Home - Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Wild Horse Motorsports Pass joins Atlanta Dragway and Houston Raceway Park as tracks NHRA has lost to non-racing development since the pandemic hit in 2020. They dont care what these changes do to communities because they have to get paid, period. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. Replacing the aging and narrow Gila River Bridges as a part of a separate study. "If they close this place, people will have to do that because they are not going to stop. In collaboration with the Gila River Indian Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), ADOT has prepared an environmental study under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and engineering study to evaluate improvements to I-10. ADOT, MAG, BIA, FHWA and the Gila River Indian Community continue to partner to deliver this important project, including efforts to secure the necessary funding. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Apr 2, 2022 A drag racing tradition in Chandlers Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park that dates back to the 1980s is set to come to an end. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park WebArizonas Wild Horse Pass To Close In 2023, Become Highway Overpass By Andrew Wolf March 27, 2022 Little more than a year ago, information came to light regarding proposed redevelopment plans by the The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority (WHGPDA) for Many were shocked when back on March 25 NHRA dropped the bomb that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set to close down for good next year. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. Fox says it's 'very possible' he 'did some damage' in the '80s as he speculates about what contributed to his Parkinson's disease, 'Waste of time': Community college transfers derail students, 'Zombie' misinformation: 'Rape Day' hoax resurfaces on TikTok. The only other racetrack in Arizona is in Tucson. Arizona Department of Transportation GRIC Tucson Dragway has been rumored as another venue. WebContact Us Contact Info Address Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 20000 S Maricopa Rd Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone (520) 796-5601 Email contact Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park has seen several historic and record performances on its dragstrip, including Tony Schumachers historic 330-mph run in 1999. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park WebSat 29 April 29 Club Day Presented By Go Fast It's Club Day Presented By Go Fast at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park on January 30th! "It's going to promote street activities that I think are dangerous," says another driver. Sign of the times? It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park. The facility has hosted NHRA racing since 1985. The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more. Refer to the 2023 NHRA Rulebook for complete tech requirements and competition rules. NHRA officials say 2023 will be final race weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Events at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park vary and so do the particulars surrounding each event. Anyone can participate! properties. I'll just go back to the Midwest where I know there's lots of racetracks; I can maintain that family event," says another driver. Thats not true of all enthusiasts, but to ignore the problem by only focusing on part of the group would be dishonest. This fund comes from the Maricopa County Transportation Excise Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 2004. GoFast Entertainment Mind you, theres already a casino and mall just down the road, not to mention restaurants and retail on the other side of I-10. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. As mentioned above, I-10 consists of three lanes in each direction between SR 387 near Casa Grande and Tucson. For nearly 40 years, the NHRA, in conjunction with The headline read: closing of valley racetrack could result in more street racing. Yes, its the most obvious statement ever, but what is anyone doing about it? WebBooking at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for your track event gives your group access to an amazing facility with multiple options and an experienced, friendly staff. Experience drag racing like you never have before from our luxurious suites!With amazing views from two different towers, enjoy the sites and sounds in a comfortable climate controlled suite.Located right off the starting line, you will receive VIP treatment with world class catering & personalized customer service thats perfect for entertaining clients, employees, friends and family. The land will probably become the site of some luxury condos or something like that. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Firebird Lake hosts drag boat races on an annual basis. Friday Night Run What You Brung open drags have been a staple of the Arizona racing community for over 25 years. Seating Chart. The NHRA Arizona Nationals have provided NHRA fans countless memories for many years, and our race teams, partners, and NHRA officials look forward to celebrating the track in 2023 as we close out this chapter in NHRA history, NHRA President Glen Cromwell said in a statement on Friday. Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. Many were shocked when back on March 25 NHRA dropped the bomb that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set to close down for good next year. MAG has been working closely with GRIC to advance plans for additional access to the Wild Horse Pass area and any future improvements will follow the required state, federal, and GRIC review and approval processes, the association said in a statement. CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. ADOT held a virtual public meeting on November 18, 2020. per adult. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. Highway Construction To Close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park After Nearly Four Decade NHRA Run March 31, 2022 Cronkite News The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. A public meeting summary report is available on the Study Resources page. 81. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons in the Dry Fork area of Escalante Utah offer backpacking hikers scenic views without special gear or know-how. With interest from multiple NHRA member tracks within each region across the country, we are excited about the possibilities for a future NHRA national event.. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. If you see someone harassing this herd On Friday, NHRA officials confirmed a rumor that has been making the rounds for the last year that Wild Horse Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix, would be closing next year. One notable closure which also was recently leaked to the media is Memphis International Raceway. That leaves the 26 miles of I-10 across the Gila River Indian Community as the only remaining stretch with two lanes in each direction. With interest from multiple NHRA member tracks within each region across the country, we are excited about the possibilities for a future NHRA national event.. In this part of Utah, you can almost forget that 1.5 million people live in the valley just west of the mountains. Highway construction to close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Just over a year ago, there was a proposed plan to redevelop the increasingly valuable land Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park now occupies. That all changed when Wild Horse Pass suddenly let the cat out of the bag, announcing the facilities would be closing within a year. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. You can take a drive to see these majestic animals. This study is important because I-10 supports significant commercial and economic growth for the region, state and nation, and is considered a Key Commerce Corridor. This one hits close to home. RELATED STORY - HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK CLOSING AFTER 2022 NHRA EVENT, WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK CLOSING SINCE 2021. If youre interested in viewing more of Utahs wild horse herds, visit WildHorseTourist.com. 0:29 This weekend, a long-standing tradition of speed and prestige will come to an end. This segment of I-10 is critical for Arizonas economy, as it links the states largest metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson while also providing a key link for the national and international movement of freight. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park also has two asphalt road courses which can be used for drifting events in addition to normal track days and races. Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Trump accuser defends rape claim after judge denies mistrial, Michael J. Featuring Arizona Drag Racing Association (ADRA), Outlaw Pontiac Racers West, Super Comp, Super Gas & Super Street! Many were shocked when back on March 25 NHRA dropped the bomb that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set to close down for good next year. Everybody wants a GTR, a Tesla, they want to go out and they want to see what it can do," says Kyle Fritz, driver. Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. Closing The exact dates for the final edition of the NHRA Arizona Nationals at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park next year are yet to be determined. We want to thank Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and the Gila River community for their dedicated commitment to drag racing, NHRA president Glen Cromwell said. Wild Horse Pass In Phoenix Reveals Commercial Redevelopment A new overpass that is planned for the widening of several miles of Interstate 10 will take the space that currently occupies part of the facility, according to a Wild Horse Pass release. Pass Motorsports Park Closing Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. Take I-80 West to the Tooele exit, then drive on Highway 36 through Rush Valley. Our focus remains on making the NHRA an incredible experience to our fans, race teams, and partners, and we are working on several new destinations, Cromwell said. Upcoming Events Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park The construction project is slated to cost nearly $140 million. Matt Hagan set the track record in Funny Car at this years event in February, going 3.823-seconds at 333.41, while Brittany Force went 3.643 at 337.92 to set the Top Fuel track records in 2020. The same information was presented at each hearing. As cities continue expanding and developers get dollar signs in their eyes, they find ways to gobble up the ever-more-valuable land occupied by these facilities. Local news station ABC 15 ran an article after the closure was announced. Of all the stops on Burr, theres really nothing like the little slot canyon at an inconspicuous turnoff 11.5 miles down from the starting point. WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park The road is typically accessible to most vehicles as long as it's not muddy. Along the 25 miles between this turnoff and Simpson Springs, you'll likely encounter the herd. WebRawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. Adding a new general purpose lane in the median in both the east- and westbound directions for the entire 26-mile corridor. Why NHRA Is Leaving Phoenix After Four Decades of Highway construction dooms Wild Horse Pass track, The public comment period began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. Extending the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction on I-10 from Loop 202 to Riggs Road. Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utahs parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. Join us for another Go Fast Drift N Drag! Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. "Honestly, we're probably going to move after the track leaves. This study is focused on the 26-mile section of I-10 between the Loop 202 interchange south of Phoenix to just south of the State Route (SR) 387 interchange near Casa Grande. After the 2023 NHRA Camping World event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports park next winter, the facility will no longer exist. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Federal laws protect these wild horses. It's illegal to chase them or disturb them. Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the past four decades and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support, said Elizabeth Antone, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority general manager-interim. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park - Wikipedia Avoid taking this trip during bad weather, and make sure you're prepared with plenty of gas, water and a spare tire. As NHRA looks toward the future, it will focus on venues not currently on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series circuit to fill the spot of the Phoenix event starting in the 2024 season. Web1. Three in-person and one virtual public hearing were held to provide an overview of the draft EA and DCR, share ADOTs preliminary recommendation and accept public comment. Full-day Tours. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Its not going anywhere, Young responded to CompetitionPlus.com in a January 23, 2021 article. Make sure you read up on wild horse herds and learn all you can about them before you hit the road to get the most of your Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? Construction would not start until the 2025 fiscal year. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. WebWild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona has been a race fan's go-to hangout since 1983, but it was called Firebird International Raceway then. We have racing on the drag strip and hot lap drifting. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park to close In 2023, become highway overpass By Andrew Wolf | Dragzine Little more than a year ago, information came to light regarding proposed redevelopment plans by the The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority (WHGPDA) for the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Phoenix, Arizona. In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. The natural forces that carved slot canyons are still at work, and even light, distant rainfall can render slot canyons extremely dangerous including flash floods. Slot Canyons in Utah - Top Slot Canyons | Visit Utah says one driver. NHRA Phoenix Gone After 2023, Plus Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes in the Pits I mean, with production vehicles continuing to get faster and faster. Food and beer vendors will be on site. We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. Previous Group Instead, some may take their chance on city streets. Evaluated the alternatives and options costs, right-of-way implications, engineering factors and environmental considerations. Though they might look like domesticated horses, they're far from it. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. So much so, that we have been Following our public hearings and comment period, the study team will review and evaluate all input from the Gila River Indian Community, partner agencies and the public, and select a final alternative. RELATED ARTICLE -UPDATED: NHRA STANDS FIRM, ARIZONA NATIONALS RETURNING TO WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK IN 2022. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority just made the announcement, saying a new overpass for the I-10 extension will replace the track. Recommended. $235.00. This study is also evaluating extending the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-10 from Loop 202 south to the Riggs Road interchange with median widening. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. race Radford Racing School and the Radford Racing course will remain open after Wild Horse Pass Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. In addition to the no-build alternative, two build alternatives are being considered for I-10 through this 26mile segment. Our focus remains on making the NHRA an incredible experience to our fans, race teams and partners, and we are working on several new destinations, Cromwell said. Learn more Its YOUR turn to get behind the wheel of our fleet of exotic cars in Phoenix, AZ. The facility, which opened as Firebird International Raceway in 1983, is shuttering to make room for a new overpass and roadway for an Interstate 10 highway extension. Fan Info. Developing an I-10 vision and strategy to meet future needs. Finally, the study is evaluating an option that would add a broadband fiber optic facility into the I-10 corridor. Apr 6, 2022. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Seeing wild horses is like taking a trip right back to the Old West, when these herds were much more common. Plan a photographic getaway today! Highway construction will close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports This section of I-10 has been labeled as the Wild Horse Pass Corridor. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. The park will celebrate its 40th year of NHRA racing during next years Arizona WebThe NHRA Summit ET Series is the largest drag racing series in the country with over 80,000 racers participating nationwide within 7 Divisions. The study process is producing a NEPA-compliant environmental report (an Environmental Assessment [EA]) and an engineering report called a Design Concept Report (DCR) that: Developed a range of alternatives and options, including the no-build alternative. Have you ever seen any of Utahs wild horse herds? Documents the mitigations necessary to offset identified impacts associated with the preferred alternative. This year's Arizona Fall Nationals was held Feb. 25-27. John Forces eight wins in Phoenix leads all Funny Car drivers. This proposal was made with the existing I-10 framework. Theres truly no sight in the world like that of wild horses running free. WebClose this search box. So much so, that Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. from. Both would widen I-10 from two lanes to three lanes in each direction, the difference being whether this widening is accomplished in the median of I-10, or to the outside of I-10. 'Bittersweet' end for NHRA this weekend at Wild Horse WebLittle Wild Horse & Ding and Dang Emery, UT Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. In addition, the study is evaluating improvement options for the existing interchanges and roads that cross over I-10 in this corridor. Autoweek participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Little Wild Horse Canyon - Tripadvisor Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. Will select a preferred alternative based on technical analysis and agency and public feedback received. Removal of Dirk Lay Road crossing over I-10 and the return of the associated easement/right-of-way. All of the funding for this project, according to ADOTs tentative five-year plan, will come from the Regional Area Road Fund. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This is an 8 race series. While racetracks generate revenue, for the space they take up theyre not highly profitable. What drives the closure of so many tracks and motorsports parks usually comes down to one thing: money. Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure from Moab. It is important to note that the completion of this engineering and environmental study is required for any improvements to be eligible for federal funding. National Hot Rod Association | Online Ticket Office | Seating Charts READ ALSO:15 must-see places for an Arizona road trip, Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the National Hot Rod Association and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the past four decades, and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support, Elizabeth Antone, the interim general manager of the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, said in a release on Friday. we have been awarded the Healthy Verify Certification for our If you missed the public hearings, the recording of the online hearing can be found here: In collaboration with the Gila River Indian Community, BIA, FHWA and MAG, ADOT has prepared an environmental study for I-10 from Loop 202 to SR 387 under NEPA and an engineering study to evaluate improvements to I-10. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park hosted a round in the inaugural season of Nitro Rallycross, a rallycross series, on its off road course last year. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. From that first year until 1989, the event took place in October and was known as the Fallnationals. In this years penultimate race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park February 25-27, Matt Hagan reset the Funny Car track record in his Tony Stewart Racing Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, running 3.823-seconds at 333.41mph, while Brittany Forces 2020 Top Fuel record is at 3.643-sec and 3378.92 mph. The Final EA will provide responses to all comments received during the public review and comment period. The Chandler venue does not just host the NHRA, though. The Wild Horse "They posted this thing about this place closing, it's just like, why don't you just rip my heart out?" The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, has announced that the 2023 NHRA race will serve as the final event for the facility. We plan on being back there in 2022.. If successful, the combination of state, local and federal funds will allow project construction to begin as quickly as possible without budgetary constraint delays, Note: All values above expressed in Fiscal Year 2024 dollars. WebLIKELY TO SELL OUT*. If youre not familiar with the complex, it houses an amazing quarter mile NHRA sanctioned track, 1.6-mile road course, 1.25-mile road course, 1.1-mile road course, an off-road course, plus a 2.4-mile oval lake which is one of only two purpose-built boat racing lakes in the United States. The public hearings and associated public comment period were the last public events for this study. NHRA's 2023 race there will be the series' last stop there. In coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, ADOT is committed to identifying and pursuing all possible funding options for improving this section of I-10, including federal funding options. Multiple reports had circulated the web hinting the track would be demolished to make way for hotels, a concert venue, and office buildings, among other things. Every racer who chooses to sign up accumulates points for each race in which they participate. Please don't approach the animals; view them from a distance. Valley police say they are an ongoing, growing problem. Improving interchanges and crossroads for enhanced capacity and safety, and multimodal (bike and pedestrian) crossings, as well as addressing age/condition issues.