Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, the Phoenix Street Circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix for three seasons from 1989 to 1991. Built on public streets around the Phoenix Civic Plaza area, the circuit formed a tight and technical urban track that contrasted sharply with the high-speed permanent circuits common in Formula One.
Although its time on the calendar was brief, the Phoenix race played an important role in Formula One’s history in the United States. It marked the championship’s return to the country after several years without a race and served as the season-opening round in both 1990 and 1991. The event is also remembered for two victories by Ayrton Senna, whose performances helped define the circuit’s short life.
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Phoenix Street Circuit
| First Grand Prix | 1989 United States Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 81 (1991 race) |
| Circuit Length | 3.721 km |
| Race Distance | 301.401 km |
| Lap Record | 1:21.434 Ayrton Senna (1991) |
Circuit
When was the Phoenix Street Circuit built?
Construction of the Phoenix Street Circuit began in February 1989, with the first race taking place just a few months later on 2 June 1989. The project was part of a broader effort by the city government to revitalise downtown Phoenix and draw international attention to the area.
The idea of hosting a Formula One race emerged in the mid-1980s when Phoenix city officials began exploring ways to boost tourism and redevelopment. Local businessman Howard Pynn helped spearhead discussions with motorsport organisers, including Bernie Ecclestone, who was then responsible for Formula One’s commercial operations.
Because the city had only four months to prepare for the event, construction was intense. Streets were resurfaced, barriers and fencing were installed, and temporary facilities such as grandstands and pit garages were built. Local media even joked that the scale of construction made it look as if the city was preparing for a military invasion.
The circuit itself ran through the downtown grid near the Civic Plaza and what later became the site of major sports venues. Measuring 3.800 kilometres in its original form, the track featured 15 corners, narrow street sections, and several long straights along the city’s wide avenues. The layout was slightly modified in 1991, shortening the lap to 3.721 kilometres.
Despite being built on wide streets compared to many street circuits, Phoenix had its challenges. The desert climate meant that the inaugural race in June 1989 took place in extreme heat, placing huge strain on drivers, engines, and tyres. After that first year, the race was moved to March to serve as the opening round of the Formula One season.
When was the first United States Grand Prix in Phoenix?
The 1989 United States Grand Prix was the first Formula One race held in Phoenix. It proved extremely demanding due to the desert heat and the tough street layout. Only six of the twenty-six starters finished the race, which was won by Alain Prost in a McLaren.
To avoid the summer heat, the race moved to March in 1990, becoming the season opener. That year, Ayrton Senna delivered an outstanding performance, dominating the race and winning from pole position. Rising French driver Jean Alesi impressed by finishing second for Tyrrell after briefly challenging for the lead.
The 1991 United States Grand Prix was the final Formula One race held at Phoenix. The circuit layout was slightly revised, and once again Ayrton Senna claimed victory in his McLaren MP4/6. Reliability remained a major factor, with only nine cars classified at the finish.
Despite producing exciting racing and notable performances, the Phoenix event struggled with logistical issues, limited spectator viewing areas, and uncertain financial returns.
Why the race ended
Formula One initially planned to return to Phoenix in 1992, but the race was unexpectedly cancelled. According to officials, the decision came directly from Bernie Ecclestone, who informed the city that the event would not continue.
One explanation later given was that the circuit’s limited spectator capacity made it difficult to generate enough revenue. Much of the track ran through long city streets where grandstands could only show a small section of the race, reducing the value of ticket sales.
After Phoenix was dropped, Formula One did not return to the United States until 2000, when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the United States Grand Prix.
Phoenix Street Circuit lap record
The official Formula One lap record for the 1991 layout is 1:21.434, set by Ayrton Senna in a McLaren MP4/6 during the 1991 United States Grand Prix.
On the original 1989–1990 layout, the fastest race lap was 1:31.050, set by Gerhard Berger in a McLaren MP4/5B during the 1990 United States Grand Prix.