions nearby. Many race teams and fans stay in hotels in Glendale, Avondale, or Goodyear, all within a 15–30 minute drive. And when racing isn’t on, visitors can enjoy local points of interest – from golf courses and hiking trails to Phoenix’s pro sports venues – truly making a Phoenix race weekend a vacation experience.

Vendors and Companies Supporting Track Operations

Behind the scenes, a number of specialized vendors and companies keep Phoenix Raceway running smoothly. Track maintenance is a massive endeavor, and Phoenix has relied on experienced contractors for major projects – for example, the 2011 repave and reconfiguration of the oval cost about $10 million and involved expert asphalt paving teams to lay down new surface and alter the dogleg’s radius. Later, in 2018, parent company ISC poured $178 million into modernization, partnering with construction firms to build new grandstands, suites, and tunnels. The track surface and SAFER barriers are regularly inspected and maintained by professionals; in fact, Phoenix Raceway installed the latest-generation SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers in stages (partial installation in 2004 and full track coverage by 2015) to enhance driver safety. Those energy-absorbing walls were put in by engineering crews guided by University of Nebraska’s safety experts, literally bolting high-tech foam panels to the old concrete walls.

Supporting the actual races, Goodyear Tire is the exclusive tire supplier for NASCAR’s top series, bringing thousands of racing slicks to each event. (In lower series like ARCA, General Tire provides the tires – and indeed General Tire is an official partner of Phoenix Raceway.) Every race weekend, you’ll see Goodyear’s mobile tire shop on site mounting and balancing tires for teams. Sunoco is another crucial partner – as the official fuel of NASCAR, Sunoco supplies the high-octane racing fuel for all the cars, with fuel trucks and an on-site pumping station in the garage area. If a team needs a part or a repair, there are vendors for that too: Phoenix’s midway often includes semi-trailers from O’Reilly Auto Parts or other automotive suppliers, and local Phoenix-area machine shops or parts stores may extend hours to support the influx of race teams. The track’s own maintenance crew uses heavy equipment from partners like United Rentals (another sponsor) to handle everything from towing disabled cars to setting up grandstands.

Specialized safety and service providers also play a role. Phoenix Raceway’s safety team is augmented by AMR (American Medical Response) paramedics and EMTs who stand by during events. They, along with local fire/rescue units, are equipped with state-of-the-art gear – for instance, AMKUS Rescue Systems (a track partner) supplies the jaws-of-life tools used if a driver needs to be extricated from a wrecked car. Even highly specific needs like auto glass repair have support: The combination of high speeds and desert pebbles means windshields (on race transporters or pace cars) occasionally crack, so the track often coordinates with auto glass specialists to be on call. (It’s not unusual to see a Expert Auto Glass Repair truck in the garage area, ready to fix a team’s cracked or shattered windshield on short notice.) Local businesses benefit too – for example, during the 2020 championship, a Phoenix-area printing company was hired to wrap the start/finish line and walls with special graphics, and area caterers provide food for the teams and VIP suites. In short, operating a racetrack is like running a small city: paving companies, tire and fuel suppliers, safety equipment manufacturers, electricians, plumbers, cleaners, and more all work together to keep Phoenix Raceway at world-class status. The strong network of vendors and partners ensures race weekends go off without a hitch, and many of those partners (from Safety-Kleen for oil recycling to local towing companies) have been supporting Phoenix Raceway for years.

Community and Economic Impact

Phoenix Raceway isn’t just a sports venue – it’s a major economic driver and community centerpiece for the region. Big race weekends turn Avondale into Arizona’s motorsports Mecca, with a huge influx of visitors. NASCAR’s Championship Weekend, for example, now attracts roughly 125,000 people over the three-day event. Fans travel from all 50 states and even overseas, which translates into around 84,000 hotel room-nights booked in the greater Phoenix area. According to tourism analyses, these visitors spend an average of $452 per day on hotels, food, and entertainment while in town – a boon for local restaurants, shops, and hotels. An Arizona State University study a few years ago estimated that, at its peak schedule, Phoenix Raceway contributed about $173 million annually in economic activity to Arizona’s economy. Even with schedule changes, the figure remains very high, especially now that the season finale is here. The media exposure is massive too (championship races broadcast globally), which effectively puts Phoenix on the map for millions of viewers and potential tourists.

Locally, the track provides jobs and business opportunities. On-site, the raceway employs a full-time staff for operations, marketing, and maintenance, and ramps up with hundreds of temporary staff on event weeks (security, concession workers, parking attendants, etc.). Beyond that, local contractors (for stage setup, sanitation, transportation) get significant work during events. By some counts, over a thousand jobs can be tied to a major race weekend when all the vendors and part-time roles are included. The influx of fans also benefits small businesses – gas stations, grocery stores, and even the guy selling bottled water on the corner all see a spike in sales when tens of thousands of race fans roll into town. The track has worked closely with the city of Avondale and the state to maximize these benefits; for instance, the local tourism board often sets up a presence at the track to guide visitors to nearby attractions, hoping they extend their stay.

Importantly, Phoenix Raceway takes its community role seriously. The track’s ownership (now under NASCAR) has a charitable arm known as Phoenix Raceway Charities, which hosts events like 5K runs, track laps for charity, and auctions to support local causes. Under track president Latasha Causey, there’s a strong emphasis on community engagement and outreach. “We really created a robust community engagement plan here in Phoenix – introducing young kids to the sport and providing that connection to STEM and motorsports,” Causey explained. One example is the “Beyond the Finish Line” program, which brings schoolchildren to the raceway for field trips where they can learn how principles of science and engineering apply to race cars and track operations. The track also invites groups like military veterans, first responders, and local youth sports teams for VIP experiences during races as a thank-you and inspiration.

Phoenix Raceway has even hosted non-racing events like job fairs and high school proms (yes, a local high school held their prom in an indoor track facility, giving 800 students a dance night to remember!). All of these efforts underscore that Phoenix Raceway is woven into the community’s fabric. It’s not just a once-a-year spectacle; it’s a year-round neighbor that contributes to charity, education, and the regional identity. Locals are proud of their track, and the economic boost – especially each November during the championship – has made the raceway a key piece of the local economy and culture in the Phoenix West Valley.

Phoenix Raceway

Insider Tips for Visitors

Attending a race at Phoenix Raceway is loads of fun – and a little planning goes a long way in making the experience even better. Here are some insider tips to help you enjoy the track like a seasoned fan:

  • Best Places to Watch: If you have grandstand seats, many veterans recommend sitting near Turn 1 or Turn 2 (the dogleg area). With the recent start/finish line move, restarts now happen right at the dogleg, so from Turn 1-2 seats you’ll see the cars dive-bombing into the dogleg and going 3- or 4-wide – very exciting! These seats also tend to get shade later in the day, which can be a relief in the Arizona sun. If you’re more adventurous, Rattlesnake Hill (the general admission hillside) offers a fantastic panoramic view of the whole track. It’s a bit of a hike and you’re essentially sitting on the ground – so bring a blanket or lawn chair – but the atmosphere up there is fun and it’s one of the best values for watching the race. Many fans on Rattlesnake Hill bring coolers and make friends with neighbors; it’s a tailgate party that overlooks a NASCAR race! Just get there early to claim a good spot on the hill.
  • What to Bring: Phoenix Raceway allows fans to bring in their own coolers and bags, within limits. Each person may carry a soft-sided cooler (max size 14” x 14” x 14”) or backpack, plus a personal bag. Leverage this! Pack some bottled water, sports drinks, and snacks in your cooler to save money and stay hydrated – the desert air is dry, and you’ll need to drink more water than you think. (Note: no glass containers or alcohol can be brought in from outside – security will check. Put your drinks in plastic bottles/cans.) Definitely apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses. Even in spring or fall, the Arizona sun can be intense if you’re in uncovered seats. Comfortable shoes are a must, since you’ll do a fair bit of walking from parking to the track and around the facility. Many fans also bring ear protection – either foam earplugs or those big earmuff-style headphones. The cars are LOUD, and your ears will thank you, especially if you’re near the front rows. If you have a scanner or NASCAR Track App on your phone, bring headphones so you can listen to driver radios or the live commentary (the track broadcasts a radio play-by-play you can tune into). A seat cushion or stadium seat can be nice for the grandstands (just avoid ones with metal frames, as those might not be allowed). Lastly, cashless payments are the norm at many modern tracks including Phoenix, so bring a credit/debit card for buying food or souvenirs – though it’s wise to have a little cash for some independent vendors or if the card readers have issues.
  • Navigating Race Day: Plan to arrive early, especially on major race days. Traffic can back up on Avondale Blvd and I-10 exits as tens of thousands of fans converge. Getting to the parking lots a couple hours before the green flag will ease stress and give you time to explore the fan midway. The track usually has a Fan Midway or Fan Zone outside the gates with sponsor booths, driver autograph sessions, interactive displays (simulators, pit stop challenges, etc.), so arriving early can be fun. If you’re camping, you’re already there – enjoy the morning camper activities (Phoenix often organizes morning yoga, driver Q&As, or even pancake breakfasts for campersphoenixraceway.com!). Be sure to check the event schedule (available on the Phoenix Raceway website or NASCAR Tracks app) for any pre-race ceremonies, concerts or driver intros you might want to see. And don’t forget: Phoenix is in the Mountain Standard Time zone and does not observe daylight savings, so timing of events might be an hour different from what you expect if you’re traveling from a DST state in spring/fall.
  • Maximizing the Experience: Once inside, take some time to explore the facilities. If you have an infield pass, definitely visit the new Infield Fan Zone – you can get incredibly close to the cars and maybe snag a selfie with a driver or at least watch pit crews at work. Even without an infield pass, you can usually walk up to the fence at Turns 3-4 during support races for a thrilling view (just stand back when the cars fly by – the wind and sound are intense!). Keep an eye out for the Rattlesnake Hill wildlife mascots – in a playful nod, the track sometimes has staff in snake or coyote costumes roaming around for photo ops. For food, try a local specialty if available (some years there’s a vendor selling Sonoran hot dogs or green chili burritos, giving a taste of Phoenix flavor). And as the race winds down, don’t rush out immediately – consider staying for the post-race celebrations. If a championship was decided, there may be a stage presentation. Often traffic is easier if you hang out at your seat or in the parking lot for an extra 30-40 minutes after the checkered flag. Finally, be sure to respect the desert environment: use the trash bags provided, be careful with any smoking (discard butts in proper bins, as brush fires are a risk), and be patient and friendly with fellow fans. Phoenix Raceway’s crowd tends to be welcoming and enthusiastic – if it’s your first time, you’ll likely leave feeling like part of the family!

Interviews and Testimonials

What do those closest to Phoenix Raceway say about it? Here are a few insights and testimonials that capture the spirit of the track:

  • Latasha Causey (Track President): Latasha Causey made history in late 2022 by becoming the first African-American female track president in NASCAR, and she brings an infectious energy to Phoenix Raceway. She often speaks about how special the track is to her and the community. “Phoenix Raceway is special. I feel like it’s such a reward and a huge privilege to be able to lead this team,” Causey said. She emphasizes that the staff at the raceway are passionate locals who pour their hearts into making the fan experience great. Under her leadership, the track has expanded its community programs and kept a strong focus on fans. In an interview, Causey mentioned the challenge of keeping the venue fresh: “We have to continue to create and be creative to produce great things for our fans… It’s not easy selling tickets, we have to make sure people want to continue to be here,” she noted candidly. This drive to innovate reflects in everything from new grandstand entertainment to unique events like movie nights and charity runs at the track.
  • Joey Logano (NASCAR Cup Series driver, 2018 Champion): Logano has been a fan of Phoenix’s reconfiguration in 2018. At the press event announcing the changes, he practically lit up. “There is going to be high-energy restarts,**” Logano said about moving the start-finish line to the dogleg. “There is that dive bomb move at the dogleg. Where the start-finish line will now be placed, it’s free game. Drivers will be short-cutting that and [it’ll] make Turn 3 very interesting. It’s inviting to go three or four-wide into the corner. I couldn’t be more excited…”. That quote pretty much sums up why drivers find Phoenix fun – there are few tracks where they can fan out four-wide and try crazy moves like they do through Phoenix’s dogleg. Drivers also consistently praise the atmosphere of the championship race at Phoenix. It’s become something of a neutral-site finale with a festival vibe, and competitors enjoy the energy of the sellout crowds. Kevin Harvick, who has won a record 9 Cup races here, once referred to Phoenix as his team’s “house” given how well they run – and indeed Harvick’s mastery earned him the nickname “The King of Phoenix.” When asked why he’s so good here, Harvick would often shrug and compliment the track: the weather, the car feel on the asphalt, and the fans “just make it a place we get excited to race at,” he said.
  • Longtime Fans: One local fan, attending since the 1980s, shared that his favorite memory was Alan Kulwicki’s Polish Victory Lap in ’88: “We had no idea what he was doing at first – driving the wrong way! – but then we realized he wanted to wave at us. The whole grandstand went nuts,” he laughed. Another fan who camps on Rattlesnake Hill described Phoenix Raceway as “the most welcoming track in NASCAR.” “Out on the hill, everyone is your friend. We’ve been camping next to some families for 10 years now every race – it’s like a reunion,” she said. Many fans cite the fan access as a huge plus – “Phoenix does a great job letting fans see the garages. I got a lugnut from a crew member as a souvenir. Little things like that make your day,” a visitor from California told us. On social media, Phoenix often gets shout-outs for its unique racing. “I love Phoenix Raceway because the whole vibe is ‘reject track limits, embrace driving wherever you want’,” one commenter joked, referring to how drivers cut low on the dogleg. All these testimonials paint a picture of a track that is competitive, fan-centric, and full of character. Whether it’s a track president pushing new ideas, a driver praising the racing action, or a fan cherishing traditions, the consensus is that Phoenix Raceway has a special place in the racing world.

Future of the Racetrack

With such a rich past and present, what does the future hold for Phoenix Raceway? In many ways, the track is riding a wave of momentum. It will continue to host NASCAR’s Championship Weekend in the near term – tickets are already on sale for the 2025 NASCAR Championship races at Phoenix. There’s a strong chance Phoenix will remain the season finale track for a while, given how successful it’s been, though there’s always the possibility NASCAR could rotate the championship to other venues in the future. Track officials have expressed that they’re ready to fight to keep it; hosting the championship elevates the track’s profile and brings tremendous economic benefit to Arizona, so it’s a coveted slot. Fans, too, have embraced the desert finale as a fresh change from the previous Homestead-Miami location.

In terms of facilities, Phoenix Raceway’s last major overhaul was completed in late 2018, so no huge construction is immediately planned – because it’s already state-of-the-art. However, track president Latasha Causey hinted that innovation is ongoing: “It’s a challenge… we have to continue to keep our fans engaged,” she said, emphasizing the need to stay relevant and keep improving. This suggests we may see incremental upgrades. For example, more shade and comfort features could be added (Arizona could always use more shade structures or misters in grandstand areas). The track introduced free Wi-Fi and a new mobile app experience in recent years; going forward, they might expand on the “smart venue” concept with interactive signage, augmented reality experiences, or other tech-forward ideas to enhance fan engagement.

The events calendar at Phoenix Raceway is likely to grow as well. The facility already hosts about 200 event days per year outside of NASCAR races – including driving schools (the NASCAR Racing Experience gives fans a chance to drive on the track), car club track days, corporate events, and community happenings. In the future, Phoenix could leverage its renovated infield and large parking lots to host concerts or festivals. Don’t be surprised if a major music festival or even a non-motorsport sporting event pops up at Phoenix Raceway; the venue has the infrastructure to handle big crowds. In the racing realm, fans have voiced hope about bringing back IndyCar or other series. IndyCar did return for a brief stint (2016–2018) and set incredible track records (Helio Castroneves ran a pole lap over 192 mph, an all-time record on the mile oval). Although IndyCar left again due to attendance struggles, the door isn’t closed – especially with the new amenities, Phoenix could lure an open-wheel or sports car event in coming years.

Technological shifts in racing will also influence Phoenix’s future. NASCAR is exploring hybrid engines and other changes for the next generation of cars – Phoenix’s facilities (garages, safety protocols) will adapt to those as needed. Given its cooperative climate, Phoenix could even host off-season testing or be a hub for winter motorsports since racing can run here almost year-round. Environmentally, there’s potential for green initiatives: large venues in Arizona often consider solar panels (perhaps those acres of parking lots could be shaded by solar canopies one day, providing power and cool shade). The track already recycles extensively and works with companies like Safety-Kleen to recycle oil and fluids; sustainability will only grow in importance.

One thing is certain: Phoenix Raceway plans to stick around for the long haul. NASCAR’s ownership of the track (since 2019) ensures significant support and financial backing. If fan demand grows, there’s even room to expand seating again or add more modular grandstands for big events. And if the day comes that NASCAR schedules a street race in downtown Phoenix or another Arizona track, Phoenix Raceway would likely still remain the heart of racing in the region – perhaps shifting to host more regional series or a racing school. But right now, Phoenix is at the top of its game, and the focus is on continuous improvement rather than radical change. As Latasha Causey put it, it’s about “producing activities and things that people want to continue to be here for… continue to stay relevant”. Fans can expect Phoenix Raceway to keep tweaking the recipe to make the race weekend experience even better each year. With the support of the community and a solid spot on the national stage, the future for Phoenix Raceway looks as bright as a sunny Arizona afternoon.

Conclusion

Phoenix Raceway stands as a truly distinctive racetrack that blends rich history, unique racing action, and modern hospitality in one desert locale. From its origins as an ambitious “Indy of the West” in the 1960s, it has evolved into a crown jewel of NASCAR – now the home of championship glory each fall. The track’s signature dogleg, its backdrop of cactus-dotted hills, and the roar of engines echoing off the Estrella Mountains all create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. But beyond the scenery and high-speed thrills, what really makes Phoenix Raceway special is the community around it: the passionate fans grilling on Rattlesnake Hill, the dedicated staff and volunteers who treat you like family, and the drivers who circle the date on the calendar because they know a Phoenix win means something. Phoenix Raceway manages to feel both historic and cutting-edge – a place where A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti once dueled, and where today’s heroes write new chapters in racing history under the Arizona sun.

For anyone considering a visit, we encourage you to come experience Phoenix Raceway in person. Smell the burning rubber, hear the roar when the green flag drops, and soak in that brilliant sunset as the race cars flash by under the lights. Whether you’re a die-hard race fan or just love a good big-event experience, Phoenix will not disappoint. It’s a track that has earned its reputation through decades of great racing and warm hospitality. In the words of many who know it best, Phoenix Raceway is “special” – and after one visit, you’ll understand exactly why. So keep an eye on the upcoming schedule (there’s always another exciting event on the horizon), and join the thousands of fans who make the pilgrimage to this desert speedway. Phoenix Raceway’s story is still being written, and you’ll definitely want to be there for the next thrilling chapter at the Desert Jewel of American Motorsports.