Return of a Familiar Venue
An old friend reappears on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule in 2026, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia.
Historical Background
Phoenix Raceway, inaugurated in 1964 as a 1-mile oval, was referred to as “the Indianapolis of the West.” Richard Hogue of Scottsdale purchased the land, which had formerly been cotton fields, and established a road course alongside a drag strip. The addition of an oval track was reportedly influenced by J.C. Agajanian, whose cars triumphed at the Indianapolis 500.
Opposition and Early Events
The creation of the oval faced significant resistance from Arizona State Fairgrounds officials, who had been hosting USAC dirt races. Nonetheless, Hogue pressed on, ultimately benefiting open-wheel racing. The venue’s first event, a sports car race, took place in February 1964, followed by its inaugural oval race the next month, where Parnelli Jones set a pole speed of 114.822 mph.
Legacy of the Track
Phoenix has hosted a variety of INDYCAR SERIES races, with winners ranging from legends like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti to lesser-known drivers. The last of its 64 INDYCAR SERIES races was held in 2018, and its next event is scheduled for March 7, 2026, as part of a 17-race season, beginning with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1.
Avenue for Great Moments
Phoenix Raceway is remembered for numerous legendary incidents, such as Steve McQueen’s 1970 sports car win. It was also where Alan Kulwicki celebrated his first NASCAR Cup Series victory. Furthermore, in 2001, Sam Hornish Jr. kicked off his tenure with Panther Racing by winning an Indy Racing League event here.
Recent Developments
A significant shift in the racing schedule occurred when NASCAR expanded its Cup Series events at Phoenix. After a brief hiatus for INDYCAR races, the series returned in 2016, with three races held before another period of absence. The upcoming race in 2026 will mark INDYCAR’s first appearance in the region in eight years.
Future Collaborations with NASCAR
In 2021, INDYCAR and NASCAR collaborated on a successful event, and plans for more joint promotions are in the works. The new schedule sees the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race coinciding with NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on March 7, 2026, followed by a Cup Series race on March 8. This return aims to establish a commanding presence to kick off the new season, highlighted by a total of four races occurring in March.
Phoenix Raceway has undergone significant renovations, including a modified start/finish line and updated corner numbering, yet it remains the familiar 1-mile oval beloved by fans for decades.
