Source: Attesa
Danrick Builders has announced the design of its primary international road race circuit has been finalized and site plans submitted to Pinal County to initiate permitting. All land use entitlements are secured and construction of the new track, Arizona International Raceway @ Attesa will begin immediately upon county approvals.
Attesa is Danrick Builder’s master-planned motorsports, entertainment and advanced technology research community located 43 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The 2,355-acre property is within the metro Phoenix area just south of Casa Grande, and an hour from Arizona’s second largest city, Tucson. Attesa is an anchor of Pinal County’s burgeoning advanced technology corridor in central Arizona.
“The Phase 1 pro track will be 16-turns and 2.65 miles long,” said Dan Erickson, Managing Partner, “built to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) standards with multiple configurations and significant elevation changes. Phase 2 will expand the pro circuit to 4.25 miles and add a high-performance driving school and skid pad, closed-course off-road track plus testing facilities for manufacturers, racing teams and aftermarket suppliers.”
“Arizona International Raceway @ Attesa will also have a membership club including clubhouse, private garages, residential opportunities, an RV park and more.” he added. “When finished, AIR will have three different circuits, all able to be used at the same time, each able to be raced in both directions. This is important as there are half dozen amateur Arizona sports car and motorcycle racing organizations that need a permanent home track.”
“The racers demand options and different track layouts. We’re going to deliver.” Said Erickson. “And we’ll be the only other track besides ISM Raceway, a NASCAR oval, that is permanently zoned for racing. Our club members and guests will have no worries about sound restrictions, hours of operation or losing an investment due to a cancelled use permit.”
England’s Apex Circuit Design Ltd is the award-winning, internationally recognized facility (track) and destination design firm responsible for the new complex at Attesa. With a primary focus on the design of FIA and FIM approved circuits, both temporary (street) and permanent, Apex has worked on more than 140 projects on six continents and boasts over 20 operating facilities for Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rallycross, karting and other types of racing. They are working hand-in-hand with Attesa’s local engineering partner, HILGARTWILSON, on design and construction documents.
The track is being carved from flat farmland and a massive amount of dirt will be moved to create the desired elevation changes to maximize the fan and driver experience. The state’s largest earthwork contractors estimate it will take six months just for site work and grading, as more than a million cubic yards of dirt will have to be excavated. “That’s enough to fill up every pro sports stadium in Arizona plus all the college stadiums,” Erickson said.
Danrick Builders applied for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) in spring 2016 and the entitlement process was completed in January 2019, but groundbreaking has been delayed by a hold on certificates for an assured water supply needed to subdivide in Pinal County.
Conceived as a place for people to live, work and play, Attesa will feature single family homes, townhomes and apartments, industrial/commerce space and a concert/public event venue in addition to the racetracks. Ultimate plans include a luxury resort hotel and convention center, a retail and entertainment district as well as an airpark and private airport with FBO services, domestic utilities and public safety facilities.