advertisement
27 May 2024
Before Le Mans became synonymous with endurance racing, a daring group of adventurers carved out their place in automotive history. Racing across the rugged desert terrain between Los Angeles and Phoenix, giving birth to what became known as the Cactus Derby.
In November 1908, when traversing the vast expanse between these two cities. A notable achievement in itself, the inaugural Cactus Derby took place. Covering a distance of over 500 miles, this race was no small feat. The victor of this maiden event was Colonel F.C. Fenner, navigating a White steamer at an average speed of 17.6 miles per hour, setting a blistering pace for future competitors.
Over the ensuing years, the Cactus Derby gained momentum. Evolving from a modest four-contestant race to a grand event attracting 20 racers by November 1914. Spanning treacherous desert landscapes devoid of modern amenities like service stations and paved roads. The derby was rightfully dubbed the “hardest auto race ever staged” by the Phoenix Gazette.
The race route alternated between northern and southern courses, each presenting its own set of challenges. The final route, following the northern path through Ehrenberg, added 132 miles to the race. Extending it to a grueling three-day event with night stops in Needles, California, and Prescott.
As racers approached Prescott, anticipation among spectators reached a fever pitch. Rumors swirled about accidents and feats of daring! Crowds were lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the race leaders. Barney Oldfield, driving a wire-wheeled Stutz, captured the imagination of onlookers as he roared towards the finish line. His speed averaging an impressive 29 miles per hour along the route.
Oldfield may not have been the first to cross the finish line in Phoenix, but his superior elapsed time secured him victory over his rivals. Awarded $2,500 and bestowed with the prestigious title of “Master Driver of the World” by Arizona’s attorney general, George Purdy Bullard, Oldfield’s triumph cemented his status as a legend of the Cactus Derby.
Yet, recognition was not limited to Oldfield alone. The gallant efforts of all participants, particularly the five who completed the race, earned them the enduring moniker of “Motormen of Speed,” immortalizing their role in the final chapter of the illustrious Cactus Derby.
advertisement
If it seems like pickleball courts are suddenly everywhere in Arizona, you’re not imagining things. Parks are adding courts. Resorts are advertising pickleball vacations. Retirement communities have thriving leagues. Indoor pickleball clubs are popping up across the Valley, and major professional and amateur tournaments are bringing thousands of players to the state. Pickleball has become one of America’s biggest recreational sports, and Arizona has emerged as one of the country’s major pickleball destinations. But Arizona’s connection to the sport actually goes back decades. advertisement What Is Pickleball? Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table
Arizona is an amazing and remarkably diverse state. It is best known worldwide for the Grand Canyon, the spectacular mile-deep gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. But those of us who call Arizona home know there is much more to the Grand Canyon State than its most famous landmark. Arizona is a place where you can find one of America’s largest cities, one of its snowiest communities, enormous pine forests, incredibly remote villages, vast tribal lands, and some of the sunniest weather anywhere on Earth. Here are seven fascinating facts that show just how surprising Arizona
Deep in the rugged mountains of southern Arizona, a motion-activated camera captured something extraordinary: a large spotted cat silently moving through the wilderness. It was not a mountain lion or a bobcat. It was a jaguar. The animal would eventually become known as El Jefe, Spanish for “The Boss.” For several years, he was the only known wild jaguar living in the United States, making him both a local celebrity and a powerful symbol of a species that once roamed across a much larger portion of the American Southwest. El Jefe’s story is also surprisingly hopeful. After disappearing from Arizona
Living in Arizona comes with plenty of perks, including beautiful scenery, relatively mild winters, and countless opportunities for road trips. But Arizona can also be tough on your car. Extreme summer temperatures, blazing-hot pavement, intense sunlight, dust, monsoon storms, and long stretches of remote highway can all take their toll on a vehicle. Whether you are buying a new car or trying to keep your current one running smoothly, there are a few things every Arizona driver should consider. advertisement Air Conditioning Is Not Optional In many parts of the country, a weak air conditioner is uncomfortable. In Arizona, it
