Amid the incomprehensibly large swathes of desert nothingness between Los Angeles and Phoenix, there’s surprisingly something for everyone. Coachella for music fans, Joshua Tree for campers and hikers, and Chuckwalla Valley Raceway for those who love going fast. It’s here where motorsport enthusiasts gather for thrilling experiences and competitive evaluations.
Occupying but a fraction of the facility’s 1,000 or so acres is a 2.7-mile-long black velvet ribbon of track with 17 turns and 36 feet of elevation change. Designed by motorcycle racer Ed Bargy to be run in either direction, on two wheels or four, the course straddles a mile-long jet runway that doubles as a dragstrip. It’s a pick-your-poison kind of place that caters to diverse motorsport preferences.
It Was Almost for Waterskiing
The dry lakebed the property occupies was once part of a training ground for General George Patton’s troops during WWII. The Patton Memorial Museum, roughly 26 miles away at Chiriaco Summit, preserves the area’s military history. The site of the track was the main air supply depot; the runway is one of the original tracks from that era.
Following the war, the ’50s and ’60s saw a period of neglect, and later the property was repurposed as farmland. There were even plans to transform it into a waterskiing and wakeboarding facility, but that plan collapsed in 2008 due to market conditions.
However, the original owners eventually resolved to build a road course, which opened in 2010. Initially faced with challenges such as limited amenities, the facility has since improved remarkably. Currently, the track thrives under single ownership and dedicated management.
Everything Is Freezing and Boiling, and It Moves
Maintaining a track in the desert involves constant challenges posed by the extreme climate. Temperatures range from sub-zero in winter to mid-120s in summer. Proper ground preparation is vital to combat thermal stresses. Waugh states that a solid foundation is crucial for the lifespan and surface quality of the track.
If managed correctly, the efforts yield remarkable results; two years after finishing the track surface, the straightaways had moved only 3/8 inch—a testament to the quality of work performed. Continuous monitoring ensures that the facility remains in optimal condition.
A Well-Run Enthusiast’s Desert Paradise
For enthusiasts, Chuckwalla operates like a well-oiled machine. The smooth track welcomes drivers of all skill levels, offering excellent sightlines and ample runoff. The banked turn allows for exhilarating speeds, enabling drivers to safely push their limits and improve their skills.
When the driving is over, guests can relax in one of Chuckwalla’s 40 spacious cabins, each with a bathroom, living room/kitchenette, and bedroom. Facilities like firepits enhance the experience, providing a perfect setting to unwind after a day on the track.
This seamless operation is largely due to the leadership of Waugh, whose diverse background in the motorcycle industry aids in maintaining smooth daily operations. He ensures guest safety and monitors track activities to guarantee everything is under control.
Chuckwalla has also embraced requests for off-road evaluations whenever possible, maintaining a commitment to providing enjoyable experiences while keeping the facility in pristine condition. Waugh’s dedication to continuous improvement fuels future plans for expansion, including enhanced guest amenities and energy-efficient solutions.
Moreover, the team aspires to restore the existing runway, allowing the facility to host historical WWII-era planes, thereby enriching its appeal as a motorsport and historical destination.
