Aruba Drag Racing: Palo Marga Raceway Guide

Last updated: 24 October 2026.

Aruba drag racing happens at Palo Marga International Raceway Park, on the outskirts of San Nicolas in the southeast of the island. The track has run since 1983 and holds races most months between January and November. On an island of roughly 110,000 people, it draws about 30,000 spectators a season, yet most visitors never hear about it.

While tourists flock to Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, this side of Aruba runs on engines. This guide covers the drag strip first, then the island’s other motor adventure: off-roading in Arikok National Park.

First time visitor? Start with our first-trip guide.

Palo Marga International Raceway: the heart of Aruba drag racing

Palo Marga is a half-mile facility designed by Steve Gibbs, a former president of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). It was built to NHRA and IHRA specifications, which is rare in the Caribbean. The Aruba Drag Race Foundation (ADRF) operates and promotes the track.

A season includes about seven major race events and around twenty street-legal nights. Classes include:

• Pro-stock drag racing, with local teams racing drivers from other countries
• Bracket racing, where consistency beats raw speed
• Motorcycle classes
• Import and front-wheel-drive classes

In late 2023 the track signed a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA), replacing IHRA. The same year it celebrated its 40th anniversary and finished a lighting upgrade. Racers from around the Caribbean often ship their cars in for the bigger events.

Palo Marga Raceway: practical guide

Location

• Address: Weg Fontein 1, on the outskirts of San Nicolas
• GPS: 12.4609, -69.8996 (from the Aruba Tourism Authority listing)
• Parking: ample parking on site

How to get there

Drive southeast from Oranjestad toward San Nicolas, then follow your map app to the address or GPS point above. The track is on the far side of the island from the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach hotels, so allow extra time. A rental car or taxi is the practical choice, especially for evening events.

How to find the race calendar

The official tourism listings do not publish a fixed schedule, and dates can change. That is why we do not list 2026 dates here. Check these sources before your trip:

• The Aruba drag racing Facebook page, where events are announced
• The official Palomarga International Raceway Park listing on aruba.com, which lists the track phone number (+297 593 4125)
• The Aruba events calendar
• The VisitAruba drag racing page, with ADRF contact details

Event names used in past seasons include the Royal Nationals, One Cool Summer and the Palomarga Finals Speed Weekend.

Tickets

The Aruba Tourism Authority describes entry as a small entrance fee. Prices vary by event, and we could not confirm current ticket prices, so check the event announcement.

What to expect

• A local crowd and a mix of cars, from American muscle to tuned Japanese imports
• Loud engines. Bring ear protection, especially for children
• Heat and sun on daytime events, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen

Off-road exploration: Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of Aruba and looks nothing like the beaches. Cacti replace palm trees, volcanic rock lines the coast, and dirt roads test experienced drivers.

Essential destinations

Conchi Natural Pool

Known locally as Conchi (bowl) or Cura di Tortuga, this natural pool sits behind a wall of volcanic rock. The route in is steep and rocky and not suitable for standard cars. The reward is clear water for swimming and snorkeling, with Atlantic waves crashing outside.

Ways to get there:

• 4×4 self-drive (experienced drivers only)
• Guided UTV, ATV or jeep tour
• On foot, on the trail from the Daimari area. See our Aruba hiking trails guide
• Horseback tours with licensed operators

Dos Playa

This remote beach has powerful surf and dramatic scenery. The approach has loose sand and rocky sections. Swimming is dangerous because of strong currents, but it is a great photo stop.

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

These 19th-century ruins on the north coast tell the story of Aruba’s gold rush. They are an easy stop on a north-coast drive, with wide ocean views.

Vehicle options

• 4×4 jeep rental: best for families, photographers and independent explorers. Check that your rental agreement and insurance allow driving in Arikok.
• UTV tour (2 to 4 seats): usually a few hours with a guide and safety gear. Ask whether the park entrance fee is included.
• ATV tour: needs moderate fitness. Most operators set a minimum age for drivers.

Prices change by season and operator, so compare current quotes before booking.

Critical planning information

Park access: The main entrance and visitor center are at San Fuego, signposted from Santa Cruz. Entrance fees and opening hours change, so check the official Arikok listing or the park website before you go.

Safety essentials:

• Download offline maps before you enter, because cell service is patchy
• Carry at least 3 liters of water per person
• Wear closed shoes with good grip
• Use reef-safe sunscreen
• Never turn your back on the waves at natural pools

Respect the park:

• Stay on marked roads and trails to protect the desert
• Take all trash with you
• Leave wildlife alone, including the protected Aruba rattlesnake
• Do not touch or disturb archaeological sites and rock drawings

Planning your motorsport trip

For racing fans

Check the race calendar a few weeks before your trip and confirm the date again close to the event. Rent a car so you can explore San Nicolas before or after the races. Try local food in town, such as the spots in our guide to authentic local restaurants in Aruba.

For off-road adventurers

Book guided tours well ahead in high season (December to April). If you plan to self-drive, reserve a real 4×4 early. A standard SUV is not enough for Arikok’s roughest roads.

First-timers should take a guided tour before trying the routes alone. Many visitors pair a morning off-road trip with an afternoon at Baby Beach, where the water is calm.

The bigger picture

Aruba’s car culture shows a side of the island that resort guests rarely see. Palo Marga is a community institution with four decades of history, and Arikok shows how adventure travel can work alongside nature protection. Whether you want quarter-mile times or rocky trails to hidden pools, you will find an Aruba that is about more than beaches.