The 1988 Checker 500 was Phoenix International Raceway’s first Cup event. Alan Kulwicki started it in 21st. Ricky Rudd lead most of the race in the Quaker State Buick, but the motor wouldn’t last. Alan won the race, with Terry Labonte in 2nd, and Davey Allison in 3rd. It was Alan’s first Cup win in his first start here, and the birth of his famous Polish Victory Lap. He raced here a total of five times, and completed every lap. Davey would come back to win it twice (‘91/’92), and Terry once (’94).

The first race here also marked the last race that Benny Parsons finished. His last start would be two weeks later in Atlanta where he crashed 134 laps in. Indy car legend Johnny Rutherford would also make his last Cup start here. Dale Earnhardt won the race here in 1990 in a race that saw the lead change only once. Average number of lead changes over the 20 Cup races here is 13.65. Tony Stewart has the fastest average speed for the race winner at 188 MPH in a race that had only 2 cautions. Average cautions in the 20 races run here is 6.8, with 11 being the record.

Hope this helps you answer the trivia question on Sunday. I’ll get some stats out soon so you can get your office pool bids in.