In the Arizona desert, a stretch of asphalt contrasts sharply with the barren surroundings. It’s a racetrack that has remained unused for approximately fifteen years.
Known as Competition Ridge Race Ranch, it can be found in Yucca, nestled between Kingman and Lake Havasu. However, it’s not likely a place you would find by chance. Recently explored by the creators at DZAdventures, they estimate the track is located around 30 miles from the nearest paved roadway. At ground level, fences and “No Trespassing” notices are the sole signs of its existence. Aerial footage reveals a complete racetrack layout.
Established around 2010, Competition Ridge was envisioned as a country club racetrack. As per a DragZine blog entry from that period, sports car driver Randy Lyles intended to sell over five-acre lots surrounding the racetrack, where owners could construct homes and race shops. This way, they could utilize the track at their convenience, which Lyles assessed would be less expensive than making dedicated trips for testing. Nevertheless, it represented a significant financial commitment. Around that same time, Lyles listed a plot at $70,900 (OBO) on a St. Louis Motor Racing News forum.
The DragZine article stated that Lyles intended to construct a 1.7-mile road course, a 3/4-mile oval, and a 1/4-mile drag strip on the 400-acre property, as well as develop 48 residential lots. Residents would incur a $100 monthly fee to cover maintenance, equipment, and staffing costs, but were reportedly permitted to organize racing events with outsiders and receive a portion of the fees collected from those participants.
The reasons these plans never materialized remain unclear, though Competition Ridge’s remote position may have played a role. Racetracks are typically situated away from urban areas, due to their size and the noise along with the general activity they generate. Its seclusion implies that one would have to possess a strong passion for racing to find it enticing.
Maintaining a racetrack is also challenging. In recent years, numerous tracks have gone out of business, from smaller venues like Custom T’s drag strip near Washington, D.C., to the 190-acre Grattan Raceway property in Michigan. Unlike many other tracks, the obscure location of Competition Ridge may actually shield it from real estate developers and demolition. It might simply exist in limbo, as an oddity for overlanders and Google Maps users.
**Abandoned Racetrack Nearly 30 Miles from the Nearest Paved Road**
In the expansive terrain of the American Southwest, where the parched landscape stretches endlessly under the blazing sun, rests a neglected remnant of motorsport history: an abandoned racetrack, secluded nearly 30 miles from the nearest paved road. This forsaken site, once a center of thrill and excitement, now exists as a somber testimony of history, enveloped in silence and nature’s gradual takeover.
### Historical Context
The racetrack was constructed in the late 1960s when motorsports were gaining traction in the United States. Built to host diverse racing events, from stock car competitions to motorcycle races, it drew fans and spectators from surrounding towns and cities. The track was equipped with grandstands, pit areas, and a demanding circuit that tested the capabilities of drivers and the toughness of their vehicles.
Over time, however, interest in local racing waned. Factors like the emergence of larger, more up-to-date racing venues, evolving entertainment tastes, and financial difficulties contributed to the racetrack’s decline. By the late 1980s, events had become sparse, and ultimately, the track was abandoned, left to face the elements and the passage of time.
### Site and Accessibility
Located nearly 30 miles from the nearest paved road, reaching the abandoned racetrack necessitates traversing rugged terrain. The surrounding area is characterized by dry desert scrub, rocky formations, and intermittent washes that can become hazardous during flash floods. The seclusion of the site adds to its appeal for adventurous explorers and urban seekers aiming to uncover hidden historical treasures.
### Present Condition of the Racetrack
Today, the racetrack appears ghostly, with nature slowly reclaiming the asphalt and structures. Cracks have appeared in the previously smooth surface, with weeds sprouting through, creating a tapestry of green against the gray. The grandstands, now crumbling, stand as skeletal reminders of the crowds that once filled them. Corroding barriers and faded signs hint at the lively events that once occurred, while the stillness is occasionally interrupted by the wind sweeping across the barren landscape.
### Cultural Importance
The abandoned racetrack holds cultural relevance for local communities and motorsport fans. It symbolizes a nostalgic era when racing served as a collective event that united individuals. For many, it signifies the essence of competition and the rush of speed, embodying a time when the roar of engines resonated through the canyons.
Moreover, the site has become a point of interest for urban explorers and photographers. The contrast between artificial structures and the natural beauty of the desert generates a compelling visual story, drawing those eager to capture the essence of decay and the passage of time.
### Future Outlook
While the fate of the abandoned racetrack remains ambiguous, conversations among local historians and community residents have emerged about its potential preservation. Some support revitalization initiatives to restore the track for sporadic events, while others propose transforming the area into a historical landmark or nature preserve to educate visitors about its importance.
As interest in off-the-beaten-path locations rises, the abandoned racetrack stands as a testament to the fleeting nature of human endeavors and the timeless influence of nature. Whether it remains a forgotten artifact or finds rejuvenation, it continues to stir curiosity and admiration from those who venture into its isolated embrace.