Dover International Speedway announces seat-widening

Dec. 29, 2011

 

Dover International Speedway announces seat-widening plan to begin in 2012

 

DOVER, Del. – In an ongoing effort to provide fans with the most exciting and enjoyable race experience in NASCAR, Dover International Speedway is pleased to announce a seat-widening plan for the track’s grandstands beginning in 2012.

 

The multi-year process, which will take place throughout the entire outdoor grandstands, will begin in all seating sections located in Turns 2 and 3. Additional widening of seats toward Turns 1 and 4 and the frontstretch will begin after the conclusion of the 2012 season. When the process is complete, all seats will have increased from 18” to 22” in size throughout the venue.

 

“Year to year, we’re always exploring ways to improve the experience for fans who attend our races at the Monster Mile,” said Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “Because many seats have already been renewed by our most loyal fans, we don’t want to displace them in an effort to make this change in one fell swoop. We’ll do our best to widen seats this year, and complete the process by 2014.

 

“By widening our seats we are responding to suggestions from our fans and allowing them to enjoy the race in a far more comfortable setting.”

 

When the process is complete by 2014, Dover’s new seating capacity will be 113,000.

 

Tickets are now on sale for the June 1-3, 2012 and Sept. 28-30, 2012 NASCAR race weekends at the Monster Mile. For more information or tickets, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.

 

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Dover Motorsports, Inc. is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tennessee. For further information, log on to www.DoverMotorsports.com.

 

Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone

Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone

 

December 26, 2011

Five Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity Produced

Long Pond, Pa. (December 26 2011) ? Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.

"This is another important milestone for Pocono Raceway," said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway.  "Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight with the world’s largest renewable energy project to –power a sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes.  This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to Go Green, can do it."

The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills.

The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise

The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2012. The 31^st annual Pocono 400, June 8-10 and the 39^th annual Pennsylvania 400, August 3-5.

XXX

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

David Kaplan steps in for Scott Paddock and announces plans to take the 2012 season to a new level

Joliet, Ill. – December 14, 2011 – Chicagoland Speedway president Scott Paddock is relinquishing his seat at the helm of the Speedway while Comcast SportsNet’s Chicago Tribune Live host, David Kaplan, proudly steps in to serve as Chicagoland Speedway’s president for the day. In what originally started off as a friendly bet between Paddock and Kaplan on their weekly Comcast SportsNet show, quickly turned into a season-long point’s competition for bragging rights and a day that will turn out to be one of the best days for NASCAR fans in the Chicagoland area.

“Sure, Scott Paddock has made many steps in the right direction since taking over last year, but it’s not every day I get to be president of the state’s largest sporting facility,”  said Kaplan, the only broadcaster in Chicago to host a daily radio show, TV show and write a regular column in a major newspaper simultaneously.  “As president of Chicagoland Speedway for the day, I want to do something that really gives back to race fans and helps them enjoy their favorite sport up-close-and-personal.  That’s why I’m implementing special advance ticket pricing so fans that purchase early will have access to even more affordable pricing. And for the first time ever, I’m also going to allow every fan that purchases a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to experience the banking of Chicagoland Speedway first hand by allowing all fans on the track for a post-race track walk.”

With Kaplan’s announcement, for the first time in Chicagoland Speedway history the track will offer advanced ticket pricing. From February 26-April 28, fans can purchase tickets to the two 2012 NASCAR race weekends in advance for the lowest rate of the season—guaranteed—with single day tickets starting at $25 for the July race weekend and $45 for the September Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend. Also, for the first time in the track’s history fans will have the opportunity to walk the race track immediately following September’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

In addition to these changes, with race fans top of mind, Kaplan has decided to kick-off the 2012 season in a major way for one lucky fan and a guest—he’s giving away a trip to the DAYTONA 500® and tickets to the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the GEICO 400, at Chicagoland Speedway!  Enter to win now through January 5 for two unforgettable, action-packed NASCAR weekends.  The Grand Prize includes two tickets to the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at Daytona International Speedway, pre-race and Gatorade Victory Lane access for the winner and guest, as well as a travel allowance. The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup portion will include two tickets to the September 16 race at Chicagoland Speedway along with pre-race and Gatorade Victory Lane access for the winner and guest. The winner can also look forward to a live on-air interview on WGN Radio and a tour of Comcast SportsNet studios with Kaplan along with a tour of Chicagoland Speedway with track president Scott Paddock.  Fans can enter the contest by visiting www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com. The winner will be announced on January 9. 

“I look forward to Kaplan experiencing the power of NASCAR nation and their 75 million plus fans,” said Paddock.  “Kaplan has stirred things up around here at Chicagoland Speedway. The advance ticket pricing and track walk are brilliant ideas. Why didn’t I think of that?!”

In addition to Kaplan’s fan first-ever fan initiatives he’s implementing, he also has changes for the staff at Chicagoland Speedway, “To my loyal Chicagoland Speedway employees, please leave the office by 3:00 p.m. and enjoy the rest of your afternoon!”

Catch Kaplan on Comcast SportNet’s Chicago Tribune Live tonight at 5:30 p.m. CST to see his day at Chicagoland Speedway.

The complete 2012 NASCAR schedule of events at Chicagoland Speedway is as follows:

Date                                         Event

Saturday, July 21                      NASCAR Camping World Truck Series & ARCA Racing Series

Sunday, July 22                                    STP 300 (NASCAR Nationwide Series)

 

Saturday, Sept. 15                    Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola (NASCAR Nationwide Series)

Sunday, Sept. 16                      GEICO 400 (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series)

 

For more information on Chicagoland Speedway stay connected on Twitter and Facebook or by visiting www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.

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Chicagoland SpeedwayChicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile, paved oval race track located in Joliet, Ill.  The track has hosted racing events of the major U.S. racing series, and currently conducts races in all three NASCAR national series, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.   Along with Route 66 Raceway, a drag racing facility located on the same property, Chicagoland Speedway is wholly-owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a major promoter of motorsports activities.  ISC owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major racing venues, including Daytona International Speedway. For more information on Chicagoland Speedway, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.

Cressona Fire Company No. 1 wins its very own Miles the Monster trophy

Dec. 1, 2011

 

Cressona Fire Company No. 1 wins its very own Miles the Monster trophy

 

Special parade to be held in Cressona to celebrate

 

DOVER, Del. – Dover International Speedway is set to present Cressona Fire Company No. 1 in Cressona, Pa. with its very own Miles the Monster trophy on Saturday, Dec. 10 after the group was declared the winner of the Firehouse Challenge contest at the Speedway during the Oct. 2 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

 

Along with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Monster Mile challenged fire companies to see who could get the largest group of firefighters to attend the NFFF Firefighter Appreciation event at the race. The winner receives an exact model of the unique Miles the Monster trophy to display at their firehouse for one year. The monster trophy is the same award that winners of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races receive after a victory in Dover.

 

Dover International Speedway has partnered with the NFFF for four years to create a special hospitality event for firefighters and their families prior to each fall’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The trophy contest is the newest addition to the partnership, and to date the Monster Mile has donated $305,899 to the NFFF.

 

The Cressona Fire Company was able to gather 35 participants, winning the contest, and will be presented with their trophy in a day-long celebration beginning with a 2 p.m. parade through Cressona, Pa. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

 

“We are humbled and honored to accept this award and trophy from Dover International Speedway and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” said Leroy Long, vice president of the Cressona Fire Company No. 1. “We would like to thank the management and all the hard-working staff at Dover International Speedway for working with the NFFF by donating a portion of ticket sales to them so that they can continue on with their mission. We look forward to next years race so that we may again challenge for and win the Firehouse Challenge.”

 

The parade will begin at the Cressona Mall and travel through town, ending at the firehouse at 59 S. Second St., Cressona, Pa. 17929, where the Company will be awarded the trophy by Dover International Speedway. More than 45 vehicles, led by Dover’s official pace vehicle, will participate in the parade.

 

The Monster Mile will host the Firehouse Challenge again at next year’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, set for Sept. 30, 2012. Tickets for that race, as well as the rest of the June 1-3, 2012 and Sept. 28-2012 race weekends, are now on sale. For more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.

 

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

 

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.firehero.org.

Homestead-Miami Speedway:

Homestead-Miami Speedway:

History

·            Groundbreaking for Homestead-Miami Dade Motorsports Complex – as the track was originally named – began Aug. 24, 1993. The first race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Nov. 5, 1995.

·            The original configuration was a four-turn, rectangular oval based on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's layout.

·            The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead was held on Nov. 14, 1999.

·            2002 was the first season of the Championship Weekend at Homestead, with all three of NASCAR’s national series holding their season finale at the same track.

 

Notebook

·            Since the inception of the position-based points system in 1975, only three drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip), Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison) and Jimmie Johnson in 2010 (made up 15 points on Denny Hamlin).

·            There have been 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Homestead, one per season since 1999.

·            Five drivers have competed in all 12 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler and Tony Stewart.

·            David Green won the first pole, in 1999.

·            Tony Stewart won the inaugural race, in 1999.

·            There have been nine different pole winners. Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson lead all drivers, with two.

·            There have been eight different race winners, led by Greg Biffle, with three.

·            Jack Roush has won seven races, most among owners.

·            The race has been won from the pole twice: Bill Elliott (2001) and Kurt Busch (2002).

·            The race has been won from a top-10 starting position in nine of 12 races.

·            Denny Hamlin won in 2009 from the 38th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

·            Three active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Carl Edwards (5.7), Kevin Harvick (7.9) and A.J. Allmendinger (8.7).

 

Homestead-Miami Speedway Data

Race: 36 of 36 (11-20-11)

Track Size: 1.5 miles

Race Length: 267 laps/400.5 miles

·     Banking/Corners: 18 - 20 degrees

·     Banking/Straights: 4 degrees

·     Frontstretch: 1,760 feet

·     Backstretch: 1,760 feet

 

Driver Rating at Homestead
Carl Edwards	117.5
Martin Truex Jr.	107.4
Matt Kenseth	105.7
Kevin Harvick	102.8
Greg Biffle	97.4
Jimmie Johnson	97.4
Denny Hamlin	92.5
Kasey Kahne	89.6
Mark Martin	89.6
Jeff Gordon	88.7

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-11 races (six total) at Homestead-Miami.

 

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Kasey Kahne (176.904 mph, 30.525 seconds)

2010 race winner: Carl Edwards (126.585 mph, 11-21-10)

Track qualifying record: Jamie McMurray (181.111 mph, 29.816 seconds, 11-16-03)

Track race record: Tony Stewart (140.335 mph, 11-14-99)

 

Michigan re-paving is complete

Michigan re-paving is complete: Michigan International Speedway is paving the way for the exciting return of NASCAR to Michigan in 2012. The fourth repave project in the track's 44-year history is complete. The completion of the project means NASCAR drivers will have to work extra hard to win a race at Michigan, a driver favorite and fan since the track opened in 1968. A laser survey of the racetrack before the repave project began last August collected more than 100 million data points across the surface, allowing engineers to replicate all points of the original pavement. But crews smoothed out all of the dips and bumps that occurred over time, making MIS as smooth as silk. "Since the track is so much smoother, it has now created a level playing field for all competitors and all teams," Roger Curtis, president of MIS, explained. "Some teams have a larger book of historical information about the track from past events. All this data can now be thrown out the window because the new, smooth surface will mean the less experienced teams have just as much knowledge of the new surface as the larger, more experienced super-teams." The data points also showed MIS has always had variable banking in its 18-degree turns. Variable banking allows cars to carry more speed through the turns, enabling drivers to run multiple lines around the racetrack. Additionally, a smoother surface usually means more grip with the tires, and more grip means better handling of the cars so drivers feel good about passing and driving high lines.
The $7 million project was done by Ajax Paving Industries in Troy, Mich., who has extensive background in paving high-speed, high-banked ovals including the Chrysler Corp. oval in Chelsea, Mich., and the Ford Romeo Test Track for Ford Motor Co., a five-mile, steep-banked oval used by the manufacturer for testing. The group also completed Phoenix International Raceway, which will host NASCAR events this weekend. The ISC Design & Development engineering and construction team overseeing the project has paved seven NASCAR-sanctioned tracks since 2003. Besides completion of the two-mile oval, the 1.5-mile road course inside the oval was also paved and unveiled to media Thursday. The paving of the road course will enhance the speedway's efforts to be a test bed for various R&D opportunities, while allowing the racetrack to host karting and car club activities.
With paving complete, a few small projects remain to round out all the track work, including landscape restoration, reinstallation of the NASCAR scoring loops and painting the start-finish line. This is the fourth repave in the track's history. The track was built in 1968, and repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995. During the latest project, 22,000 tons of asphalt was placed on the surface, enough to construct about 5 ½ miles of a two-lane county road.
Renewals for 2012 are under way. Guests have until Nov. 18 to ensure they get the best pricing for next season and automatically entered for a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. New guests can place a $10 refundable deposit to take advantage of the best pricing for 2012 by calling 800.354.1010.

GRAND-AM RETURNS TO HOMESTEAD

GRAND-AM ROLEX RACING SPORTS CAR SERIES RETURNS TO HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY IN 2012: GRAND PRIX OF MIAMI SET FOR APRIL 27-29

Homestead-Miami Speedway continues rich history of sports car racing

MIAMI— Next spring, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host to the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series’ Grand Prix of Miami, with the Daytona Prototypes and Grand Touring classes both set to run in South Florida in April. The Grand Prix of Miami will take center stage as Race 3 of the 2012 campaign on the 2.3-mile road course.

“Miami has a stellar sports car-racing tradition, and this is America’s most competitive road-racing series,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matt Becherer. “The Grand Prix of Miami Weekend is a very unique opportunity to get up close with the best sports car drivers in the world. And rest assured that we’ll continue our tradition of unparalleled fan amenities, as we welcome fans into the infield and on to Pit Road; feature driver meet-and-greets and autograph sessions; and continue our policy of admitting all kids 12 and under FREE of charge.”

GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series competitors will compete for an exciting new three-race endurance championship, highlighting the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series schedule announced today.

The inaugural North American Endurance Championship will feature the 50th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 28-29, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International on June 29-July 1 and GRAND-AM’s three-hour debut race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Super Weekend at the Brickyard on July 27.

The 13-race schedule also includes GRAND-AM’s first visit to Detroit – the automotive capital of the world – with the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Challenge at Belle Isle on June 2, and the return to many of North America’s premier circuits, including Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal; Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.; Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio; Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.; Homestead-Miami Speedway; New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J.; and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.

“This is without doubt the strongest schedule in GRAND-AM history,” said GRAND-AM President Tom Bledsoe. “Highlights are everywhere you look …new races, new places – and a new three-race championship. We’re going to be making a lot of sports car history in 2012.”

The North American Endurance Championship will be open to competitors in both the Daytona Prototype and production-based GT classes. The championship’s point structure and purse will be announced in the near future. Awards for the series will be awarded at dusk on the Victory Podium at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, following the historic race on the 2.605-mile road course.

In addition to featuring GRAND-AM’s solid lineup in both classes, several top teams have indicated they will field additional cars with all-star drivers to compete in the three endurance races.

“I think the North American Endurance Championship adds more excitement to an already exciting schedule,” said four-time Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champion Scott Pruett. “The Rolex 24 is clearly the highlight of our season, and I’m very excited with the addition of Indianapolis. The new championship gives further emphasis on our three endurance races.”

The Rolex Series will also run with the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series at Watkins Glen International, and with the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Road America and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Two Rolex Series events will be in companion with IndyCar, at Detroit and Barber.

Following the season-opening events at Daytona and Barber, the Rolex Series moves to Homestead-Miami Speedway, followed by a visit to New Jersey Motorsports Park. Following the Detroit Belle Isle race, the series returns to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Cars on June 9. In addition, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s event shifts to September.

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will run in conjunction with the Rolex Series at 10 of the 13 weekends, including Indianapolis.

The potential season-ending events for both series are still to be announced.

The Grand Prix of Miami debuted in the spring of 1983 and was long a fixture as the second major sports car event of the season following the Rolex 24 At Daytona (again the case in 2011). The event was held in Miami’s Bayfront Park before moving to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 1995. GRAND-AM began sanctioning the event in 2000.

Drivers who have competed in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series include NASCAR Champions Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch; IndyCar Champions Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon; South Florida-residents Juan Pablo Montoya (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star) and Helio Castroneves (three-time Indy 500 winner); and “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey.

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas—who won the 2011 GRAND-AM Championship—will look to pick up where Ganassi’s IndyCar team left off when Dario Franchitti netted his fourth IndyCar Championship in October.

About Homestead-Miami Speedway: The Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.  The 640-acre facility is active more than 280 days per year and hosts NASCAR’s Championship Races during Ford Championship Weekend (November 18-20, 2011).  The Sprint Cup Championship Ford 400 is broadcast live on TV and radio to 175 countries and into 24 languages.  Homestead-Miami Speedway, featuring a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course, generates more than $250 million annually for the region.  Tickets start at just $55 for the Ford 400 (Sunday, November 20) – NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series Championship.  For more information, please visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com  or call 866.409.RACE.

Phoenix International Raceway:

Phoenix International Raceway:

History

·            Construction was completed in January 1964.The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.

·            Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.

·            The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 and also the first night race, which was won by Kurt Busch.

·            The track underwent its first repave this year. The construction began in March and concluded in September of 2011.

·            The following changes were made during the construction period:

·         Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet

·         Reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls

·         Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet

·         Tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet

·         Implemented variable banking to ensure the immediate use of two racing grooves, including 10-11 degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11 degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 8-9 degree banking in Turn 4.

 

Notebook

·            There have been 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.

·            Geoffrey Bodine won the first Coors Light Pole in 1988.

·            There have been 18 different pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four. Newman’s next pole will be his 50th.

·            Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), while Gordon won the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007, and Edwards won the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011.

·            There have been 21 different race winners, led by Jimmie Johnson with four.

·            The race has been won from the pole four times: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008), Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Carl Edwards (fall 2010).

·            The race has been won from a top-10 starting position in 15 of 30 events.

·            Denny Hamlin won his first career pole at Phoenix in November 2005. AJ Allmendinger won his first career pole in April 2010.

·            Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

·            Mark Martin has 12 top-five finishes, more than any other driver. Martin (8.8 average finish) is one of three active drivers who average a top-10 finish. Jimmie Johnson (4.8) and Jeff Gordon (10.0) are the others.

·            Two perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix. Kurt Busch did it with his win in April of 2005, and Kevin Harvick did it in November of 2006.

 

Phoenix International Raceway Data

Race: 35 of 36 (11-13-11)

Track Size: 1 mile

·     Banking/1 and 2: 10 - 11 degrees

·     Banking/3 and 4: 8 - 9 degrees

·     Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees

·     Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees

·     Frontstretch: 1,179 feet

·     Backstretch: 1,551 feet

 

Driver Rating at Phoenix 

Jimmie Johnson            121.8

 

Jeff Gordon                  103.3

Kurt Busch                    100.3

Carl Edwards                99.6

Mark Martin                   99.4

Denny Hamlin                98.3

Tony Stewart                 98.1

Kyle Busch                   98.1

Kevin Harvick                95.9

Greg Biffle                    94.8

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-11 races (13 total) at Phoenix.

 

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Carl Edwards (136.389 mph, 26.395 seconds)

2010 race winner: Carl Edwards (110.758 mph, 11-14-10)

Track qualifying record: Carl Edwards (137.279 mph, 26.224 seconds, 2-27-11)

Track race record: Tony Stewart (118.132 mph, 11-7-99)

PIR GIVES FANS ACCESS TO NASCAR STARS

PIR GIVES FANS ACCESS TO NASCAR STARS

Schedule for Entertainment and Driver Appearances is Announced

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Phoenix International Raceway NASCAR fans will be treated to a star-studded line-up of drivers taking time to visit with crowds as part of the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend, November 10-13. 

Guests for fan Q&A appearances throughout the weekend include four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, 2011 Sprint Cup contender Kevin Harvick, 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Clint Bowyer and UFC Champion Anderson Spider Silva. 

Other drivers scheduled to mix with fans throughout the race weekend include 2011 DAYTONA 500® winner Trevor Bayne, Arizona native Michael McDowell, Australian driver Marcos Ambrose, the first twins to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series – blonde bombshells Angela and Amber Cope – and West Coast fan favorites AJ Allmendinger and Robby Gordon.  

PIR will also offer fans a host of live entertainment options, headlined by Grammy-winning Los Lobos.  Los Lobos will perform at 11 a.m. on Nov. 13 on the Budweiser ROLL-BAR main stage – just before Kobalt Tools 500 pre-race ceremonies commence.  The pre-race ceremonies promise to be equally exciting with “Armed Forces Entertainers of the Year” Catchpenny performing the Star-Spangled banner and International race car driver Adrian Fernandez serving as Grand Marshal for the Kobalt Tools 500.  

The weekend’s full schedule of entertainment is listed below.  Please note that events scheduled within the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club, Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club or Octane requires patrons to purchase a ticket to those areas. 

Tickets to the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club are available for advance purchase at $149 for Nov. 13 and $99 for Nov. 12.  A grandstand ticket is still required for track admission.  A three-day package for Octane is $1,900 per person and includes unlimited food/beverage and many other plush accommodations.  Tickets to the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club and Octane are available online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). 

Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Weekend Entertainment Schedule

Thursday, November 10

9:00 p.m.                     Harry Luge Jr.                         SPEED Cantina

Friday, November 11

7:00 p.m.                     Second Shift                            SPEED Cantina

9:00 p.m.                     Harry Luge Jr.                         SPEED Cantina

Saturday, November 12

10:30 a.m.                   Jeff Gordon                             Chevy Display (Midway)

11:00 a.m.                   Stealing Angels                       Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

11:00 a.m.                   Marcos Ambrose                    Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

11:45 a.m.                   Trevor Bayne                          Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

12:30 p.m.                   Angela and Amber Cope         Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

9:00 p.m.                     Harry Luge Jr.                         SPEED Cantina

Sunday, November 13

9:00 a.m.                     Clint Bowyer                           Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

9:30 a.m.                     Anderson Silva                        Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

10:00 a.m.                   Kevin Harvick                          Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

10:00 a.m.                   AJ Allmendinger                      Octane

10:00 a.m.                   Robby Gordon                         Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

10:15 a.m.                   Michael McDowell                 Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

10:20 a.m.                   Robby Gordon                         Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

11:00 a.m.                   Los Lobos                                 Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

11:15 a.m.                   Jeff Hammond                        Octane

Although grandstand seats for Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series are sold out, fans can still catch the action from PIR’s Hillside. Hillside tickets are $35 in advance ($40 on race day) and children 12 and under are admitted free. For Hillside tickets or tickets to the Nov. 12 WYPALL* 200 visit www.PhoenixRaceway.com or call 866-408-RACE (7223).  Hillside tickets do not allow access into the main PIR gates including the Fan Midway.

About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Be there for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13 to watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s brand new one-mile oval in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.

Phoenix International Raceway –newly reconfigured and repaved

Phoenix International Raceway –

We’re very excited to unveil PIR’s newly reconfigured and repaved 1-mile oval this weekend for the Kobalt Tools 500. With three NASCAR series competing at Phoenix this weekend, we’re making sure our new track is ready for a full weekend of racing in the Valley of the Sun.

Since the last NASCAR test at PIR on October 4-5, our team has implemented several exercises designed to help develop an upper groove:

·         Advanced tire dragging machine focusing on enhancing the upper groove applied rubber into the surface; the machine went through more than 80 tires over 12 days for around 90 hours of actual dragging.

·         Working with Richard Petty Driving Experience yesterday and today, six cars and drivers (NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy Lajoie, ARCA champion Frank Kimmel, Tim Fedewa, Steve Grissom, Brad Noffsinger and Andy Thurman) turned laps, focusing on widening the upper groove.

·         The cars driven this week are 850-hp NASCAR-sanctioned race cars prepared for Sprint Cup competition.

·         The cars collectively ran more than 3,000 miles on a soft Goodyear tire compound.

We appreciate the time and efforts of the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the drivers who assisted us in preparing the track for our three NASCAR events this weekend here in Phoenix. Here’s what they had to say:

Lajoie: “Whoever wins this race is going to have to work hard and will have a lot of fun. This track has a lot of grip and we definitely widened the grip out. We’ve been able to give the drivers some more options. What the track did – it’s definitely going to make everyone who tested here think it’s a whole lot nicer when they turn their first laps.”

Grissom: “From the work that has been done between the test and running yesterday, it’s pretty amazing. It has definitely picked up the pace here on the track. I think the drivers are going to be really surprised from the time they tested to when they put down the first laps Thursday, and it’s only going to get better.”

Lajoie: “Phoenix got RPDE to come out here with their cars and Goodyear with the tires, just to make the drivers happy. Some drivers voiced an opinion during the test that it was a one-lane race track and the only way they were going to make it a two-lane track is to age it and put rubber down. So you have to commend the track for bringing these guys out here. Where we started yesterday morning to right now – this track is totally different.”

Fedewa: “I think the track is coming along nicely. They drove the tires here [with the dragging machine] before we got here. It was in nice shape when we got here; certainly better than when we came here for the test.”

In addition to the aforementioned measures taken to develop our new track, the new PIR will be washed and swept before being turned over to NASCAR for the event weekend.

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY SOLD OUT

           

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY GRANDSTANDS sold out FOR KOBALT TOOLS 500

General admission tickets and infield passes remain for November 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race

 

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Track President Bryan R. Sperber today announced that Phoenix International Raceway’s grandstands are sold out for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13. Race fans wishing to attend NASCAR’s final West Coast race of the season – the first Sprint Cup Series event on Phoenix International Raceway’s newly repaved and reconfigured 1-mile oval – may still purchase general admission tickets to PIR’s hillside area or infield passes by calling 866-408-RACE or visiting PhoenixRaceway.com. PIR also sold out its grandstands for February’s SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“Once again we’re going to have a full house for NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway,” Sperber said. “It’s exciting to have a packed grandstand as we unveil the new PIR on Sunday, November 13. We want to remind fans wishing to attend the Kobalt Tools 500 that general admission hillside tickets and infield passes remain available.”

In February, Sperber announced details related to the 47-year old NASCAR facility’s first major track paving project since 1990. Construction began in March with the removal of the facility’s former racing surface and the subsequent installation of a new surface, with a series of changes implemented to promote side-by-side racing. While maintaining the integrity of PIR’s oval – including the 1-mile distance – the slight configuration changes have produced a racier track with average speeds that should increase two to three miles per hour during the Kobalt Tools 500.

General admission tickets and infield passes remain available for the November 13, Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and can be purchased by calling 866-408-RACE (7223) or online at PhoenixRaceway.com. Hillside tickets do not allow access into the main PIR gates including the Fan Midway.

About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Be there for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13 to watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s brand new one-mile oval in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.