Viva La Fiesta fan zone coming to Phoenix
Want to relive the excitement and adrenaline-induced elation last felt following Daniel Suarez’s historic NASCAR victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway? Now you can with the new Viva La Fiesta fan zone taking over Phoenix Raceway the weekend leading up to the Shriners Children’s 500 on Sunday.
The area will be located on the track’s midway by Gate 5 and celebrate Hispanic heritage through a variety of performances, vendors, interactive elements, guest appearances and more.
“I wanted Viva La Fiesta to be in a space where we were able to celebrate the Latin culture and really be able to have a welcoming space — something different that we’ve never had before in Viva La Fiesta,” Phoenix Raceway president Latasha Causey said.
“Something that I talk about on a very regular basis is just introducing new fans to the sport. So what we hope is that this will do that and will provide some awareness to individuals who maybe didn’t think of NASCAR or didn’t
know about NASCAR.”
While there are no promises of celebratory taco piñatas, which Suarez famously smashed following his breakthrough win in the NASCAR Cup Series two years ago, fans will have a Q&A opportunity with the Mexico-born Suarez on Sunday, as well as take photos with his race-winning trophy from the NASCAR Mexico Series opener at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum earlier this year.
Weighing in at 85 pounds and standing about two-feet tall — the trophy — hand-crafted by Tlaloc Studios founder and artist Ozzie Juarez, is a true piece of art that needs to be seen to appreciate. Composed of oxidized aluminum, the pyramid-shaped hardware features Aztec-like symbols and pre-Columbian references.
Suarez, the only Hispanic driver in the Cup Series, recently scored his second career win in what wound up being the third-closest finish in the sport’s history at three-one-thousandths-of-asecond over reigning champ Ryan Blaney.
“I think anytime I come to the West Coast, it’s amazing to feel an incredible amount of support from the Latino community,” Suarez said. “I’m very proud to be the face of this community in the Cup Series. We embrace it. I’m very happy the race tracks embrace it as well. Viva La Fiesta is a small example of this in Phoenix and we’re going to have a great time out there.”
Headlining the weekend festivities, outside of Suarez, is DJ Jonathan Medina. The Mexican music producer, who’s opened for Trackhouse Racing co-owner and world-renowned icon Pitbull, will be providing fun, fast-paced, heartthumping tunes Friday through Sunday.
In addition to the Suarez appearance, NASCAR is teaming up with the largest sport in the world and hosting a Q&A with Phoenix Rising FC soccer players on Sunday as well. You can catch both panels at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., respectively, before the Shriners Children’s 500 Cup race.
Fans will also be treated to live performances throughout the weekend from Mariachi Alas De Arizona, Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and the Breakdancing Kids. In addition, Lucha Libre wrestling will take place on Saturday and Sunday. And when taking in Viva La Fiesta, you can also support local food truck vendors Senor Chelada and Don Fitos Taqueri.
Lastly, as a fitting complement to Viva La Fiesta and the traditions of Hispanic culture, the raceway will be overtaken by lowriders. Founded in 1974, the Sophisticated Few Car Club is displaying a large variety of custom vehicles around the midway for fans to admire.