Widely known as the Switchback or The Death Maze, the
Santa Anita definitely earned a reputation of killing most of the drivers
that raced in it. The AADA has not sanctioned the Santa Anita for this
reason.
Several years ago a group of race
track builders wanted to construct a track in LA. Unfortunately, the only
area they could find was a small plot of land that use to be the Santa
Anita Horse track in Arcadia. The purchase price was low, but the construction
of a large track was impossible. So, the builders decided on a maze pattern.
To its credit, the track always has business and a steady supply of willing
'lab rat' racers. Bets are allowed on-site and race events are run on all
major holidays.
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Arena Notes: All walls are 15 feet high and are indestructible. The dashed line is the start/finish line. Dropped weapons are forbidden in all events.
Racetrack Schedule:
Sunday: AADA Divisionals
Monday: Challenge Night
Tuesday: Public Racing
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Practice Sessions
Friday: Time Trails
Saturday: Amateur Night.
Special Events:
Collegiate Tournament: Held in January with about 10
college race teams competing. The team that survives is the winner. One
race per day is held, starting with Division 5 and ending with Division
30.
Public Racing: Every Tuesday this event is held and admission is free. Cars are available for rent from the track garage. This event encourages new racers into the sport - if they survive.
Off-Road Racing: In June racing promoters bring in several trucks full of dirt and cover the racing track, making it an off-road surface. This event lasts for the whole month and prestige is doubled.
Ice Racing: In December the cooling pipes under the track are turned on and the water valves left open. The resulting sheet of ice is three inches thick (after surfacing). Prestige is tripled.
Racing in the Dark: Also known as 'Racing by Moonlight', all track lights are off and the drivers must use their headlights or infrared devices to see. The event is broken down by divisions and driving aids. Example - Division 10 with headlights or Division 20 with infrared. Prestige is quadrupled. Off-road night events earn five times as much prestige. Finally, ice racing events held in the dark earn six times as much prestige.
Track Slang:
Eggheads - Track officals
Lab Rats - Racers
Experiments - Races