Phoenix International Raceway

This aerial panorama of Phoenix International Raceway was taken by James Blakeway during a NASCAR Nextel Cup race. Carved out of the foothills of the Estrella Mountains, Phoenix International Raceway opened in 1964 and is home to two NASCAR Nextel Cup events as well as the Grand American Road Racing Series. The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race came to the Phoenix International Raceway in 1988. The one-mile oval track recently increased the seating capacity in the Bobby Allison Grandstands, giving shade to the lower-level grandstand between turn one and two as well as providing shade for the drivers while the sun sets in the western sky.