Arroyo Seco, Racing Circuit

Arroyo Seco Raceway sits out in the high desert at Akela Flats near Deming, in southern New Mexico, where it ranks as one of only two permanent road courses in the state. The circuit opened in 1998, originally under the name Arroyo Seco Motorplex, and has since grown into a popular club-racing and testing venue. Its main road course measures 1.4 miles and can be driven in either direction, while a tighter 1.1-mile short layout drops the esses and chicane for a more compact lap. Although flat, the desert setting makes for a rewarding drive, helped by generous run-off into the surrounding scrub. Much of the on-track activity comes on two wheels, with the Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association running a full programme of events, while four-wheeled use is dominated by Superlap and Timed Attack sessions. A quarter-mile drag strip doubles as the road course's back straight, and a motocross track occupies the infield. The facility was bought in 2003 by the Double R & T Corporation, headed by Roger Heemsbergen, who lowered hire rates to make the track a more affordable place to test. Its remote location is offset by easy access from Interstate 10, roughly halfway between Las Cruces and Deming. The surrounding open desert means there is usually plenty of room should a driver run wide.

Operated by: Double R & T Corporation