Phoenix raceway reminds fans of traffic, guidelines ahead of NASCAR
Nov 10, 2017, 10:07 AM | Updated: 11:37 am
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — As NASCAR fans get ready for a weekend of racing in the West Valley, Phoenix International Raceway reminded them to expect heavy traffic and gave some tips to make their good time go smoothly.
The fun starts Friday night with the Lucas Oil 150, continues Saturday night with the Ticket Galaxy 200 and then culminates with the Can-Am 500 on Sunday afternoon. About 100,000 were expected to attend.
A limited number of tickets were available for both individual races and the full weekend. Some RV spots were also available.
The facility was undergoing a $178 million renovation and was still a work in progress. Next year, it will also get a new name: ISM Raceway.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming NASCAR weekend.
Traffic
Much like the racetrack, expect the West Valley freeways — Interstate 10 and the Loop 101 — to be crowded all weekend as fans make their way to the facility near Southern Avenue and Avondale Boulevard.
Those headed to the race should follow signs and ask parking employees to get to where they need to go.
The headline race was expected to end about 4 p.m. Sunday, meaning drivers in the area should expect a flood of cars until at least 7 p.m. The Avondale Boulevard exit will be closed periodically to help fans get on their way.
Parking
Racing fans should pay close attention to their parking location, as that will determine which I-10 exit they should use to access the track. Specific instructions can be found on the back of parking passes.
Only those with raceway-issued passes and government-issued disabled parking permits should exit at Avondale Boulevard.
Those planning to use the free parking lots should get off at either Litchfield Road or Estrella Parkway.
People using city streets or State Route 85 should follow signs.
Maps of the lots were posted online.
Race day
The gates will open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Fans were encouraged to check out what they can and cannot bring to the track to avoid hassles at entries.
Access to certain parts of the track, such as the grandstands, will be limited to those who have the proper wristbands or tickets.
Entertainment
In addition to cars whipping around the track at more than 100 mph, fans will also be treated to some live music acts.
Sugar Ray will headline the tunes before the race on Sunday.
On Friday, Zona Road, Bobby McClendon and the Harry Luge Band will take the stage.
They will be followed on Saturday by High Noon at the Donny Grubb Band.
Weather
The raceway has a bad-weather policy but that won’t be needed.
The National Weather Service called for mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 80s all weekend and lows near 60 degrees.
