NASCAR Cup - Phoenix II

The Phoenix II NASCAR Cup Series race takes place at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This race serves as the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, determining the season champion. The one-mile low-banked tri-oval track features a distinctive dogleg on the backstretch, creating opportunities for exciting passes and race strategies.

Phoenix Raceway offers unique racing challenges with varying banking in each turn. Turns 1 and 2 have 9-degree banking, while turns 3 and 4 feature steeper 11-degree banking. Drivers must adjust their racing lines throughout the 312-lap event to find the fastest path around this asymmetrical circuit.

NASCAR Cup Series teams bring their finest machinery to Phoenix II. The cars generate approximately 670 horsepower and reach high speeds on the frontstretch. Brake management becomes crucial due to the hard braking zones entering the turns. Teams carefully balance aerodynamic performance with cooling needs during this pivotal race.

The track has a rich history dating back to 1964. Alan Kulwicki won the first Cup Series race here in 1988, performing his famous "Polish Victory Lap" by driving clockwise around the track. Phoenix Raceway underwent major renovations in 2017, including a reconfigured start/finish line to enhance fan viewing and racing action.

Top NASCAR Cup Series drivers from teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske compete at Phoenix II. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota manufacturers battle for supremacy on this challenging circuit where track position and tire management play pivotal roles in race outcomes.

The "dogleg" on the backstretch creates multiple racing lines, allowing drivers to find different routes through this section. Monument Hill provides spectators with excellent viewing of turns 3 and 4. The Phoenix II race showcases the highest level of stock car racing skill as drivers compete for NASCAR's ultimate prize.