NHRA's 2023 race there will be the series' last stop there. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. we have been awarded the Healthy Verify Certification for our Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. The same information was presented at each hearing. 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. Sign of the times? Get more stories delivered right to your email. We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. WebWild Horse Pass Motorsports Park - Racetrack Driving Experience | Xtreme Xperience Arizona (Phoenix) Ride-Alongs Starting at $79 Supercar Xperiences Starting at $249 Starting at $18 /mo with Affirm. Removal of Dirk Lay Road crossing over I-10 and the return of the associated easement/right-of-way. Copyright 2023 Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in the Phoenix Metro Area. The public hearings and associated public comment period were the last public events for this study. 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. The park will celebrate its 40th year of NHRA racing during next years Arizona 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. Dead Horse Point Half-Day Guided Mountain Biking Tour in Moab. Friday Night Run What You Brung open drags have been a staple of the Arizona racing community for over 25 years. Firebird Lake hosts drag boat races on an annual basis. ADOT held a virtual public meeting on November 18, 2020. Mike Pryson covered auto racing for the Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot and MLive Media Group from 1991 until joining Autoweek in 2011. Simply hike into Willis Creek Narrows, a southern Utah slot canyon, for easy, scenic adventures of less than 5-miles (round trip) and many creek crossings. The Wild Horse 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.. Unfortunately, weve all seen this same scenario play out endlessly just in the past few years. If I were to try listing off all the tracks which have been shut down to make way for new developments, Id definitely miss at least a few, there are so many. 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. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park has seen several historic and record performances on its dragstrip, including Tony Schumachers historic 330-mph run in 1999. These magnificent animals are so beautiful that you'll want to spend as much time observing them as possible. 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. WebRawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. 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. Installing freeway management technology to allow for the installation of sensors, cameras, variable message signs and other highway safety-related technology. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Have you ever seen any of Utahs wild horse herds? Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. 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? Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. WebIn March 2022, it was announced that Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park would close in February 2023, after NHRA Arizona Nationals, due to the widening of Interstate 10. 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. American racetracks are dying in droves and nobody in government at the city, county, or state level seems to care. 25-year-old Kyle Fritz has been racing at Wild Horse Pass since he was fifteen. We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. WebClose this search box. 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. 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. 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. Since I live in the area and frequent there, this literally hits close to home for me. The future additions to Interstate 10 may not be the only thing that is forcing the end of drag racing at the Chandler venue, though. 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. 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. 0:29 This weekend, a long-standing tradition of speed and prestige will come to an end. Apparently, beyond 2023 is another story. As mentioned above, I-10 consists of three lanes in each direction between SR 387 near Casa Grande and Tucson. One notable closure which also was recently leaked to the media is Memphis International Raceway. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for., 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. The public comment period began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. 01 GeNeral. $235.00. 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 NHRA officials say that the series will look at venues not currently on the NHRA schedule to fill the void, starting in 2024. Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass From that first year until 1989, the event took place in October and was known as the Fallnationals. Due to record snowpack and high amounts of spring runoff, please be advised of potential flooding that could impact travel plans. March 31, 2022 The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. Don't forget your camera, and bring some binoculars in case the horses are far away from the road so you can see them up close. 81. from. This is an 8 race series. The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. 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. Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure from Moab. If youre interested in viewing more of Utahs wild horse herds, visit WildHorseTourist.com. The road is typically accessible to most vehicles as long as it's not muddy. You can take a drive to see these majestic animals. Events at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park vary and so do the particulars surrounding each event. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced March 25 the former Firebird International Raceway would hold its final National Hot Rod Association race (NHRA) next February at the 440-acre complex that includes a drag strip, road course and 2.4-mile oval motorboat racing lake. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. 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. With real estate prices absolutely rocketing out of control in the Phoenix area as the city continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the Gila River Indian Community hatched a plan to raze the motorsports park and replace it with a sports and entertainment district with restaurants, retail spaces, sports facilities, parks, and an office complex. As a host of the NHRA Nationals, the track gets hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. All Rights Reserved. No additional public events will be held. Racing on streets, drifting and takeovers are all illegal. Refer to the 2023 NHRA Rulebook for complete tech requirements and competition rules. 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. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Valley police say they are an ongoing, growing problem. This fund comes from the Maricopa County Transportation Excise Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 2004. 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. To date, about $640 million has been allocated to the corridor by the State and MAG, which includes the recently approved $400 million as part of the State Budget for fiscal year 2023. Avoid taking this trip during bad weather, and make sure you're prepared with plenty of gas, water and a spare tire. Developing an I-10 vision and strategy to meet future needs. Whether you are driving an all out race car or your daily driver, you can race down the same 1/4 mile track that the NHRA Pro drivers do. 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. This selection, combined with the input from the public hearing and associated public comment period, will be documented in the Final EA and DCR documents which will be published on this website once complete. There are multiple parking lots on property, all equipped with handicapped parking. Federal laws protect these wild horses. 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. and last updated 9:44 PM, Mar 27, 2022 CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. They dont care what these changes do to communities because they have to get paid, period. This will leave racers with fewer options. (Photo by Susan Wong /Cronkite News) 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. Learn why a Toyota commercial exposes everything wrong with automakers today here. Bring your car or truck down! Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. Take I-80 West to the Tooele exit, then drive on Highway 36 through Rush Valley. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. We may earn money from the links on this page. per adult. Construction would not start until the 2025 fiscal year. WebWild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is located at 20000 S. Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226, just south of Chandler along I-10 on the land of the Gila River Indian Community. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. For more Utah fun, take these 7 Utah treetop adventures. Improving I-10 across the Gila River Indian Community is a project of regional significance for Arizona. 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! This one hits close to home. I mean, with production vehicles continuing to get faster and faster. Fan Info. By Andrew Wolf January 22, 2021 Last week, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park officials, in cooperation with the NHRA, announced the cancellation of this seasons running of the Arizona Nationals, citing what the former called many circumstances That all changed when Wild Horse Pass suddenly let the cat out of the bag, announcing the facilities would be closing within a year. 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. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. 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. 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. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Evaluated the alternatives and options costs, right-of-way implications, engineering factors and environmental considerations. Radford Racing School and the Radford Racing course will remain open after Wild Horse Pass If they feel threatened, they can injure you or themselves. 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. properties. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Watch for the turnoff to Fish Spring Wildlife Refuge, then turn onto Lookout Pass Road. Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Everybody wants a GTR, a Tesla, they want to go out and they want to see what it can do," says Kyle Fritz, driver. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. says one driver. Food and beer vendors will be on site. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News). Our car experts choose every product we feature. 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. If one of these build alternatives is selected and built, I-10 would then provide three continuous lanes in each direction between Phoenix and Tucson. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Please don't approach the animals; view them from a distance. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. Then again, with law enforcement leveling fines and seizing the cars owned by street racers, maybe the decision by the government to not support building new tracks is really about money as well. 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. Locally, the route also serves the Gila River Indian Community by providing key connections to employment, medical, educational and other necessary services both within and outside of the Community. 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. For more information on the I-10 Bridge Project, please click here. 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. We regularly host test days, practice sessions, club days, races, product launches, corporate events and RELATED STORY - HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK CLOSING AFTER 2022 NHRA EVENT, WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK CLOSING SINCE 2021. John Forces eight wins in Phoenix leads all Funny Car drivers. In collaboration with the Gila River Indian Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft Design Concept Report (DCR) for the Interstate 10 (I-10) Study: Loop 202 to State Route 387 (SR 387). After 40 years of service with the NHRA, the track will say goodbye with next years event. Wild horse herds are elusive. It is the last remaining segment of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson that has only two lanes in each direction. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. To find the horses, you'll drive many miles from civilization, and much of your trip will be via a dirt road. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. After the 2023 NHRA Camping World event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports park next winter, the facility will no longer exist. Leveraging this state and local funding, ADOT applied for a federal MEGA grant to close the gap of approximately $360 million. Mar 26, 2022 NHRA/National Dragster The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. Plan a photographic getaway today! 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. 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. Yet everyone cares about illegal street racing, which seem to be growing in popularity once more, and understandably so since its incredibly dangerous. NHRA has featured an ET drag racing series since the mid-1970s. Its not going anywhere, Young responded to CompetitionPlus.com in a January 23, 2021 article. In this part of Utah, you can almost forget that 1.5 million people live in the valley just west of the mountains. May 2023 Unless you know where to look, your mustang-viewing adventure could turn up fruitless. Web1. In addition, the study is evaluating improvement options for the existing interchanges and roads that cross over I-10 in this corridor. The 2023 race date has yet to be released. 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. 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. ADOT said in a statement that the funding for the project is allocated by the Maricopa Association of Governments. The I-10 bridges over the Gila River are part of a separate ADOT project that is excluded from this study but closely coordinated with the Community. 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.. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? WebIn the summer of 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and partner agencies took the essential first step toward studying ways to increase the capacity of a 26mile section of Interstate 10 (I-10) south of the Phoenix metropolitan area. While we love writing about amazing opportunities like this, we hope that none of our readers will bring harm to these beautiful horses. Replacing the aging and narrow Gila River Bridges as a part of a separate study. Previous Group Tell us about your experiences, and share your photos if you have any! Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Thats not true of all enthusiasts, but to ignore the problem by only focusing on part of the group would be dishonest. It's a loss to those who make a life out of this popular family sport and something many racers aren't willing to give up. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced on Friday that the 2023 NHRA Arizona Nationals will mark the final year for the event at the venue. "It's going to promote street activities that I think are dangerous," says another driver. 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. Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Trump accuser defends rape claim after judge denies mistrial, Michael J. 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., RELATED STORY - ATLANTA DRAGWAY TO HOST FINAL EVENT IN 2021. 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. Facility map. 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 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. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. 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. "Honestly, we're probably going to move after the track leaves. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. Arizonas stop in the NHRA schedule was moved to its current February slot in 1990. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.. This family friendly event is filled with nonstop excitement. 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. Local news station ABC 15 ran an article after the closure was announced. However, the rumors of their departure had circulated long before then. "They posted this thing about this place closing, it's just like, why don't you just rip my heart out?" In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. The date and ticket information for the historic finale of the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will be announced later. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. RELATED ARTICLE -UPDATED: NHRA STANDS FIRM, ARIZONA NATIONALS RETURNING TO WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK IN 2022. 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.