Downtown Phoenix is set to rumble with Formula 1 power next month as the Red Bull Showrun rolls into the city for a one-day motorsports exhibition.
The traveling showcase, known for bringing elite racing machines to urban streets across the country, will take over Jefferson Street between Central Avenue and Fifth Street on March 14. Organizers plan to convert the stretch into a temporary race course where fans can watch high-performance vehicles demonstrate their speed, precision and raw horsepower — all free of charge.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., spectators will see championship-caliber Ford race vehicles in action, with dramatic burnouts and controlled drifts expected to headline the afternoon. Both on-road and off-road platforms are scheduled to appear, including the Lightning SuperTruck and the Mustang GT3.
Behind the wheel of the Formula 1 cars will be drivers Nikola Tsolov and Scott Speed, delivering the kind of close-up performance typically reserved for international circuits.
Joel Koester, executive director of the Phoenix Sports & Events Commission, said the event reflects Phoenix’s deep-rooted racing culture and aims to energize longtime enthusiasts while drawing newcomers into the sport.
In addition to the driving demonstrations, the event will feature interactive displays and official merchandise, creating a festival-like atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
The Showrun adds to a busy stretch for Valley racing fans. For those looking to dive deeper into Arizona’s motorsports scene, local broadcaster Bruce St. James recently introduced “Full Throttle Arizona,” a podcast exploring the state’s racing heritage and personalities. The show has already featured conversations with drivers such as J. J. Yeley and other figures connected to the sport’s local legacy.
With no tickets required, organizers say the Red Bull Showrun offers one of the most accessible ways for Phoenix-area fans to experience the thrill of Formula 1 — right on city streets.
