Off-road racing returns with Desert Challenge this weekend

Best In The Desert racing association returns to Parker this weekend with the BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris, a two-day race for off-road trucks and UTVs in Parker, AZ.

The event begins today with Time Trials – qualifying runs for starting position on the course – and the General Tire Appreciation Party at BlueWater Resort Cantina. Registration, Contingency and Tech Inspection happens Friday at BlueWater Resort & Casino’s north parking lot, and is a good opportunity for spectators to get close to the race vehicles. Then Saturday and Sunday are Race Days with the Awards Presentation Sunday afternoon.

BITD says it has 175 race teams in the event, including 22 ‘Trick Trucks’, 29 Class 6100s and 30 UTVs.

Where to watch the race

 
If you have a boat, you’ll be able to float and spot some race vehicles as they approach the finish line from your spot on the Colorado River. If you’d like to get closer to the action, BITD has some official spectator areas set up with the Colorado River Indian Tribes along Shea Road. (Click the diagram for a printable PDF version to bring with you.)

Parking and spectating is restricted to those areas, and spectators are advised to leave behind their own off-road vehicles as they won’t be permitted.

Although visitors, spectators and fans are accustomed to thinking of the BlueWater Challenge as the first off-road race of the season, it’s actually the second-last race in the BITD racing season for 2015, with the Henderson 250 up last before the holidays. The racing association will be back in Parker in January for a motorcycle and quad race, the Parker 250, and then in February for the big one, the legendary Parker 425.