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. 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. per adult. NHRAs Jeffrey Young responded to rumors which suggested that Wild Horse Motorsports Park, located outside of Phoenix, was going away as a drag racing venue. The construction project is slated to cost nearly $140 million. 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 master plan showed a blueprint to develop the area where the drag race track and Firebird Lake is now, with additional hotels, corporate offices, mixed-use commercial buildings and new restaurants. Web1. To find the horses, you'll drive many miles from civilization, and much of your trip will be via a dirt road. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park (AZ) to Close After 2023 NHRA Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? 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. 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 nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Dead Horse Point Half-Day Guided Mountain Biking Tour in Moab. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Right now, theres no official plan to open a comparable motorsports park in the Phoenix area. Closing Sign of the times? 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 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. These magnificent animals are so beautiful that you'll want to spend as much time observing them as possible. "If they close this place, people will have to do that because they are not going to stop. Slot Canyons in Utah - Top Slot Canyons | Visit Utah 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. As mentioned above, I-10 consists of three lanes in each direction between SR 387 near Casa Grande and Tucson. This will leave racers with fewer options. 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. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. 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. All of the funding for this project, according to ADOTs tentative five-year plan, will come from the Regional Area Road Fund. Watch for the turnoff to Fish Spring Wildlife Refuge, then turn onto Lookout Pass Road. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. 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. 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. 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. This proposal was made with the existing I-10 framework. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park - Wikipedia 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. If you see someone harassing this herd It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We may earn money from the links on this page. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. The Wild Horse The park will celebrate its 40th year of NHRA racing during next years Arizona Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. 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. By Engine Builder. WebAuto Club Raceway at Pomona [ Close Window]Close Window] Featuring Arizona Drag Racing Association (ADRA), Outlaw Pontiac Racers West, Super Comp, Super Gas & Super Street! Will select a preferred alternative based on technical analysis and agency and public feedback received. Little Wild Horse Canyon - Tripadvisor 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. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 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. "I think a lot of young people are going to inevitably go to the street. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Events at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park vary and so do the particulars surrounding each event. 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. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Check the specific event for more detailed information on Spectator Info. The facility has hosted NHRA racing since 1985. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Wild horse herds are elusive. This is an 8 race series. Potential facilities under consideration include Tulsa Raceway Park and South Georgia 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. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News). 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. "Honestly, we're probably going to move after the track leaves. 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. However, the rumors of their departure had circulated long before then. WebRawhide Western Town & Event Center and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. The same information was presented at each hearing. 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. Take This Utah Drive To See Wild Horses Running Free This redevelopment plan was supposed to be put into action several years down the road, maybe as far into the future as a decade. Wild Horse raceway closing 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.. 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. 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. Apparently, beyond 2023 is another story. 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. Arizona Racetrack Closing Signals A Much Bigger Problem 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. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 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? In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. It is the last remaining segment of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson that has only two lanes in each direction. While we love writing about amazing opportunities like this, we hope that none of our readers will bring harm to these beautiful horses. Thats not true of all enthusiasts, but to ignore the problem by only focusing on part of the group would be dishonest. Home - Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park This family friendly event is filled with nonstop excitement. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Arizonans use this route to commute to and from Phoenix daily from rural communities. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Whether you come to watch and relax or try out your skills, this is the event for you. Highway construction to close Wild Horse Pass Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. from. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. 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 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. and last updated 9:44 PM, Mar 27, 2022 CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. 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. 5 Ways to See Wild Horses in Utah | Visit Utah On a typical Friday night you can expect to see everything from a mini van to an occasional jet car testing! When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. NHRA officials say that the series will look at venues not currently on the NHRA schedule to fill the void, starting in 2024. 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. One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. 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. (Photo by Susan Wong /Cronkite News) Instead, some may take their chance on city streets. Highway construction to close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.. In 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. says one driver. We regularly host test days, practice sessions, club days, races, product launches, corporate events and The rumor is its been sold to a non-racing party or in other words its most likely a goner. 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. we have been awarded the Healthy Verify Certification for our 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.. Developing an I-10 vision and strategy to meet future needs. $235.00. NHRA officials say 2023 will be final race weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. 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. John Forces eight wins in Phoenix leads all Funny Car drivers. 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. From that first year until 1989, the event took place in October and was known as the Fallnationals. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler has been a legal option for racers over the past four decades. 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. Unfortunately, weve all seen this same scenario play out endlessly just in the past few years. 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 best 7 races count toward the points total for each racer at the end of the series, and anyone who runs at least 1 race qualifies to enter the Race of Champions at the ET Finals. The public comment period began on October 21 and ended December 4, 2020. 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. Seeing wild horses is like taking a trip right back to the Old West, when these herds were much more common. Have you ever seen any of Utahs wild horse herds? We have taken numerous steps for added cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing. 'Bittersweet' end for NHRA this weekend at Wild Horse WILD HORSE BECOMES THIRD NHRA NATIONAL EVENT TRACK ADOT said in a statement that the funding for the project is allocated by the Maricopa Association of Governments. 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. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. 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 fund comes from the Maricopa County Transportation Excise Tax, which is a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 2004. 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. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. CHANDLER One of only two racetracks left in Arizona, is set to close. 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 only other racetrack in Arizona is in Tucson. Schumacher has five career victories at the facility. One notable closure which also was recently leaked to the media is Memphis International Raceway. If they feel threatened, they can injure you or themselves. There are multiple parking lots on property, all equipped with handicapped parking. The Wild Horse Park Development Authority says this is due to planned work on Interstate 10 near the area. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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 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. In a late-night news release on Friday evening, NHRA revealed next years Arizona Nationals would be its last. What drives the closure of so many tracks and motorsports parks usually comes down to one thing: money. If youre interested in viewing more of Utahs wild horse herds, visit WildHorseTourist.com. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority just made the announcement, saying a new overpass for the I-10 extension will replace the track. The public hearings were held on the following dates: The formal public comment period was open from Aug. 19 through Oct. 9, 2022. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. 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. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. Local news station ABC 15 ran an article after the closure was announced. "It's going to promote street activities that I think are dangerous," says another driver. Mar 26, 2022 NHRA/National Dragster The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. Copyright 2023 Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. NHRA Phoenix Gone After 2023, Plus Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes in the Pits Arizona's Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park To Close For Good In 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. You may encounter horses near to the road, and some may even seem unafraid of you. Just over a year ago, there was a proposed plan to redevelop the increasingly valuable land Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park now occupies. 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. 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. 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. 81. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. 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.. 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). They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. No additional public events will be held. It's illegal to chase them or disturb them. Thank you! The tracks and other facilities in the park are doomed thanks to an expansion project for Interstate 10 in Upcoming Events Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 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. 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. 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. You can take a drive to see these majestic animals. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.. The land will probably become the site of some luxury condos or something like that. Adding a new general purpose lane in the median in both the east- and westbound directions for the entire 26-mile corridor. For more Utah fun, take these 7 Utah treetop adventures. The Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler is set to run its final NHRA event in 2023. As a host of the NHRA Nationals, the track gets hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. 0:29 This weekend, a long-standing tradition of speed and prestige will come to an end. It provides even and exciting competition for the local racer, the backbone of NHRA. So much so, that NHRA has featured an ET drag racing series since the mid-1970s. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Drivers tell us that will result in more racers turning to the streets. ADOT documents reveal that a general public lane and a HOV lane will be added in each direction. 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. 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. 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. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. Its not going anywhere, Young responded to CompetitionPlus.com in a January 23, 2021 article. This year's Arizona Fall Nationals was held Feb. 25-27. The Final EA and DCR are expected to be complete and available in early 2023. 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. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. Motorsports Park take our guests and our associates safety as our highest priority. 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. They dont care what these changes do to communities because they have to get paid, period. 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. WebLIKELY TO SELL OUT*. 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. Wild Horse Pass In Phoenix Reveals Commercial Redevelopment 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 For nearly 40 years, the NHRA, in conjunction with While racetracks generate revenue, for the space they take up theyre not highly profitable. Highway Construction To Close Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Along the 25 miles between this turnoff and Simpson Springs, you'll likely encounter the herd. Love Utah? So much so, that we have been The NHRA is saying farewell to Phoenix in 2023. May 2023 The study will also determine how construction should be implemented over time, and in segments, if funding is allocated over several years. 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. 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 study would conclude with a selected alternative and an associated cost estimate to design and construct it, should a build alternative be selected. 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