NASCAR Cup - Phoenix II

Phoenix II represents a key race in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. Also known as the Freeway Insurance 500, this nascar-cup event takes place on one of the sport's most distinctive short tracks. The race covers 312 miles over 312 laps on the 1-mile tri-oval circuit. NBC provides television coverage, while MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio deliver audio broadcasts for fans following the action.

Phoenix Raceway Circuit Characteristics

Phoenix International Raceway features a unique design that sets it apart from traditional oval tracks. The 1-mile tri-oval includes a distinctive "dogleg" on the backstretch, a feature originally incorporated to accommodate a road course layout. This configuration creates varied racing lines and strategic opportunities for drivers throughout the Phoenix II race.

The track surface consists of asphalt with variable banking across different sections. Turns 1 and 2 feature 9 degrees of banking, while Turns 3 and 4 have 11 degrees. The front stretch carries 9 degrees of banking, and the back stretch has 3 degrees. The front stretch extends 1,551 feet, and the back stretch measures 1,179 feet. The facility accommodates 42,000 spectators.

Race Format and Technical Details

Phoenix II runs in three stages: the first stage ends at lap 60, the second stage concludes at lap 185, and the final stage runs to lap 312. Pit road speed is limited to 45 mph, while caution vehicles circulate at 50 mph. These regulations play a crucial role in race strategy and competitive positioning.

Next Gen Cars and Specifications

The NASCAR Cup Series field uses Next Gen cars at Phoenix II. These machines feature a 5.86-liter V8 engine that produces up to 670 horsepower at Phoenix Raceway. The powerplant connects to a five-speed sequential manual transmission. NASCAR has increased horsepower to 750 at tracks shorter than 1.5 miles, enhancing performance characteristics on this circuit.

Each car weighs a minimum of 3,400 pounds with the driver and fuel. The vehicles incorporate a steel tube frame with an integral safety roll cage and improved impact absorption zones. A-post flaps are mandated at all tracks to decrease the chance of a car becoming airborne. The surface underneath each flap must be bright orange for visibility.

Phoenix Raceway History

Phoenix Raceway opened in 1964 and hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race in 1988. Alan Kulwicki won that inaugural event and introduced his famous clockwise victory lap, later known as the "Polish victory lap." International Speedway Corporation acquired the facility in 1997, and NASCAR currently owns Phoenix Raceway. A major reconfiguration in 2011 sealed off the infield road course, creating the current configuration.

The track earned the nickname "The Desert Jewel" and served as the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race venue from 2020 through the previous season. The championship race now rotates to other venues, with Homestead-Miami Speedway hosting the championship race this season.

Distinctive Features of Phoenix II

Monument Hill, located alongside turns 3 and 4, provides a natural viewing area for spectators. Rattlesnake Hill serves as a general admission seating area on a hill outside turns 1 and 2. These elevated positions offer fans unique vantage points to watch the Phoenix II race unfold.

The dogleg backstretch remains the most recognizable characteristic of Phoenix International Raceway. This design element influences racing dynamics and creates passing opportunities that differ from standard oval configurations. Drivers must adapt their approach through this section, making Phoenix II a test of both short-track skills and road course adaptation.

Teams and Drivers

The Phoenix II race features chartered NASCAR Cup Series teams and their drivers. The field competes in Next Gen cars across all events this season. Driver lineups and team compositions can change throughout the year, so fans should consult current entry lists for the most accurate information about who will compete in this race.

Phoenix II offers compelling competition on a circuit that rewards precision and strategy. The combination of variable banking, the unique backstretch dogleg, and the demands of short-track racing creates conditions where multiple racing lines remain viable. This nascar-cup race at Phoenix International Raceway stands as an important test in the series schedule.