More Phoenix Raceway News

Kyle Larson Subtly Dodges Question About Becoming NASCAR’s Next Villain Amid Denny Hamlin’s Popularity Shift

Kyle Larson opens up about NASCAR’s fan dynamics while reflecting on Denny Hamlin’s emotional 2025 finale and his impact on the sport.
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson’s Crew Chief Reflects on Tying HMS Hall of Famers With Honest Admission

After Kyle Larson's jaw-dropping title victory, Cliff Daniels savors the feeling of snuggling with Hendrick Motorsports' legends.
NASCAR Cup Series

Kyle Larson Details Split-Second “Desperate” Call That Shaped His Championship Run

Amidst a detailed debate about the Phoenix battle, Kyle Larson divulges a strategy that worked out for him in the race.
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If You’re in Withdrawal and Need a NASCAR Fix: Among the Most Emotional Races of 2025

From Denny Hamlin to Bubba Wallace, what were some of the most emotional races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup season?
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Kevin Harvick Demands Big Change in NASCAR Schedule Amidst Declining Attendance

Kevin Harvick voices strong opinions on NASCAR’s scheduling strategy, hinting at a bold shift that could redefine race appeal.
FORT WORTH, TX – APRIL 14: Broadcast announcer and NASCAR, Motorsport, USA legend Kevin Harvick smiles before the NASCAR

NASCAR Veteran Defends Denny Hamlin’s Crew Chief After Phoenix Disappointment

In the middle of a raging debate about Denny Hamlin's heartbreak, NASCAR veteran addresses the troublesome pit call.
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Joe Gibbs’ Insider Admits the Pain of Championship Loss

Joe Gibbs’ insider reflects on the emotional toll of JGR’s tough 2025 season, from heartbreaking championship losses to missed opportunities.
Joe Gibbs

Rick Hendrick’s Insider Reflects on Team’s Secret to 15th Championship

After another championship trophy in HMS's name, Rick Hendrick's top executive reveals his team's trump card.
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 21: Rick Hendrick looks on prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Bass P

Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Slams NASCAR Overtime Rule After Denny Hamlin’s Brutal Championship Heartbreak

Amidst an immense debate about Denny Hamlin's Phoenix debacle, a NASCAR spotter pinpoints at NASCAR's overtime rule as the culprit.
Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace

NASCAR Fans Blast Playoff System After Championship Viewer Ratings Take Major Hit

NASCAR fans are calling out the playoff system after championship ratings plummeted, blaming poor accessibility and a flawed format.
AVONDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 06: Bubba Wallace ( 45 23XI Racing McDonald s Toyota) races during the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA C

William Byron Laughs Off His Sydney Sweeney Encounter at Phoenix Championship Race

William Byron opens up about his unexpected Sydney Sweeney encounter at the Phoenix finale — a moment that had fans buzzing.
william byron and sweeney

NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Defends Denny Hamlin After Heartbreaking Championship Loss at Phoenix

After Denny Hamlin suffered a crude blow at Phoenix, Richard Petty shields the deserving champion from fans' criticism.
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About Phoenix Raceway

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USA Today via Reuters

Phoenix Raceway - Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track

Phoenix Raceway is a one-mile, tri-oval race track situated in Avondale, Arizona, close to Phoenix. The motorsport track opened in 1964 and presently hosts two NASCAR races yearly.

Phoenix Raceway has additionally facilitated the CART, IndyCar Series, USAC, and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The raceway is presently claimed and operated by NASCAR.

The raceway was initially built with a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) street course that ran on both within and the outside of the primary tri-oval. In 1991, the track was reconfigured with the current 1.51-mile (2.43 km) inside design.

Phoenix Raceway, at present, has an expected seating limit of around 51,000. Lights were introduced around the track in 2004 after the expansion of a second yearly NASCAR race.

History

Phoenix Raceway is home to two yearly NASCAR races, one of 13 tracks on the NASCAR timetable to have more than one race a year. It originally joined the NASCAR Cup Series plan for 1988 as a late-season occasion, and in 2005 the track was given a spring date.

The now-NASCAR Camping World Truck Series was included in 1995 and the now-NASCAR Xfinity Series started running there in 1999.

NASCAR reported that its final race would be run at Phoenix for 2020, denoting the first run-through since NASCAR inaugurated the weekend that Homestead-Miami Speedway would not be the host track. The track will likewise hold the title for the 2021 NASCAR Cup season.

Phoenix International Raceway was built in 1964 around the Estrella Mountains on the edges of Avondale. Due to the landscape and the fuse of a street course and drag strip, creators needed to assemble a "dogleg" into the backstretch.

The first road course was two miles (3.2 km) long and ran both inside and outside of the fundamental oval track. The slopes nearby the track likewise offer an exceptional vantage highlight. "Landmark Hill," situated close to turns 3 and 4, is a top choice among race fans on account of the novel view and lower ticket costs.

At the highest point of this slope lies a USGS seat marker known as Gila and Salt River Meridian, presently recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. Some time before Phoenix Raceway existed, this spot was the first land study point for all of what later turned into the territory of Arizona.

Phoenix International Raceway was built with the objective of being the western home of open wheel racing. Sports vehicles and USAC started dashing at the track in 1964, and the track immediately turned into a top pick of drivers and before long supplanted the old track at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.

In 1977, the main Copper World Classic was held, a marque occasion for USAC dwarf and Silver Crown vehicles.

2021 Race

Martin Truex Jr. got into the lead on a late restart during the Instacart 500 and cruised to his first victory of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The driver took the checkered flag ahead of the field by 1.698 seconds to snap a 29-race winless streak and earn his first Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway.

Quick Facts

Location7602 S Avondale Boulevard Avondale, Arizona 85323 United States
OperatorNASCAR
Major EventsNASCAR Cup Series

Instacart 500 (Spring, 2005–present)

Season Finale 500 (Fall, 1988–present)

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Call 811 Before You Dig 200 (Spring, 2005–present)

Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200 (Fall, 1999–present)

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Lucas Oil 150 (1995–present)

Length1.000 mi (1.609 km)
Most WinsKevin Harvick (9)
Most StartsMark Martin (34)
PolesRyan Newman (4)