Phoenix International Raceway
Expect big thrills in Phoenix when the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 and Checker Auto Parts 500 come to town.
Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide | 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
Overview
Phoenix International Raceway is one of the more scenic tracks on the NASCAR circuit, with fans dotted along the mountain that overlooks the flat mile-long speedway.
NASCAR's first stop in the desert comes in April with the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500. The second is the penultimate race of the year, the Checker Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, when drivers in the Chase for the Championship position themselves for the final shootout at Homestead the following week.
Jimmie Johnson has the best average finish at Phoenix, and earned his first victory here in the fall of 2007 on his way to his second consecutive championship.
Because of its championship implications, the November race often involves drivers out of the running for the series title vying for a win because those in the Chase are protecting their standing in the points column.
As fans might expect, the weather is one of the biggest assets at Phoenix International Raceway. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right for racing in April and November.
Track address
7602 S. Avondale Blvd.
Avondale, AZ 85323
Office address
125 S. Avondale Blvd, Suite 200
Avondale, AZ 85323
phoenixraceway.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Notable Events
NASCAR Weekend
Friday, Nov. 13, 2009
• Lucas Oil 150, 6 p.m.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Gates open at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
• Able Body Labor 200, 2:30 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009
• Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, 1:15 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Tickets
Ticket office: 866-408-7223
Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart
Pit passes: Available, must be accompanied by an admission ticket.
Call the track ticket office for further information.
Fan hospitality: Different options are available, including Trackside Club,
Raceway Club and Octane. Call the ticket office for more information.
Special packages: Call the track ticket office for further information.
Track Specs
Track length: 1 mile
Banking: Turns 1 and 2 — 11 degrees; Turns 3 and 4 — 9 degrees;
frontstretch — 3 degrees; backstretch — 9 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,179 feet
Backstretch: 1,551 feet
Race length: 312 laps
Grandstand seating capacity: 76,812
Opened: 1964 (first NASCAR Cup event was 1988)
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Allowed (one soft-side bag/cooler — limit of 6"x6"x12"; one,
clear plastic bag — limit of 18"x18"x4"; plastic bags can't contain ice).
Glass containers: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Not allowed.
Cameras/binoculars: Allowed; must be worn separately.
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Scanners: Scanners available for rent on-site.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and television.
Pit Area Guidelines
Shirts: Required; must cover shoulder area.
Shoes: Required; no open-toe shoes allowed.
Shorts/capri pants: Not recommended.
Alcoholic beverages: Not allowed.
Camping
Reserved: Available
Unreserved: Available.
Call the track ticket office for further information.
Getting There
From airport (downtown), take I-10 west to Avondale Blvd (formerly 115th Avenue).
Drive south (left) for 6 miles; track is on the left.
(Note: All information regarding routes, suggestions and detours is
available prior to race day in the Arizona Republic newspaper.)
Parking
All parking is free.
Handicapped parking: Limited availability, arrive early.
Park and ride option: Located two blocks north of the Interstate 10 on
83rd Avenue, Cricket Pavilion offers Sunday event parking for all
NASCAR fans. Parking and shuttle services total just $7 per car.
Guests with PIR-issued parking passes can park and ride for free.
Shuttle buses will escort guests to PIR via preferential traffic routes,
offering guests an earlier arrival to the facility. The service is open
from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Nearby Golf Courses
• Palm Valley Golf Club: 2211 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338;
(623) 935-2500
• Estrella Mountain Golf Course: 15205 W Vineyard, Goodyear, AZ
85338; (623) 932-3714
• Tuscany Falls Golf Course: Goodyear, AZ 85338; (623) 536-2491
• Nevada Bob's Driving Range: 12247 W Indian School Rd. Avondale, AZ
85323; (623) 935-9351
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
