Julie Giese bids farewell to Phoenix Raceway in final NASCAR championship weekend

A bittersweet symphony can be heard as the gates open for the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Track president Julie Giese, responsible for spearheading the $178 million renovation to the one-mile track, is heading back to her Midwestern roots and taking on the same role at the Chicago Street Course.

Giese’s overwhelming community outreach and work to transform the raceway into a world-class facility is not to be overlooked. She took time to talk with the Republic about leaving the place she’s called home for four years. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Q: What have these last few weeks of the season been like for you emotionally as your chapter as track president of Phoenix Raceway is set to conclude?

A: “We’ve been so focused on delivering the best championship experience possible, it’s been a nice distraction. This (Monday), as we were loading in our campers, everyone was reminding me this was my last time handing out donuts with them. I think right now my mindset is just focused on executing truly the best championship that our industry has ever seen.”

Q: How do you balance putting on the greatest championship to date and taking in this last week as track president?

A: “I think on race weekends I have always made sure that I enjoy the moment. It’s really just (about) reminding myself to do that throughout the week. You get so caught up in executing and delivering these experiences that I always remind the team, ‘make sure you take a second to take a step back and enjoy it … realize what you’re a part of and what you get to deliver for our industry, Avondale, the Valley and everything else.’ I’ll be continuing to remind myself to take a step back and enjoy it as much as I can.”

Q: What will you miss the most about your time in Arizona?

A: “The people. That’s a very broad answer intentionally. I’m going to miss our race fans a lot … it’s hard not to get emotional about that. I’m going to miss the people around our community; the city of Avondale, the Valley and the state for supporting us … members of the community, business leaders, government, all of that has been tremendous. And then, our team here at Phoenix Raceway and in the West Region. They’re the best in the business. I fully intend to come back and celebrate the championship, hopefully for years to come, out here in Phoenix with everybody.”

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Q: What has been the most gratifying moment for you as track president of Phoenix Raceway?

A: “Opening weekend back in November 2018. Walking in and seeing the smiles on the fan’s faces as we were finishing the renovation … to see that they truly enjoyed what we had created was pretty special. “And then, taking (the races) in from the grandstands. Most people know I’m a race fan and once the race starts I want to sit in the stands with the fans and see it from their perspective. Every time you drop the green flag, you realize all of these people chose to be here and they want to be here with you. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Q: Taking a step back and looking at your tenure as track president, what do you see as your greatest contribution?

A: “I’m just one piece of the puzzle. I had the opportunity to lead an amazing team at Phoenix, and to be a part of that is incredibly important and humbling. We want to be the best fan experience on the circuit. Every time you come through the gates, it’s different in a very positive way.

“We’ve enhanced some of the operational or logistical things and that mentality of the team is really what’s going to take Phoenix and continue its success. I don’t think I’ve brought that, but just continuing to lead the team and wanting to be the best is something I’m proud of.”

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Q: What are some parting words you’d like to leave the staff at Phoenix Raceway and community of Avondale with as you begin your next venture?

A: “Phoenix Raceway is just getting started. You look at what we’ve done this year from our events portfolio (and) you’re going to see more of that, but our hallmark is always our NASCAR races. We’re incredibly proud that we’re the home of two sold out Cup races, but I think our contribution to the Valley is only going to continue to grow.”

Successor named: Latasha Causey will be next track president at Phoenix Raceway

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Departing track president proud of Phoenix Raceway's transformation