Central Arizona Raceway is a dedicated drag strip situated on the western edge of Casa Grande, nestled among the flat, sun-baked desert terrain that characterizes much of Pinal County. Its location makes it easily accessible for motorsports enthusiasts from both the Phoenix metropolitan area and those traveling along I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. As a specialized drag racing facility, it serves as a local hub for straight-line speed events, drawing a mix of amateur racers, street-legal performance car owners, and organized racing groups looking for a regulated, safe environment to test their machines. The track is designed for quarter-mile and eighth-mile racing, with paved lanes, timing systems, and standard safety preparations typical of regional drag strips. Spectators can expect covered grandstands offering clear views of the entire run, making it simple to follow the action from lights to finish line. Concessions are available on-site during events, providing basic food and drinks, though options are limited so many attendees bring their own. This isn’t a stadium-style motorsports complex with luxury suites or massive commercial infrastructure—it’s a straightforward, functional venue focused on the sport itself. It's best suited for fans of grassroots drag racing, families looking for an energetic weekend outing, or drivers interested in sanctioned test-and-tune nights or bracket racing. Events are typically weekend-based and vary by season, so checking in advance for scheduled race meets or public participation days is recommended.
Watch: Central Arizona Raceway
Know Before You Go
- Test & tune nights
- Most strips run open 'test and tune' or 'run what ya brung' sessions for $20-40 entry. Make as many passes as time allows — perfect for street cars and bracket prep.
- Required gear
- A helmet is required once you run faster than 13.99 in the quarter-mile (or 9.99 in the eighth). Anything quicker than 11.49 typically requires a roll bar and SFI gear.
- Tech inspection
- Cars go through a basic safety check: battery hold-down, throttle return, seatbelt condition, tire condition. Faster cars need NHRA tech and current chassis cert.
- Bracket racing
- Saturday-night bracket programs pit dial-in handicap races. You declare your ET, race against a 'pro tree,' and closer to your dial without going under wins.
- Timeslip souvenir
- Most tracks print your ET, trap speed, reaction time, and 60-foot on a timeslip after each pass — a fun keepsake even if you're just there to mess around.