The town of Avondale, Arizona, is a quiet little town just west of Phoenix. It’s filled with farmland, middle class suburban homes, and the occasional fine dining. It’s a very diverse town that doesn’t see much action. But twice a year, this town is overrun by the rich smell of octane, the smoke from burning rubber, and the metal-to-metal contact of high performance NASCAR race cars tearing up the asphalt at Phoenix International Raceway. The town is flooded with fans, eager to see who will take the checkered flag at their home track, and motorhomes, filled with people so dedicated to this sport that they are willing to follow it across the country. If you’ve ever thought about seeing a race over at PIR, you need to see the night race. NASCAR under the lights is an event worth experiencing, and the Subway Fresh Fit 500 really delivered.
Phoenix International Raceway Details
Phoenix International Raceway
7602 S. Avondale Blvd.
Avondale, AZ 85323
Phone: 1-866-408-7223
Directions to Phoenix International Raceway & Where to Park
Google Maps - Phoenix International Raceway
It’s approximately six miles south of Interstate 10 at Exit 131. The track is just south of the corner of Avondale Blvd. and Southern Rd.
Phoenix International Raceway has made parking and getting to the track even easier now, with their Park-N-Ride system. Fans can now park at Cricket Pavilion, located just off of 83rd Avenue and Interstate 10, and for a small fee of $7.00, ride a school bus on a dedicated route straight to the front entrance of the track. While the system may not be fool-proof yet, it really beats having to walk a mile in a dirt parking lot to get to the entrance. The buses run all day, so no matter what time you decide to show up, you’ll always have a ride.
Happenings Around The Track
You should probably take advantage of the all day rides and show up early, too, as there is so much to do at the track that you may run out of time before the race starts. For starters, you can walk over to the pre-race show that is usually going on behind the west end of the track. Not only do you get to see the pre-race show, you may even be lucky enough to get on TV, as they have cameras circling the audience through the entire show. After that, be sure to check the General Motors booth. You may just get your chance to see a new GM vehicle before the rest of the world!
On your way around the track, you need to check out the Freestylemx.com and Boost Mobile motocross event. Boost Mobile has teamed up with Freestyle MX to bring a group of freestyle motocross riders to the track to perform stunts and put on shows several times a day. The stunts alone are worth a look, and to make it that much better, all the stunts are performed while jumping the bikes over their motorhome!
The track also has food for everyone. If you’re vegetarian, you can get a healthy salad with dressing. If you’re into down home southern cookin’, the Rattlesnake Fritters might be right up your alley. Or, if you’re just in the mood for some good Louisiana Cajun cooking, well, they have that too!
The Phoenix International Raceway Experience
Once the race starts, be sure to grab your seat and watch the green flag drop for the first time. As the entire field races past you, the roar of the engines will literally suck the breath out of you. This lets you know that every driver means business, and every driver wants to get to that finish line quicker than the rest. While Phoenix is a relatively flat track, with a mere 11 degree banking, the action is still very intense, and you will see drivers pushing their cars to the limits and getting sideways coming out of turns two and four. Once the sun starts setting and the stadium lights hit the track, the entire experience changes. Track conditions change due to temperature decreases, making each car handle a little different, and this will usually lead to flared tempers and cars being put into the wall. Once the sun has fully set and night comes, every driver is ready to make the final chase to the checkered flag for the win.
The Subway Fresh Fit 500
This year, Mark Martin started early by taking the pole position in qualifying, and leading most of the beginning of the race. After a horrible day with a less than perfect car, Dale Earnhardt Jr. opted not to pit during a caution, and took the lead. After holding the lead for roughly 50 laps, he short pitted, to start the first of the green flag pit stops. After everyone had fresh tires and gas, Jr. took the lead again for a few more laps before eventually being passed by Mark Martin, who got himself a well deserved win at Phoenix International Raceway. He had a strong car all day long, and he kept that car up front where it needed to be, holding Tony Stewart in second place for most of the race.
Ending Your Day At Phoenix International Raceway
Once the race is over, there is still plenty of post race entertainment at the track, with music and partying and celebrations for the winner of the race. Most people are ready to get on home, though, and this is where the Park-N-Ride comes in handy. You’re tired, it’s been a busy day, and rather than walking a mile into the parking lot to find your car, you just hop on the bus and get taken back to the parking lot you originally parked in. Be sure to bring your camera along with you, as there will be plenty going on, plenty to take pictures of, and plenty of excitement throughout the day to make the event a memorable one. And when you’re ready for more, NASCAR will be back at Phoenix International Raceway in the fall for another weekend of bumping, grinding, and high octane excitement in the desert.
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