NASCAR: Phoenix Raceway's Upgrades Have Drivers Excited

Phoenix Raceway will begin to look different for NASCAR and IndyCar fans, as the track is set to undergo a $178 million project Powered by DC Solar.

Phoenix Raceway, together with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”), announced the details of a $178 million modernization of the race track with a variety of enhanced amenities for fans, teams, sponsors and other stakeholders.

Among the many highlights of the modernization project is a completely redesigned infield featuring a first-of-its-kind Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garage 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 dog leg. Other new highlights include a new pedestrian tunnel connecting the infield to the new seating areas featuring in-seat Wi-Fi connectivity.

Here are some more images of what @PhoenixRaceway will look like: pic.twitter.com/qoX2htqWgf

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) January 30, 2017

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.

“It’s great to see Phoenix Raceway make such a big investment to improve the experience for the fans,” said Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. “I’m from the West Coast and Phoenix is one of those places that always feels like home to me. Moving the start/finish line is a big change for all the racers that have been used to racing at Phoenix in the past; I’m looking forward to seeing how those changes might affect the racing and how the end of the races play out.”

Kyle Busch isn’t the only driver excited about the changes. Blake Koch, driver of the No. 11 Leaf Filter Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Tweeted his approval of the changes, specifically the move of the start/finish line.

Going to definitely want to qualify upfront at @PhoenixRaceway !New start finish line will make it fun getting through the gears on restarts pic.twitter.com/ZEghf39sBn

— Blake Koch (@BlakeKochRacing) January 30, 2017

The DC Solar, entitlement partner of Phoenix Raceway’s spring NASCAR XFINITY Series race, the DC Solar 200, will serve as the title sponsor for the modernization project (Phoenix Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar) as well as a multi-year sponsor of the redesigned Midway.

The project is set to be completed in time for the November 2018 race.