I may be moving to Phoenix area in the next year or so. I'm currently in SF Bay Area, with Laguna Seca, Infineon (Sears Point) and Thunderhill all within a 2 hour drive from home. How do the tracks in Phoenix compare? Are there lots of opportunities for open track/HPDE time? Are the tracks interesting and challenging? I'd love to hear any input you have.

 

Nothing here of Laguna/Infineon stature but a nice selection:

Arizona Motorsports Park (reopening w. a 92db limit)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Arizona_Motorsports_Park

Firebird Raceway (4 different tracks)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Firebird_In...ational_Raceway

Phoenix International Raceway (Oval/roadcourse combo)
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Phoen...tional_Raceway

4.5hrs SE of Phx
http://www.indemotorsports.com/site/

5hr just in to New Mexico
http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Arroyo_Seco_Raceway

Spring Mountain in Nevada and So Cal tracks are reasonably close as well.

We've got NASA, SCCA, and ProAutoSports running events monthly!

Welcome to AZ!

 

sf > az

 

More Silverstones! Woooo!

 

You will certainly not find tracks like you mentioned in AZ, or just about any other place in the country. The nice thing is, we have some variety within a short distance. We have 3 tracks all within the the city of PHX limits.

As others mentioned, we have Inde motorsports ranch which looks amazing and NASA is trying to get a 2011 date, and Chuckwalla raceway as well. These are both around 3 hours away.

In AZ, S2000 can run top down, with the factory roll hoops which is very nice, and most of our tracks do not have sound restrictions (except AMP). I have only driven PIR so far since moving to AZ, but from what I can tell, most of the AZ area tracks suit the S2000. Not a lot of long straights or really high speeds. Some tight turns and long corners which really let the S2000 shine!

Hope you decide to make it out! We have a very active S2000 community here

 

Thanks for all your input. Sounds like there are tracks, albeit not of the Laguna Seca/Infineon caliber. I realize we're spoiled in the SF Bay Area, with Laguna/Infineon/Thunderhill/Buttonwillow/Reno-Fernley within 4 hours drive, but being spoiled is good. Phoenix definately fills my golf jones, and the housing dollar goes a long way. Who knows, you may see me pedalling my sled out there by next summer ;-)

 

Cost of living is definitely cheaper out here. Let us know if you end up making it out here.