Phoenix Raceway

Description

Configuration

Phoenix Raceway in its current form is measured at 1.000 mi, with 9° of banking in the first two turns, 11° of banking in the last two turns, 9° of banking on the frontstretch, and 3° of banking on the backstretch, according to Jayski. The track is known for its frontstretch kink, commonly referred to as a "dogleg" that was added to accommodate the track's original road course, which used parts of the oval alongside specialized portions outside the oval.

When the facility first opened, multiple layouts were included. Alongside the oval track's opening in 1964, a 2.700 mi road course layout that used both parts of the oval and specialized sections, and a 0.250 mi dragstrip were included. Additionally, since 1992, an 11-turn infield road course measuring 1.510 mi was included in the facility's layouts.

Amenities

Phoenix Raceway is located in Avondale, Arizona, and is served by Avondale Boulevard, which is an exit of Interstate 10. As of 2019, the facility has a capacity of 42,000, according to Forbes. The track also offers a general admission seating area on the side of a hill outside the track's first and second turns; the section is named "Rattlesnake Hill" as a tribute to old stories of Phoenix Raceway officials reportedly having to remove numerous animals before races, including rattlesnakes and scorpions.

Track history

Planning and construction

On July 10, 1963, The Arizona Republic's Frank Gianelli reported that a group formed by businessman Richard Hogue acquired a 320 acre plot of land originally used to grow cotton in the Estrella Mountains. With the purchase, the group made plans to build a US$500,000 (about $ today) motorsports complex, including a 1 mi oval, a 2.5 mi road course, and a dragstrip, under the name of Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). Initially, Hogue only originally considered building the road course, but was convinced to add an oval to the facility by racing promoter J. C. Agajanian. The plan immediately faced opposition from the competing Arizona State Fairgrounds, who wished to pave their track in order to continue hosting United States Auto Club (USAC) races despite PIR officials wanting to collaborate with Fairgrounds officials. However, the Fairgrounds' paving plan was vetoed unanimously by the Arizona Fair Commission on August 26. On the same day, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors passed a permit to begin PIR construction, in the process effectively causing the Fair's shutdown.

Groundbreaking took place on September 19, with Hogue stating in a groundbreaking interview that "we'll be racing by late November or early December." In November, Hogue announced the first events for the track, with Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and NASCAR Grand National Series events being announced for December and January 1964, respectively. However, the track's opening was pushed back to January 4 due to construction delays. By the end of the year, with paving complete, the facility was approved for SCCA, USAC, and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) events. At the end of the facility's construction, the entire complex cost approximately US$1 million (about $ today) to build.

Hogue years

PIR opened as scheduled, running informal SCCA events in January 1964. A month later, the first formal events at the facility were held, with Jack Hinkle winning the first highlight race at PIR's road course. PIR received mixed initial reception; although its amenities were praised, some spectators complained about a hidden 50-cent (adjusted for inflation, $) grandstand fee alongside visibility problems caused by light poles. PIR's drag strip held its first events on March 1. The oval held its first race 21 days later, with A. J. Foyt winning a USAC event. In April, alongside obtaining a sanction from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), PIR ran its first FIA-sanctioned event, with Dave MacDonald winning a 155 mi event.

Initially, PIR struggled with attendance, causing the facility to cancel international events in 1964 due to cost issues. In July, Harry Redkey and Bob Huff, racing promoters of the Manzanita Speedway and Tucson Speedway, respectively, took over operational duties of PIR, with Huff stating hopes of implementing "a series of major improvements" and a seating expansion to 13,500 at the facility. By November, renovations to the facility's grandstand and walls were made. However, the facility still faced heavy traffic issues in the Bobby Ball Memorial event that took place in the same month, partially causing the cancellation of a USAC stock car race in early 1965. Traffic improvements to PIR were completed in March 1965 alongside the widening of the track's surface in the turns. In June, a US$10,000 renovation to PIR's dragstrip that aimed to install increased lighting started. By the end of 1965, Hogue stated in a response to a PIR critic in a letter to the editor that PIR invested over US$100,000 in renovations, including a refurbished main grandstand and the addition of 2,000 seats.

PIR experienced numerous crashes resulting in serious injury or death in its early years. In its first ever dragstrip event on March 1, PIR experienced its first fatality when drag racer Robert Snyders crashed during a qualifying run on the drag strip. In early December, Bobby Marshman succumbed to second- and third-degree burns suffered during a tire testing crash on November 27. In August 1965, the dragstrip oversaw its second fatality when 17-year-old Phil Miner lost control of his car and crashed at approximately 160 mph. In February 1967, 13-year-old Maurice Gallegos suffered major head injuries after hitting a truck during a go-kart race; Gallegos survived the incident and later sued PIR for US$1,687,624 (about $ today) for "inadequate and ineffectual protection" and a lack of "prompt and adequate assistance after the accident". On February 27, 1972, United States Air Force captain Bruce Helfert died in a sports car crash on the facility's road course.

Nancy Hogue era

Sometime between 1965 and 1967, Richard Hogue and his wife, Nancy, divorced. By February 3, 1967, Nancy was described in The Arizona Republic as the sole owner of PIR. On the 15th, racing promoter J. C. Agajanian took over Redkey and Huff as the promotional director of PIR. Two days later, Nancy filed an injunction order against Redkey and Huff for "fail[ing] to return... the corporate's properties, papers and records." She also revealed that she fired the duo as they spent "extravagant amounts of money for travel, hotels, entertainment, telephone calls, salaries, etc." In response, the duo sued Hogue for 200,000 (about $ today) on March 2 for multiple claims, including breach of contract, claims of Nancy deceiving the duo, and Nancy refusing to give any stock to the duo despite an agreement.

By October 1967, the Arizona Daily Star claimed that grandstand seating had expanded to 25,000. On January 23, 1968, PIR held its first major stock car racing events, with Don White winning a USAC event. In March, Agajanian confirmed discussions about removing PIR's backstretch dogleg from its oval track, stating that the corner was "dangerous as hell". Three months later, the decision was confirmed by Jerry Raskin, PIR's public relations official, with the backstretch becoming a straight line. Reportedly, the reconfiguration was complete by September; however, the claim that the dogleg was ever removed has been disputed by racing historian Kevin Triplett, who did not find any evidence that the reconfiguration ever happened. In October 1969, construction of a two-year, 100,000 (about $ today) renovation project focusing on additional seating and track adjustments was completed. A year later, Phoenix hotel businessman Charlie Alexander signed a three-year lease from Nancy to become the racing director of PIR. In 1972, in response to criticism from the previous year of a dangerous and slippery track surface, track officials started putting down a traction compound to combat the issue; the fix was received well by driver Bobby Unser.

Short-lived FasTrack rebrand

On December 6, 1972, the Arizona Republic reported that Nancy Hogue sold PIR to Newport Beach, California, businessman Paul O'Shea. However, nine days later, the Republic retracted their claim, stating that the facility was instead bought by the Malcolm Bricklin-owned General Vehicle Inc., with O'Shea assisting with the company's purchase; it was also announced that Alexander was ousted from his lease on the facility. In a press conference held on January 23, 1973, newly appointed track president Anthony Kopp announced the track's rebranding to "FasTrack International Speedway" as part of Bricklin's FasTrack brand, a subsidiary under General Vehicle. Kopp also announced plans for US$30,000 worth of renovations, including the expansion of permanent seating capacity to 16,000, the construction of a new pit road, and other miscellaneous amenity improvements. Two months later, the facility experienced its fifth fatality when driver Bob Criss died in a practice crash for a USAC event.

General Vehicle soon after its purchase of PIR experienced major financial difficulties, primarily related to the problems of the General Vehicle-manufactured Bricklin SV-1. As a result, by April 1975, FasTrack International Speedway director Russ Kurtz stated in the Arizona Daily Star that the facility had been on sale "for a number of months"; however, he also stated that he did not see the track being sold in the near future. General Vehicle filed for reorganization on October 1, leaving FasTrack in a state of "limbo". In December, Bricklin resigned from General Vehicle, and the company and its subsidiaries was declared bankrupt by federal bankruptcy judge Edward Davis on January 12, 1976, with Bricklin in a reported US$34.6 million in debt. Davis also ruled to let FasTrack International Raceway to continue hosting races to pay off creditors.

Fletcher and Wood years

By early May 1976, numerous offers to purchase the facility were made, including an offer from an unspecified buyer for $200,000 and another $375,000 offer from a group led by Bill Moore. However, all were either withdrawn by prospective buyers or rejected by the court. After rejecting another offer of $280,000, Davis gave control of the facility to lienholders Nancy Hogue and First Pennsylvania Bank, leaving an uncertain future for the facility despite a potential offer from J. C. Agajanian. However, on August 18, the Republic reported that a group led by Bob Fletcher, Tom Taber, and Bill Hardy bought the facility at an undisclosed price; it was later revealed to be "in the neighborhood of $400,000" according to Taber. With the purchase, the track's name was reverted to "Phoenix International Raceway", with the group promising renovations to existing grandstands, garages, and media centers alongside a wider variety of events. In 1977, the track's surface was repaved and completed by October of that year. In the same year, the first NASCAR-sanctioned race occurred at the facility, with Cale Yarborough winning a NASCAR Winston West Series (now known as the ARCA Menards West Series) event on November 27. The following year, the facility oversaw its sixth fatality, with driver Otis D. Hurley dying in a sports car crash during a practice session on the facility's road course.

In 1980, under threats from the track's owners to permanently shut down PIR due to owner disputes, PIR general manager Dennis Wood and contractor Bill Krug signed a three-year lease to run the facility. In a 1998 interview, Wood admitted he had little income at the time and had only obtained the lease because "my only thought at the time was we can't shut PIR down". A year later, Wood alongside California businessman Warner W. Hodgdon bought the facility from Fletcher within the "seven-figure" price range. Hodgdon's ownership was short-lived; in January 1983, Wood bought Hodgdon's 75% share of ownership, stating that the two had "philosophical differences" over how to run the facility. Wood later added Fletcher back as a partner for $1 as a sign of gratitude for Fletcher's "friendship and kindness toward me over the years". In 1985, after an IndyCar race was cancelled due to concerns of a deteriorating track surface with a new IndyCar model, track officials approved a repave of the oval track. That same year, James Haynes died during the Copper World Classic, becoming the seventh fatality at the facility.

Buddy Jobe era, mass expansion

On August 23, 1985, Wood stated to the Republic that an agreement was reached with an unspecified buyer to purchase PIR. Two days later, the buyers were revealed to be farmer Emmett "Buddy" Jobe and accounting firm owner Patrick Johnson, with ownership officially transferring to the duo in September. With the purchase, the duo promised an increase in permanent seating capacity from 10,400 to "between 20,000 and 25,000" alongside starting negotiations to obtain a NASCAR Busch Grand National Series race. In February 1986, Jobe bought out Johnson's share of ownership, becoming the sole owner of the facility. Within the months of April to September 1986, $400,000 worth of renovations were made, including the addition of a pedestrian bridge over the third and fourth turns connecting the infield to outside viewing areas and additional concrete barriers. In 1987, two separate fires less than a month apart affected the facility's grandstands. The first occurred on April 26 due to a lightning strike, burning around 40% of the frontstretch grandstands. While plans were initiated to both repair and expand seating capacity, in June, another fire affected the frontstretch grandstands; this time due to a blowtorch construction accident. In response, Jobe announced the construction of an enlarged grandstand made out of steel and aluminum with a capacity of 10,000. [[File:AlanKulwickiSearsPoint1991.jpg|alt=refer to caption|thumb|[[Alan Kulwicki]] (pictured in 1991) won the [[1988 Checker 500|first NASCAR Cup Series race]] at Phoenix Raceway in 1988.|220x220px]]On November 30, NASCAR spokesman Les Richter announced that PIR was awarded a NASCAR Cup Series race weekend for the following year. To accommodate NASCAR, a $5 million renovation project was implemented, building a new VIP hospitality building, renovating the garage area, extending pit road by 240 ft, and expanding permanent seating capacity to 30,000 in time for the 1988 Checker 500. The first Cup Series race at the facility ran as scheduled on November 6, with Alan Kulwicki winning the event. The following year, another $2 million was spent on expansion, constructing a four-story VIP suite building on the track's first turn, the expansion of permanent seating capacity to "about 42,000", renovations to the facility's scoring tower and media center, and other upgrades related to beautification. In 1990, plans were drafted to add a 5,000-seat grandstand alongside the construction of a new infield road course, with the latter being completed two years later. The facility underwent a $800,000 refurbishment in 1991, adding 700 luxury seats and increased infield parking. That same year, PIR experienced its eighth fatality when USAC Silver Crown Series driver Danny Milburn crashed during a Silver Crown race. In 1993, PIR ran its first night race, installing temporary lights to run a IMSA GT Championship race. By 1995, seating capacity increased to "nearly 60,000", with Jobe stating that he had invested over $10 million (adjusted for inflation, $) into the facility. In 1997, Arizona Governor Fife Symington approved state funding for a five-lane bridge to be built over the Gila River that addressed long-lasting traffic concerns.

ISC purchase

The first rumors of a potential sale of PIR came in November 1996, with the Bruton Smith-owned Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) being named as potential buyers; according to the Republic. Both Jobe and SMI spokesman Humpy Wheeler denied the rumor, with Jobe stating he was getting "a little irritated" at the rumor. Jobe reaffirmed his position in another Republic interview on March 22, 1997, stating, "How much stronger can I make this? I'm not selling." However, on July 14, the Republic reported that PIR was "likely" purchased by the Florida-based International Speedway Corporation (ISC). The purchase was confirmed in a press conference that same day, with ISC paying $46 million for the facility; Jobe remained as the president of PIR. In 1998, a new 5,000-seat grandstand in the track's second turn named in honor of Bobby Allison was announced to increase seating capacity to "more than 72,000". Three years later, a new scoring pylon was built to replace the tower built in 1988. In 2002, Jobe retired as president of PIR, with Watkins Glen International president Bryan Sperber replacing Jobe as president of PIR. The following year, the track's dogleg was also reconfigured, with the dogleg being made wider for both increased safety and passing opportunities. The turn two wall was also extended to fully enclose the track. The project started in May and was completed in October for testing. In December, PIR began installing SAFER barriers around the oval track's perimeter; the installation was complete by January 2004.

PIR officials began lobbying for a second NASCAR Cup Series race weekend in February 2003. Despite Sperber stating the track was not seeking to install permanent lighting in January 2003, PIR officials initiated negotiations with Arizona politicians to use tax revenue to construct lights and other road renovations in further efforts to allure a second Cup Series weekend. After failing to receive it for 2004, a second Cup Series weekend for 2005 was officially awarded on May 14 after Arizona government officials approved an allocation of $5 million in state funding to renovate roads near PIR. A $5 million permanent lighting system to host night racing was installed soon after, being completed in March 2005. In 2006, new amenities were constructed, including an extension of the Allison Grandstand to 14,000 seats and a new luxury lounge. In 2010, seating capacity was reduced to 55,000 when seats were widened to 22 in.

2011 reconfiguration and 2018 renovations

On November 19, 2010, ISC officials announced a $100 million long-term project aimed at PIR's "development". Approximately four months later, PIR track officials announced a repave and reconfiguration of the oval track; among said changes stated were the widening of the frontstretch by 10 ft to 62 ft, the track's pit road being pushed back, and the dogleg being "pushed out" by 95 ft. Additionally, the apron underneath the dogleg, which at the time was covered in grass, was paved over, subsequently leading to drivers often cutting the dogleg apron. A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony featuring driver Jeff Gordon breaking the old pavement apart with an excavator was held on February 27, and construction began by April. The repave was completed by October of that year for testing, and it received positive reactions from numerous drivers, including Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards. Despite changes, both attendance and seating capacity continued to decline; by 2014, capacity decreased further to 50,000 according to the Republic.

On November 17, 2016, NBC Sports reported that PIR officials submitted a renovation project for ISC officials to approve. 13 days later, the ISC board of directors approved the $178 million project. Within the project, plans were made to demolish the frontstretch grandstands, extend the Allison Grandstand, redesign the track's infield, shift the start-finish line to after turn two and before the dogleg, add additional suites, and implement other modernization improvements. In September 2017, Ingenuity Sun Media (ISM) bought the naming rights for PIR starting in 2018, with the track being renamed to "ISM Raceway". On August 20, 2018, Sperber announced his retirement as president of the facility, with ISC Design & Development director of business operations Julie Giese being named as Sperber's replacement. The renovation project was completed in time for the 2018 Can-Am 500. In 2019, seating capacity decreased to 42,000 according to ISC archive records. That same year, ownership of the facility was transferred to the sanctioning body of NASCAR when ISC was bought out by NASCAR. The following year, ISM and the speedway ended their naming rights relationship despite a 10-year deal, with the track renaming itself to "Phoenix Raceway". In November 2022, Giese stepped down as president of Phoenix Raceway to run operations for the Chicago Street Course, with Bell Bank executive Latasha Causey taking over the position.

Events

Racing events

NASCAR

The track hosts two annual NASCAR race weekends: the Straight Talk Wireless 500 and the fall Freeway Insurance 500. The facility also features support events from the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, including the GOVX 200, the Xfinity 200, and the Craftsman 150. In 2020, the fall events were moved from being the penultimate race of the season to the final race, replacing Homestead–Miami Speedway as the championship venue for all three NASCAR national series. However, after six years, the championship race is scheduled to Homestead–Miami Speedway in 2026.

Open-wheel racing

Phoenix Raceway has held numerous open-wheel racing events under various sanctioning bodies: primarily under the United States Auto Club (USAC), Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), and IndyCar. Until the mid-1980s, the facility held two annual open-wheel races a year: the Jimmy Bryan Memorial and the Bobby Ball Memorial. Both iterations were inaugurated in 1964, and were held annually by USAC until 1979, when both events were taken by CART. The Bobby Ball Memorial ran until 1986, when it was dropped from the 1987 CART season.

After 1986, the Jimmy Bryan Memorial was held and organized by CART until 1996, when control of the event was turned over to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in the midst of the CART–IRL split. The race remained on the schedule until 2005, when it was dropped for the 2006 season. Open-wheel racing did not come back to Phoenix Raceway until 2016, when IndyCar, formerly the IRL, returned. However, the event was dropped after 2018; according to IndyCar, the reason was due to poor attendance "despite considerable investment from both sides".

In 2025, it was announced that IndyCar will return to Phoenix in 2026, sharing a weekend with NASCAR.

Other racing events

• From 1977 until 2009, Phoenix Raceway hosted the annual Copper World Classic, a multi-division race weekend.
• From 1992 to 1995, Phoenix Raceway hosted an annual IMSA GT Championship race.

Non-racing events

Phoenix Raceway has held various EDM music festivals since the 2020s, including the Goldrush Music Festival, Decadence Arizona, and PHXLIGHTS.

Lap records

As of November 2024, the fastest official race lap records at Phoenix Raceway are listed as:

Notes

References

References

1. Knight, Michael. (11 June 2015). "PIR to be renamed in honor of Jeff Gordon for fall race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
2. "2023 NASCAR Cup Series Fall Phoenix Raceway Race Page".
3. Ryan, Nate. (November 8, 2014). "Phoenix's dogleg could produce another dogfight in Chase".
4. Krueger, Nick. (March 12, 2016). "Phoenix International Raceway presents unique challenge for drivers".
5. (March 16, 1964). "New International Raceway Cotton Field 6 Months Ago". [[The Arizona Republic]].
6. Armijo, Mark. (April 21, 2001). "PIR road course prompts cheers, sneers". [[The Arizona Republic]].
7. Gómez, Laura. (November 9, 2017). "NASCAR race weekend: How to get to PIR, where to park, what to avoid".
8. Caldwell, Dave. (November 8, 2019). "NASCAR Finds A Sweet Spot For Stadium Size".
9. Bianchi, Jordan. (November 13, 2015). "Rattlesnake Hill is NASCAR's best vantage point".
10. McGee, Ryan. (April 14, 2009). "To The Top of Rattlesnake Hill".
11. Gianelli, Frank. (July 10, 1963). "New Raceway Due". [[The Arizona Republic]].
12. Triplett, Kevin. (October 7, 2016). "The construction of Phoenix International Raceway".
13. (July 16, 1963). "Race Interests Fail to Agree". [[The Arizona Republic]].
14. (August 27, 1963). "Commission Vetoes Paving Fairground Oval". [[The Arizona Republic]].
15. (September 13, 1963). "Race Track To Get Start". [[The Arizona Republic]].
16. Gianelli, Frank. (September 20, 1963). "Track Shows Early Speed". [[The Arizona Republic]].
17. Rowe, Jack. (November 16, 1963). "Sports Car Corner". [[Tucson Citizen]].
18. (November 9, 1963). "150-Miler Will Open Race Plant". [[The Arizona Republic]].
19. Rowe, Jack. (November 23, 1963). "Sports Car Corner". [[Tucson Citizen]].
20. Bird, Tracy. (December 29, 1963). "Phoenix Raceway To Open". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
21. Gianelli, Frank. (March 21, 1964). "PIR Builder Man of Vision". [[The Arizona Republic]].
22. Dean, Paul. (April 16, 1964). "Hot Ride on Road Course". [[The Arizona Republic]].
23. (January 5, 1964). "New Raceway Baptized". [[The Arizona Republic]].
24. Gianelli, Frank. (January 7, 1964). "Sports Feud Full of Hate". [[The Arizona Republic]].
25. Gianelli, Frank. (February 16, 1964). "Sports Racing Worth Watching". [[The Arizona Republic]].
26. Pierson, Gerry. (February 17, 1964). "Jack Hinkle Wins PIR Race Honors". [[The Arizona Republic]].
27. Gianelli, Frank. (February 21, 1964). "Gripes Made, More Coming". [[The Arizona Republic]].
28. Pierson, Gerry. (March 2, 1964). "PIR Prizes Divided; Death Mars Racing". [[The Arizona Republic]].
29. (March 8, 1964). "Green Monster Featured at Bee Line". [[The Arizona Republic]].
30. Pierson, Gerry. (March 23, 1964). "Foyt Powers to Easy Victory in PIR 100". [[The Arizona Republic]].
31. Pierson, Gerry. (April 19, 1964). "MacDonald, Cobra Capture FIA Race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
32. Rowe, Jack. (September 5, 1964). "PIR International Cancelled". [[Tucson Citizen]].
33. Gianelli, Frank. (June 16, 1964). "Hogue Retains Faith in PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
34. (July 3, 1964). "Redkey Takes PIR Control". [[The Arizona Republic]].
35. (July 9, 1964). "Huff Adds Raceway To Auto Duties". [[Tucson Citizen]].
36. Gianelli, Frank. (November 24, 1964). "Traffic Jam Monumental". [[The Arizona Republic]].
37. (December 23, 1964). "Local Race Postponed". [[The Arizona Republic]].
38. Crawford, Bob. (January 13, 1965). "Power Struggle Kills Race". [[Tucson Citizen]].
39. Smith, DeWayne. (March 24, 1965). "New Parking Plan To Avoid Race Jam". [[Phoenix Gazette]].
40. Allison, Bob. (June 22, 1965). "Phony Ring Division Due For Elimination?". [[Phoenix Gazette]].
41. Summers, Walt. (November 28, 1965). "Auto Race Track Conditions Described As 'Primitive'". [[The Arizona Republic]].
42. Hogue, Richard P.. (December 5, 1965). "PIR Critic No Race Authority". [[The Arizona Republic]].
43. (November 28, 1964). "Race Vet Marshman Burned in PIR Crash". [[The Arizona Republic]].
44. (December 4, 1964). "Marshman Loses Battle for Life". [[The Arizona Republic]].
45. (August 23, 1965). "PIR Crash Kills Tucson Drag Racer". [[The Arizona Republic]].
46. Pierson, Gerry. (August 24, 1965). "Miner Will Never Tell His Story". [[The Arizona Republic]].
47. (February 6, 1967). "Youth Hurt In Kart Race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
48. (May 27, 1967). "Racer, 13, Files $1 Million Suit". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
49. (February 28, 1972). "Air Force captain killed in raceway auto accident". [[The Arizona Republic]].
50. Triplett, Kevin. (October 11, 2016). "Early racing at Phoenix International Raceway".
51. (February 3, 1967). "Agajanian Joins PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
52. Wood, Dennis. (February 16, 1967). "J. C. Agajanian Takes Over As PIR Promotion Manager". [[The Arizona Republic]].
53. Wood, Dennis. (February 18, 1967). "Injunction Order Filed in PIR Case". [[The Arizona Republic]].
54. Wood, Dennis. (March 3, 1967). "PIR Owner Is Sued". [[The Arizona Republic]].
55. (October 27, 1967). "J. C. Agajanian Brings USAC Race To Phoenix". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
56. (November 20, 1967). "USAC Sanctions Stock Car Race at PIR in Winter". [[The Arizona Republic]].
57. Wood, Dennis. (January 29, 1968). "Don White Stock Car Victor at PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
58. Wood, Dennis. (March 24, 1968). "Phoenix Raceway Due Facelifting". [[The Arizona Republic]].
59. (June 22, 1968). "'Foyt's Corner' Demise Near". [[The Arizona Republic]].
60. (September 19, 1968). "PIR Dogleg Is Removed". [[The Arizona Republic]].
61. (October 19, 1969). "Improvements made at PIR; Bobby Ball tickets on sale". [[The Arizona Republic]].
62. Triplett, Kevin. (October 17, 2016). "The history of Phoenix International Raceway continues".
63. Erickson, P. J.. (October 26, 1971). "A. J., The Long-Hair". [[Tucson Citizen]].
64. Garrett, Mike. (March 12, 1972). "Bobby Unser getting top speed". [[The Arizona Republic]].
65. (December 6, 1972). "Phoenix track sold to O'Shea". [[The Arizona Republic]].
66. Garrett, Mike. (December 15, 1972). "New PIR owners to announce long range plans next month". [[The Arizona Republic]].
67. Boatner, Verne. (January 24, 1973). "New name, facelift scheduled for PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
68. Garrett, Mike. (March 13, 1973). "Race driver dies in crash at speedway". [[The Arizona Republic]].
69. Stewart, Edison. (April 22, 1975). "Bricklin Wants 'Hatchet Buried'". [[Telegraph-Journal]].
70. (September 23, 1975). "No More N.B. Funds As Bricklin Reviewed". [[Telegraph-Journal]].
71. (January 13, 1976). "Bricklin Firms Bankrupt". [[Telegraph-Journal]].
72. Reynard, Calvin. (August 10, 1975). "FasTrack For Sale, But...". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
73. (October 1, 1975). "Parent Bricklin Firm Files For Reorganization". [[Saint John Times Globe]].
74. Reynard, Calvin. (October 12, 1975). "USAC At FasTrack". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
75. (December 17, 1975). "Bricklin resigns from auto firm". [[The Arizona Republic]].
76. (May 5, 1976). "3 withdraw offer to buy raceway". [[The Arizona Republic]].
77. (May 12, 1976). "Racetrack released to claimants". [[The Arizona Republic]].
78. Garrett, Mike. (July 31, 1976). "FasTrack future remains uncertain". [[The Arizona Republic]].
79. (August 18, 1976). "FasTrack facility gets new owners, new title". [[The Arizona Republic]].
80. Garrett, Mike. (August 27, 1976). "Doctors seek cure for ailing PIR facility". [[The Arizona Republic]].
81. Reynard, Calvin. (August 29, 1976). "FasTrack Dead, Long Live PIR". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
82. Reynard, Calvin. (September 19, 1976). "PIR Plans Bigger Card". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
83. Garrett, Mike. (July 15, 1977). "Season tickets top PIR activity". [[The Arizona Republic]].
84. Garrett, Mike. (October 6, 1977). "Johncock, Unser Approve". [[The Arizona Republic]].
85. Garrett, Mike. (November 28, 1977). "Yarborough roars to West win". [[The Arizona Republic]].
86. (September 11, 1978). "PIR crash kills driver". [[The Arizona Republic]].
87. Morales, Javier. (October 22, 1998). "Zoomtown". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
88. (July 15, 1980). "2 men sign lease to run PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
89. Jayroe, Walt. (October 28, 1981). "Californian, track GM buy PIR for '7 figures'". [[The Arizona Republic]].
90. Nightengale, Bob. (January 15, 1983). "PIR sold to Wood". [[The Arizona Republic]].
91. Armijo, Mark. (March 29, 2002). "Jobe built PIR into top track after Wood gave it life". [[The Arizona Republic]].
92. Armijo, Mark. (March 14, 1985). "New car designs, PIR conditions force cancellation of race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
93. Armijo, Mark. (August 7, 1985). "PIR OKs repaving, to stage October Dana race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
94. (July 29, 1985). "Racer succumbs from injuries suffered in Sunday PIR event". [[The Arizona Republic]].
95. (August 23, 1985). "Sale of PIR possible". [[The Arizona Republic]].
96. Armijo, Mark. (August 25, 1985). "Two Valley men buy PIR, expect to begin operation in '2 weeks'". [[The Arizona Republic]].
97. Armijo, Mark. (September 14, 1985). "Disappointed Sneva aiming for strong finish to season". [[The Arizona Republic]].
98. Armijo, Mark. (September 7, 1985). "New PIR owners seek 2nd Indy-car race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
99. (February 14, 1986). "Jobe Sole PIR Owner". [[The Arizona Republic]].
100. Armijo, Mark. (September 13, 1986). "PIR talks with NASCAR heat up". [[The Arizona Republic]].
101. (September 24, 1986). "Hawks, Wilkins agree on deal". [[The Arizona Republic]].
102. (April 28, 1987). "Fire at raceway is probed". [[The Arizona Republic]].
103. (May 18, 1987). "Lightning is blamed for blaze that damaged track's seating". [[The Arizona Republic]].
104. Armijo, Mark. (May 2, 1987). "PIR plans grandstand repairs for fall race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
105. Armijo, Mark. (June 13, 1987). "McSpadden leads Arnold Memorial field". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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107. Armijo, Mark. (July 23, 1988). "Jobe opens wallet to place PIR on NASCAR circuit". [[The Arizona Republic]].
108. Armijo, Mark. (November 7, 1988). "Kulwicki engineers Checker victory". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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110. McManaman, Bob. (August 9, 1990). "Study says PIR races worth $90 million to local economy". [[The Arizona Republic]].
111. Bravo, Al. (October 2, 1992). "Fangio has traffic concerns on new Phoenix road course". [[Arizona Daily Star]].
112. Reisner, Mel. (July 13, 1991). "PIR applies to hold NASCAR Winston Cup race in February". [[The Arizona Republic]].
113. Armijo, Mark. (February 4, 1991). "Indiana racer dies after PIR crash". [[The Arizona Republic]].
114. Armijo, Mark. (July 3, 1993). "PIR prepares for 1st-ever night race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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116. Armijo, Mark. (April 19, 1997). "Gila River bridge at PIR gets green light". [[The Arizona Republic]].
117. Armijo, Mark. (November 23, 1996). "Annoyed Jobe denies rumors about sale of Phoenix racetrack". [[The Arizona Republic]].
118. Armijo, Mark. (March 22, 1997). "Rumors persist, but owner insists PIR not for sale". [[The Arizona Republic]].
119. Armijo, Mark. (July 14, 1997). "PIR likely sold to Fla. firm". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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124. Armijo, Mark. (March 28, 2003). "NASCAR likes PIR changes". [[The Arizona Republic]].
125. Armijo, Mark. (May 30, 2003). "Mixed reviews greet PIR project". [[The Arizona Republic]].
126. Armijo, Mark. (October 5, 2003). "Altered Turn 2 passes inspection". [[The Arizona Republic]].
127. Armijo, Mark. (December 10, 2003). "PIR starts installing SAFER wall system". [[The Arizona Republic]].
128. Armijo, Mark. (January 23, 2004). "SAFER wall at PIR is not invitation to riskier racing". [[The Arizona Republic]].
129. Armijo, Mark. (February 15, 2003). "PIR lobbies for 2nd NASCAR race". [[The Arizona Republic]].
130. Armijo, Mark. (January 24, 2003). "Mast retires due to poisoning". [[The Arizona Republic]].
131. Harris, Craig. (March 1, 2003). "PIR wants taxes to fund lights, road". [[The Arizona Republic]].
132. Armijo, Mark. (June 13, 2003). "No 2nd NASCAR race at PIR". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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135. Armijo, Mark. (March 30, 2005). "Let there be lights: PIR unveils $5 mil system". [[The Arizona Republic]].
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153. Knight, Michael. (September 25, 2017). "Phoenix International Raceway to become ISM Raceway starting in 2018".
154. Knight, Michael. (August 20, 2018). "Bryan Sperber stepping down as ISM Raceway president after November NASCAR race".
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161. Cusumano, Cole. (November 6, 2022). "Julie Giese bids farewell to Phoenix Raceway in final NASCAR championship weekend".
162. Cusumano, Cole. (November 1, 2022). "Latasha Causey will be next track president at Phoenix Raceway".
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