Indy car races at the Phoenix Raceway was a really fun, really loud day. Remember to bring…read moreheadphones or ear plugs, especially for children. It was easy to understand parking and arrival. The trams to bring you to the track were available and running smoothly. Entry into the venue was also smooth. You are allowed to bring food and some drinks into the venue. Be sure to check the rules about what is prohibited. The seats were easy to access by stairs or elevators. The concessions were reasonable and the bathrooms were well stocked and clean. We walked around the venue after Indy race and before the NASCAR race and had fun at the booths and listening to interviews with drivers. The lines to get back to the trams were long and the parking lots were crazy busy, even after we waited. We expected that, but heard some people complain that they waited close to two hours to get out of the lots.

Came here Saturday night for Goldrush for a friend's birthday. The party bus parked in a designated…read morearea and we walked over to the VIP table service entrance. The process of getting in was quick and easy. There weren't many so the line was super short and quick. There is a limit # of people for the table. I believe we were over by 3-4 and they paid an extra $50/person, which isn't bad! Once we all got our wristbands, they walked us to our table next to main stage. Staff members were all friendly and service was quick! They'll even remove random people from your area who sneak in to get a better view. Tbh, the view was okay. A table is nice so you have a place to sit and you can put stuff down if needed, but being in the crowd with center view of the stage is actually much more fun! Another good thing about VIP is the cleaner bathrooms with shorter lines, which I do prefer. And of course, not having to wait in line for drinks is another plus. I believe my friend said the total for the table was $7k. My only regret that night was not walking around to check out the other stages! Stayed at main stage/VIP area the whole time. I wish I had explored a bit since it was my first time attending an event at this location.

I came better prepared this year. From the previous review, you could tell I was absolutely livid…read moreabout the parking situation, so this time instead of exiting on Indian Bend, my friends and I exited earlier on Pima Rd and took Hayden up to the parking area. There was still a long line but faster than waiting an hour in the car last year. There was group yoga warm ups at around 6:30 and again at 7:00am, which made it a nice way to start the cold, brisk morning with a stretch. Everyone was suffering because it was so cold this time, but moving around made it better. Now that I'm a more seasoned runner, I did the 15K instead of the 5K, which is about 9.3 miles. This was my first experience being in the first corral of runners too, which was kind of intimidating for some reason even though it was a fun run. One of the girls was in a specialized wheel chair so she even had a 1 minute head start, but she flew like the wind leading the way. I was expecting actual hot chocolate along the run this time, because of rumors, but instead there was tons of Gatorade stations. If you didn't want Gatorade, there was also water available and port-a-pottys at each station. The one chocolate stop I was looking forward too was not hot chocolate. Instead it was just Godiva candy. Even though I was slightly disappointed I survived. I layered on so much clothing because it was so cold that I felt overwhelmed during the run after the first mile. I now will never run with a hoodie, over a long sleeved shirt over an undershirt, so that's one thing I might change next year. The course itself was nice. Nothing extraordinary. Running through Scottsdale is always nice since there are plenty of trees lining the way. You even ran past the Butterfly World building during the run. There are a couple of hair pin turns on the run, so that was my only complaint. It wouldn't been alot easier if they rounded those couple of turns a bit better.

The Hot Chocolate 15/5K run or as I like to call it, "walk at a slightly faster pace" is one of the…read moreonly events like this that I have participated in, here in the valley, on my almost free will. (Seriously, how much free will or will power can there be when chocolate is involved?) I don't even think I own a real pair of sneakers but the promise of hot chocolate can convince me to do a lot of things. With that in mind, as someone who know absolutely nothing about running other than from my elementary school days, I thought the event was very well organized and the course was pleasant even for a novice. The well deserved hot chocolate you earn is delicious. Thick and full of flavor. Smart choice on that one organizers. Could the hot chocolate at the end of the race be bigger? Ah, yeah! But probably nothing short of getting to drench yourself in a bath of chocolate at the end would be enough. It could always be bigger. Maybe you could get two cups? No? Can't hurt a girl for trying. I have a feeling though many other runners were not solely motivated by the promise of delicious treats at the finish line. The proceeds from the run go to Ronald McDonald House Charities in each city the race is ran. The cost to run also includes a hoodie which you pick up prior to the event and can wear during the run. It is a nice way to make everyone feel like they belong whilst the faster runners push you out of the way for being too slow. Also, there are many photo opts during the run and afterwards you receive an email to claim the photos if you so choose. This seems pretty typical but is a nice way to remind you of how you friends tricked you into waking up early that day for good parking. Maybe I can just volunteer next time. They get chocolate too, right?

(My 14th Half this year!)…read more Phoenix, Arizona: my hometown, so to speak, since moving there during my 5th grade year. What I looked forward to most was running alongside a couple of my childhood friends, ones who I've known forever, it seems (and ones whom you could never have told me I would be running a Half Marathon with so many years later.) Nostalgia--as it always does when it comes to my Phoenician classmates--delights. So when a 13.1 came up, one that would bring me back to my cactus roots in the desert, I registered. The Illuminations Half, Arizona--having been its inaugural in 2014--takes place upon the beautifully scenic golf course trails of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Although it commences at sundown--and, believe me, you'll need a headlamp for this run--there's really no escaping the gorgeousness of the resort itself. My photos--some taken during daylight hours in order to fully illustrate and capture the surrounding areas--stand as testament. The trails, illuminated by glowsticks--hundreds and hundreds of glowsticks--direct runners along the greens, lakes, fairways, and residentials outlining the course. At times, there are bottlenecks and congested impediments, so emphasizing PR's shouldn't be prioritized, but they can be overlooked. As dark as it becomes along this run, one that begins around 6pm, you shouldn't set caution to the wayside. Navigating this run carefully is important: some Halfers neglected the signs, running the 5K mistakingly. There are also times when the route crossed itself, runners having to slow their pace, yielding for others heading toward them. (It's actually quite dangerous.) Only at the race's end are there truly any luminaries; however, the celebration upon the Marriott's fountained courtyards make up for that. Music, food, fire pits, and congratulations await. It's a party, really. Registration bibs provide free chicken tacos and hot chocolate (the deserts are cold in November) after your run. And what is even better is that registrants are offered discounted rooms at the resort, and heated pools and steaming jacuzzis are plentiful. You cannot beat having run 13.1, only to relax and unwind immediately upon completion without having to drive home afterwards. If the Illuminations Half becomes tradition, and I suppose it will be if my friends have anything to do with it, the Marriott--once again--will definitely be included in our trip.

So there we were, headed to Castles N' Coasters a wholesome amusement park in the desert... a place…read morefor families, laughter, and apparently, poor decision-making. Now my buddy this man reaches into his pocket and pulls out what I can only describe as a historical artifact. I'm talking a doobie so big it looked like Bob Marley himself rolled it during a greatest hits tour. I said, "Absolutely not. I am a grown man. I got responsibilities. I got a mortgage. I got snacks at home I haven't even finished yet." That didn't matter. Next thing I know, windows are up, car turns into a Dutch oven of bad decisions, and now I'm just along for the ride literally and spiritually. Somewhere between "this is a bad idea" and "why is everything funny," I lost control of the evening. We pull into the park around that magical time you know, that in-between hour... not quite day, not quite night... like God dimmed the lights and said, "Alright boys, let's see what happens." The whole place is glowing neon lights, arcade buzz, roller coasters rattling in the distance. Felt like walking into a carnival dream... or maybe a fever dream. Jury's still out. Now here's the thing about this place it's been around since the late '70s, sitting right there in Phoenix like a desert time capsule of fun. You got four roller coasters, including the Desert Storm, which sounds fun until you're on it reconsidering every life choice that led you there. Then there's the Patriot wooden, loud, and about as gentle as a bar fight. And somehow... SOMEHOW... we thought tequila beforehand was a good idea. So now we're buzzed, slightly baked against our will, and wandering this park like three philosophers who lost their notes. We're laughing at everything. Nothing's funny but everything's hilarious. A trash can? Comedy gold. A churro? Best thing I've ever eaten in my life. A child running past me? I'm emotionally invested in his journey. But I'll give credit where it's due the park itself? Clean. Staff's friendly. Nobody's judging three grown men giggling like idiots. It's got that old-school charm too arcades, mini golf, rides, the whole deal. You can bring a family here... or whatever version of a situation we were. Now the rides... oh, the rides. Let me tell you something nothing will make you rediscover fear like being slightly out of your mind on a roller coaster you thought you could handle. I got scared... not once... not twice... but a few times. The kind of scared where you start making promises to God you don't intend to keep. "I'll be a better man if I survive this drop..." Didn't mean a word of it. By the end of the night, we had the munchies, the laughs, and just enough dignity left to get back to the car without needing a group meeting. For a couple hours, though? We were kids again. No responsibilities. No stress. Just lights, noise, and pure, ridiculous fun. So yeah Castles N' Coasters might be a family amusement park... but under the right or completely wrong circumstances, it turns into one hell of a story. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just... maybe crack a window on the way there.

There's a couple machines upstairs that "ate our money". It's a play card with credits, but there…read moreare a couple times the games didn't let us play or credit us for a game. Also, the Simpsons machine doesn't let you play Lisa. it picks Bart if you select Lisa's button. Another machine is Zoltar downstairs. He only talks, but does not spit out a souvenir ticket. That one actually did eat my dollar. I guess it made up for it because a couple people abandoned their games downstairs in the middle, so the bf and I played for "free". It was on someone else's dime, but I guess that counts, too. We got nachos and drinks from the snack bar. Service was quick. As with any family fun event center, food was a bit overpriced. The female bathroom was nasty. I don't know how often they clean them, but there was paper all over the stall floor. The faucets had a lot of buildup on them. Both the male and female restrooms smelled funky. I didn't play at the putt putt section, but one day I'll be back to do that. Overall, a good arcade/food experience. I'd recommend this place to people. I cannot comment on any of the rides/attractions besides the arcade.

I created this Yelp page so I could tell everyone how much I enjoyed this company…read more What this company is: This is a Dirt Race Truck rental company. You can rent the truck or the whole team. Or purchase one of their Race - ready Trophy Trucks for 2 different classes. My Experience: 10 months or so before the 2015 Baja 1000 (In November) I started preparing a list of questions of things I wanted to know on how to prepare to possibly race the 2016 Baja 1000. The list was extensive by September, so I figured I better email Pete thinking maybe he would answer some of the questions within a month or 2. He answered all of them within a couple days AND said he had a truck ready for this year. Well, I wasn't ready for that but he also had co-driver spot available so I could sit in the truck during the Baja 1000 and help. Jumped on that. Got my stuff together and headed down to Baja 2 days before race day. Needles to say Pete was extremely overloaded with getting his truck & team ready as well as his daughters race team & truck ready. I tried to just hang out and be available for when he had time to let me know what I would be doing and how to do it. Race Day: If you haven't raced any kind of off road race before and you think you're going to go do the 1000 right off the bat....Think again. I only sat in the truck for my section which was 144 miles (3 Hours'ish). You think that's nothing but in that 144 miles we passed a bunch of other vehicles, changed 2 flat tires on the live race course, hit a berm passing a buggy with only our 2 left wheels, went completely airborn and stuck the landing at a 45 degree angle on the right 2 wheels, made our pitstop Driver/Co-Driver team change and about a thousand other moments which almost included me pissing my pants. It was Fuckin Awesome. Sum up: I lived a lifetime in 3 hours and highly recommend contacting Pete to either drive, co-drive or be involved somehow and whatever you pay for what you do the experience will be one of the best in your lifetime.

I beat my 10K PR!!! 1:04:58…read more For this run, I saddled up and drove over 350 miles of sun-bleached, blistered terrain to "The West's Most Western Town": Scottsdale, Arizona. "The Night Run," Arizona's oldest night race and a 25-year tradition in Old Town, beckoned. And I listened. You see, I had four BIG reasons for making this trek: I had yet to run an evening race; Phoenix just so happens to be my 5th through 7th grade stomping grounds; as challenged by Adam Richman, Chompie's had forever been bookmarked; and I wanted--no, I REALLY wanted--that glow-in-the-dark Night Run medal! But to beat my Personal Record in AZ, it wasn't easy... At 7:20pm--sundown in the wild west--it was still a dry 84F. Over 1200 shoe-laced die-hards, armed and necklaced with glowsticks, sidled up to the starting line. There were mosquitos... And at 7:30pm, we were off! The double-looped course for the most part ran alongside the city's streets--red cones separating runners and traffic--but then it also wandered in and around the park and pond of the Civic Center Mall. It was very dark at times, and although volunteers assisted, waving glowing batons, the cars being so close felt a bit dangerous. Maybe it's just me. Yet I pushed. This route was pretty much flat, and I knew I could maintain. I had to. I needed to. I did. Nevertheless, I had great fun, Scottsdale! And I'm sure that next year "Owl Be Back!" =]

The Night Run is an unusual run in a nice setting. Earlier tonight (by this time of night,…read moretechnically yesterday) I participated in the 5k portion of the Night Run for the first time. I've done a lot of races, but this was the first one that I ever did that was completely in the dark. I found it to be a generally good race, but with some important organizational hiccups. Here's the breakdown of what I thought was noteworthy: PROS: - Unusual, novel event, unlike other races - Very family-friendly, with kid-inclusive side events - Good course in a good part of town - Ample police presence and road closures for runner safety - Plenty of volunteers along race route, most with lighted batons and easy to spot - Everyone gets a glow-in-the-dark medal! CONS: - There was a huge amount of disorganization at the event for bib, goodie bag, and t-shirt pickup. I got there more than an hour early and it made very little difference. Extremely large crowds made it impossible to view most expo booths. (Was there some kind of prize wheel? I would have checked that out.) Bib pickup was the worst. There was no real separation of bib pickup into alphabetical groupings. Getting your race packet meant you had to wait a very long time in a huge confused crowd for your bib, then walk all the way around the expo to avoid the bib crowd to go to a separate table for your bag, then get in ANOTHER separate long line for your t-shirt. Amazing. Also, the event confirmation email said to ask the people giving out bibs for a timing chip if you decided you wanted to buy one -- but that was not true. The person who gave me my bib could not even tell me where to get a chip and did not try to help. Turns out that was yet another separate table and separate line! I've never gotten into so many separate, long lines just to assemble the pieces of my packet. It took forever, and no one seemed to know what was going on. - There were two water stations on the route, but the first was completely unmanned. It was just two orange cooler-dispenser things surrounded by cups and a huge crowd of stationary runners, waiting their turn. This does not make any sense in a chip-timed race. I did not get water at the first water station because I did not want to have to completely stop moving, just to wind up standing in another line, in the middle of the race. - There was very little light at the finish line, making it hard to see well enough to even get a medal. To top it off, race organizers or volunteers were spraying everyone with these squirt gun water-tube things. (I saw that they had prepared tubs of water to fill these things with, before the race, so it wasn't just some random person playing a prank. I didn't find out what the tubs of water were for until the end of the race.) This wasn't a mist; it wasn't coming down from above; they were spraying these things at us, pretty much sideways. I wear glasses, so when the water went right in my face, I couldn't see where I was going. It was not helpful, not refreshing -- more like a huge annoyance and a very real hazard. I appreciate that they were trying to do something nice, but spraying water in my face and all over my glasses, when I already can't see because it's so dark, AND I have runners coming down the chute behind me, is NOT NICE. Do you know how disoriented runners are when they come down the finish chute? Seriously, everyone is sort of mentally gone. You just don't do this. IN CONCLUSION: Would I do it again? Maybe, but only if: 1. I carried my own water, 2. I was able to get to the running store to pick up my packet in advance, and 3. I could get some assurance that no one working for The Night Run would spray the race finishers in the eyes with a big squirt gun, as the runners staggered around in the dark in a state of running-induced mental vacancy. The problems with the race could easily be fixed. I'm assuming that the race organizers are good people who want to plan a safe and fun event, so I'm hoping that this detailed feedback is useful to that end.

Great track. Smooth pavement just an overall fun place, Great atmosphere…read more ................................

I have personally been here to race 4 times, and will return again later this year. My absolute…read morefavorite track in the Southwest! Still working on facilities, but the track itself is brilliant! Absolutely love it! The staff is incredible as well! Always the first thing marked on my yearly racing calendar! FROM WEBSITE: 2.32-mile, 15-turn, multi- configurational circuit Our circuit's unique design allows for the operation of two tracks simultaneously, each one providing a dynamic racing experience. With a staggering 18 different track configurations, drivers and riders alike can always find new challenges. The Southwest's only automobile & motorcycle track designed to FIA/FIM safety specs. The circuit was created to meet FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) safety standards at buildout. Designed by Rose Design of Arizona and engineered by Apex Circuit Design, United Kingdom, the track features generous runoff areas with large gravel traps, a unique series of esses, challenging elevation changes and a high-speed front straight. The bidirectional, multi-configurable track will utilize energy absorbing hydro barriers and other protection systems instead of exposed metal guardrails for maximum driver and rider safety. The track boasts a width of 40'-50' with exciting elevations, making every lap an adventure. With a staggering 18 different track configurations, drivers and riders alike can always find new challenges. Our bidirectional layout and F1-style pit access ensure seamless racing action, and the generous noise restriction of 120 dB accommodates almost all forms of automotive and motorcycle racing