Casa Grande, Arizona sits approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, and while it boasts a modest population of only about 50,000, it has high hopes for new economic development in the form of a 2,360-acre motorsports park.
Danrick Builders, which is located in Chandler, Arizona, says the park, called Attesa, will be a global magnet for entertainment and an economic engine for Pinal Countythe, as well “promote thought leadership for transportation design innovation, and educational partnerships” with universities conducting automotive research and development.The Motorsports Park, which will be located six miles southwest of Casa Grande near Interstate 8, is to be designed by London-based race track engineering firm Apex Circuit Design, and will be built to sustainable and energy-efficient standards.
Once complete, the property will boast two separate 2.8-mile road courses, a karting track, a “driver experience center” and a multi-surface racing and event area. It will also include residential, industrial and commercial developments. To help facilitate travel for participants and patrons alike, the project includes a private airport with a 6,000-foot-long runway, according to local news source TriValley Central. Before the project was approved, a thorough market analysis was conducted by Elliott Pollack of Scottsdale, and the research found that there is demand for such a world-class motorsports park in Pinal County. The project has the support of Pinal County leaders.
“Attesa will be an optimal racing entertainment destination that will draw guests from all over the world, driving new jobs and contributing taxes to local economies,” said Dan Erickson, principal of Danrick Builders. “Our model is incomparable to any other development in the United States. We’ll combine speed, luxury experiences and motorsports opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.”
To attract high-profile events, the new park’s two, full-size race tracks will meet international FIA and FIM certifications. All major sports car, stock car, IndyCar and motorcycle series plus club racing will be eligible to race at Attesa. The racetrack’s backers say the project will create long-term jobs in the region, and its proximity to Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and the state’s community colleges will provide a pool of talented workers.
Lisa Mitchell, executive vice president of Attesa, told the Phoenix Business Journal that Casa Grande was an ideal place for the center because "people don’t want noisy racetracks close to their homes," and can be open for 365 days a year.
Mitchell said the bulk of Attesa's attraction will be for motor sport technology research and development, namely for hot weather testing, as well as braking and battery testing. Danrick Builders say it expects to break ground for the new facility sometime next year.
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