Thin Air Off-Road is gearing up to host the first ever Winslow Grand Prix to be held Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6. The event is expected to bring in 2,000 spectators and racers, with events consisting of dirt bike, all-terrain vehicle and buggy racing sanctioned by race promoters Arizona Off-Road Promotions (AZOP).
The owner of Thin Air Off-Road, and host of the race Katie Johnson said, “We have been thinking about building this track for a long time.” Both of Johnson’s sons race off-road vehicles. Landon, the eldest, races four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles, or quads, as they are commonly referred to as. “We thought, we have a 100 acres, we could really do something and make it good for Winslow and good for kids. Hopefully, we will start an off-road culture here.”
Johnson mentioned the permanence of the track, “After this race we are going to have a couple of weekends a month that will be open to the general public for riding.” She went on to say that this race is a part of the AZOP season, so it is a two-day points race for those affiliated. “This track is now part of the AZOP circuit. The Winslow Grand Prix will be part of the circuit for years to come.”
The track built by Thin Air Off-Road is located east of Tate’s Auto Center on Third Street in Winslow. During the weekend of the races, signage will be placed to assure attendees will find the track. It is currently four miles in length, featuring interchanging paths for various races. Johnson explained, “For example, there is a mile loop for the pee-wee track, but that is also the motocross track. They all intertwine. One section is Endurocross. That is where you have the telephone poles and other obstacles; then the UTV track. We can tie them all together or separate them.”
AZOP holds races all over the state year around. Each weekend event sees hundreds of racers in a variety of categories. “We have races according to age and engine displacement,” Johnson said. “Quads, dirt bikes, and UTV (buggies) races will be happening all weekend. Anyone can enter the races by going to the AZOP website.”
Registration takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6. Information on entry fees is available on the AZOP site. Safety equipment is required for all racers including helmets and eye protection, and minors must be accompanied by a parent.
Spectators are also welcome. There is an admission charge to attend the races and camping is available. The fees are $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and children five and younger are free. Weekend camping is $20. “There will be a fence, as spectators cannot be closer than 25 feet to the racers. Be prepared to walk a ways to the track, and bring a chair if you need to sit down,” Johnson said.
The City of Winslow as well as the Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring the Winslow Grand Prix. The city has contributed thousands of gallons of water for dust control on the track as well as a water truck and driver. The chamber has contributed by helping to supply insurance for the event. Johnson added, “We have had great sponsors and help. We would like to thank RT Rentals, White Mountain Excavating, Continental Heavy Haul, McCauley Construction and Tate’s Auto Group.”
For more information regarding registration, or attending the Winslow Grand Prix, contact Thin Air Off-Road, LLC on Facebook, AZOP at (623) 363-9665 or www.azopracing.com.
