In 1964, when Phoenix International Raceway was carved out of the foothills of the Estrella Mountains, it was intended to be a new jewel in the crown of American open-wheel racing. Drivers like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones and the Unsers soon came to love the 1-mile paved oval with the unique bend in the backstretch. Phoenix International Raceway is truly a great place to race, both for the drivers and especially the fans. Today, Phoenix International Raceway has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing. The annual fall NASCAR weekend is one of the biggest events in the entire state.