ISM revving to roll
New name, features debut at auto track in Avondale
NASCAR fans headed to the West Valley’s racetrack this weekend will get a taste of some of the amenities coming as part of its $178 million renovation.
The Avondale racetrack, which changed its name this year from Phoenix International Raceway to ISM Raceway, will debut a new sports bar and grill, new escalators and a ticketed hospitality area during the TicketGuardian 500 NASCAR Weekend, which runs today through Sunday.
One of the two new escalators that will take NASCAR fans to the grandstands will be inaugurated this weekend. The escalator entrances are called “canyons” for their imposing, vertical presence.
In the midway area of the grandstands — where many fans gather for the pre- and post-race entertainment — will debut a ticketed hospitality area to “eat, drink and meet new NASCAR friends.”
Replacing a tent structure and porta-potties is this permanent new building dubbed Roll-Bar, adjacent to a new bar and grill (formerly known as Busch Garage).
Tickets for this space cost $199 for Saturday and $249 for Sunday. Tickets
“Turn 1, right now, is very narrow. No one tries to go three-wide. You’re going to flip-flop it from one of the most narrow corners to probably the widest corner entry (current Turn 3) in all of motorsports.” Joey Logano NASCAR driver
are only available to those who’ve already purchased grandstand seating.
It features food stations and complimentary beer, wine, water and sodas and promises driver appearances, DJ entertainment and giveaways. Fans also will get a preferred parking pass.
Adjacent to the Roll-Bar is the new Trackside Bar & Grill, which is accessible to everyone free of charge. After 7 p.m., this bar is only for the 21-plus crowd.
The racing-themed sports bar offers food and drink specials and features nightly live performances. For details about the musical acts performing at the Trackside Bar & Grill, visit ismraceway.com/visiting/trackside-bar-and-grill.
The days are numbered for the Foyt, Bryan and Petty grandstands, which were rebuilt after lighting hit and burned down most of the structure in 1987. Located between turns 1 and 4, these grandstands offer uncovered, bleacher-style seating in an area some call the “sunburn section” since fans in this section get a generous share of sun and glare, especially at sunset.
Following the IndyCar race weekend in April, these steel and aluminum grandstands will be disassembled for good as part of the renovation, according to Greg Fresquez, spokesman for the racetrack.
In May, the press box that towers over these grandstands and aligns with the current start/finish line will be demolished, Fresquez said.
The spring races will be the last chance for racing fans to camp in the infield.
A makeover of the area will follow the IndyCar races and will transform the space into an interactive experience where fans can access garages and see teams, cars and drivers prepare for the race.
The March and April races also mark the last time drivers will the cross start/finish line at its current location. The line will be re-positioned to a wide stretch just before what’s currently known as the dogleg, promising unusual moves by drivers.
NASCAR driver Joey Logano told azcentral sports in January that the new start/finish line location will have drivers do “some crazy stuff on restarts.
“Turn 1, right now, is very narrow. No one tries to go three-wide,” Logano said. “You’re going to flip-flop it from one of the most narrow corners to probably the widest corner entry (current Turn 3) in all of motorsports.”