With every trip in or out of the community, Estrella residents are just a few turns from one of the Valley’s most popular venues, Phoenix Raceway. Whether you’ve visited the track before or are just thinking about checking it out, Latasha Causey, the recently named track president said she hopes more locals make those extra turns and visit the raceway this season.
As a West Valley native, Causey is using her extensive local connections to reach out to nearby residents.
“Getting this role in my own backyard, the amount of reshares, retweets, it was like, oh my gosh this is like a big deal! But in my mind, it’s just the next opportunity, the next great opportunity for me to put my sparkle on something,” she said. “For me to be able to do it here in the West Valley is such a tremendous blessing, honestly.”
Causey slid into the driver’s seat in late 2022 and said the first two months on the job have been a whirlwind and a tremendous learning experience. She has spent much of her time travelling to other tracks around the country, learning NASCAR, the industry and the people who make it happen.
“It hasn’t been different than I expected, I knew it would be crazy,” she said. “We’re in the business of entertainment and having fun but to do that, it goes fast. A lot must happen in a short time.”
Learning the ropes and setting the stage for a successful first season aren’t the only priorities for Causey. She said reaching out to those nearby is something she plans to do early and often.
“My message to residents of Estrella and all of the Valley is they’re welcome at Phoenix Raceway,” she said. “Although people from around the world visit us every year, it’s our local community that provides the heartbeat and soul of Phoenix Raceway. It’s my mission to make sure they feel that appreciation and realize that Phoenix Raceway is their raceway, their treasure. I want them to feel that there’s nothing that compares to enjoying a race at Phoenix Raceway, and there is something for everyone. Serving our community is my top priority, and we’ll leave no doubt through our outreach efforts in the years ahead.”
Part of that local outreach will be to kids who may not realize everything the track and racing have to offer.
“Whether you’re an athlete, a sports fan or someone who wants to pursue a career in STEM as an engineer, there’s a place for you in NASCAR,” she said. “I want to make sure kids who have never had the opportunity to come to a raceway can experience that. I want to diversify the fan base, too. I’m unapologetic about that. We have some amazing fans here, but I think sometimes people feel, ‘Well that’s just not for me or maybe I’m just not welcome at the track because it’s not my thing.’ I want to make sure they feel welcome here, and I want them to experience it. The track is for everyone.”
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 7,600 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 65-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center Casa Lucero, and more than 50 neighborhood parks.
