Phoenix Raceway, together with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation, announced today the details of a $178 million modernization for the track that hosts a Verizon IndyCar Series race, with a variety of enhanced amenities for fans, teams, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Among the highlights of the modernization project is a completely redesigned infield featuring a first-of-its-kind fan zone, placing fans face-to-face with the superstars of the sport. Phoenix Raceway’s start/finish line will be repositioned in Turn 2 just before the track’s well-known dogleg. Other new highlights include a new pedestrian tunnel connecting the infield to the new seating areas featuring in-seat wifi connectivity.
“When our project is completed, we will have a venue that delivers amazing fan experiences to go along with our reputation for great racing action,” said Phoenix Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber. “By shifting the start/finish line to Phoenix Raceway’s famed dogleg, fans will be perfectly positioned to watch one of the most exciting turns in motorsports. We are confident the Phoenix Raceway Project powered by DC Solar will put racing in Arizona in a whole new and exciting light.”
Sperber was joined for today’s announcement by Lesa France Kennedy, ISC chief executive officer; Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations; Alexander Rossi, the 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner for Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian; and NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez.
The project will not be completed until November 2018, so will not be in place for this year’s Phoenix Grand Prix weekend April 28-29, the fourth race on the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon won last year’s event on the 1-mile oval in the series’ first race at the Avondale, Arizona, track since 2005. It was Dixon’s 40th career win, moving him alone into fourth place on the all-time Indy car victories list.
When completed, the repositioned start/finish line will enhance the competition near one of the most challenging areas of the track while adding to the excitement during key race moments such as restarts and the closing laps.
“If we needed any more of an invitation to throw it down inside of (Turn) 1, it will be there now,” said Rossi, whose first-ever oval race was at Phoenix last year, where he started and finished 14th.
The modernization project also includes the installation of new/upgraded seating and hospitality areas near the current Turn 2 location. A new grandstand will be built alongside upgraded seats in the existing Bobby Allison Grandstand (both featuring individual chair-back stadium seats with armrests), complete with modern amenities such as new escalators and elevators, additional restrooms and concessions and a redesigned Midway conveniently located near the seating areas.
“This is a great day for ISC and Phoenix Raceway, but more importantly, for racing fans in the state of Arizona and around the world,” said Kennedy, the ISC CEO. “A project of this magnitude is monumental for our company as we get to work enhancing the experience of the great fans who love to watch our races in Phoenix and enjoy this beautiful area.
“Having Phoenix Raceway within our prestigious stable of venues always has been a tremendous asset and source of pride for us. We are thrilled to create a best-in-class facility in Phoenix, and we’re confident it will grow the fan base here and further serve as a destination track for motorsports fans everywhere.”
IndyCar