Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. In this part of Utah, you can almost forget that 1.5 million people live in the valley just west of the mountains. While we love writing about amazing opportunities like this, we hope that none of our readers will bring harm to these beautiful horses. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. 81. "They posted this thing about this place closing, it's just like, why don't you just rip my heart out?" Instead, some may take their chance on city streets. There are multiple parking lots on property, all equipped with handicapped parking. 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 - Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. What drives the closure of so many tracks and motorsports parks usually comes down to one thing: money. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. However, the rumors of their departure had circulated long before then. Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park. This proposal was made with the existing I-10 framework. "I think a lot of young people are going to inevitably go to the street. One notable closure which also was recently leaked to the media is Memphis International Raceway. WebContact Us Contact Info Address Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 20000 S Maricopa Rd Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone (520) 796-5601 Email contact says one driver. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park has seen several historic and record performances on its dragstrip, including Tony Schumachers historic 330-mph run in 1999. This section of I-10 has been labeled as the Wild Horse Pass Corridor. 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. 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. The NHRA has raced in Arizona every year since 1985 with the exception of 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols. Valley police say they are an ongoing, growing problem. Right now, theres no official plan to open a comparable motorsports park in the Phoenix area. 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. For nearly 40 years, the NHRA, in conjunction with A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. National Hot Rod Association | Online Ticket Office | Seating Charts Adding a new general purpose lane in the median in both the east- and westbound directions for the entire 26-mile corridor. 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.. This year's Arizona Fall Nationals was held Feb. 25-27. ADOT said in a statement that the funding for the project is allocated by the Maricopa Association of Governments. 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. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. March 31, 2022 The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. This fund comes from the Maricopa County Transportation Excise Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 2004. 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. Thank you! The date and ticket information for the historic finale of the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will be announced later. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. The Bureau of Land Management manages 22 herds of wild horses in Utah, but the most accessible to the public is the Onaqui herd in the West Desert. 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. Replacing the aging and narrow Gila River Bridges as a part of a separate study. They dont care what these changes do to communities because they have to get paid, period. 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. The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Mike Pryson covered auto racing for the Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot and MLive Media Group from 1991 until joining Autoweek in 2011. In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. This one hits close to home. 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. 01 GeNeral. "Honestly, we're probably going to move after the track leaves. Everybody wants a GTR, a Tesla, they want to go out and they want to see what it can do," says Kyle Fritz, driver. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. WebRawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. 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. Closing John Forces eight wins in Phoenix leads all Funny Car drivers. Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. May 2023 (Photo by Susan Wong /Cronkite News) Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. 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. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. Home - Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Trump accuser defends rape claim after judge denies mistrial, Michael J. Dead Horse Point Half-Day Guided Mountain Biking Tour in Moab. 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). We have racing on the drag strip and hot lap drifting. The Chandler venue does not just host the NHRA, though. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. $235.00. race Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Love Utah? You may encounter horses near to the road, and some may even seem unafraid of you. Arizona's Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park To Close For Good In 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. 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. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. We plan on being back there in 2022.. Bring your car or truck down! Facility map. NHRA has featured an ET drag racing series since the mid-1970s. Join us for another Go Fast Drift N Drag! 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. Documents the mitigations necessary to offset identified impacts associated with the preferred alternative. The '23 Toyota Corolla Hatch Is Normcore on Wheels, What We Learned in Red Bulls Domination In Baku, Prock, Hight Add Wins to John Force Racing Legacy, When NHRA King John Force Is On a Roll, Stand Back, Garlits Outlives NHRA Founder, but Not Their Feud, Video: Gator Chomps NHRA Driver's Radio Boat, NHRA 4-Wide Charlotte Final Qualifying Results, Jasmine Salinas Continues Torwards NHRA Top Fuel, DeJoria Powers to Front at NHRA Four-Wides, NHRA Leaving Bandimere Speedway after 2023, NHRA Rivals Not Happy with Josh Hart's Tactics, NHRA Results, Updated Standings from Las Vegas, Tony Stewart Is Now an NHRA Winning Driver, NHRA Vegas Qualifying Results, Sunday Pairings, Why NHRA Is Leaving Phoenix After Four Decades of Drag Racing. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority just made the announcement, saying a new overpass for the I-10 extension will replace the track. 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. 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. Thats not true of all enthusiasts, but to ignore the problem by only focusing on part of the group would be dishonest. 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? 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. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. Due to record snowpack and high amounts of spring runoff, please be advised of potential flooding that could impact travel plans. Arizona Department of Transportation GRIC 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. A public meeting summary report is available on the Study Resources page. CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. Apparently, beyond 2023 is another story. The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in The Final EA and DCR are expected to be complete and available in early 2023. If youre interested in viewing more of Utahs wild horse herds, visit WildHorseTourist.com. Wild Horse raceway closing Improving I-10 across the Gila River Indian Community is a project of regional significance for Arizona. 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. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. 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 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park (AZ) to Close After 2023 NHRA Watch for the turnoff to Fish Spring Wildlife Refuge, then turn onto Lookout Pass Road. NHRA Phoenix Gone After 2023, Plus Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes in the Pits Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. The Final EA will provide responses to all comments received during the public review and comment period. Sign of the times? WebClose this search box. 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. Tell us about your experiences, and share your photos if you have any! To find the horses, you'll drive many miles from civilization, and much of your trip will be via a dirt road. See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. Arizonas stop in the NHRA schedule was moved to its current February slot in 1990.