As Phoenix International Raceway prepares to kick off its 50thanniversary season, the track is inviting fans to take a stroll down, ‘Memory Lane, Presented by BlueMedia’ a one-of-a-kind historical exhibit featuring race cars and memorabilia with connections to the track’s past.
Located in the fan midway area behind the Bobby Allison Grandstand, ‘Memory Lane’ will showcase 15 historic cars, including the 1964 roadster driven to victory by A.J. Foyt in the first professional race ever held at PIR in March, 1964. Admission to the exhibit is free to everyone with a grandstand ticket. The exhibit, which is housed in a tent provided by Classic Party Rentals, will be open beginning when the track’s gates open each day during race weekend.
“This 50th anniversary celebration creates a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to our rich racing history here in Phoenix, and ‘Memory Lane’ will be the centerpiece of that,” said PIR president Bryan R. Sperber. “I encourage all of our fans to take time during the race weekend and visit Memory Lane. The cars and memorabilia, along with the appearances from some of the great drivers who have raced here, will combine to make it a truly special experience.”
Other cars on display will include Alan Kulwicki’s No. 7 Zerex Thunderbird that won the first-ever NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at PIR in November, 1988, and a USAC Silver Crown car driven by Tony Stewart in the 1993 Copper World Classic at PIR. A full list of the cars on display is included below.
Memorabilia on display will include several trophies which were won at PIR, including the Bobby Ball Trophy which was awarded annually to the winner of the Bobby Ball Memorial in PIR’s early years. Additionally, several fire suits and helmets worn by drivers through the years will be on display, along with programs, posters, photos, pins and pennants from past races. Many of the items are generously on loan from the Arizona Open Wheel Motorsports Museum.
Several legendary drivers and racing personalities will make special appearances on the stage in Memory Lane through the weekend to share their favorite stories and memories from racing at Phoenix through the years. A full schedule of appearances will be announced at a later date.
Historic cars on display at Memory Lane:
· Roadster driven by Phoenix racing legend Bobby Ball in the 1960’s
· 1964 roadster driven to victory by A.J. Foyt in the first professional race at PIR
· 1973 Chevelle Grand National driven by Bobby Allison
· 1988 Zerex Thunderbird driven to victory by Alan Kulwicki in the inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at PIR
· 1988 Folgers Chevrolet driven by Ken Schrader, the all-time winningest driver at PIR
· 1989 Mello Yello Chevrolet Lumina used in the filming of “Days of Thunder” at PIR
· 1991 USAC Silver Crown car driven by Jeff Gordon in the Copper World Classic
· 1991 Havoline Ford driven to victory at PIR by Davey Allison
· 1992 Hooters Thunderbird driven during Alan Kulwicki’s Winston Cup-winning season
· 1993 USAC Silver Crown car driven by Tony Stewart in the Copper World Classic
· 1995 Goodwrench Chevrolet truck driven by Mike Skinner in inaugural NASCAR truck race at PIR
· 1996 Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt
· 1997 USAC Midget driven by Billy Boat in the Copper World Classic
· 1997 Miller Genuine Draft Ford, known as “Midnight,” driven by Rusty Wallace
· 2003 Grand National Daytona Prototype driven to victory on the old road course at PIR by Hurley Heywood and J.C. France
One of PIR’s 50th Anniversary ‘Memory Lane’ partners, Freescale will also be showcasing their significant involvement in the evolution of NASCAR in an engaging, interactive display.
PIR PR
