TRACKS: Phoenix International Raceway to have new scoring tower for NASCAR weekend

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

September 6, 2001

Phoenix, AZ * Phoenix International Raceway has announced that an all new, state-of-the-art lighted scoring tower is now under construction at the "Desert Jewel" and will be finished in time for the track's four-race NASCAR Weekend, October 25-28, 2001.

A new tower became necessary when the old tower was toppled during a brief but powerful storm that hit P.I.R. in mid-July.

"That old scoring tower was new in '88," said Robin Braig, track General Manager and Executive Vice President. "And there was really nothing wrong with it * other than the fact it couldn't withstand sudden burst of 60-80 mph winds. Although to be fair, the old tower only had room to show the top five cars in a race * and our guests want to know the top ten at least. Our new tower will show the top fifteen. And since it's about as tall as a ten-story building, everyone will be able to see it, no matter where they're sitting."

The top of the new tower will be 114 feet, 6 inches from the ground. The width of the pylon, where the lighted position electronics are shown, is almost 10 feet. The four-sided display will also feature the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Phoenix International Raceway logos at the top.

"Our new tower will be identical to the towers found at the new Chicagoland and Kansas City Speedways," added Braig. "Ironically, a new scoring tower was at the top of our wish list, so we're not too upset about having to replace it. I just wish that monsoon storm would have hit in June, because these things don't go up overnight. But believe me, we'll have it up and operational before the 25th of October."

While the annual NASCAR Weekend officially begins with the Albertsons/Osco Drug 125 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race on Thursday, October 25th, the track is opening the Bobby Allison Grandstands at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday the 24th, so guests can watch the first practice sessions.

Admission on Wednesday is free. The race schedule continues on Friday the 26th with NASCAR Winston Cup Bud Pole Day and the Chevy Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. On Saturday it's the NASCAR Busch Series Outback Steakhouse 200, followed by the ultimate event, the NASCAR Winston Cup Phoenix 500 on Sunday, October 28.

Tickets for all four days are still available. For more information, visit the PIR Ticket Office at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix, 455 N. Third Street, Suite 268; or call the ticket office at 602-252-2227. Or access Phoenix International Raceway online at www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com.

Text provided by Kenny Kane

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.