| The Checker Auto Parts 500 is a NASCAR race | | | | then the race has been won by Rusty Wallace, |
| run each year at Phoenix International Raceway in | | | | Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Senior |
| Avondale Arizona. It has been held each year | | | | and Junior, and Kyle Bush. There are many other |
| since 1988. While it was not always known as the | | | | victors but those are probably the most famous |
| Checker Auto Parts 500, the race has been | | | | ones. |
| continually run. | | | | This race has a rich history and tradition as being |
| Phoenix International Raceway is a one mile | | | | one of the most competitive and long standing |
| tri-oval race track that was opened in nineteen | | | | races on the NASCAR circuit. For many it is a real |
| sixty four. It was supposed to be home to | | | | honor to win this race as the previous winners |
| Phoenix open-wheel racing but that circuit never | | | | names will attest to. This race occurs very late in |
| really took of in the US. | | | | the season when points are a must so all the |
| Checker Auto Parts 500 - History and Information | | | | racers are on their A game when they come to |
| About The Race | | | | Phoenix. This race occurs in November and is the |
| The cars run 502 kilometers or 312 miles for this | | | | second to last. Weather in Phoenix is usually |
| race. The race was previously known as the | | | | perfect this time of year for racing. |
| Checker 500, Autoworks 500, Pyroil 500, Pyroil | | | | While it may not have the same name recognition |
| 500K, Slick 50 500, Dura Lube 500, Dura Lube | | | | as Daytona or Talladega, the The Checker Auto |
| 500 Presented by Kmart, Dura Lube/Kmart 500, | | | | Parts 500 is and will continue to be one of the |
| Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500, Checker | | | | most important races of the year. A win here |
| Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, Checker | | | | can make or break an entire season. For some |
| Auto Parts 500 and Checker Auto Parts 500 | | | | racers the entire season is on the line, for the car |
| Presented by Havoline. | | | | manufacturers the name recognition that comes |
| Checker and Chevron are the current sponsors | | | | with a championship, and for those not in the |
| for the race and continue to sponsor it annually. | | | | running of the NEXTEL cup the chance to play |
| The first race was won by Alan Kulwicki in 1988. | | | | spoiler and make one last splash before the |
| Kulwicki died horribly in 1993 in a car crash. Since | | | | season runs out. |