The Tracks of Death Week – Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
With a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that spans nearly 2,000 miles, track selection is just as critical. Death Week will begin and end at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, a track with four decades of history, record-setting performances, and even John Force doing an interview in his underwear!
Originally opened in the summer of 1983 as Firebird International Dragway, the 440-acre property lays claim to a drag strip with one of the longest shut downs in history, as well as hosting a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) national event since 1985.
The facility also features an off-road course, a 1.6-mile road course that can be configured in two different formats, a skid pad for drifting, and the majestic Firebird Lake. The lake envelops nearly 120 acres of the property and allows for a 2.4-mile oval, and with nearly a mile-long straightaway, it is ideal for watercraft racing.
The property also is home to Radford Racing School, the official high performance driving school of Dodge SRT division. With over 80 different performance vehicles, Radford offers everything from private party and corporate meetings to competitive race training and even advanced teen driving programs. They will provide the grounds for the Death Week awards ceremony at the end of our trip.
There’re also several options within reasonable distance of Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, including the Hole in The Rock, a unique hole at the top of a rocky mountain that offers a panoramic view of Phoenix, as well as the landscape of Arizona.
The Desert Botanical Gardens is also within reasonable driving distance, and the 145-acre property offers different versions of cacti, some much taller than the average person! Founded in 1937, the Gardens offers nearly 50,000 desert-specific plants, and visitors will enjoy picture-perfect views.
The Rawhide Western Town and Event Center is another unique attraction. This re-creation of an 1880s Old West town includes a haunted hotel, a mechanical bull, gun fight shows and more.
There are also two casinos close to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in case the 2,000 Death Week journey isn’t enough of a gamble for you!
And this is just the beginning of the ten days, three tracks, ultimate drag-and-drive known as Death Week. Spots are still available; don’t out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Written by Derek Putnam.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com