The Parker 425 desert race
  Two years ago we were in the area of Parker and Lake Havasu AZ and one of the things that stood out to us was the Parker 425 desert race, so we decided we had to come back.

The race started Thursday, February 1st with time trials and ended that day with a downtown viewing of the race cars and visitation with sponsors and crew.  To see the race you drive out to designated viewing areas in the desert, park and watch.  These cars come flying around at an average speed of 80 miles per hour.  On a straight of way they can hit 140MPH.  The really do fly. 

bug

The race road is the desert and it is bumpy, curvy and dusty.   Within minutes you are eating sand.

Of course you could stay in your car to watch, but hey it only comes once a year!  After the time trials are over we headed to downtown Parker where the race cars were lined up downtown and you get to view the cars and ask all sorts of questions.  According to some sponsors we talked to...mostly Al and Doug.... most of the vehicles are all rear drive but the orange RPM cars were all 4WD....

  Here's the RPM orange race frame molded car with an enhanced engine!!!!  We asked the cost....$1 Mil.......Holy Crap!  There was more than one!  How much does the engine cost after all the after market.....$65,000 to $75,000 with horse power of 650 to 850...I guess that means I can't take it for a drive huh!  The cars that look more like a bug (I think they look like a bug) have an engine that usually costs around $15,000 to $20,000.  The bug looking cars are a lighter frame than the modified pickup styles.  The frames are either fiber glass or carbon fiber which is 1/2 the weight.  The tires are 37" to 40" and travel 30" as they bounce over the desert terrain.

  One driver said the taking off the ground and landing is not so bad, the worst is hitting a rock edge or rock curbing.

We  were climbing all over these cars while they were parked downtown.  Well not literally...but as much as we could!  They are loaded with computers, engine monitors, GPS, satellite positioning, spare parts from drive shafts to spare tires ad oil on the back.

Back end view showing all the spare parts they carry as they race.








Saturday was race day.  We first parked in the viewing area where they start the race.  The race track in the desert is roughly 125 miles long.  One race is 250 miles but the ones we were watching is 425 miles.  The cars come in a long line and are each started about 1 minute apart.  Not sure how many cars there were....lots....It was nice at the race start as they had watered down the track so not so much dirt in the air.  Well, still lots of dirt....This guy hit the gas as he came around the start curve....we thought he was coming right at us....yes our eyes got big as we backed up.

As the race progressed we moved around for different view points.  One of our favorite areas is where they race by a bridge closer to town.  Here there is a hill and weeeee they fly through the air. 

Five or Six feet off the ground for a good 20 or 30 yards.  Then back to earth.  Look at the tires and frame. Well as you can tell we had lots of fun watching the race again.  We had watched these cars race on TV before but being at one of their races in person...its just cool!

This week we will be exploring more of the area.  The other day we went up to Prescott to Watson Lake.  This is a very pretty lake and we will be camping in this area in about a month. 

Wickenburg Gold Rush Days is this weekend.  Rodeos, parade, and events for three days.  The weather has been warmer than normal but should drop to the 70's on the weekend.  phew!