Official: Firebird International Raceway closing april 2013

Albert Lee · 10-29-2012, 07:44 PM

This Arizona Republic story from 10/11/2012 with the Tom Compton quote sounds a lot more encouraging!
Firebird future

NHRA drag racing might not be finished at Firebird International Raceway even though track president Charlie Allen's lease will expire shortly after the Arizona Nationals next Feb. 22-24.

NHRA President Tom Compton said he is working to continue the almost three-decade old event under different management. "Based on our discussions with the Gila River Indian Community (which owns the land), we are very optimistic that the venue will be on the schedule in 2014," Compton said.

Allen has been the lease holder for 29 years but wasn't able to successfully negotiate a seven-year option. Allen said last February he was studying a replacement site about 15 minutes south of Firebird, but has dropped that idea and isn't actively pursuing any other location, according to track vice president Franki Buckman.
Allen will remain at Firebird through April.

Al Corda

10-29-2012, 07:44 PM	#24
Albert Lee Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 253 Likes: 145 Liked 258 Times in 49 Posts	Re: Official: Firebird International Raceway closing april 2 This Arizona Republic story from 10/11/2012 with the Tom Compton quote sounds a lot more encouraging! Firebird future NHRA drag racing might not be finished at Firebird International Raceway even though track president Charlie Allen's lease will expire shortly after the Arizona Nationals next Feb. 22-24. NHRA President Tom Compton said he is working to continue the almost three-decade old event under different management. "Based on our discussions with the Gila River Indian Community (which owns the land), we are very optimistic that the venue will be on the schedule in 2014," Compton said. Allen has been the lease holder for 29 years but wasn't able to successfully negotiate a seven-year option. Allen said last February he was studying a replacement site about 15 minutes south of Firebird, but has dropped that idea and isn't actively pursuing any other location, according to track vice president Franki Buckman. Allen will remain at Firebird through April. Al Corda