Friday, November 3, 2023

Scott & Behind the Scenes Tours at Phoenix Raceway

 


This is my cousin, Scott.







This is the truck he drives for Champion Tire & Wheel.

Scott drove to Phoenix Raceway with the rest of the Champion Tire and Wheel team for NASCAR Cup Series Champion Weekend to provide tires for NASCAR Xfinity Cup Cars.  Eric and I are joining him for the weekend and touring the work done behind the scenes to get ready for this weekend's Races.




Eric & I picked up our
credentials on November 2.





As NASCAR "newbies," we are grateful that Scott is including us in his weekend.






The tunnel beneath Indian
Springs Road will bring
us to the Raceway.





Scott takes us to the work area
for the NASCAR Craftsman
 Truck Series.





Each truck has premeasured
gas brought to the work area.











All Raceway gas comes from
this Sunoco Gas Station.









A picture with Peter Rabbit

He is well-known in the
Racing Circuit for hauling
Race Teams.










Race Teams #7, #18, and #51 vehicles and equipment have been carefully moved here to Phoenix Raceway.





There are tires everywhere!

A crew pushes a truck to its
work area.





Each truck goes to this tent
for inspection.

The hood is raised to check
the engine.





Inspecting the wheels






The truck is then moved
back to its prep area.






This Tractor Trailer has an
observation deck on its
roof.





A closeup of Phoenix
Raceway.











Tire Rims wait to be mounted.







Tires are purchased at the
Raceway.

Each one is carefully
labeled for the customer.





Tire Mounting Stations





Tires are carefully
balanced here.






A team pushes an Xfinity
 Race Car to its work area.





Number 18 is waiting
for its tires to be
mounted.










Number 5's hood is
raised.










The car's front-end suspension is
carefully calibrated to tilt the
front tires for efficient racing 
on the tack's oval surface.
Racing isn't just about Cars, trucks, and tires.  There are many safety systems at the Raceway.





is here in sunny Phoenix.

Why?





These systems can move water
off the Track & blow debris
from the top of the Raceway
curves towards the Infield.




the debris.

It also vacuums up LOTS
of water after rain.






The circular brooms work
hard.






Scott shows Eric & me this
pile of curved trackside
lining.






This is one part of the SAFER Barrier System.  




The curved sections are held in
place by giant styrofoam 
triangles.

Collision energy is absorbed,
reducing driver injuries.








Scott & I in front of one of
 the Equipment Haulers.





After an afternoon of learning
about the work that goes on
before a Race starts, it's time
to find a place for us to
fuel up.

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