- Lots of Music at PIR: While the high-powered sounds of NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Series, and NEXTEL Cup Series will do their part to keep fans at Phoenix International Raceway audibly delighted throughout the weekend, a variety of music will play to fans' senses as well, filling the air and thrilling the crowd before and after each electrifying night of racing in the desert.
The hit alternative rock band Smash Mouth will hit the Budweiser stage located on the PIR Midway at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, prior to the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil. Known for their top singles "Walkin' On The Sun," "Then The Morning Comes," and "All Star," Smash Mouth's musical diversity ranging from ska and punk to alternative and classic rock has led to numerous top spots on the Billboard charts over the past decade.
Emerging star Josh Kelley will sing the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies for Saturday's ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200. A native of Augusta, Georgia, Kelley is famous for a musical repertoire that includes songs both pop-driven and soulful. Kelley wrote or co-wrote and produced each track on his recently-released third album, "Just Say The Word."
Following Saturday night's checkered flag, the band Freebird will take the stage, delivering to fans a powerful night of rock and carrying on the decades-long legend of the Southern rock greats from Lynyrd Skynyrd. The tribute group, replete with authentic instruments, costumes, looks, and sound, fully re-creates the powerful spectacle that swept the music world in the 1970s.
Kicking off the exciting slate of musical amusement on Friday is an old Motown favorite, the Temptations. Coming from Showstoppers Live, Casino Arizona's musical tribute to America's greatest superstars, the modern-day Temptations cover group will perform the Star-Spangled Banner during pre-race ceremonies for Friday's Casino Arizona 150. Just after the checkered flag flies on Friday night, the PIR After Dark Festival kicks off just behind the grandstands on the PIR Midway. From the Budweiser stage comes the high-energy rock group Dead or Alive, an exact reproduction of the world-famous Bon Jovi. Dead or Alive plays a number of hits past and present, making the show a must-see for rock and roll fans of all ages.
A pair of local acts will take the Budweiser stage throughout the weekend. EastonAshe, currently based in nearby Cave Creek, will kick off their show at 2 p.m. on Friday. A Phoenix-based quartet, EastonAshe has opened for national acts such as John Waite, Daniel Powter, and the Subdudes. The Chris Parker Project hits the Budweiser stage at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Chris Parker Project is comprised of some of the top professional musicians in Arizona and currently calls Phoenix home. From rock to funk and country to soul, CPP blends the perfect mix of fun, great music. The band has opened for Tears for Fears, The Fixx, and Maroon 5.
Harry Luge Jr. will also bring an Arizona flavor to the weekend schedule, performing a high-energy country show to captivate all at PIR.
A veteran of ten years of writing and performing his own songs, Luge knows Arizona and its music. He will perform at the Casino Arizona Oasis from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets and information can be found at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling
602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(Phoenix International Raceway PR)(11-10-2006)
- Taylor Swift to sing National Anthem for Phoenix Cup race: At just 16 years of age, country music sensation Taylor Swift has accomplished more in her short career than what some artists can accomplish in a lifetime and now she's bringing her talent to the NASCAR stage on Sunday, November 12th where she'll perform the National Anthem LIVE on NBC before an estimated crowd of 100,000 prior to the start of the Checker Auto Parts 500, Nextel Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. The Checker Auto Parts 500 is the Semi-Final race in the 2006 NASCAR Chase for the Nextel Cup. Get tickets at phoenixraceway.com or by calling,
602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(11-8-2006)
- Honorary Pace Car Driver for Phoenix Cup race: Arizona House Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Bob Robson will be the Honorary Pace Car Driver and lead the field of 43 cars in next Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. A long-time supporter of NASCAR, Robson has endorsed such resolutions as HR 2004, a resolution in remembrance of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. Robson also played an integral role within the State Legislature to aid PIR in their quest for a second Nextel Cup weekend. "We are thrilled that Representative Bob Robson will join us as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Checker Auto Parts 500," said Sperber. Leading Arizona's District 20 since November 2000, Robson will use that leadership to lead the NASCAR field in their pace laps around the desert's one-mile oval. In addition to representing his district, he is also Chairman of the House Rules Committee and a Member of the Environment Committee. He has previously served on the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Get tickets at phoenixraceway.com or by calling,
602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(11-8-2006)
- "Park 'N Ride" at Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway and Checker Auto Parts are encouraging NASCAR fans to by-pass race traffic and "Park 'N Ride" to the Checker Auto Parts 500, Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday, November 12. Shuttle services will be provided from Cricket Pavilion to Phoenix International Raceway starting Sunday morning at 7 a.m. and concluding at 7 p.m. The Checker Auto Parts 500 is scheduled to get the green flag at 1:25 p.m. Located two blocks north of the Interstate-10 on 83rd Avenue, Cricket Pavilion will offer 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 busses will escort guests to PIR via preferential traffic routes, offering guests an earlier arrival to the facility. Get tickets at phoenixraceway.com or by calling,
602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(11-7-2006)
- PIR Honored with Achievement Award: On Thursday, October 26, Phoenix International Raceway was honored with the John F. Long Lifetime Achievement Award during WESTMARC's 14th Annual "Best of the West Awards." PIR was also the recipient of the Attractions, Destinations and Tourism Award. WESTMARC's annual Best of the West Awards competition recognizes outstanding contributions to image, lifestyle and economic development of Western Maricopa County, that portion of the Metro area west of Interstate 17. The John F. Long Lifetime Achievement Award honors a person, organization or entity that has exemplified outstanding service by contribution to the lifestyle of Western Maricopa County. The John F. Long Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to PIR in recognition of the track's 40-year history in the West Valley; a claim not too many businesses can make. PIR was also recognized for it's commitment to community service highlighted most recently through its "Salute to Military Families" program which highlighted the many achievements of the United States Military and provided race tickets to the many men and women, and their families, of the U.S. Military stationed throughout Arizona. The Attractions, Destinations and Tourism Award was presented to PIR in
acknowledgment of the 400,000 fans that visit the facility each year. Race fans and sponsors create an economic surge, not just in Avondale, but across the West Valley, when NASCAR visits Arizona. In 2005, the overall economic impact of PIR to the State of Arizona totaled $473 million. Don't miss out on NASCAR's Chase for the Nextel Cup. NASCAR action heats up the desert November 9 - 12 for the Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend. Get your tickets TODAY at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(10-28-2006)
- Avondale Mayor proclaims Oct 24th "Kyle Busch Day": NASCAR Championship Contender Kyle Busch, whose #5 Kelloggs Chevy is covered with sponsor decals, will make a special stop at Avondale City Hall on Tuesday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. to affix a special decal on Avondale Fire Engine #173. Busch will be touring the Valley on Tuesday in advance of the Checker Auto Parts 500, Nextel Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, November 12. Fire Engine #173 will be the first in Avondale Fire/Rescue's fleet of engines and trucks to bear a specially-designed decal symbolizing the City's close ties to the world renowned race track located in Avondale - Phoenix International Raceway. To wish him good luck in the upcoming race, Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers will proclaim Oct. 24, 2006 as "Kyle Busch Day" in Avondale. She will present the proclamation to him as part of the special ceremony involving Fire Engine #173, at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Drive, Avondale, at 2:30pm. Don't miss out on NASCAR's Chase for the NEXTEL Cup. NASCAR action heats up the desert November 9 - 12 for the Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend. Get your tickets TODAY at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(10-20-2006)
- PIR names new Mgr of Operations: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced that Brett Adams has joined the organization as Manager of Operations. Starting immediately, Adams will report directly to Lee Baumgarten, Director of Operations. In his role, Adams will oversee the daily operation of the facility, manage track rentals and major events.
Prior to joining PIR, Adams served as the Senior Director of Operations at Richmond International Raceway from 2002-2004 and began his career in motorsports as the Director of Facility of Operations at Daytona International Speedway in 2000. Prior to his career in the fast-lane of motorsports, Adams spent five years as the Operations Manager for the PGA (1995-2000). Brett, his wife Kristi and their three children Walker (8), Kelyn (6) and Kara (4) recently relocated to Buckeye from Georgia. Tickets and information for upcoming races can be found at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling, 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(9-30-2006)
- 2007 Phoenix Tix on sale Aug. 19th: Single-race tickets for the 2007 SUBWAY Fresh 500 Weekend, April 19-21, 2007 at Phoenix International Raceway will go on sale Saturday, August 19. 2007 ticket packages, including NASCAR Ticket Packs and 2-Race Ticket Packages will also go on sale August 19. Tickets are available at the Phoenix International Raceway Ticket Office and by calling 1-888-408-RACE (7223). The 2007 NASCAR Ticket Pack includes the same great seat for all seven races during both NASCAR weekends at PIR, including the SUBWAY Fresh 500 Weekend in April and the Checker Auto Parts 500 Weekend,
NASCAR's Semi-Final Weekend, in November. 2-Race Ticket Packages for the 2007 SUBWAY Fresh 500(tm) Weekend include
tickets to Friday's Bashas' Supermarkets 200, NASCAR Busch Series race and Saturday's SUBWAY Fresh 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Both races are run under the lights on PIR's one-mile oval. The on-sale date for single race tickets has been moved from November to August to provide race fans an earlier opportunity to secure tickets to the first evening race of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. Tickets and information for all the Novemeber 2006 races can be found at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling, 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(8-11-2006)
- Kahne, Yeley & Nemechek to sell tix at PIR: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber has announced that NEXTEL Cup drivers Kasey Kahne, JJ Yeley and Joe Nemechek will join the PIR staff, selling tickets for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at the PIR Ticket Offices from Noon - 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 22. Fans looking to secure tickets for NASCAR's Semi-Final Showdown Weekend at PIR can purchase their tickets directly from drivers beginning at Noon. Driver interaction is limited to selling tickets and they will only be signing autographs on purchased tickets. The PIR Ticket Office is located in Avondale, at 125 S. Avondale Blvd., Suite 200. Ticket windows are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets and information for these events can be found at phoenixraceway.com or by calling, 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(6-18-2006)
- Some Phoenix Tix still available: PIR still has reserved seats available in the Bobby Allison Grandstand in turns 1 and 2 for today's race. All tickets in the frontstretch grandstands are sold out, track president Bryan R. Sperber said. Hillside seating outside of turns 3 and 4 also is an option for fans. Free shuttles to the track are available from the parking lot at Desert Sky Mall at the southwest corner of 75th Avenue and Encanto in Phoenix. From the East Valley, motorists on Interstate 10 can use Exit 136B and turn right (north) and drive for about a half-mile.(East Valley Tribune)(4-22-2006)
- Bank of America to sponsor four ISC tracks: Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday that it has reached a five-year agreement with International Speedway Corp. to sponsor four race tracks, including California Speedway near Los Angeles. Financial terms of the latest sponsorship deal, which also includes tracks in Kansas City, Mo.; Avondale, Ariz.; and Watkins Glen, N.Y., were not disclosed. In return for its financial support, Bank of America wins the right to place advertisements and ATMs at each of the four tracks as well as entertainment space and other promotional rights. Last summer, Bank of America struck a deal with ISC's chief rival, Speedway Motorsports Inc., to sponsor Lowe's Motor Speedway in nearby Concord, N.C., and tracks at Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Bank of America also will sponsor the Nextel Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in October, the Bank of America 500.(ESPN.com/AP)(2-22-2006)
- Phoenix Unveils "Salute to Military Families": Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced a "Salute to Military Families" program that will feature military themes, support and appreciation during the running of the Second Annual Subway Fresh 500, Nextel Cup race on Saturday, April 22. NASCAR drivers are also committed to working with PIR on this distinctive "Salute to Military Families" program and several drivers will be visiting Arizona for base tours that will include special autograph sessions for the soldiers. "Our 'Salute to Military Families' program was developed as a way that PIR, our fans and sponsors could really say thank you and to show our support to the many men and women currently serving in the U.S. Military," said Sperber. "The additional support of NASCAR drivers and teams has been incredible and further demonstrates the importance of this program." Also included in the "Salute to Military Families" program is a relationship with the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots. The Toys for Tots will hold a special collection drive on the PIR midway during the Subway Fresh 500 race weekend and will also help support additional base tours and other PIR military-themed events. Packages From Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to the U.S. Service men and women overseas, has also partnered with PIR as another avenue for fans to donate care packages for our troops currently serving overseas. Packages From Home provides a way for fans to support our troops by donating needed items for care packages to remind troops that Americans support them. In addition, a special military-themed pre-race celebration will be held on the start/finish line prior to the start of the Subway Fresh 500 and will also include servicemen paired with NASCAR drivers in the introductory driver's parade. In partnership with PIR, NASCAR fans are able to support this program through ticket sponsorships, sending U.S. service men and women and their families to the Subway Fresh 500. Fans interested in purchasing tickets to sponsor military families can do so by visiting www.phoenixraceway.com. Presenting sponsors of the "Salute to Military Families" program include Holsum Bread-Arizona, Bar-S Foods, Roman Meal, Labor Ready and AdobeAir. Each of these signature sponsors has pledged to send several hundred military men and women to the Subway Fresh 500. Tickets and information for PIR events and others can be ordered online at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR)(2-13-2006)
- Phoenix Tix on sale Saturday: Starting Saturday, February 11, Phoenix International Raceway will offer two-race ticket packages for the only West Coast stop in the chase for the NEXTEL Cup, the Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend at PIR. Two-race packages consist of the same seat for the both the Phoenix 200, NASCAR Busch Series race and the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Ticket packages start at $142. PIR NASCAR packs, which include seats to all events of both NASCAR weekends, are also still available. The Bobby Allison North Grandstands will debut in April and will offer 14,000 permanent grandstands, providing thrilling views of the front stretch and Turn 1. Tickets are available online at phoenixraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-RACE (7223).(PIR PR)(2-10-2006)
- Phoenix Spring Race Sched Change: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced the new schedule change for the Second Annual SUBWAY Fresh 500 Race Weekend. The most dramatic change to the schedule of events is the addition of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Qualifying on Thursday afternoon, April 20. Gates open to fans at 9:00am on Thursday, April 20 and race fans will enjoy an exciting day of on-track action that includes practices in all three race divisions, the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series, the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. NASCAR Grand National qualifying is set for 3:35pm, prior to the 8:00pm green flag in the Casino Arizona 150. NEXTEL Cup qualifying will get the green flag at 5:40pm [8:40pm/et]. On Friday, April 21, gates open at noon and race fans will enjoy two sessions of NEXTEL Cup practice from 1 – 2 p.m. and then again from 4:05 – 4:50pm. The NASCAR Busch Series will start qualifications at 2:35 p.m. prior to the 6 p.m. start of the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200. The excitement builds when gates open at noon on Saturday, April 22 for the 5:25pm green flag of the Second Annual SUBWAY Fresh 500, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Tickets for all three spring races are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR Site)(2-1-2006)
- PIR revs up for affluent fans: Phoenix International Raceway is offering guests a unique and exclusive lounge to indulge their race experience - Octane. Announced by PIR President Bryan R. Sperber, Octane is the newest and most exclusive addition to the facility and is the first of it’s kind both in NASCAR and in Phoenix. Octane, a 100-person club, will offer guests an elite setting to experience racing in style. Positioned six stories above Turn 1, Octane will provide guests with spectacular views of the raceway, the Estrella Mountains and the magnificent desert sunsets, all in posh surroundings. Octane is set to debut in April 2006. More info at phoenixintlraceway.com.(12-13-2005)
- New Communications Mgr at PIR: Phoenix International Raceway has hired Tami Nealy as Communications Manager, completing the team's communications division. Nealy brings more than four years of media relations experience in the Phoenix market. Nealy's background includes working NBA All-Star Games, WNBA All-Star Games, and the WNBA Finals. Nealy spent the last year working with the city of Glendale as Marketing/Communications Manager, overseeing a variety of city departments. A graduate of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, Tami and her husband, Bobby, have an 11-month old son Jackson.(PIR)(11-10-2005)
- Reserved seats for Cup race out at Phoenix: Reserved seats for Sunday’s Checker Auto Parts 500 Nextel Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway are sold out, track officials said Monday, but hillside tickets for the NASCAR Nextel Cup race are still available. A ticket for the hillside, located outside of turns 3 and 4, is $30. Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets still remain for NASCAR races Thursday through Saturday. The Southwest Series Arizona Lottery 125 is Thursday, the Craftsman Truck Series Chevy Silverado 200 is Friday and the Busch Series Arizona 200 is Saturday. Nextel Cup qualifying is also on Saturday. Tickets and event information can be found online at phoenixraceway.com, by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(East Valley Tribune)(11-8-2005)
- Kush and Finch Named Honorary Race Officials for Checker Auto Parts 500: Legendary Arizona State University football coach Frank Kush will be an Honorary Race Official for the NEXTEL Cup Checker Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, November 13th at Phoenix International Raceway. Kush took over the Sun Devils football team and led them to a 176-54-1 record over 22 seasons. Kush's teams ran up a 62-9 record in a five-year span from 1970 and capped it off by going 12-0 and finishing with the #2 overall ranking in 1975. Kush remains with ASU today, serving as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. Kush will be highlighted throughout the Checker Auto Parts 500 race activities, including hospitality appearances and pre and post race ceremonies.
University of Arizona and Olympic star Jennie Finch will be an Honorary Race Official for the NEXTEL Cup Checker Auto Parts 500. Finch's career in softball places her as one of the best to ever play the game. Finch holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins with 60 and was a two-time winner of the Honda Award, presented to the nation's best softball player. Finch also captured the Gold Medal as a member of the 2004 Summer Olympic softball team. Finch will be highlighted throughout the Checker Auto Parts 500 race activities,
including hospitality appearances in the Wildcat Club and pre and post race ceremonies.(PIR PR)(11-8-2005)
- PIR Brings NASCAR Day to ASU: On Wednesday, November 9, Phoenix International Raceway will present a fascinating look at the sport, competition and business of NASCAR in a special program, open to the public, on Arizona State University's Tempe campus. NASCAR Day at ASU is an educational program for ASU students and faculty, local business leaders, media and NASCAR fans that will include four sessions of panel discussion focusing on business and career opportunities with in the sport. Panelists will consist of key players from many facets of the industry such as drivers, team owners, engineers, team and track sponsors, and public relations agencies. Other features of the program include interactive NASCAR exhibits, NASCAR show cars and displays from some of the most prominent NASCAR sponsors. Admission for the event to be held at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 will be $10 for the general public and $5 for students. Tickets for NASCAR Day at Arizona State University are available by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling the ASU ticket office at 480-965-3434.(PIR PR)(11-8-2005)
- TRAPT will perform at NEXTEL Cup Race in Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway announced that modern rockers
TRAPT will be performing at the NEXTEL Cup Checker Auto Parts 500 on November 13. TRAPT will be playing on the Midway during the pre-race festivities leading up to the start of the race.(PIR PR)(11-8-2005)
- PIR Ticket Office to Open on Saturdays Phoenix International Raceway announced the ticket office will now be open on Saturdays leading up to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend, November 10-13. The PIR Ticket Office is located in Avondale at 125 S. Avondale Boulevard and will be open on Saturday October 22, 29 and November 5 from 9am - 3pm. The ticket office is also open Monday - Friday, from 8am -5pm. Tickets for the NASCAR Semi-Final Showdown Weekend at PIR are still available. Tickets and event information can be found online at www.phoenixraceway.com, by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR PR) or going to a Jayski official sponsor: Premiere Sports Travel.(10-23-2005)
- PIR Partners With Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau : Phoenix International Raceway [PIR] welcomes the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau (GPCVB) to the family of track sponsors as the Official Convention and Visitors Bureau of Phoenix International Raceway. PIR is one of the state leaders in tourism bringing in an estimated $400 million annually to the state of Arizona. More than 300,000 fans venture to Phoenix International Raceway for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race weekends and the newly formed partnership with the GPCVB will only help fans with their plans to attend the races.
The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau is an information source for those who are looking to travel or relocate to Phoenix and its surrounding cities. The GPCVB staff is available to assist with hotel, dining and relocation materials.
Tickets are now available for the remaining '05 events at PIR. The Fall schedule begins on Sept. 10 when the Grand American Rolex Series races take over the demanding road course. Two months later, the Checker Auto Parts 500 Weekend featuring the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division - Southwest Series race (Nov. 10), the Chevy Silverado 150 - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race (Nov. 11), the NASCAR Busch Series race (Nov. 12), and the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by TECHRON - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race (Nov. 13) can be purchased online at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.(PIR)(7-21-2005)
- Phoenix Sells Out: The inaugural SUBWAY Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway is officially a sell out. All the reserved grandstand seats for the very first evening NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in Arizona are gone. "I'm thrilled that we have met our goal," said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. "We have felt all along that this event would be a tremendous showcase for PIR and NASCAR. While all of our reserved seats are sold, we still have a limited amount of general admission seating available on the hillside between Turn 3 and Turn 4. This is really going to be a night to remember." General Admission access on the hillside is still available for $35. Passes are available by visiting www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(4-23-2005)
- PIR pres staying put: It is believed PIR President Bryan Sperber was offered the same position at California Speedway and turned it down. Sperber became interim president at California, which like PIR is owned by Daytona Beach, Fla.-based International Speedway Corp., last month. "I really love Phoenix," said Sperber, who arrived at PIR three years ago from a similar position at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Raceway. "My wife and son love the Valley. PIR is a dream job. There's nothing out there that would suggest that there's something better than living here and being able to work at what I consider one of the greatest tracks in the country."(Arizona Republic)(4-23-2005)
- Phoenix to add new grandstand: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced on Friday that the Bobby Allison Grandstand, located from the middle of Turns 1 & 2, will be expanded to encompass the entire area beginning at Turn 1. The $24 million project is the latest facility project designed to enhance the overall racing experience for both the drivers and fans. The grandstand expansion, which means the end of the Buddy Jobe Suite building in Turn 1, will feature 14,000 seats and 28 suites available to fans in time for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend next April. While the overall look of the expansion will carry the same characteristics of the current grandstand, the new suite area will also feature an indoor/outdoor club which will allow any suite holder to experience the luxury of a suite and the sounds that make racing great. With the addition of the grandstand expansion, most of the temporary wooden bleachers that have lined the backstretch of the track, as well as, Turn 3, will be removed and the area will be used for parking for additional “high-end” recreational vehicle camping. Info on buying the new seats at .(PIR)(4-23-2005)
- Richmond, Homestead, Phoenix expansion? An International Speedway Corp. official said during a conference call with investor analysts this week that Richmond International Raceway might add more seats soon. Susan Schandel, senior vice president and chief financial officer of ISC, said the company will consider seating expansion at some tracks. "I know we've got quite a bit of demand at Miami, Richmond and Phoenix, so those would be tentative for next year," she said. Richmond seats 107,097.(Roanoke Times)(4-8-2005)
- NASCAR 101 at Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway is hosting NASCAR 101, a behind the scenes look at the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The question and answer session will feature FOX network analyst Larry McReynolds, 1989 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion Rusty Wallace and NASCAR Busch Series driver J.J. Yeley. Anyone at the event will have the chance to learn about NASCAR, the cars and how the sport has grown over the years from some of the men who actually live it week after
week. Fans will also have the rare chance to see the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Trophy, which will be displayed before, during and after the show. The event takes place at the Superstition Springs Mall (Power Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa, AZ) on Monday, April 11, 2005, from 6:00 to 7:30pm. This show is designed for fans to ask questions to the experts who can answer the best and show why
NASCAR has grown into one of the largest sports in the world. Nextel, the title sponsor of NASCAR's premier series, will also show some of the technology that has helped NASCAR stay on the cutting-edge in communication.(PIR)(4-8-2005)
- Phoenix under the lights: For the first time ever, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series cars drove on the historic one-mile oval at night. While the cars were on loan from the Richard Petty Driving Experience, the modest gathering of VIP's, media and fans in the stands, had the rare chance to see what will be coming in a few weeks during the SUBWAY Fresh 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
race at PIR. Following a short countdown, PIR President Bryan Sperber, Area VP for NEXTEL Christine Pantoya and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Carl Edwards flipped the switch that symbolically sent electricity to the newly installed lights around the track. The lighting ceremony was the end of a very successful NACSAR testing session at Phoenix International Raceway on Tuesday. Testing all day were Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Jeremy Mayfield, Carl Edwards, and Busch Series rookie Reed Sorenson, who will be making his PIR debut in the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 on April 22. Tickets are still available for all three NASCAR events by calling the PIR Ticket Office (602-252-2227) or through the PIR website www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(3-31-2005)
- Light Project Complete at Phoenix, testing next; Homstead next for lights: A $5 million project to install permanent lighting at Phoenix International Raceway is complete, and a formal unveiling is scheduled Tuesday [March 29th] after a day of NASCAR testing that is open to the general public. None of the drivers will test under the lights, but officials from an Iowa-based company that installed the lighting have driven on the track in night conditions. Among the drivers expected at the day test are Sterling Marlin, Jamie McMurray, Jeremy Mayfield, Ryan Newman and Carl Edwards. Fans can enter through Gate 7 beginning at 10am. PIR is the 13th oval racetrack to receive Musco lighting, and Musco Lighting project manager Mark Flesner said he'd begin another lighting project in about 10 days at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Casino Arizona 150 in the NASCAR West Series on April 21 is the first scheduled night race at PIR. The NASCAR Busch Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200 on April 22 is next, and the Nextel Cup Subway Fresh 500 is April 23. More than 200 tons of concrete and 70 miles of wire were used to install 1,044 light fixtures that produce 1.5 million watts of power per hour. There also are 153 infield light poles measuring in height from 6- to 24-feet, and 32 ground-mounted perimeter poles measuring from 70- to 110-feet tall. Affixed to grandstands and rooftops are 34 poles, 10- to 50-feet tall. Permanent lighting also has been installed on the hillside between Turns 3 and 4, but the light fixtures are turned downward to prevent driver glare.
Precautions also have been made to protect against power outages. "We have two or three generators that run full-time and provide 20 percent of the outer perimeter lighting (at PIR)," Flesner said. "That's enough lighting to safely slow the field if there is a power outage."
Each individual light fixture is fused independently, meaning if one light goes out, they all won't go out.(Arizona Republic)(3-25-2005)
- Phoenix April Race Sched Changed: Phoenix International Raceway has agreed to a plan proposed by NASCAR to improve its April NASCAR practice and qualifying schedule, plus run all three events that weekend, NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series -- under the newly installed lights. Under new rules changes mandated by NASCAR, each series will be limited to only one practice session, which will take place before qualifying. After qualifying, the cars will be impounded until race time.
The revised schedule will call for all three series to practice on Thursday, April 21. The NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series
will also qualify that afternoon, then race beginning at 8:00pm [11:00pm/et]. The Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup Series will qualify on Friday, April 22. The Bashas' Supermarkets 200 will take the green flag later that evening (6:00pm/pt; 9:00pm/et). The SUBWAY Fresh 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race will start around 5:00pm [8:00pm/et] on Saturday, April 23. As of now, it appears that the November quadruple header weekend November 10-13, which includes a NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series race, the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Truck Series race, a NASCAR Busch Series race and the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR NEXTEL
Cup Series race, will remain a four races in four days. Starting times for these events will be announced officially later. Tickets for all 2005 events at PIR are available by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; or online at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(2-7-2004)
- Subway to sponsor spring race at Phoenix: SUBWAY Restaurants will be the title sponsor for the inaugural NASCAR evening race at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 23, 2005. The SUBWAY Fresh 500 will be the eighth race of the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, and the very first night race of the year. The entire race weekend will feature the NASCAR Grand National West Series race on Thursday, the NASCAR Busch Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200 on Friday and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Subway Fresh 500 race on Saturday night. For more information about the SUBWAY chain, see its Web site at www.subway.com. Tickets for the new race weekend, including the first-ever NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series night race in Arizona are currently on sale and can be purchased by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; or online at www.phoenixraceway.com.(Phoenix International Raceway PR)(1-7-2005)
- Phoenix Festivities:
Grand Marshal: - President & CEO of Checker Auto Parts - Maynard Jenkins
Honorary Grand Marshal: Mario Andretti
Honorary Starter: President, ChevRonTexaco Global Lubricants - Mark Nelson
Trophy Presenter: Ms. Arizona United States 2004 - Paula Brock
Honor Guard: U.S. Air Force Honor Guard
Invocation: PIR Caplain - Ken Bowers.(11-7-2004)
- Bashas' Supermarkets Sponsoring New Spring Event at Phoenix: One of Arizona's most popular chain retailers Bashas' Supermarkets announced that it will serve as the title sponsor for the new NASCAR Busch Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on April 22, 2005. The new agreement runs through 2008. Bashas' Supermarkets is a well-known sponsor and promoter of PIR, where they have been the title sponsor of the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 for the past three years, including the 2004 featured event. In the past year, the Bashas family of stores has also sponsored Grand American Rolex Series races at PIR. In the last decade,
Bashas has doubled in size with stores under the Bashas name, as well as AJ's Fine Foods, and Food City, bringing the total to more than 144 stores. The different formats enable the company to serve different "demographic neighborhoods" with the appropriate mixture of products and services to meet the needs of the customers. The new spring weekend features a NASCAR Grand National, West Series race, and the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday night. Tickets for the new race weekend, including the first-ever NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series night race in Arizona can be purchased by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; online at www.phoenixraceway.com or at the track during this race weekend.(PIR PR)(11-7-2004)
- Tickets available for Phoenix races: Ticket packages for all four NASCAR Weekend Phoenix International Raceway Events events, including the Cruise America 125 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race (Nov. 4). The Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, (Nov. 6), Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race, (Nov. 6), and the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race (Nov. 7) are available by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; or online.(11-2-2004)
- The Phoenix International Raceway After Dark Fan Festival is revving up to be the ultimate NASCAR party, as Kahne becomes the latest NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver to join 2003 champion (and '02 Checker Auto Parts 500 winner) Matt Kenseth, Robby Gordon, and Brendan Gaughan for a question-and-answer session with their many fans. The gala event will also feature live music, additional driver appearances and the popular "Trackside Live" television show to be broadcast live on SPEED TV.
The party starts immediately after the conclusion of Valley Chevy Dealers Qualifying day, featuring NASCAR Busch Series practice, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Bud Pole Qualifying, and the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Race day ticket holders receive free admission to PIR After Dark, while guests who just want to party with a few thousand fellow NASCAR fans will only have to pay $5 for admission.
Appearances / Schedule
Driver Appearances:
Richard Petty & Kyle Petty
Matt Kenseth
Jeff Green
David Starr
Ashton Lewis Jr.
Robby Gordon
Kasey Kahne
Brendan Gaughan
Martin Truex Jr.
More Drivers to Come
Concerts and Shows:
Slippery When Wet (Tribute to Bon Jovi)
Trackside Live
TNT (The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute)
- Testing at Phoenix in Oct: #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #88-Dale Jarrett and #42-Jamie McMurray are penciled in for a two-day PIR test scheduled Oct. 18-19. The test is open to the public, and admission is $20 per day. Fans already holding tickets to the Nov. 7 Checker Auto Parts 500 at PIR can attend free. Race-day tickets begin at $35 and can be purchased during the test session by entering Gate 7.(Arizona Republic)(9-11-2004)
- PIR Presents $20,000 Check to Victory Junction Gang Camp: Through support from NASCAR fans nationwide, and some Phoenix area businesses, Phoenix International Raceway was able to raise $20,000 in donations for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Donations were made to PIR and will be used to send children from Arizona to the camp located in Randleman, NC. PIR President Bryan R Sperber presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to Kyle Petty immediately following the final NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice on Saturday at California Speedway. The fundraising begin on August 16 to help bring awareness to the camp and NASCAR Day, which was held August 20. The original goal was just enough money to cover the cost of two locally ill children and
families to travel to camp (about $4,000). The additional funds will be put in a special account by the VJGC to be used to cover the travel expenses for any other children/families from Arizona attending the camp.
The first two Arizona kids to attend camp are:
Chris Freudenberg, of Mesa, is a very active 11 year-old, who was diagnosed with Diabetes in January. Freudenberg is in the sixth grade at McKemy Middle School in Tempe, Arizona. He is active in pop-warner football where he is playing his first year this fall. He has agreed to miss a game for the trip to North Carolina. He also has played little league baseball for the past four years. He will be attending camp in October.
Amy Darnell of Apache Junction is a very active 13 year-old who was diagnosed with Leukemia on May 26, 2004. Amy is currently in remission of the disease, although she is still receiving Chemo Therapy. Every three weeks Amy is admitted to Banner Desert Health where she receives two days of therapy. Darnell is an eighth grader at Thunder Mountain Middle School in Apache Junction. She is an active member in Girl Scouts. In the past she was a participant on the swim team, basketball team, little league - softball, and her favorite - the sixth and seventh grade tackle football team, however, due to her illness she is unable to participate in the sports she enjoys. She will be attending camp in January. Even though Chris and Amy are funded for camp, PIR will keep the donation opportunities available for future Arizona kids. Between now and the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Nov. 7, PIR will have a donation link set up on the PIR website (www.phoenixraceway.com) allowing fans the chance to donate. Donors will have the opportunity to donate by credit card or through personal checks. Individual donations could be made out to Victory Junction Gang Camp and sent to PIR. If donations of $45 were made, (the number of the car Adam drove) donors would receive a special "Everyday is NASCAR Day in Arizona" t-shirt from PIR.(PIR PR)(9-5-2004)
- Phoenix Tickets for sale: Seats for the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup Weekend at Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 4-7), are selling fast, and this past Monday, July 26 marked 100 days to the largest single-day sporting event in the state. As a bonus, and to kick-off the "100 Days Til The Checker Auto Parts 500", PIR and Pepsi offered a FREE 6-pack of any Pepsi product to the first 100 ticket orders received on Monday, July 26. Winners will be notified by mail. Tickets for all four NASCAR Weekend events Cruise America 125 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race, Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race, and the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race are available by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; or online at www.phoenixraceway.com. There are still a few seats available in the following sections: lower ($65) Bryan Grandstands, lower ($55) Foyt Grandstands and Middle ($70) and Lower ($55) Petty Grandstands. Anyone looking for a premium-seating package, a limited number of tickets are available for the Upper Foyt Grandstand, with the purchase of Raceway Club and Hospitality ($184 * ticket + hospitality). To secure your premium seats, call 602-744-5654.(PIR PR)(7-28-2004)
- PIR Hopes to hear about 2nd Cup race by end of May: By the end of the month, if not earlier, Phoenix International Raceway officials should learn whether they will get a 2nd Nextel Cup race date. Nextel Cup Series officials are expected to continue a process they began last year by awarding a highly coveted second race date to an existing track on the s chedule, and speculation is growing that PIR is this year's winner. In addition to being a top 20 media market, the Valley also represents an area of the country in which NASCAR wants to expand. The metro Phoenix area not only boasts a large population base but strong ties to Hispanic culture, which represents a valuable and untapped market for NASCAR.(Arizona Republic)(5-7-2004)
- Road Approvement at Phoenix...if a there is a 2nd date: Phoenix International Raceway moved a step closer to possibly gaining NASCAR approval for a highly coveted second Nextel Cup race beginning next season when Senate Bill 1123 was passed Wednesday and sent to Gov. Janet Napolitano for her signature. The bill would earmark approximately $5 million for road improvements around the Avondale racetrack. The funding would go into effect only if PIR receives a second race and would be generated from sales tax dollars at the racetrack.(Arizona Repbulic)(4-28-2004)
- Phoenix still awaits NASCAR decision on 2nd Cup race: As speculation heats up that a second Nextel Cup Series race is headed to Phoenix for the 2005 season, cautiously optimistic Phoenix International Raceway officials say they are still in the dark about NASCAR's plans. PIR President Bryan Sperber disputed a story published Wednesday in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, citing unnamed sources, claiming PIR and Texas Motor Speedway have been awarded second race dates for 2005. "I don't put a lot of stock in it because I don't believe a final decision has been made," Sperber said. "Historically, that's not the way NASCAR has approached things like this with me. I was the president of Watkins Glen International for eight years, and every decision that was made with respect to scheduling, NASCAR always kept me in the loop. If a final decision like this has been made, I would suspect I would be the first person they called. But I have not received a call, so there's no reason for me to believe a final decision has been made. Some days I feel real optimistic about our chances, and other days I don't. We've been trying to get one since February 2003, and there's been a lot of articles like this. One said we were a lock to get one in 2004. The truth is, we haven't been notified by NASCAR or anybody else that a second race is coming."(Arizona Republic)(4-23-2004)
- Phoenix Tix go on sale April 30th: Phoenix International Raceway announced that single-day tickets for the upcoming NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline will go on sale Friday, April 30th. Reserved Sunday-only tickets will be available from $35 to $85. Two-day tickets for the Saturday, November 6 Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race and Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 are now available at $145, with Saturday-only tickets from $45-50. Hillside seating for Sunday is $30 and Friday Truck/PIR After Dark reserved tickets are $25-35. Hillside tickets for Friday are $20, while weekend pit passes are only $45. Tickets for all four NASCAR Weekend events, including the Thursday, November 4 Cruise America 125 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race; Friday's Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race; the Saturday, November 6 Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race, and the Sunday, November 7 Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race are available by phone at 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223; at the track's downtown ticket office at the Arizona Center, 3rd Street and Van Buren in Phoenix; or online at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(4-22-2004)
- Last Race at the Rock? this weekend? UPDATE: North Carolina Speedway general manager Chris Browning said Saturday that no one from NASCAR or International Speedway Corporation has approached him regarding the possibility of moving the track's date to another venue, or selling the track and its date to Speedway Motorsports. Rumors have surfaced throughout the week that this weekend's Subway 400 could be the last race at the gritty 1.017-mile oval. Browning disagrees, saying that NASCAR and ISC understand the challenges of their February race date, and feels confident Rockingham would get the chance to prove their worth with a more favorable date. Browning is confident that the Nextel Cup Series will be racing in North Carolina's sand hills in 2005. "There's been nothing said internally, so I chalk it up to a good rumor," Browning continued. "For 10 years, we were supposed to lose a date, and it's just now happened." Some have speculated that ISC plans to sell the track to Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., who would then move the date to one of his tracks, likely Texas Motor Speedway. Shareholders of SMI are currently suing NASCAR, claiming NASCAR officials have failed to follow through with a promise to award Texas Motor Speedway a second Cup date. Subsequently, speculation has arisen that the lawsuit could be settled by selling Rockingham to Smith. "The Bruton rumors are just rumors," Browning said. "There is no indication of truth." Browning said ticket sales are already higher than they were for this event last year, due in part to Dale Earnhardt's Jr.'s victory in the Daytona 500, but that the Subway 400 won't sell out. Browning said track officials are working diligently to book events at the track, such as rodeos, car shows and racing events for other series such as ASA and ARCA. They're also open to the idea of installing lights.(in part from NASCAR.com)(2-21-2004)
UPDATE: Bob Dilner reported on Speed News that word has it that the race this weekend at Rockingham/North Carolina Speedway will be the last Cup race held there, with rumors having the date going to either Phoenix or Texas.(Speed Channel's Speed News - NASCAR Edition) and on Speed's NASCAR: Victory Lane, John Roberts said it was a done deal, but unofficial as NASCAR has not made an announcement yet....he also mentioned Las Vegas as a candiate for the race date.(2-22-2004)
- Phoenix Tix UPDATE and Adding SAFER: Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for that sports fan in the family? If that's the case, purchase race tickets for any of the 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway. Single event tickets go on sale Saturday, December 13, and will get you in to see the world's best drivers of Indy Cars, Sports Cars and NASCAR battle each other on the historic mile oval of PIR. On Saturday, December 13, tickets can be purchased via www.phoenixraceway.com or 1-866-408-7223 beginning at 9 a.m. (AST). The PIR ticket office at the Arizona Center (3rd Street and Van Buren) will be available for those wishing to purchase in person beginning at 10 a.m. (AST) on Monday, December 15. Ticket prices for all events can be found on the PIR website.(Phoenix International Raceway PR)(12-9-2003)
UPDATE - PIR to be SAFER: Phoenix International Raceway president Bryan R. Sperber announced Tuesday that installation of the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) wall system is underway and should be completed by the first event of the 2004 season - NASCAR Winter Heat (Jan. 24-25). PIR joins Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Richmond International Raceway, New Hampshire International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, as the only tracks to have SAFER walls in place at the moment. The barriers run continuously for 1,550 feet from turn one through turn two, and for another 1,650 feet starting again at turn three all the way through turn four. The walls are 40 ½ inches high and contain steel tubes and 22" thick blocks of styrofoam that are placed between the original wall and the new wall.(PIR PR)(12-10-2003)
- 2004 Phoenix Season Tix for Sale: 2004 Phoenix International Raceway season tickets have hit the sale block. The 15-race schedule gets the green flag in January and features the world's best drivers of Indy Cars, Sports Cars and NASCAR on the historic layouts of PIR. Season tickets are available for purchase by phone (602-252-2227) or in person at the track's downtown Phoenix ticket office at the Arizona Center (3rd Street and Van Buren). For information on race events, individual race tickets or other PIR information, log on to the PIR website, www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(11-5-2003)
- SAFER at Phoenix: At some point, probably next year, Phoenix International Raceway is expected to add an energy-absorbing, soft-wall system [SAFER] in the turns at the 1-mile oval, a safety feature already at Indianapolis, New Hampshire, Richmond and Homestead-Miami Speedway. "It's fair to say that at some point in the future we want a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier, but I can't tell you the timetable right now," PIR President Bryan Sperber. Should the energy-absorbing wall be installed at PIR, it likely would be the only major modification between now and next year's Checker Auto Parts 500, scheduled for Nov. 7.(Arizona Republic)(11-4-2003)
- Phoenix to accept California Speedway Tix: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that it will be accepting tickets for those individuals who have tickets to the CART race weekend to be held at California Speedway this weekend. The California races have been cancelled due to the wildfires affecting the surrounding area. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been effected by the horrible fires in Southern California," said PIR president Bryan R. Sperber. "By offering this opportunity, we hope to provide ticket holders to the CART race the opportunity to watch any of four exciting races offered during the Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend. We hope those ticket holders at come to PIR will find being around the track this weekend a small measure of comfort." Those interested in exchanging tickets for any of the four races at PIR this weekend must do so at the Gate 3 Ticket Office the day of the race. Tickets can be exchanged for the Cruise America 125 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race on Thursday, the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race on Friday, the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, and the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race on Sunday. This is a ticket for ticket exchange, and the value of the ticket does not matter. "We appreciate this offer from Phoenix International Raceway to our fans at California Speedway," Bill Miller, president of California Speedway said. "While the focus is very much on what is happening with the fires in Southern California and our concern remains with helping those who have been affected by this tragedy, this does provide a great opportunity for our valued guests to take a trip and see a great motorsports show at PIR." A limited numbers of tickets still remain for the four NASCAR races this weekend by calling 602-252-2227, online at www.phoenixraceway.com, or at the Gate 3 ticket office at PIR.(10-30-2003)
- Apollo XII Astronaut Busch Grand Marshal: Dick Gordon, the fourth man to walk in space and command pilot for America's second lunar landing mission will be among the many celebrities at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend for Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200. Gordon is now a popular keynote speaker who addresses thousands of people each year at colleges, conventions, trade shows and museums. He is also an avid and enthusiastic NASCAR fan, known to have strong and definite opinions on common templates and the practice of NASCAR Winston Cup Series racers competing in the Busch Series. He will appear at various hospitality and industry functions at the track and in the city in support of what's become Gordon's favorite racing series and sanctioning body; he jokingly refers to four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon as his "grandson."
Seattle native Richard Francis Gordon, Jr. earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1953 and was a test pilot until 1960. He won the prestigious Bendix Trophy transcontinental air race in 1961 at record speed, and was selected for the astronaut program in 1963.
His first space flight was the Gemini XI mission in 1966, when he became the fourth man to walk in space and, along with Pete Conrad,
the first to fall asleep during a spacewalk. In 1969 Gordon, Conrad and Alan Bean flew the Apollo XII mission that suffered a lighting
strike to the Saturn V vehicle 36 ½ seconds into launch, causing a total but temporary failure of all electrical systems. The mission
continued, as Conrad and Bean landed and worked on the lunar surface as Gordon piloted the command module in orbit. Gordon's scheduled walk on the moon as commander of Apollo 18 was scrubbed due to budget concerns.
After retiring from the Navy and NASA in 1972, Gordon became an exective vice president with the NFL New Orleans Saints. Later he was president of a company in the oil well fire containment industry, and then president of a company that provides control room engineering and support services. In 1984 Gordon was a technical advisor and actor in "Space," James A. Michener's acclaimed network television mini-series.(PIR PR)(10-28-2003)
- Diamondback All-Star now Grand Marshal: Luis Gonzalez, Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star outfielder will serve as Honorary Grand Marshal at the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoiline NASCAR race this November 2nd at Phoenix International Raceway. Gonzalez is a key player on the Checker Auto Parts sports marketing team, serving as a commercial spokesperson for the company. In addition to appearing in print, TV and radio ads for Checker, he is featured in the company's "Bring 'Em Home Safe!" charitable child safety seat program.(www.phoenixraceway.com)(10-27-2003)
- PIR Is More Fun After Dark: The new PIR After Dark fan experience festival is revving up to be the ultimate NASCAR bash. PIR After Dark will be held at the track on Friday, October 31 following the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The Friday night party will feature driver appearances, live entertainment, interactive NASCAR and IRL displays, SPEED Channel's "Trackside Live" TV show and much, much more! The best part is, you'll gain admission to this party of the year with the purchase of your Winston Cup Bud Pole Qualifying/Chevy Silverado 150 race ticket. Tickets after the Chevy Silverado 150 checkered flag are just $5.(www.phoenixraceway.com)(10-28-2003)
- Phoenix Still has Limited Tix: Ticket sales have been hot for the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Weekend at Phoenix International Raceway in two weeks. There are a limited number of very good seats remaining for all four races over the weekend, and they can be purchased by calling the PIR Ticket Office (602) 252-2227, 1-800-PIT-SHOP or via the internet at www.phoenixraceway.com.(10-27-2003)
- Phoenix Extends Ticket Office Hours: Phoenix International Raceway has announced expanded ticket office hours in preparation for the annual Oct 30-Nov 2 NASCAR Weekend. Beginning October 4, the track's downtown ticket office at the Arizona Center, 3rd Street and Van Buren, will be open on weekends from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. Weekday
hours remain from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Telephone ticket hours will also be extended to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Oct. 6.
Expanded ticket office hours will remain in effect through Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003. Season Tickets for Phoenix International Raceway's gala 2004 schedule of events, including 13 days and 15 different races, will go on sale Monday, Nov. 3, to the general public. Tickets for the upcoming NASCAR DoubleHeader and NASCAR Weekend are now available at the track's downtown ticket office at the Arizona Center, 3rd Street and Van Buren; by phone at 602-252-2227, or online at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(9-29-2003)
- Phoenix will add lights....if they get a 2nd Cup race: Phoenix International Raceway is prepared to install lights for a night race in prime time if it is awarded a second Winston Cup event for 2005, PIR president Bryan Sperber said Thursday. PIR expects to make a presentation to NASCAR in September as it presses its case for a second race. Sperber said the competition for another race will be fierce as NASCAR realigns its schedule geographically to put more races in the West. "NASCAR has determined that taking two races out of the Southeast and moving them west of the Mississippi River would benefit the series long term," Sperber said. "We initially talked to NASCAR about a second race in February, and we came away with a very positive feeling from our early discussions." Sperber said a second race would happen in a window between March and May. PIR would keep its October or November date. The Winston Cup race drew an estimated 110,000 to the track in Avondale, about 20 miles southwest of Phoenix, last year. "Our biggest competition for a second race will be Kansas City," Sperber said. "If NASCAR goes with Kansas City, it would be a good decision, because they have great support from everyone in the state. And they have some great sponsors.(Arizona Daily Star)(8-26-2003)
- Hospitality Packages Going Fast In Phoenix: Experience racing like never before! Nothing makes the weekend more complete than enjoying the races at Phoenix International Raceway with hospitality, and that is apparent by the large number of race fans making the decision to enjoy the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500 weekend in comfort through one of several hospitality packages that are offfered. In the last few weeks, phones have been kept busy at PIR with fans looking to purchase hospitality packages, or add hospitality packages onto an already made ticket purchase. Either way, the packages are going fast! PIR offers fans five hospitality packages - Fan Club, Victory Cirlce, Busch Party Pack, Mirage Club and Valley of the Sun. The VIctory Circle hospitality package is sold out. More info at (602) 252-2227 or go to www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR PR)(8-13-2003)
- PIR's Fan of the Month for June: Dianna Lunsford of Gilbert, AZ, has been selected Phoenix International Raceway Fan of the Month for June. Lunsford, who has been attending races at PIR since 1994, will receive a prize pack consisting of various racing items. Dianna joins William Chapin and John Andrews as the first three winners of this award. Like William and John, Dianna is now eligible for Phoenix International Raceway's ultimate prize, the 2003 PIR Fan of the Year. The PIR Fan of the Year will have the opportunity to be introduced before a packed stadium at the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline (Oct. 30 - Nov.2). Anyone interested in being selected PIR Fan of the Month can sign up on the PIR website, www.phoenixraceway.com.(see full story at the PIR site)(7-18-2003)
- Phoenix still hunting for a 2nd Cup date: It's already been a busy summer for Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber, who continues to lobby and pound the pavement for a second NASCAR Winston Cup Series race. Although NASCAR officials chose California Speedway over PIR and Kansas Speedway for a second additional race in 2004, Sperber retains hope PIR will join the list of tracks with two annual stops by the 2005 season. NASCAR isn't through realigning its schedule, which includes adding second races to single-race markets that would benefit the overall health of the sanctioning body, and PIR and Kansas appear to be high on the list to receive a second race. But it's likely only one of the racetracks will receive NASCAR approval for an additional event.(Arizona Republic)(7-18-2003)
- Phoenix Single Event Tickets On Sale: Single-day tickets for the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Weekend will go on sale Tuesday, June 24. The four days of racing at Phoenix International Raceway will feature the Cruise America 125 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race on October 30, the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on October 31, the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on November 1, and the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race on November 2. On Friday night following the Chevy Silverado 150 Craftsman Truck race, fans will have the chance to participate in "PIR After Dark" - the first fan experience festival to be held at the track. "PIR After Dark" will feature driver appearances, live entertainment, interactive NASCAR and IRL displays, fireworks and much more. Entry to "PIR After Dark" will be free to anyone attending the truck race, and $20 for those interested in just attending the event that night. All tickets can be purchase by phone (602-252-2227) or 1-800-PIT-SHOP;
in person at the track's downtown Phoenix ticket office at the Arizona Center (3rd Street and Van Buren), or through the PIR website.(6-17-2003)
- No 2nd Phoenix Race: Phoenix International Raceway won't receive a highly coveted second NASCAR Winston Cup Series race in 2004. But neither will Kansas Speedway. Both tracks were shut out in their bids to attract second race dates, but not California Speedway. International Speedway Corp., which owns the three racetracks, has scheduled a news conference today at Michigan Speedway to announce it is pulling one of two races from its track in Rockingham, N.C., and shifting it to the California oval. No other race additions or deletions are expected for the 2004 season, but nothing is confirmed until NASCAR releases next year's complete schedule. What is confirmed is Rockingham is losing a race and Fontana, Calif., is gaining one.(Arizona Republic)(6-13-2003)
- Update on Phoenix Work: Phoenix International Raceway, the design for which resulted in a quirky, misshapen, 1-mile oval four decades ago, is undergoing a makeover intended to alter Turn 2 and a portion of the backside straightaway. Construction recently began to extend the Turn 2 wall outward and create a significantly wider racing surface. Although the dogleg along the back straightaway remains, it won't be so pronounced with the new design, which is intended to rid the "pinching-down effect" now associated with Turn 2. "The new Turn 2 is going to do two things," PIR President Bryan Sperber said. "It's going to make the track a little faster, but more importantly, it's going to create a new passing zone." It's going to do something else, too. It's going to alter a track unlike any other. Although NASCAR officials and some drivers approve of the changes, which could also reduce accidents and increase safety, other drivers aren't exactly throwing a party in favor of the new design. "I don't like it," said Billy Boat, who has logged nearly as many laps at PIR as anyone from the Valley. "Turn 2 and that dogleg is what makes it so unique." Construction will necessitate adding some banking to the new Turn 2 at the point where the wall is being extended outward to connect to the current crossover opening for infield vehicular access. A temporary wall also is being constructed where the crossover is now because a permanent opening no longer is needed due to a vehicle/pedestrian tunnel being built in Turn 4. Both projects are proceeding simultaneously, and completion is expected near the end of August, which should allow about four to five weeks of curing before a NASCAR Winston West/Southwest Series doubleheader scheduled Oct. 4-5. Both projects are expected to cost a combined $6 million.(Arizona Republic)(5-30-2003)
- Phoenix News: Phoenix Intl Raceway has new ticket hours: 9:00am 5:30pm/pt [12:30-8:30pm/et] Monday through Friday. At other times, including weekends, tickets can be purchased by phone at (602) 252-2227 or 1-800-PITSHOP, and online at www.phoenixraceway.com. AND Bill Chapin of Scottsdale, AZ is PIR's April Fan of the Month and received various prizes. Fans can enter on PIR's Web site.(Arizona Republic)(5-9-2003)
- PIR seeks aid in landing 2nd race: Phoenix International Raceway officials plan to hit the legislative road again next week, hoping to elicit support for public help in their bid to land a coveted second NASCAR Winston Cup Series race. PIR President Bryan Sperber wants to add permanent lighting surrounding the 1-mile oval and improve adjacent roads, enticements that could help persuade NASCAR to award the Avondale track an additional race in 2004 or beyond. PIR, Kansas Speedway and California Speedway are actively pursuing second races. Word on pit road is the Fontana, Calif., facility has the inside track for one of two races that NASCAR said could be added to next year's schedule. NASCAR announced plans in January to begin realigning the schedule as early as 2004, pulling second races from existing racetracks and shifting them to more marketable single-race venues.(Arizona Republic)(4-19-2003)
- NASCAR Happy with changes at Phoenix: A project to widen the racing surface at Phoenix International Raceway by repositioning the outer concrete wall near the exit of Turn 2 is getting a nod of approval from NASCAR officials. "It's a great idea," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "I really think it will enhance competition because drivers are pinched the way it is now when they come out of that corner. This frees them up." The Turn 2 wall ends abruptly before picking up again along the back straightaway near the dogleg. The opening is one of two in that area. The first gap allows safety vehicles to be positioned just off the racing surface, and the second opening nearer the dogleg is how infield traffic crosses the racetrack. The plan is to connect the walls, but to do so in a way that would enlarge the racing surface and create a more rounded effect in Turn 2. Although PIR will retain a small, movable opening near where the current crossover is now, most of the infield traffic will be shifted to Turn 4, where a vehicular/pedestrian tunnel will be constructed at the same time as the Turn 2 project starts sometime around mid-May.(Arizona Republic)(3-28-2003)
- Phoenix to Build Tunnel and other improvements: Construction soon will begin to build a vehicular/pedestrian tunnel beneath Turn 4 and to reconfigure Turn 2 and the dogleg forming the back straightaway at Phoenix International Raceway. PIR President Bryan Sperber said construction on the two projects, although still on the architectural drawing board, likely will begin in May, and completion is expected long before the next scheduled event in early October. Sperber, who has discussed the Turn 2 project with NASCAR and Indy Racing League officials, wants to widen the turn and make it more of a sweeping corner, similar to Turns 3 and 4. Currently, the outer concrete wall is designed in such a way that it pinches and significantly narrows the turn. "I believe a redesign would enhance the racing action," Sperber said. "Right now they (drivers) sort of get choked down coming out of that turn. If it were wider, it would open things up and create another passing zone. I think drivers are happy the way it is now, but I think they'll be more happy with a new reconfiguration." Sperber said part of the grassy infield along the dogleg could also be paved to create more racing surface.(Arizona Republic)(3-21-2003)
- Phoenix looking for a 2nd Cup race: Phoenix International Raceway officials are working to land a second NASCAR Winston Cup race, a move that could bring a $200 million economic impact annually. But, to capture the race, the track likely will have to make improvements relating to access and lighting that it can't afford to make alone. PIR is working closely with the Arizona Department of Commerce to find funds to finance such projects, but state budgets are tight and the timetable is short. NASCAR is expected to move two races out of the Southeast over the next two years, and PIR is battling with cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Kansas City for a new event. PIR has hosted a Winston Cup event since 1988. Bryan Sperber, president of PIR, said he has been working with DOC to identify economic development dollars that may be available for track improvements. Sperber said PIR's Achilles heel may be providing improved access to the facility if it were expanded. The DOC is working with PIR to provide funds that could be put toward more roads leading in and out of the facility. "If we grow the stadium from 78,000 to 94,000 seats, our roads couldn't support it," he said. Sperber also wants to demonstrate the facility is continuing to improve. The track last summer made $10 million in improvements with the addition of a 3-acre concourse and 14 luxury suites. More improvements are in the planning stage.(in part for the Business Journal)(3-18-2003)
- Phoenix and Lights? Phoenix International Raceway wants taxpayers to help pay for new track lights and adjacent road improvements to help land another NASCAR race. A proposed additional spring race would provide a huge economic windfall to the Valley and complement the Checker Auto Parts 500 in the fall, PIR President Bryan Sperber said Friday. The Checker race accounts for an estimated $59 million in direct spending in metropolitan Phoenix, the biggest sports-related economic impact on the community outside of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, according to an Arizona State University study. Sperber has had discussions with Avondale, Maricopa County, the state, U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl and the Gila River Indian Community. County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox said she was huddling with staff Tuesday to find a way to help PIR, which has not disclosed how much it would contribute. Sperber's request has become common in the Valley, where taxpayers have footed the bill for major sports corporations. Glendale, for example, is paying $180 million toward the Phoenix Coyotes' new arena, and Phoenix is paying $10 million toward renovations at America West Arena. Maricopa County taxpayers paid $238 million to finance most of Bank One Ballpark. A total price tag has not been disclosed, but Sperber said the lights would cost $4.8 million. Avondale is spending $12.2 million to widen 115th Avenue to seven lanes from two on about 1.5 miles from Interstate 10 to Buckeye Road, according to the city. Developers already have widened the next mile to Lower Buckeye Road to five lanes. That would leave approximately two miles of two-lane road to PIR to be renovated.(Arizona Republic)(3-1-2003)
- Phoenix selling Tix in Las Vegas: Ticket reps of Phoenix International Raceway will be in Las Vegas at the NASCAR Cafe in front the Sahara during the Cup weekend selling tickets for their race weekend Oct 30-Nov 2.(PIR PR)(2-26-2003)
- Phoenix Tix go on sale Tues: Two-day ticket packages for the 16th annual NASCAR Winston Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500 Weekend at Phoenix International Speedway (Oct. 30-Nov. 2) go on sale Tuesday, February 18 at 9 a.m. (MST). The packages can be purchased online (at phoeinxraceway.com), or by calling the PIR ticket office at 602-252-2227. Thursday and Friday single-event tickets are also for sale.(PIR PR)(2-18-2003)
- Prusinski Named PIR Public Relations Manager: Bryan Sperber, President of Phoenix International Raceway, announced this afternoon that long-time sports public relations specialist Mike Prusinski has been named PIR Public Relations Manager. Prusinski replaces Kenny Kane who became the Vice President of Communications at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. Prusinski comes to PIR after just one year as the Director of Marketing Communications at the Verizon Byron Nelson Classic in Dallas, Texas. Prior to working with the PGA Tour, he spent 14 years in the athletic media relations department at the University of Oklahoma. He began at OU in 1987 as an assistant and was named director in 1994. He served as the director until May of 2001 when he resigned to spend more time with his family and work in professional golf. In his only year working the a PGA Tour event, Prusinski was responsible for developing the first advertising and marketing plan for the tournament, created a year-round media plan and supervised all interview requests for the tournament's namesake, Byron Nelson. During his tenure at OU, Prusinski won numerous awards for media guides and programs, hosted large media events and directed promotional campaigns for some of the prestigious collegiate awards. A 1984 graduate of Murray State (Ky.) University, Prusinski also served as an assistant media relations director at the University of Kansas and University of Colorado before moving to Oklahoma. Prusinski and his wife, Kathryn, have been married five years and have three children: Matt (18), Mitch (11) and Abigail (3).(PIR PR)(12-12-2002)
- Phoenix tix on sale Nov 18th: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that season tickets for its 15-race 2003 season will go on sale Monday, November 18th by phone and at its downtown Phoenix ticket office at the Arizona Center or at the track November 18-23. PIR's 2003 schedule begins in February with NASCAR Winter Heat, followed by the four-race Copper World Indy 200 March 21-23. The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series runs May 2-3, featuring the all new Daytona Prototypes plus the GT and GTS classes.. Following the new October 4-5 NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend will be the October 30-November 2 Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race, including the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race, the Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, and the Cruise America 125 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race. Season tickets will be available for purchase by phone (602-252-2227), in person at the track's downtown Phoenix ticket office at the Arizona Center, 3rd Street and Van Buren. Select a seat hours at the track are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm November 18 through November 23.(PIR PR)(11-18-2002)
- Phoenix Cup Race Reserved Seats Sold Out: All reserved seats for the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil NASCAR Winston Cup Series race scheduled for Sunday, November 10 at Phoenix International Raceway are sold out, track officials announced today. For fans that missed out on the grandstand seats, hillside tickets are still available and are only $30 for Sunday™s race. Single day grandstand tickets for the BGN on Saturday, the CTS on Friday and Thursdays Featherlite Southwest Series Cruise America 125 are still available. Tickets are available at the track or the downtown Phoenix ticket office, 3rd Street and Van Buren, in the Arizona Center; by phone, at 602-252-2227, or online.(PIR PR)(11-7-2002)
- McGriff co-grand marshal at PIR: Checker Auto Parts has announced that NASCAR legend Hershel McGriff, will join CSK Auto, Inc. CEO Maynard Jenkins as Grand Marshal for the November 10th Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). McGriff who recently retired from NASCAR competition at the age of 74 will be on hand as PIR and Checker Auto Parts celebrate the career of one of the west's most noted NASCAR drivers of the past 50 years. McGriff began his racing career at the age of 17 in Portland, Oregon, where he would borrow his father's 1940 Hudson, tie the doors shut, paint a number on the side of the car and go racing. Early in his racing career McGriff met Bill France Sr. at the Pan American road race in Mexico and they became great friends. France later invited McGriff to compete in the very first Southern 500 at Darlington, where he finished 9th after driving his ˜race car" cross-country before driving it back home. In 1954 McGriff moved to Daytona Beach to race more while helping France build NASCAR through public relations appearances. McGriff has competed against three generations of Petty's and raced in four different decades. He is the all-time race-winner at Riverside, and he even raced a NASCAR Winston Cup Series car in the 24 hours of LeMans. He's been a NASCAR Winston West Series champion and was named that series' Most Popular Driver a record 12 consecutive years. He also has the distinction of being named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. Tickets for any and all races are available at the track downtown ticket office, 3rd Street and Van Buren, in the Arizona Center; by phone, at 602-252-2227, or online at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com.(PIR PR)(11-5-2002)
- Def Leppard at Phoenix: As if four NASCAR-sanctioned races, two evening concerts at the Oasis, an expanded midway and several driver appearances at various fan hospitality areas weren't enough, Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) announced that internationally-acclaimed rock band Def Leppard will entertain race fans prior to the start of the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil on Sunday, November 10. Widely regarded as one of the main architects of the anthemic pop/metal and larger than life rock n' roll, Def Leppard recently released their tenth album, "X", on July 30th on Island Records. Their newest album debuted at #11 on Billboard's Top 200, selling over 71,000 in just one week. To date, the band has sold over 45 million albums, a feat not many bands and only a handful of British artists have been able to achieve. The band is scheduled to perform songs from their newest album prior to driver introductions on Sunday morning along PIR's frontstretch. Tickets for any and all races are available at the track downtown ticket office, 3rd Street and Van Buren, in the Arizona Center; by phone, at 602-252-2227, or online at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com.(PIR PR)(10-30-2002)
- Phoenix Nearly Sold Out: Tickets for the Nov. 10 Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway are going fast - so fast that racetrack officials expect the race to be sold out midway through next week. Although an unlimited number of hillside tickets overlooking Turns 3 and 4 are available for $30 ($5 discount coupons at Circle K), reserved grandstand seating is limited. The only remaining seats are priced at $35 and $45 and are located near the dogleg along the backstretch. Remaining tickets for the NASCAR Busch Series Bashas' 200 on Nov. 9 are priced at $45 and $50. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Silverado 150 on Nov. 8 has $25, $30 and $35 tickets left, and tickets for the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series Cruise America 125 on Nov. 7 are priced at $15.(Arizona Republic)(10-25-2002)
- Phoenix and Fathers: Phoenix International Raceway has announced a unique new Father's Day promotion that lets family members give Dad a ride in the Official Chevy Pace Car, tickets to an upcoming 2002 race, an approved PIR cooler, plus a keepsake photograph documenting the experience. For two days only, on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, Dads and their families are invited out to the track to purchase two tickets to either the September 21-22 Truxpo Truck Tour/Monster Truck & Low Rider event, or one of the four NASCAR races November 7-10. With each ticket purchase, all fathers will be treated to a pace car ride and then a stop in Victory Lane for a commemorative photo. Finally, Dad will receive an event-approved soft-sided PIR can cooler filled with gift certificates. The track will be open from 8:00am until 1:00pm both days, June 15 and 16, to accommodate just about everyone's Father's Day plans or traditions.(PIR PR)(6-4-2002)
- Phoenix and Motorhomes: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that all remaining motorhome spaces in the outside reserved motorhome lot, also known as Cruise America Motorhome City, for the annual Fall NASCAR Checker Auto Parts 500 Weekend will go on sale at 9:00am/pt Monday, May 6th, or 'Motorhome Monday.' Motorhome Monday is when the spaces that remain after last year's space renewals are confirmed go on sale to the general public. The 20X40' spaces are $125 each and available for occupation from the Monday prior to race weekend until the Monday after. Water, pumping, and propane services are available for a fee, but no hook ups. Motorhome guests can also take advantage of the new Bashas' Market, free showers, and the nearby Oasis Sports Bar. The track also offers a limited amount of free RV space in the adjoining Estrella Regional Park. For more info see the Phoenix International Raceway site.(5-6-2002)
- Phoenix BGN Sponsor: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that Phoenix-based Bashas' Supermarkets has entered into a multi-year comprehensive marketing agreement which will include title-rights sponsorship of the annual Fall NASCAR Busch Series race. The Saturday, November 9, 2002 NASCAR Busch Series race will be titled the Bashas' 200. Bashas' also will bring neighborhood grocery store convenience to race goers through the creation of a special Bashas' Market at PIR. Bashas' will sponsor free showers at the raceway during race week. Bashas' will co-sponsor the KidZone play area. Bashas' customers will be offered special race ticket pricing with their Bashas' Thank You Card. Bashas' has 127 stores in four formats serving every county in Arizona as well as locations in Needles, Calif., and Crownpoint, NM.(PIR PR)(4-17-2002)
- Phoenix Tix Available: 4 Days, 4 Races, 4 Ways to Order Tickets. Tickets for the 2002 NASCAR Weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are now available by phone at 602-252-2227. That means fans can order tickets for any or all of the four great races that will take place at the 'Desert Jewel' November 7-10. On Nov 7 it's the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series 125, Nov. 8 the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Silverado 150, Nov. 9.the NASCAR Busch Series 200 and Nov. 10 the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500k. Tickets can be ordered by:
1. By phone, at 602-252-2227.
2. Online, using the new PIR 3-D seating map, at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com
3. In person, at the track's downtown Ticket Office/Race Shop.at the Arizona Center, 2nd floor, above the AMC Theaters, at 3rd Street and Van Buren.
4. By mail, by sending your ticket orders and payment to Phoenix International Raceway, P.O. Box 13088, Phoenix, AZ 85002.(PIR PR)(3-28-2002)
- Changes at Phoenix, Watkins Glen and ISC: In an effort to sell even more tickets, International Speedway Corp., whose many racetrack holdings include Phoenix International Raceway, has created a new position for Robin Braig, PIR executive vice president and general manager. Braig was promoted Tuesday to ISC vice president of consumer sales and marketing. ISC is based in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Braig's new position necessitates a move to the Florida seaside city, where he will begin work April 1. Replacing Braig is Bryan Sperber, who since 1997 has been president of Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Braig said there are no immediate plans to expand permanent seating, which can accommodate about 77,000 fans. A capital improvements package, however, will be announced in about a month.(Airzona Republic)
AND Craig Rust, who has served as president and general manager at Nazareth Speedway for the past two years, has been named president of Watkins Glen International. Rust replaces Bryan Sperber who will now serve as president of Phoenix International Raceway. Both facilities are owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a motorsports entertainment company based in Daytona Beach, FL. Rust will continue his duties as president and general manager of Nazareth Speedway in Pennsylvania. As president, Rust oversees all operations of both facilities, including marketing, corporate sales, administration, public relations, ticketing and maintenance.(Watkins Glen PR)(3-22-2002)
- Jobe Retires: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that Emmett ˜Buddy" Jobe, the track's president and former owner, will retire five years after selling the track to International Speedway Corporation. Jobe purchased the one-mile paved oval racetrack in 1985 as a land investment, but quickly became enthused about the fabled facility and its potential as an integral part of Arizona's economy. He quickly began making improvements to the facility with an eye toward securing a date on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series schedule. In 1988, that dream became a reality, followed by the addition of a Truck Series event. In 1997, after turning what was once considered a white elephant racetrack in Avondale into the state's largest privately held economic impact contributor (over $272 million per year), Jobe sold the track to International Speedway Corporation. After selling the track, Jobe remained with Phoenix International Raceway as President, overseeing continued improvements as the track acquired a NASCAR Busch Series race and later a Grand American Rolex event. Phoenix International Raceway will honor Buddy Jobe with several salutes this weekend, including pre-race activities and the renaming of the original turn one suite building as the "Buddy Jobe Suites."(PIR PR)(3-16-2002)
- Phoenix Tix: Phoenix International Raceway recently starting selling tickets for the fall 2002 four-race NASCAR Weekend, via the track's Internet website at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com. Reserved seat tickets will be made available for the individual Friday, Saturday, or Sunday races. The track also offers two-race reserved seat packages, plus the exclusive Fan Club package that includes VIP Suite accommodations for all four days of racing. General admission tickets will also be made available for sale on Tuesday.(PIR PR)(2-21-2002)
- Pepsi and PIR: Phoenix International Raceway has announced that Pepsi-Cola has been named the new Official Soft Drink at the historic track.. The multi-year agreement will include signage, exclusive pouring rights, and promotional opportunities for all events at PIR. Pepsi-Cola is the title sponsor of International Speedway Corporation track-hosted Winston Cup Series races in Daytona, Fla. (Pepsi 400), Brooklyn, Mich. (Pepsi 400) and Darlington, S.C. (Mountain Dew Southern 500). Under the new agreement, The Pepsi Bottling Group will provide PIR guests with a wide range of beverages, including Pepsi-Cola, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Aquafina bottled water, Lipton Brisk Iced Tea and Starbucks Frappuccino.(PIR PR)(2-2-2002)
- Phoenix Gets a Sponsor: Phoenix-based Checker Schuck's Kragen, which for the past two years shared title sponsorship with Dura Lube, has agreed to become the sole sponsor of the NASCAR Winston Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway through 2004. This year's race, set for Oct. 28, will be called the Checker Auto Parts 500. Pennzoil will be a presenting sponsor. PIR's title sponsorship became available 2 1/2 months ago when Dura Lube, which was in the final year of a three-year agreement, unexpectedly pulled its sponsorship. Financial terms weren't released, but PIR's former agreement with Dura Lube, which sold part of the title sponsorship to Checker, was believed to be worth about $3.5 million over three years.(Arizona Republic)(9-8-2001)
- Phoenix Leader Board Damaged: Monsoon storms snapped power poles in the southwest Valley, knocked over the laps leader board at Phoenix International Raceway and pounded Scottsdale on Tuesday. Only days after a Scottsdale neighborhood was pounded by a microburst, the same area was hit by a brief downpour. A tree was blown over, snapping a power pole can causing a power outage. Streets were flooded, and many drivers heading to the East Valley suburbs had a wet commute home. The storms also made their presence known in the West Valley. A huge wall of clouds rolled over Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson and Glendale. At Phoenix International Raceway, high winds also knocked over the laps leader board in the track infield(Arizona Republic)(7-20-2001)
- Dura-Lube drops Phoenix race: A recent 11th-hour decision by Dura Lube officials to pull the sponsorship plug for the Oct. 28 NASCAR Winston Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway may make it difficult to rein in a replacement at such a late date. Despite a softening economy, PIR officials are "extremely confident" a new title sponsor will be secured. "The timing of this is unusual, but we'll find a sponsor," PIR general manager Robin Braig said. "The market is hot for NASCAR." Dura Lube, whose parent company is The Media Group, paid approximately $3 million to become PIR's Winston Cup sponsor for three years beginning in 1999. Dura Lube also is the title sponsor for a Winston Cup race in Rockingham, NC. Efforts to reach Dura Lube officials for comment were unsuccessful. Braig is in Florida and has discussed such a relationship with officials from Outback Steakhouse, which in 1999 signed a three-year agreement worth about $200,000 annually to be the title sponsor for PIR's Busch Series race. "We've got some real good leads, but we also think Outback would be a great sponsor for (the Winston Cup) race," said Kenny Kane, PIR director of business development. "We think we can have it done within the next month."(Arizona Republic)(6-27-2001)
- Phoenix Tix: Individual race tickets for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series stop Oct. 28 at Phoenix International Raceway go on sale Tuesday(June 26th). Prices range from $35-$95. Tickets also can be purchased for the NASCAR Busch Series race Oct. 27, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race Oct. 26 and the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race Oct. 25. Tickets can be purchased by mail, phone or online at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com. Call (602) 252-2227 for information.(Arizona Republic)(6-23-2001)
- Phoenix Date to Change? While not official until NASCAR says so, speculation that the traditional season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway is going to a new home appears to be true, and Phoenix could be involved in the shuffle. Atlanta racetrack officials are tired of battling foul weather every November and privately have asked for a date change, which NASCAR is going to grant. But moving the Atlanta stop to, say, early or mid-October means additional juggling. To accommodate the Atlanta request, Homestead-Miami Speedway would host the new season closer and the Dura Lube 500 at Phoenix International Raceway likely would be pushed back two weeks, to Nov. 10, which probably wouldn't upset PIR officials. Not only are Valley temperatures likely to be significantly cooler 10 days into November, the series championship has a much stronger chance of being decided at PIR on the new date than with the track's current spot on the NASCAR calendar. This year's race is Oct. 28, which is stop No. 33 on a 36-race schedule.(Arizona Republic)(6-20-2001)
- PIR to double: Phoenix Intl Raceway officials have a five- to eight-year plan to double seating capacity to 150,000. Capacity now is 74,480, which doesn't include suites, infield and hillside seating(Arizona Republic)(11-5-2000)
- Phoenix to honor the Military: Phoenix International Raceway has announced a special discount offer for all military personnel for this weekend’s 4-day Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 NASCAR event. Anyone who presents their valid military I.D. will receive free admission on Thursday, November 3, 2000(PIR PR)(10-30-2000)
- PIR Supermarket: Phoenix International Raceway has announced a new marketing partnership agreement with Albertsons that includes race sponsorship plus an all-new, mini-sized Albertsons grocery store at the track during NASCAR Weekend. The new Albertsons Raceway Market will be located in the center of the Cruise America Motorhome City area, at the southwest side of the property, to serve the thousands of NASCAR fans who stay in their motorhomes. It will open Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000 at noon and remain open until 10 p.m. that night. Albertsons Raceway Market will then be open from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of race week.(PIR PR)(10-28-2000)
- Phoenix Grand Marshal and National Anthem: United States Senator Jon Kyl has been announced as the Grand Marshal for the November 2-5 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500, Outback Steakhouse 200, and Albertsons/Osco Drug125 NASCAR weekend at Phoenix International Raceway and Capitol recording artist Steve Wariner has accepted an invitation from Phoenix International Raceway to sing the National Anthem prior to the start of Cup race(PIR PR)(10-25-2000)
- Phoenix Four Races: Phoenix International Raceway has released its 2001 schedule which culminates with a new date and additional race for its fall NASCAR weekend. Next year, the NASCAR Winston Cup Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500, NASCAR Busch Series Outback Steakhouse 200 and NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series 125 races will be joined by a 150 mile race for the NASCAR Craftstman Truck Series. The October 25-28, 2001 race weekend will be one week earlier than its traditional date on the calendar(PIR PR)(8-29-2000)
- Phoenix Race Date Moved back a week? To avoid a conflict with the CART season finale at California Speedway in 2001, the Cup race at Phoenix likely will be held in late October rather than the first Sunday in November. CART released its schedule last week, and next year's finale is Nov. 4.(Arizona Republic) but supposedly Talladega and Rockingham already announced their Fall 2001 dates: Oct 21st/Talladega, Oct 28th/Rockingham.(8-12-2000)
- Phoenix Camping: Phoenix International Raceway had made available all remaining reserved motorhome spaces for the Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 weekend Nov. 2-5. A limited number of spaces remain following the July 21 renewal period deadline. In order to satisfy anticipated demand, Motorhome City was expanded by 600 additional spaces. Some of the conveniences available to campers include temporary showers and restrooms, a general store and other enhancements to be announced at a later date. Motorhome City will operate October 30 through November 6. For more information see the PIR Site(7-31-2000)
- Phoenix Story: PIR layout not a concern - Flat tracks scrutinized after deaths by Mark Armijo of the Arizona Republic(7-15-2000)
- Phoenix Story: PIR to run 4 races in Winston week? by Mark Armijo of the Arizona Republic(7-1-2000)
- Phoenix Story: Although the same officials that control NASCAR also control International Speedway Corp., which purchased Phoenix Interational Raceway three years ago, it's not likely the 1-mile track is high on the pecking list for a 2nd race. But apparently, neither is California Speedway, which ISC also owns. Or immaculate facilities such as Bruton Smith-owned Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway(Arizona Republic)(5-20-2000)
- Phoenix News: PRI has added new restrooms, concession areas, media centers and permanent garage structures. A road course was built into the infield; new VIP suites buildings were raised; a crossover bridge was constructed; and acres of the surrounding desert were graded for more parking. All these improvements were more than necessary, as the growth of racing nationwide and, especially, the arrival of NASCAR Winston Cup racing made PIR a place where the crowds continue to grow each year. The latest big change is the removal of Stagecoach Hill. Recently, over a one-month period, PIR blasted away the huge mound of earth and rock behind Turn 2, right in the middle of a newer parking area. Half a million cubic yards of desert was relocated, and 100 acres of new parking space was created. Also PIR, in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), Maricopa County Flood Control District (MCFCD), FNF Construction and Sundt Construction Company, has developed an extensive traffic plan as a result of monthly meetings that began in November 1998.
(NOL)(10-21-1999)
- Phoenix News: the Phoenix BGN race sponsor will be Outback Steak House, who signed a three year deal to do so recently. The debut BGN event is 11/6(GoRacing)(6-10-1999)
- Phoenix Changes: Phase Two of improvements at PIR includes a 6,000 seat addition to the Bobby Allison Grandstand outside Turn 2. But the changes don't stop there as other improvements include a 1,440 square-foot addition being built onto the existing infield media center, as well as bringing in a festival-type mall area into the infield. The mini-mall will sell souvenirs and will it include a restaurant and bar. This area will be open only on race weekends. Also, to accommodate the NASCAR Busch Series and Featherlite Southwest Series competitors, working areas and parking for those series' haulers, drivers and owners will be paved(goRacing)(5-26-1999)
- Phoenix: Tickets for the 1999 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 at Phoenix are available online at the DaytonaUSA Site, now(4-25-1999)
- UPDATE: Phoenix International Raceway is talking to NASCAR about a BGN race there in 1999. The track will only have one truck race in 1999, in the spring to run the same weekend as the IRL. The BGN race would be held the same weekend as the 1999 Cup race, if it happens.(JournalNow)(10-18-98) -- Bill Weber of RPM2Nite said this will happen and will be announced Friday the 23rd.(10-22-98)
- Local Phoenix racing news website: Phoenix Republic Speed Page.(10-20-98)
- If you want to go to the Dura-Lube 500 at Phoenix on 10-25, then Tuesday(6-23) is a day to mark on your calendar. Tickets for the Phoenix race go on sale that day at 10am/ET. Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 638-4253. There is a limit of eight tickets for the Winston Cup race. Tickets will also be sold for Friday's Winston Cup qualifying and Saturday's NASCAR Truck and Southwest series races.)That's Racin')(6-18-98)
- From the Arizona Republic(newspaper): Bill France was visiting Phoenix Raceway recently and he was asked where PIR ranks with other tracks that are hoping to obtain a 2nd Cup date. As quoted from the Republic, France answered, "Behind California Speedway, but ahead of Watkins Glen." He was also asked where the new Texas Motor Speedway ranks, France responded, "I'd say Phoenix is even with Texas. The hot topic these days is when will there be a second race at Texas?" France said. "Why Texas? Why not Phoenix a second time? Nobody talks about that." France also was quoted as saying, " Some racetracks out there want three or four races. That's why we we didn't go back to Texas (a second time in 98'). Las Vegas was built, and I think that crews would rather go to Vegas once than Texas twice. It's not so much that there is anything wrong with Texas. Teams and sponsors just prefer going to Vegas. Some of the drivers would just as soon say one time is enough at Texas." The article also mentions that PIR will likely get a Busch Series race, which one source said has already been promised to Phoenix. If not in 1998, then 1999. Here is the link, it took a while to find Arizona Republic(thanks Don and Tinadog)(9-28-97)
- ISC Purchases Phoenix International Raceway(PIR). International Speedway Corporation, which owns Daytona Int'l Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Darlington Raceway, Watkins Glen Int'l and Tucson Raceway Park, will announce Monday its purchase of Phoenix International Raceway. ISC is run by Bill France. Current owner Buddy Jobe is expected to remain as the operator of the track(7-13-97)
Phoenix International Raceway expansion news: A legislative appropriation to build a $12.8 million, 5 lane bridge over the Gila River at 115th Avenue was signed last month. When the bridge is finished in about 18 months, it will eliminate a troublesome bottleneck for the track, which has had to cancel races some years because of flooding. The raceway will install 25,000 new fixed seats, bringing grandstand capacity to 90,000. The improvements should be complete for the WC 1998-99 race(6-13-97)
- Per Phoenix papers Richard Petty , Rupert Murdoch (Fox) and a limited partnership of investors are also looking at buying Phoenix which IS for sale?(3-7-97)
