1. Phoenix International Raceway
City: Tolleson, AZ
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (888) 408-7223 (box office)
Address: 7602 S. 115th Ave.
Description: Situated in view of the ruggedly gorgeous Estrella Mountains, Phoenix International Raceway serves as a setting for many TV commercials that highlight cars moving against a pristine desert backdrop. The track is in use 300 or more days a year for auto testing, driving schools, commercials, and especially racing events. Using private money, PIR track officials have spent more than $50 million on capital improvements within the past few years. In 2011 the track received its first full repaving of the course since 1990. The surface was removed and replaced with a new surface that encourages more-competitive NASCAR races. The track now has 26 new suites and an extra 14,000 seats for the huge fan base. Bars like the Speed Cantina give fans a place to party if the massive sea of trucks and trailers that form in the parking areas for NASCAR events doesn’t provide enough entertainment. The raceway, described as the fastest 1-mile oval in the world, opened in 1964 in an unincorporated part of Maricopa County about 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix. Back then its location was way, way out in the Valley, and even now, with tendrils of development creeping out that way, it remains an isolated desert experience. The NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500, held in November, draws about 100,000 people to the D-shaped track. Smaller 100- and 200-lap events are also held in the spring and fall.To reach the track from Phoenix, go west on I-10 to 115th Avenue. Head south on 115th about 4 miles until 115th Avenue takes a turn to the west into Baseline Road.
2. Phoenix International Raceway
City: Tolleson, AZ
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (888) 408-7223 (box office)
Address: 7602 S. 115th Ave.
Description: Situated in view of the ruggedly gorgeous Estrella Mountains, Phoenix International Raceway serves as a setting for many TV commercials that highlight cars moving against a pristine desert backdrop. The track is in use 300 or more days a year for auto testing, driving schools, commercials, and especially racing events. Using private money, PIR track officials have spent more than $50 million on capital improvements within the past few years. In 2011 the track received its first full repaving of the course since 1990. The surface was removed and replaced with a new surface that encourages more-competitive NASCAR races. The track now has 26 new suites and an extra 14,000 seats for the huge fan base. Bars like the Speed Cantina give fans a place to party if the massive sea of trucks and trailers that form in the parking areas for NASCAR events doesn’t provide enough entertainment. The raceway, described as the fastest 1-mile oval in the world, opened in 1964 in an unincorporated part of Maricopa County about 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix. Back then its location was way, way out in the Valley, and even now, with tendrils of development creeping out that way, it remains an isolated desert experience. The NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500, held in November, draws about 100,000 people to the D-shaped track. Smaller 100- and 200-lap events are also held in the spring and fall.To reach the track from Phoenix, go west on I-10 to 115th Avenue. Head south on 115th about 4 miles until 115th Avenue takes a turn to the west into Baseline Road.