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. Thank you! Bring your car or truck down! Anyone can participate! March 31, 2022 The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. 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.. Theres truly no sight in the world like that of wild horses running free. Copyright 2023 AZ Big Media | All Rights Reserved | Site by Blufish, Heres how the Joy Bus helps home-bound cancer patients, How Small Business Boot Camp boosts Arizonas small business community, Heres where ASU, UArizona rank among universities granted patentsin 2022, 15 must-see places for an Arizona road trip. Food and beer vendors will be on site. 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.. 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. Will select a preferred alternative based on technical analysis and agency and public feedback received. 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. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. 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. 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 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. Removal of Dirk Lay Road crossing over I-10 and the return of the associated easement/right-of-way. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 38th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, the second of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series - The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in NHRA officials say that the series will look at venues not currently on the NHRA schedule to fill the void, starting in 2024. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. Web1. 0:29 This weekend, a long-standing tradition of speed and prestige will come to an end. $235.00. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. There is no word on whether the additional development is part of the reason, along with future work on Interstate 10, to discontinue the Arizona Nationals at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. 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. (Photo by Susan Wong /Cronkite News) Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park. For ET Finals information, see the "2023 NHRA SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT ET GUIDELINES" document near the bottom of this page. Since I live in the area and frequent there, this literally hits close to home for me. This redevelopment plan was supposed to be put into action several years down the road, maybe as far into the future as a decade. 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. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. People are not going to stop," says Fritz. American racetracks are dying in droves and nobody in government at the city, county, or state level seems to care. Leveraging this state and local funding, ADOT applied for a federal MEGA grant to close the gap of approximately $360 million. Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. 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. 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. Documents the mitigations necessary to offset identified impacts associated with the preferred alternative. Due to record snowpack and high amounts of spring runoff, please be advised of potential flooding that could impact travel plans. Last year, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced plans to develop the area with the help of Sunbelt Holdings, a real estate development company. 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. 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. Though they might look like domesticated horses, they're far from it. On a typical Friday night you can expect to see everything from a mini van to an occasional jet car testing! 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). The improvements for this 26-mile corridor are about $990 million (including the Gila River Bridge replacement project). 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. This year's Arizona Fall Nationals was held Feb. 25-27. 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. Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park Closing in 2023 By az57chevy March 28, 2022 in Off Topic Share az57chevy Senior Member 1k Posted March 28, 2022 Three NHRA tracks have closed since 2021. The public comment period began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. Call the bilingual study line: 602-522-7777, Email: i10wildhorsepasscorridor@hdrinc.com, USPS Mail:I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Study Team c/o HDR, Inc.20 E. Thomas Road, Suite 2500Phoenix, AZ 85012, Enter an email or phone above if you'd like to be contacted, began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. Have you ever seen any of Utahs wild horse herds? Wild horse herds are elusive. 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. The only other racetrack in Arizona is in Tucson. Unfortunately, weve all seen this same scenario play out endlessly just in the past few years. Just over a year ago, there was a proposed plan to redevelop the increasingly valuable land Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park now occupies. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. 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. 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. 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. Mike Pryson covered auto racing for the Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot and MLive Media Group from 1991 until joining Autoweek in 2011. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Unless you know where to look, your mustang-viewing adventure could turn up fruitless. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. This one hits close to home. 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. So much so, that we have been WebRawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. Love Utah? CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. The rumor is its been sold to a non-racing party or in other words its most likely a goner. By Engine Builder. Mar 26, 2022 NHRA/National Dragster The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. The Arizona Department of Transportations tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Plan released on March 18 shows a blueprint to add capacity to a 26-mile stretch of I-10 leading up to the racetrack. This will leave racers with fewer options. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. 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. Arizonas stop in the NHRA schedule was moved to its current February slot in 1990. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. "If they close this place, people will have to do that because they are not going to stop. A drag racing tradition in Chandlers Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park that dates back to the 1980s is set to come to an end. Every racer who chooses to sign up accumulates points for each race in which they participate. Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Trump accuser defends rape claim after judge denies mistrial, Michael J. 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 Avoid taking this trip during bad weather, and make sure you're prepared with plenty of gas, water and a spare tire. properties. 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. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. 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. Firebird Lake hosts drag boat races on an annual basis. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. We plan on being back there in 2022.. It is the last remaining segment of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson that has only two lanes in each direction. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in the Phoenix Metro Area. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. 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. In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. 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. 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 Check the specific event for more detailed information on Spectator Info. From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Improving interchanges and crossroads for enhanced capacity and safety, and multimodal (bike and pedestrian) crossings, as well as addressing age/condition issues. The date and ticket information for the historic finale of the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will be announced later. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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?" WebAuto Club Raceway at Pomona [ Close Window]Close Window] 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. If they feel threatened, they can injure you or themselves. After the 2023 NHRA Camping World event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports park next winter, the facility will no longer exist. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In addition, the study is evaluating improvement options for the existing interchanges and roads that cross over I-10 in this corridor. 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. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. 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 2023 race date has yet to be released. Full-day Tours. 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. For more Utah fun, take these 7 Utah treetop adventures. I mean, with production vehicles continuing to get faster and faster. Apparently, beyond 2023 is another story. RELATED STORY - HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK CLOSING AFTER 2022 NHRA EVENT, WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK CLOSING SINCE 2021.
