Drag Racing Mesa

Master the thrill of drag racing with structured coaching near Mesa, Arizona.

Train with professional instructors at Radford Racing School and master the skills that turn horsepower into performance. You will train on a purpose-built drag racing facility at Wild Horse Pass, giving you real-world experience in a controlled, high-performance environment.

Drag racing courses near Phoenix

People searching for drag racing in Mesa are usually not looking to watch from the stands. They want a proper way to run a car on a real strip, get cleaner with every pass, and build a repeatable routine that holds up when the pressure is on.

That is exactly what Radford Racing School delivers near Mesa at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler. You train on an NHRA standard drag strip, inside structured programmes designed around coaching, consistency, and measurable progression. For drivers who want a clear next step, selected courses can also support your pathway towards an NHRA Sportsman or 9 Second licence.

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Find out more about drag racing near Mesa

Drag Racing Course Options

Choose the program that matches your current skill level and goals. Radford offers two coach-led packages on an NHRA-standard drag strip, with structured instruction and supervised passes throughout the day.

1 Day Regular Drag
Racing Program

$2499

Curriculum
Ground School
Vison & Concentration
Weight Transfer Skills
Skid Car Training
Throttle Control
Line Lock, Launch Control, Trans Brake
Wet Box Burnouts
Starting Line Procedures
(5) Eighth-Mile Passes

Vehicle
2018 Dodge Challenger Demon (840 hp)

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1-Day Advanced Drag Racing Program

Featuring the Dodge
Demon Challenger 170

$3,499

Curriculum

Burn out and launch training
Staging and reaction time training
Throttle control and driving techniques
In depth Demon 170 vehicle training and information
(3) 1/8th mile passes
(5) ¼ mile passes
Water box burn out
Transbrake training
Line lock training

Vehicle
2018 Dodge Challenger Demon (840 hp)

2023 Dodge Challenger DC170 (1025 hp)

Licensing
NHRA Sportsman or 9-Second License included

 

Call 480-403-7600 to check upcoming sessions and availability.

Drag Racing Near Phoenix, Mesa

Radford Racing School delivers drag racing instruction near Phoenix from Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, a short drive from downtown. Training is program-led, coach-supervised, and delivered on an NHRA-standard drag strip, giving drivers a structured path from fundamentals through advanced execution.

Students train in race-prepared Dodge SRT vehicles and benefit from a purpose-built performance campus that extends beyond the strip. The facility spans 450 acres and includes multiple road courses, a karting circuit, and a dedicated skills pad to support high-performance education.

Radford’s instruction is built around safety, repeatability, and measurable improvement. Each course is designed to help drivers develop disciplined technique, not rely on trial and error.

Alex Taylor at Radford near Phoenix

Earn Your NHRA License at Radford Racing School Mesa

Radford Racing School offers one of the few structured NHRA licensing pathways available near Mesa and Phoenix. This program is designed for drivers who want formal certification supported by proper instruction, supervised track time, and a clear performance framework.

Training combines focused classroom instruction with progressive seat time on an NHRA-standard drag strip. Students learn how to manage high-horsepower launches, staging procedure, and full-pass execution in modern Dodge performance vehicles, building confidence pass by pass.

Instruction is delivered in a controlled environment with experienced coaches overseeing each stage of the process. The emphasis is on consistency, safety, and repeatable execution, not rushing through requirements.

Radford drag racing car near Phoenix

Get More Info

If you have any questions not covered on our site, feel free to fill out this form and we’ll get you the answers you’re after. Or you can also call anytime at 480-403-7600.

Name

Our Drag Strip Near Mesa

Radford’s drag strip near Phoenix is based at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, with straightforward access from Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix Sky Harbor. This is a professional track environment built for instruction, not a ride-along, and it is where drivers develop disciplined technique with coach supervision between passes.

Training focuses on what produces clean, repeatable runs: staging procedure, launch control, straight-line discipline, and confident shutdown. With race-prepared Dodge drag cars and structured feedback after every pass, drivers leave with a clearer process and measurable improvement.

Key features:

  • Convenient access from Phoenix and the East Valley
  • NHRA licensing pathways available through select programs
  • Race-prepared Dodge drag cars
  • 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio

How to Find Radford’s Drag Racing School Near Mesa

Radford Racing School operates at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, making it an easy option for Mesa and the East Valley.

From central Mesa, head toward Chandler/Wild Horse Pass and follow signage to Gate #3. Make sure you plan for typical East Valley traffic and arrive early for check-in and briefing.

Our Address

Radford Racing School, 20000 S Maricopa Rd #3, Chandler, AZ 85226

Directions to our Facility from the Centre of Phoenix

To get from Phoenix to Radford Racing School in Chandler, take I-10 East. Exit at 162 for Wild Horse Pass Blvd/Sundust Rd. Turn right onto Wild Horse Pass Blvd, then left onto Maricopa Road. Continue south for about 5 miles—Radford Racing School will be on your left at 20000 S Maricopa Rd.

Why Radford Racing School

Drivers searching for Drag Racing Mesa and the wider East Valley typically want more than track access. They want a credible environment where coaching is consistent, safety standards are clear, and progress is built into the day rather than left to chance. Radford Racing School is designed for that kind of driver.

Training runs at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, within easy reach of Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Instruction is structured between passes, so you are not improvising on the starting line. Each program follows defined outcomes, including pass counts, vehicle time, and progression standards, so you know exactly what you are training for and how improvement is measured. For drivers with competitive goals, advanced pathways can support NHRA licensing requirements through a supervised, protocol-led process.

This is professional performance education. It is calm, controlled, and built around repeatable execution.

Alex Taylor at Radford near Phoenix
Radford drag racing car near Phoenix

What You’ll Learn at Radford Racing School

At Radford’s drag racing school near Mesa, the focus is procedure-first skill development that translates directly to safer, cleaner passes. Students are coached through the full run cycle with experienced instructors who correct technique in real time and reinforce a consistent process between runs.

You will learn how to approach the water box and execute a proper burnout with the right inputs, timing, and restraint so that traction is managed rather than guessed. You will build staging fundamentals that prioritise consistency on the bulbs, including position, cadence, and the small habits that reduce variability pass to pass. From there, training moves into launch technique and traction control, with instruction on throttle application and how weight transfer affects stability and performance off the line.

As speeds increase, straight-line discipline becomes non-negotiable. You will be coached on steering inputs, composure, and maintaining control through the run. Just as important, you will learn shutdown procedure, braking discipline, and safe exits so every pass ends as cleanly as it begins. The objective is not a single good run. It is a repeatable method you can apply reliably, whether you are building confidence, chasing consistency, or working toward an NHRA licensing milestone.

Drag Racing Near Mesa Frequently Asked Questions

No. Prior drag racing experience is not required. Radford’s drag racing programs near Mesa are designed to meet drivers at their current level, with structured coaching that builds skills step by step from staging through shutdown.
Most drivers complete training in a one-day format. Options include a 1-Day Regular Drag Racing Program and a 1-Day Advanced Drag Racing Program, which offers deeper instruction and NHRA licensing support.
Drivers train in race-prepared Dodge performance vehicles used specifically for instruction. Depending on the program, this can include the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, with advanced programs offering access to higher-horsepower vehicles such as the Demon 170 where appropriate.
Yes. NHRA licensing support is available through the advanced drag racing program. Eligibility and licensing steps are confirmed during enrollment to ensure the program aligns with your experience level and goals.
Yes. Beginners are a core part of the program design. Instruction replaces guesswork with a repeatable process so you know exactly what to do in the water box, on the staging lights, through the run, and during shutdown.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Additional safety requirements and arrival instructions are provided before your course date so you can prepare properly and focus on driving.
Yes. Drag racing courses near Mesa are a popular gift option for buyers looking for a legitimate, well-run experience at a professional facility. The team can help you select the right program and date.
Spectator access depends on the program and facility guidelines at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. It is best to confirm current policies with the Radford team when booking.

Here’s What Our Students Are Saying!

Excellent
4.8
Based on 423 reviews
TresAmenazas
2 days ago
Gayle Van F.
1 week ago
I attended your SRT Experience on Sept 25, 2026 for a really fun day at your facility. I'm really happy that Dodge provided this experience with the purchase of my 2026 Charger Scat Pack Plus. Radford Racing School provided a wonderful day of challenging events. Radford had wonderful instructors, top notch cars and great organization. I'm glad Radford had a couple of 2026 Charger Scat Packs to race on the Auto Cross. What fun to see what your new car is all about.... at least at low speeds. The Supercharged Challengers were amazing cars and their durability is outstanding after discussing with the instructors. My wife participated in the "Hot Laps" where the instructors drive the race track and you hang on in the passenger seat. My wife asked for a spicy ride and the instructor gladly obliged . She was all giggles from that experience! If you buy a new Dodge and get this experience included you should definitely attend. Wayne S.
Response from the owner:We are so happy you had an amazing experience! We love our SRT program and we hope to see you back at the track again soon.
Natalia C.
2 months ago
After receiving my Barbie Dream car
Response from the owner:Natalia, We are so happy you had the best time in our class! Thank you for coming out and learning with us. We appreciate you and your kind words. We hope to see you again soon on the track!
ravi T.
2 months ago
Visited for DDSL track was in good condition, no complaints.
Mark B.
2 months ago
I did the 3 day GT Road Racing Course. It was fantastic and I will be doing a class with them in the future. I was surprised by how much in car driving was done and the class had student to instructor ratio of 3 to 1. I would estimate 5hrs of car driving per day. The first day focused on technique and handling of the car so we were on the autocross track for the morning and moved to the oval track in the afternoon. In most of the sessions, you did a group drive with the instructor to show you how it is done then you get in your car and do instructor lead follow then you do the drill on your own. The instructor normally took a turn with everyone to give them some feedback. There is lot of track time and classroom is held to minimal amount to teach you the basics and go over what you learned at the end of the day.
Response from the owner:Mark, Thank you so much for this amazing review! We cannot wait to have you back on track. We truly want to give each student an incredible experience on and off the track.
Scott W.
4 months ago
My kids are relatively new drivers, and they took the 2-day Defensive Driving course. Of course, they had a great deal of fun (how could you not?), but I also feel like they just received 5 years worth of experience in two days. Their confidence level behind the wheel has grown by leaps and bounds. But more importantly, I'm certain that their ability to avoid accidents in the future has been greatly enhanced. I think many accidents happen because people don't know how their car is going to react in a pressure situation, and they end up losing control because they've never pushed a car's limits to see what it can - and can't - do. This school will give you a very good idea of how to feel what your vehicle is doing underneath you. If my kids can steer their way around just one big accident in their lives because of what they've learned at Radford, then it's been worth every penny! Shout out to instructor Dominic, and the rest of the staff as well, for running a top notch program and providing an invaluable service to drivers. It's a shame that everyone can't participate in a school like this...
Response from the owner:Scott, we are so happy you and your sons enjoyed the time on our track! We hope to see you all again.
paul P.
4 months ago
Hellcat J.
4 months ago
Radford Racing School is awesome. We got to drive Hellcat Challengers all day. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and cool. The staff was friendly. Non alcoholic drinks were served all day long and lunch was provided. The class got to drive the new SRT Charger, too. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me.
Response from the owner:We are so glad you had an amazing experience! We hope to see you on the track again soon.
Amy B.
4 months ago
I did the SRT owner experience day and it was awesome! The instructors were great as well as the rest of the staff. It was definitely worth the trip out here from the east coast!
Response from the owner:Thank you Amy! We are so happy you enjoyed the SRT Experience!
NATHAN M.
5 months ago
What a great experience. This was my second time there. The staff is awesome and freindly. If you like to drive in a racecar environment, this is the place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for this amazing review Nathan!!!
Rick S.
5 months ago
I have attended several road and drag racing courses over the years. The Radford Dodge Demon 170 course was at the top of my list for excellence. I thought nothing could top the excellent quality instructors, an outstanding course schedule, driving Radford's Demon 170's, and completing the requirements for an NHRA competition license. Last weekend Radford sent one of their top-notch instructors, Rich Lash, to the MSHS "Mopars at the Rock" event at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. Rich and I had maintained contact after I took the 170 course, and we agreed to meet at the Rock. Rich agreed to "look" at my car and provide any advice. The resulting interaction was the most valuable I have received from any of the courses taken. Although Rich was meeting with any other drivers at the Rock, he came well prepared to assist past Radford 170 participants and others. He showed up with the latest power grids for the trans break. (The Demon 170 has computer set points from launch to the first 1.6 seconds) We switched from what we called the original 3(B) to a modified B grid that others used successfully attain the 9.5 second runs I was looking for. After watching two runs, Rich determined that the shift power set points needed adjustment. He next noticed that the car lifted about five hundred feet down the track. Again, Rich had the knowledge and experience to know about a transmission fluid issue that requires the addition of 55 ml of transmission fluid to a full transmission to be added thru the transmission air vent. The 170 uses specific type of transmission fluid that was not available at the track so I wrote that fix off as something that I would have to address in the future. I tested the car and the changes that Rich suggested were on point, bringing the car from an also ran to competitive. Rich then went above and beyond. He showed up the next morning with a quart of Dodge transmission fluid and the small funnel that was required to pour it down the transmission vent. He had canvassed his contacts at the race and found a quart of transmission fluid and the funnel. Once the transmission issue was addressed, I went back to the track with an amazing car that no longer dipped or lifted with no hesitation between shifts. I (and several other drivers ) were still having difficulties with the line lock and trans brake initiation process. Rich made very constructive recommendations and set up 15 minutes before racing started to give us time to process in the lane with active lights. We did not launch, just practiced with active lights. Rich watched and determined that one of my problems was related to releasing the brake pedal after the release of one of the two paddles (170 owners probably know what I'm talking about). That leaves you dead at the green light. His advice on how to avoid that problem was spot on. The thing that was amazing what that Rich provided expert counsel and advice not only for Radford participants, but for others that were having Mopar issues or questions. A number of individuals in our racing group received advice on everything from tire pressures to the fool proof method to release the foot brake after the first paddle release in the trans break process. Rich was asked and answered questions on every Dodge model that was racing. I am by no means a novice- over the years I regularly won my class in the NMCA HEMI Shootout, and participating in the Quick 8 quite often. But it was an exceptional experience to get advice on my specific car at the track during an actual competitive event. I'm not sure that anyone can remember everything during course driving a third party vehicle. But I clearly retained what I learned sitting in my own car on a race weekend. The benefit was enormous. Rich also provided advice and counsel to many other drivers at the event. The feedback from those drivers was exceptional. I want to thank Radford and Rich for extending their experience and advice beyond the course in Phoenix. The extra effort that Rich put forth is what makes racing a community.
Response from the owner:Rick, thank you so much for this incredible review!! We are very lucky to have Rich as one of our Drag Racing instructors. We are so happy he was able to help you and make the event even better.
Ivan P.
5 months ago
Tom B.
6 months ago
Nice facility. This event was run by NASA-AZ (a road racing event) These trackdays are a favorite of Arizona's automotive road racing community
Ryan H.
6 months ago
Amazing! Such a fun time.
Jason J.
6 months ago
Instructors are great and had the time of my life. Definitely will be back.
Derek E.
7 months ago
Everyone at Radford Racing was fantastic. We did the Drag program and not only had a blast but learned a lot both drag racing, the track itself, and the demon 170 vehicle. Thank you again.
Response from the owner:We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us!
Nick
7 months ago
The whole crew is amazing! William and Spencer worked directly with us during the four day GT class and they were awesome! Stephanie and lauren also killed it at the front desk. This school is definitely worth the cost of admission!!
Response from the owner:Thank you! We appreciate this awesome review. We hope to see you on the track soon!
Ali C.
8 months ago
I went as part of a group experience for a conference I was attending. It was so cool. We got to pace with a lead car and then we also drove on a coned...
Kevin T.
9 months ago
I attended the two-day Ultimate Muscle Car Experience from 1-6 to 1-7 with my daughter and it was an amazing experience for both of us. The instructors went...
Rugby
9 months ago
Ford vs Ferrari
Matthew C.
10 months ago
(fka Bonderant Racing School) Whether you're planning to race professionally, are already a racecar driver, an enthusiast who wants to drive fast safely, or want better control and understanding of your car, Radford Racing is for you! Incredible instructors with decades of experience racing and teaching, who build your skills from the ground up. Not only do you walk away with a much greater understanding of driving dynamics and car control, but an incredible experience, and many hours of drive time. I would rather go to Radford than take a cruise or go to Disney. I've been twice, to take the GT Road Racing course in January and this time the Advanced Road Racing course in December. So enjoyable! So beneficial! I'm exhausted from the course, but want to go back!
Response from the owner:Thank you for this amazing review! We are so happy you spent time on our track and we hope to see you back again soon.
Ed C.
10 months ago
I took the 2 day Dodge Demon 170 Class, it was amazing. Learned so much about the car, driving and racing. Instructors are phenomenal and I would highly recommend this school
Response from the owner:We hope we made your time with us memorable and supercharged! 😉 Thank you for this great review!!
Kelly T.
11 months ago
I attended the 2 day Performance Driving School from 11-17 to 11/18. My only disappointment was it rained the 2nd day, (I mean poured, a rare thing in...
Rafa G.
12 months ago
Spent a nice day here, hadn't been so excited in a long time! 🚧 At the end of the day I was given "cone killer award" wich is not something you usually want to brag about, but I loved my trophy and all in all I'm so glad I attended Redford Driving school.
Response from the owner:Amazing pictures!!! We are so honored to have had your group out with us on track and being the Cone Killer can't be a bad thing 😉
Mitch L.
12 months ago
Road warrior weekend 2025 was incredible I can’t thank all of the staff and instructors for such an amazing experience. All of the instructors are top notch and incredible at what they do. I can’t wait to return next year to learn more from these amazing people.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We cannot wait to have you back on our track!

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