I first went to PIR in 1975 to see the Indy cars race. I was 15 years-old and loved it. I would go there for every race after that for many years to come to include not just the two Indy car races but also the Copper World Classic and when NASCAR finally came there in the either late 70's or early 80's I was there as well. We always sat in section A. Unfortunately, the track has been rebuilt twice now and the start line has been moved as well. It's made for stock cars now and the drivers who set the early history of PIR are forgotten and the stock car drivers are the ones listed as the heroes who made PIR.
I'm so glad that I was witness to those earliest days of PIR when the facility was little more that a ribbon of black asphalt in the desert of the Estrella Mountains. The postal address was listed as Cashun Arizona which does not even exist anymore. So much has changed but, to me, PIR will always be remembered as the south western home of Indy Car Racing (Both Roadsters and the "Rear engine" Funny Cars as they were originally known to the USAC Open Wheel Racing faithful.)
I first went to PIR in 1975 to see the Indy cars race. I was 15 years-old and loved it. I would go there for every race after that for many years to come to include not just the two Indy car races but also the Copper World Classic and when NASCAR finally came there in the either late 70's or early 80's I was there as well. We always sat in section A.
Unfortunately, the track has been rebuilt twice now and the start line has been moved as well. It's made for stock cars now and the drivers who set the early history of PIR are forgotten and the stock car drivers are the ones listed as the heroes who made PIR.
Yes.
PIR is a terrific modern facility. As with anything, you must first be a fan of the show to enjoy yourself.
I'm so glad that I was witness to those earliest days of PIR when the facility was little more that a ribbon of black asphalt in the desert of the Estrella Mountains. The postal address was listed as Cashun Arizona which does not even exist anymore. So much has changed but, to me, PIR will always be remembered as the south western home of Indy Car Racing (Both Roadsters and the "Rear engine" Funny Cars as they were originally known to the USAC Open Wheel Racing faithful.)
Yes! The aerial image is particularly fascinating as it shows the road circuit as well as the drag strip.