Phoenix receives second race on 2011 schedule

PHOENIX -- As part of the NASCAR's schedule realignment, Phoenix International Raceway's spring race will move from April to Feb. 27, the second race weekend of the season.

The date previously was held by Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Auto Club Speedway will play host to one Cup Series weekend -- March 25-27, the track announced Tuesday. "Moving our Auto Club 500 event from February to March provides us the opportunity to show off the area's beautiful 'Chamber of Commerce' weather," track president Gillian Zucker said.

"We remain committed to providing unforgettable experiences to our loyal fans and we will continue to look at ways to diversify our schedule, working diligently to add exciting events for 2011 and beyond."

Kansas Speedway is the beneficiary of Fontana dropping one race. Kansas now will play host to two race weekends, including its traditional spot in the Chase.

In a release from the track, PIR officials will look to capitalize on the season-opening excitement of the Daytona 500 with a new Sunday day-race format, allowing fans to take in the 500 km race in Phoenix with a more traditional local start time of 1 p.m.

Phoenix will continue to host the penultimate race in the Chase, on Nov. 13.

"Phoenix will be the first and last stop NASCAR makes in the West," track president Bryan Sperber said. "It's a great privilege for us to help celebrate the excitement of a new season in February and to help crown season champions as the year winds down with the Chase in November."

Phoenix International Raceway is one of 13 facilities to be awarded two Cup Series weekends in 2011. Past studies conducted by Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business for PIR have indicated that the economic impact of hosting two Cup weekends annually in Phoenix exceeds $400 million.

"The State of Arizona is well aware of the tremendous economic impact that comes along with hosting a NASCAR weekend in the Valley of the Sun," Sperber said. "The fact that Phoenix International Raceway has been confirmed to host two Sprint Cup events provides a shot-in-the-arm for our local economy at a time when it's most needed."

Starting Tuesday, fans can make a $50 deposit to reserve 2011 seats by calling 877-PIR-XTRA (747-9872). The 2011 season tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 29, with prices starting at $99. Tickets for the Cup race in February go on sale Nov. 11 and start at $25.

The complete 2011 NASCAR schedule will be released this month.