Guide to the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway
by MichaelJon - July 07, 2008
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Every year in early November, the fifth largest city in the nation braces itself for thousands of visitors that come into town to take part in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, hosted at Phoenix International Raceway. As the pro circuit racing events make their way across the United States, Phoenix is just one stop of many for the pro NASCAR racers, striving to win it all as they compete on many different courses. This year, the Checker Auto Parts 500 takes place on November 9th, preceded by several other very popular NASCAR events including: Copper World Classic on November 6, the Phoenix 150 on November 7th and the Arizona 200 on November 8th. Use this guide to find your way around Phoenix while in town for the races and make the most out of your racing vacation when in the Valley of the Sun!
Phoenix International Raceway
7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85323
The Phoenix International Raceway is a unique and oval-shaped raceway that stretches an entire mile in length. Originally built in 1964, this large event raceway can easily house 70,000 plus fans. In 1988, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series began hosting events at PIR. Today PIR hosts several NASCAR events every year, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and USAC.
The Phoenix International Raceway is a unique and oval-shaped raceway that stretches an entire mile in length. Originally built in 1964, this large event raceway can easily house 70,000 plus fans. In 1988, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series began hosting events at PIR. Today PIR hosts several NASCAR events every year, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and USAC.
Castles N' Coasters
9445 Metro Parkway East, Glendale, AZ 85051
A smaller roller coaster theme park that is located in central Phoenix. Admission is cheap, about $15 per person, and they have plenty of rides to enjoy. Granted, it is a far cry from larger theme parks like Six Flags.
A smaller roller coaster theme park that is located in central Phoenix. Admission is cheap, about $15 per person, and they have plenty of rides to enjoy. Granted, it is a far cry from larger theme parks like Six Flags.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007
This is a small theme park located in downtown Phoenix. You can enjoy several rides and a beautiful and very scenic park with ponds and swans, all in the middle of the downtown concrete jungle.
This is a small theme park located in downtown Phoenix. You can enjoy several rides and a beautiful and very scenic park with ponds and swans, all in the middle of the downtown concrete jungle.
Cardinals Football
You may be able to catch a live football game while in town. The Arizona Cardinals will be playing their weekly schedule during the NASCAR racing event. You can easily get tickets from the website link listed above. The Cardinals play in the brand new, University of Phoenix Stadium.
University of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305
With a retractable roof and the first fully retractable natural grass playing surface in any sports venue in the worl...
With a retractable roof and the first fully retractable natural grass playing surface in any sports venue in the world, 63,400-seat University of Phoenix Stadium is the home of the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals. It is located in Glendale, across the street from Jobing.com Arena. Guided tours are available on weekends.
Coyotes Hockey
Pro hockey will be well underway when you are in town to see the races. If you wish to catch a live game you can buy tickets from the Phoenix Coyotes website listed above.
Jobing.com Arena
9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Formerly known as Glendale Arena, Jobing.com Arena is home to the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes and the Na...
Formerly known as Glendale Arena, Jobing.com Arena is home to the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes and the National Lacrosse League’s Arizona Sting. Completed in 2003, the arena seats 17,500. It is located across the street from the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
Casino Arizona At Salt River
524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85256
The largest casino in the state welcomes thousands of visitors everyday. They have so much to do at this casino that you will never tire. It’s like a miniature Las Vegas strip, smack dab in the middle of the Arizonan desert.
The largest casino in the state welcomes thousands of visitors everyday. They have so much to do at this casino that you will never tire. It’s like a miniature Las Vegas strip, smack dab in the middle of the Arizonan desert.
Apache Gold Casino and Resort
PO Box 1210 San Carlos, AZ 85550
This five star casino and resort is located five miles east of Globe and is not that far from PIR. You can easily book an affordable, all-inclusive vacation here to enjoy when in town for the races. Or just spend some time here when not at the raceway and test your luck on the many different choices of games that they have to offer.
Golf Courses:
Arizona happens to be one of the largest golfing states in the union, boasting more than two hundred different courses. Here are a few nearby courses, if you find yourself craving an 18-hole day.
Ahwatukee Country Club
12613 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044
This private course has 18 challenging holes and very affordable tee times. Due to the fact that it is a private course, you will want to make reservations ahead of time.
This private course has 18 challenging holes and very affordable tee times. Due to the fact that it is a private course, you will want to make reservations ahead of time.
A very popular 18-hole, professional course that plays host to many pro tournaments. You can book tee times here for cheap, but make sure to call ahead or you may not get a reservation.
A very popular 18-hole, professional course that plays host to many pro tournaments. You can book tee times here for cheap, but make sure to call ahead or you may not get a reservation.
Book tee times in Arizona:
This website will allow you to book online tee times at just about every single golf course in the state.
Maps of things to do:
Use these maps to easily find your way around town to all of the local attractions when not at the races.
Scottsdale Art Walk
Every Thursday evening, the downtown district of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona is roped off and the streets are mostly shutdown. Hundreds of vendors and local art galleries gather, showing their wares in street side tents for visitors. There are also live performers and food vendors at this once-per-week art walk. You can catch the art walk every Thursday from 7-9 p.m.
First Friday Art Walk in Phoenix
Very similar to the art walk that takes place in Scottsdale, only this one is much larger and takes place in downtown Phoenix. The first Friday of every month, starting at 7-pm, over 90 art galleries open their halls and take part in this massive downtown art walk. Also featured are live performers.
Where to find the best hotdogs when in Phoenix
While in the valley of the sun, make sure that you find some time to grab a hotdog from one of these world class hotdog vendors. You will not eat a tastier dog in AZ.
Catch a picnic at a local park
If you find time during a NASCAR break, grab the picnic basket and the family, and head out to one of these picnic hotspots for a break from the race and a tasty meal.
Arizona’s best Greek food restaurants
Looking for somewhere tasty to eat? These happening Greek restaurants will fill up your tummy and really make your taste buds go crazy.
The best cowboy bars in AZ!
For all those cowboys out there, I am sure that you will want a place to grab a cold beer in between races. This guide will show you where all of the good cowboy bars are at.
World Class Shopping in AZ
While the men get their fill of NASCAR during the day, its time for the women to go shopping at night! This guide will show you where to get your shopping on when in AZ!
The Best Pizza Joints in Phoenix!
If the night calls for pizza, then make certain that you read this guide first. It details all the great pizza joints in Phoenix, places that just make an amazingly delicious pie.
Grab a steak at these great steakhouses
If the night calls for steak, make sure you go to the right steakhouses. This guide will let you know which places are the best and why!
Get the best submarine sandwich Arizona has to offer
If the night calls for submarine sandwiches, do not worry, this guide will show where to go and why—and even how to get there.
The best hotels in Phoenix
If you do not plan on staying at motels or hotels nearby, and you do not wish to stay in motel or a small time hotel, then you can use this guide to go five-star when staying in Phoenix.
Where to get tickets to the race:
If you plan on attending this event, which regularly sells out and boasts an attendance of 70,000+ fans every year, you will need to make sure that you purchase tickets in advance. You can easily get your hands on authentic tickets through this safe and secure website. They also buy tickets, so if you have a pair and for some reason are unable to make it to the race this year, you can cash them in here. They have pit passes from $70 and great tickets that will cost you $80-$500 or more, depending upon the seating.
Phoenix International Raceway NASCAR Listing
Find out all of the stats and the history behind this Phoenix track by clicking the above link, hosted by NASCAR.com.
Where to eat while in Phoenix:
There are plenty of great places to eat when in the city of Phoenix. Here are some nearby recommended eateries so you know where to eat once you get into town.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
13832 W Mc Dowell Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395
Decent American food at affordable prices, and they have a pretty good bar too.
Decent American food at affordable prices, and they have a pretty good bar too.
Bamboo Palace Buffet Inc
1461 N Dysart Road, Avondale, AZ 85323
An assorted Asian food buffet, that that offers plenty to eat at reasonable prices.
An assorted Asian food buffet, that that offers plenty to eat at reasonable prices.
Bella Luna Ristorante
14175 W Indian School Road A4, Goodyear, AZ 85395
Offers homemade Mexican food at reasonable prices and decent service.
Offers homemade Mexican food at reasonable prices and decent service.
Bennett's Bar-B-Que
1480 N. Litchfield Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338
Great BBQ food at low prices, and they have good customer service too.
Drivers' Sports Grill
14175 W Indian School Road C1, Goodyear, AZ 85395
A racing car fans’ best dream come true: a bar dedicated to all NASCAR fans.
A racing car fans’ best dream come true: a bar dedicated to all NASCAR fans.
Hooters Peoria
16550 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382
Classic Hooters bar, this one needs no explanation.
Classic Hooters bar, this one needs no explanation.
International House of Pancakes
1491 North Dysart Road, Avondale, AZ 85323
IHOP is the one and only place to grab some breakfast when in town for the races.
IHOP is the one and only place to grab some breakfast when in town for the races.
Nakama Sushi Restaurant & Lounge
13215 W. McDowell Rd. Suite D-3 Goodyear, AZ 85338
A great place to go if you are craving sushi and sake.
Romano's Macaroni Grill
1828 N Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85395
Excellent Italian food, but pricey.
Excellent Italian food, but pricey.
Schlotzsky's Deli
395 N Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Delicious deli sandwiches and soups.
Delicious deli sandwiches and soups.
TGI Friday's
14127 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374
American food with a decent menu and plenty of beers on tap.
American food with a decent menu and plenty of beers on tap.
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa
300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
A signature five-star resort, this place is costly but offers the finest accommodations near the races.
A signature five-star resort, this place is costly but offers the finest accommodations near the races.
Residence Inn Phoenix Goodyear
2020 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395
Affordable and quality extended stay lodging that offers in-suite kitchenettes at very low daily, weekly or monthly rates.
Affordable and quality extended stay lodging that offers in-suite kitchenettes at very low daily, weekly or monthly rates.
Hampton Inn & Suites Goodyear
2000 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338
A nice hotel that offers suites and standard rooms, as well as a free AM breakfast.
A nice hotel that offers suites and standard rooms, as well as a free AM breakfast.
Wingate Inn & Suites
1188 N Dysart Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338
Affordable lodging for those who do not wish to spend all of their money on hotel accommodations. They offer in-suite kitchenettes so you can buy food locally and save money by cooking it yourself.
Holiday Inn Express PHOENIX-I-10 WEST/GOODYEAR
1313 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Higher class lodging near PIR without a steep price tag, and a free breakfast is included.
Higher class lodging near PIR without a steep price tag, and a free breakfast is included.
Best Western Phoenix Goodyear Inn
55 N Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338-1283
Very affordable rooms and a free continental breakfast will save you some money on food costs during your trip.
Very affordable rooms and a free continental breakfast will save you some money on food costs during your trip.
Ramada Inn
1770 N Dysart Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338
Affordable lodging near the races that will not break the bank and offers decent rooms and customer service.
Listing of RV Parks nearby
If you plan on taking the RV out to the races, you will need a list of all of the local RV parks in Arizona. Make sure that you make reservations ahead of time, as many of these RV parks will quickly reach capacity due to the popularity of the NASCAR races.
Local Guides to Phoenix:
Use these guide to find lots of places to eat and shop, as well as plenty of other things to do when in the Valley of the Sun.
2007 Checker Auto Parts 500 - Phoenix Last 20 laps
The last 20 exciting laps of the 2007 Check Auto Parts 500, as racers strive to become the next champion.
2007 Checker Auto Parts 500 Recap
This video shows a recap of the last Checker Auto Parts 500 that took place in Phoenix in November of 2007, hosted by CBS.
2007 NASCAR/Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix Int. Raceway
An awesome homemade video that easily depicts the excitement and the rush experienced at the 2007 NASCAR/Checker Auto Parts 500, all from the spectator point of view.
2007 Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix Int. Raceway
Home video shot of the 2007 Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, shows just how popular this racing event is every year in Arizona. Fans come from all over the Southwest to cheer on their favorite pro racers.
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