The Colorado River Region is a Desert Racing Mecca for WORCS, BITD, and More

K&N has has long supported desert racing, here at the UTV World Championship in Laughin

The rugged and varied path that the beautiful Colorado River has traced through the desert Southwest has proven irresistible for racers, event organizers, and fans. A number of the communities that hug the banks of the Colorado have embraced the racing with open arms, and are working hard to balance environmental concerns with responsible race organization. Here is a look at the three river communities that play host to the range of events that the area has to offer annually.

Parker, Arizona

Parker, Arizona has one of the longest and richest legacies in desert racing. For over four decades, Parker has hosted a number of marquee off-road competitions. In fact, racing in the area dates back to at least 1911, when a local businessman hosted a promotional cross country competition. Parker sits on banks of the Colorado at a point where the river has carved some of the most spectacular red rock cliffs in the Southwest. That vibrant skyline is the backdrop for both water and land-based racing.

The BlueWater Resort plays host to several of the Parker race events

BlueWater Parker 425: This is the granddaddy of the Colorado River race events. The late winter BITD race boasts some of the most exciting and brutal racing on the desert schedule. This is a fan-friendly race with a number of entertaining satellite events throughout the race weekend.

Where to Stay: This is a no-brainer. The BlueWater Resort and Casino is the driving force of much of the area’s racing action. The resort, which serves as a title sponsor for the BlueWater Parker 425, rests on the banks of the Colorado. The BlueWater has its own marina, a beautiful beach, and an indoor water park.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Desert terrain along the Colorado River is challenging, treacherous, and thoroughly entertaining

WORCS Racing - Crazy Horse: Lake Havasu’s Crazy Horse Campground is the site of two separate rounds of the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS). Both rounds are held in the early spring. One round is typically staged for UTV and ATV competition and the other features motorcycles.

Havasu 95 Speedway: Okay, so this is not a desert racing facility. However, it is pretty cool that the Colorado River region has a race track that features both road and dirt oval racing. The speedway hosts sprints, midgets, outlaws, vintage, and late model races.

Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels within walking distance of the famed London Bridge. For the WORCS racing fans, there is good camping at Crazy Horse and the area’s state parks.

The WORCS course in Lake Havasu City often features entertaining water jumps

Sitting 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughin, Nevada is a small, friendly casino and resort center. Laughlin is located on the Nevada side of the Colorado River across from Bullhead City, Arizona, and a mere handful of miles from California. It has become a gaming and recreation center for thousands of visitors each year. The bustling town swells even more when the several annual race events are staged.

Polaris RZR UTV World Championship: Each spring, UTVs, motorcycles, and ATVs take over the Laughlin strip. The casino parking lots become vendor villages, and the desert west of Laughlin roars with fantastic BITD desert racing.

Laughlin Desert Classic: This BITD race is a newcomer to the schedule but seems destined to become a centerpiece of the fall racing season. The Laughlin Desert Classic features car, truck, and UTV classes running on a technical and challenging 16-mile course.

K&N-sponsored WORCS champion Davi Haagsma flying high in Lake Havasu

K&N’s Desert Racing Connection

K&N sponsors many of the top racers and teams that compete in every segment of desert racing including WORCS and BITD. You can also find the K&N semi truck and knowledgeable representatives at many of the major desert race events.