(March 1, 2004) - Phoenix International Raceway officials have notified the Arizona Region that emergency repairs to rain-damaged pavement must be completed immediately, and therefore the Saguaro Series Regional/Spring National scheduled for March 6 - 7 (this weekend) has been cancelled.
The pavement in question is an area about 14 feet long and 7 - 10 feet wide between the exit of road course turn 9 and oval turn 3. Recent rains rendered the pavement not suitable for racing, accelerating the need for immediate repair, particularly with professional events on the near-term calendar for PIR.
This is the only opportunity for arranging the repaving and still have it appropriately cured for the upcoming IRL and GrandAm weekends, and the construction company and pavers are already at work.
This cancellation does not effect Arizona Region's April 2 - 4 Phoenix Children's Hospital charity event or the May 1 - 2 Phil Clark Memorial Double Regional.
The Region's Board of Directors will be meeting to discuss the situation.
The Arizona Region regrets the inconvenience for any participant, and hopes you will understand that these are circumstances beyond our control, and beyond the control of the track. If you have questions or concerns, please contact JoAnne Jensen (joannejensen@cox.net or 480-821-9551) or Lois Petersen (lkpeters@cox.net or 480-832-1327). Competitors who have entered and paid their fees will be automatically refunded.
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