Phoenix Raceway Making an attempt to Get Followers to the Observe Sooner

This weekend, Phoenix Raceway will play host to 3 Championship races for every of NASCAR’s disciplines: Vehicles, Xfinity, and Cup. Greater than that, although, the observe is catering to followers in a manner that needs to be apparent for all race circuits, however that typically will get pushed to the wayside.

Let me transport us again about two weeks in the past. At Circuit of the Americas for america Grand Prix, there was actually no option to keep away from the site visitors jams that occurred as followers flooded out of the parking heaps after F1’s on-track periods ended. There are numerous the explanation why that occurs — primarily the truth that COTA is constructed out in the course of nowhere and is usually solely accessible by country-esque roads.

COTA has acknowledged the site visitors downside and has carried out just a few methods to “repair” it. It advised USGP followers to benefit from shuttles (which admittedly deposit you a few mile away from the observe, that means you’ll nonetheless have a hike when you get there). It has tried to placed on concert events to delay a mass exodus. It even supplied half-price meals and drinks on Sunday after the race. However there’s by no means actually been an try to enhance the observe’s environment or the fan’s journey to the circuit.

So, I’ve numerous respect for Phoenix in its partnership with Waze this weekend, which is designed to assist followers discover the quickest option to and from the circuit. Sure, it’s undoubtedly a sponsorship alternative that Phoenix took benefit of — nevertheless it’s additionally one thing that advantages followers and helps enhance the fan expertise in an precise, tangible manner.

Different options for this weekend, just like the Oasis within the Sky — a desk that will get lifted 150 toes within the air for half-hour at a time — aren’t essentially as sensible as navigation help, nevertheless it’s nonetheless the type of distinctive expertise that transforms a race observe right into a vacation spot occasion. Even once you’re not watching NASCAR races, you’re nonetheless having a terrific expertise.