When race teams head out west to visit Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), there will be plenty for fans to get excited about. It will mark the third time the Nextel Cup Series has raced out west this season and the third race for the new Car of Tomorrow (COT). With PIR being one mile in length, many believe this will be the first true test to see how well the COT will perform at higher speeds. Aside from the racing itself, fans will have lots to enjoy.
Starting Thursday evening, PIR kicks off a three-day series of musical acts that will conclude Saturday afternoon before the start of the Subway Fresh Fit 500. Arizona-native Harry Luge, Jr. will be the opening act as he plays his first of two high-energy country music sets at 9 p.m. located outside turn two at the Oasis Bar & Grill. He will return Friday night at 9:30 p.m. for his second set following the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 Busch Series race.
Likely the most recognizable musical act will be Blessid Union of Souls, who will perform Friday afternoon at the PIR Stage in the Midway at 4 p.m. They are scheduled for a 90-minute set leading up to the start of the Busch race. Just after the checkered flag waves, tribute band T.N.T. will ignite the crowd with the ultra-famous guitar riffs of '80's rock band, AC/DC. The weekend's final performance will be at 3 p.m. Saturday on the PIR Stage in the Midway with the Lynyrd Skynyrd-tribute band, Freebird.
In between all the musical mayhem going on throughout the weekend, fans will also be able to enjoy the grand opening of the new Bashas' Supermarket, located right on PIR track property west of the racing oval. The store will be a fully-stocked, full-service grocery store where fans can grab anything for their tailgating needs. Operating hours during the race weekend will be 6 a.m. to midnight.
From the realm of the truly unique, PIR will continue on a tradition they started last year. California artist Bill Patterson will return to PIR's Victory Lane to create a live, one-of-a-kind painting of Saturday night's Subway Fresh Fit 500 winner as he rolls into victory lane. Patterson's work will also be featured on the cover of the PIR program, as well as select grandstand tickets.
Phoenix International Raceway Quick Facts
Phoenix Lap Record: Ryan Newman (26.499 seconds and 135.854 mph), Nov. 5, 2004
Phoenix Race Record: Tony Stewart (2 hrs., 38 min., 28 sec/118.132 mph), Nov. 7, 1999
2006 Nextel Cup Winner: Kevin Harvick
Total Purse: $5,987,300
