By Diedra Eby
Photos by Vanessa Cecena of Tumbleweed Customs
In South Tucson near the Tucson Fairgrounds, there are two popular racing spots of very different types. One of them, the Tucson Speedway track, is one of only three paved tracks in Arizona, with a .375 mile oval NASCAR track where you can see all kinds of cars racing: modifieds, late models, pro stocks, hobby stocks, super late models, thunder trucks and more.
They host multiple races in one night. On Saturday, Sept. 13, their first race commenced with a bunch of Pintos from the 70s. Pintos were known for crushing at the slightest impact, so it’s impressive to see so many in one place. The next race had Novas and Mustangs. After that were Pro Late Models, which is a class of stock car in short-track racing. There is an average of six to seven races per night with a payout over $450,000 per year at Tucson Speedway.
Of course, you’ll want to sample food from one of several food stands issuing mouth-watering smells, such as burgers, barbeque, chili and beer. One stand was popular for their barbeque rice bowls. For more information on events and dates, visit their website here.
When you’ve seen enough oval track racing, head over to Tucson Dragway on Houghton Road, right across the street from Tucson Speedway, for side-by-side, straight-down-the-dragway racing.
Be forewarned: it’s difficult to see the turn into the racing grounds. There is only one light shining down onto the sign. The parking lot isn’t particularly well-lit either and is a considerable ways from the actual racing strip, which is very brightly lit. If you aim for the dragway itself, you’ll miss the entrance to the raceway all together.
Racing here involves two totally different types of cars or trucks, or groups of both, pitted against each other. Some of them were old, beat-up looking cars while others were pristine beauties, like the beautiful 1955 Chevy that was two-toned black with a high gloss up top and matte on the bottom. It had a silver jet as a hood ornament. The man who owned it spent forty years restoring it piece by piece.
If you’re into cars, but not necessarily into racing, it’s fun just to tool around the parking lot to have a look at the vehicles and speak with the owners. They love to discuss their rides. In addition, Tucson Dragway also brings in lots of good food trucks.
Naturally, there are rules and categories. Besides the club categories, some interesting ones are “Run What You Bring,” “Open Test & Tune,” “Street Rally” and “Arizona No Prep,” which offers a ⅛ mile race on a no-prep race surface. Most of these categories are open to anyone who has a car.
“Run What You Bring” is exactly what it sounds like: race whatever car you bring. Do you think your car is fast? Well, bring it down to Tucson Dragway and find out.
You can find out specifics about each category, the safety rules and exactly what a “no prep” racetrack is by checking out their website . It’s surprisingly simple to start competing, and yes, there’s money to be won which varies by category.
The next race event is the perfect time to test your car at the “Daily Driver Event” on October 13. Buy in starts at $100 with 100% of buy in going to the class winner.
Test your car, test your heart or just be a spectator. Take ear plugs and take your appetite. Mostly, enjoy!