Firebird Closing 3/30/13

[Chili]

Halfway down the article there is an update on Firebird raceway. It might not be finished after all.



http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarep...iven-realize-nascar-dream.html?nclick_check=1

 

[mw6789]

Don't you brain surgeons have anything better to do than to argue about whether or not I should know who Charlie Allen is?

I recognize the car and driver, now that you posted a picture of it, but since it hasn't raced in 40 years I didn't immediately equate Firebird's current boss with it.

For what it's worth, I made my first pass down our local track the same day Eddie Hill was doing some testing. That would have been 1963. What an idiot I am...49 years in the sport and I didn't remember who Charlie Allen was.

To answer your question, Carl, unfortunately no---they don't.

 

[Dave]

While it may be nicknamed "Fireturd", this has been the site of a few historic races and passes in NHRA history. How soon we forget the last day of February in 1999 when Tony Schumacher tripped the speed clocks at an unheard of 330.23 mph. The barrier had been broken. Phoenix was also the first NHRA race to be aired LIVE on TNN. On at least two occasions I can recall Firebird being the track laying claim to the quickest passes in history. 4.74 by Cory McClenathan in 1994 and 4.66 by Kenny Bernstein on an amazing wheel standing pass in 1996. Al Hofmann became the second funny car driver over 300 mph with a 301 mph blast in qualifying in 1994. How about Shirley Muldowney's monster wheel stand in 1990, and the expert slide by Gary Ormsby to avoid being hit as she came down. This was also the site of Ms. Muldowney's first and only win after coming back from the Sainair accident. She won the 1989 Fall Nationals as her final career NHRA win. Kurt Johnson suffered his first Pro Stock crash in only his career race in 1993. He went for a wild upside down ride in round 2 after winning against a red-lighting Scott Geoffrion. Ironically, 10 years later Geoffrion suffered the same fate during his round one race against V. Gaines. Although by the time there were guardwalls up in the shut down area and he took a few hard hits after his red-lighting loss. There are plenty of other memories from the pre-season tests there and the pre-season races contested in the late 80's. And as always, who can forget Phoenix 92' the greatest race ever. I think the place deserves a proper eulogy if it's going to dragstrip heaven.

 

[mltdwn12]

Can someone tell me what the AZ Republic article said? My computer won't bring it up. I guess the track can use some updates, but like a lot of folks mentioned, how much do you put into leased property? I wish they'd build closer than Casa Grande, even further for me, being on the NW side.

Speedworld certainly isn't set up for a national event, but I've been racing there since the late 80's and always had fun. Laid back attitudes for the most part and the new owner has put some money into the place.

 

[darkpino]

While it may be nicknamed "Fireturd", this has been the site of a few historic races and passes in NHRA history. How soon we forget the last day of February in 1999 when Tony Schumacher tripped the speed clocks at an unheard of 330.23 mph. The barrier had been broken. Phoenix was also the first NHRA race to be aired LIVE on TNN. On at least two occasions I can recall Firebird being the track laying claim to the quickest passes in history. 4.74 by Cory McClenathan in 1994 and 4.66 by Kenny Bernstein on an amazing wheel standing pass in 1996. Al Hofmann became the second funny car driver over 300 mph with a 301 mph blast in qualifying in 1994. How about Shirley Muldowney's monster wheel stand in 1990, and the expert slide by Gary Ormsby to avoid being hit as she came down. This was also the site of Ms. Muldowney's first and only win after coming back from the Sainair accident. She won the 1989 Fall Nationals as her final career NHRA win. Kurt Johnson suffered his first Pro Stock crash in only his career race in 1993. He went for a wild upside down ride in round 2 after winning against a red-lighting Scott Geoffrion. Ironically, 10 years later Geoffrion suffered the same fate during his round one race against V. Gaines. Although by the time there were guardwalls up in the shut down area and he took a few hard hits after his red-lighting loss. There are plenty of other memories from the pre-season tests there and the pre-season races contested in the late 80's. And as always, who can forget Phoenix 92' the greatest race ever. I think the place deserves a proper eulogy if it's going to dragstrip heaven.

I've read this now a number of times. Can anyone tell me why the Phoenix '92 was the greatest race ever?

Thanks

 

[tx_trojan]

As mentioned prior in the thread, Firebird has been long overdue for a makeover. I was last at the track about 10 years ago and it was in very poor shape at that time. I doubt the poor condition had much to do with the closure, but I'm sure it didn't help. Hopefully something pans out in the Phoenix area so that fan base doesn't have to drive to LV or Pomona to watch the pros.....

 

[twostep]

I've read this now a number of times. Can anyone tell me why the Phoenix '92 was the greatest race ever?

Thanks

This will explain it better than I can. Phoenix 92 wasn't known for a bunch of new records. Just tons and tons of personal victories and unbelievable upsets. Mike Dunn's first race as a Top Fuel driver. Kim LaHaie's first race as a Top Fuel driver. Pat Austin's double victory in Top Fuel and Top Alcohol funny car. The launch of the careers of two of the greatest Sportsmen racers ever, Edmund Richardson and David Rampy. And on and on.

Greatest Races? What About Phoenix '92? - National Dragster

 

[Nunz]

I can't open the article either. What's the scoop? Is there hope for the track?

 

[Bubba]

From the azcentral.com article:

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.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarep...riven-realize-nascar-dream.html#ixzz29EunlRxP

 

[Fuel FC Fan]

From the azcentral.com article:

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.

Mexico's German Quiroga driven to realize NASCAR dream

Almost sounds like Gila will work directly with the NHRA without Charlie in the mix?

 

[Toejam]

I've read this now a number of times. Can anyone tell me why the Phoenix '92 was the greatest race ever?

Thanks

A huge joke from way back Martin!

 

[Walter]

Almost sounds like Gila will work directly with the NHRA without Charlie in the mix?

That is the rumor that is floating around AZ. The present lease will not be renewed, the present mgmnt has apparently confirmed that the announcement of another site between Phoenix and Tucson was but a negotiating ploy and that this will not happen (understandable on a lot of levels), and that the tribe/nation is going directly to the NHRA about how to run the races...

 

[Raconteur]

and that the tribe/nation is going directly to the NHRA about how to run the races...

There are a number of freelance Race Directors available, Alan Miller, Mark Dawson, Mike Yurick, Chris Blair, etc. A spectator would never know the difference at an NHRA National or divisional event from when Charlie Allen ran the joint.

 

[rocketman]

When I was there (yeah on that magical weekend) there seemed to be a lot of property around there and why the indian HAVE TO BUILD IT RIGHT THERE ON THE DRAGSTRIP makes no sense. I'm sure another operator will come in after Charley is gone. Maybe Charley can go back and open a new OCIR? In my dreams I know.

 

[my friends call me Zappy]

Oh to be a fly on the wall for THAT meeting....

 

[vegasnitro]

As someone who has worked with a couple of Indian Tribes on the gaming side of things, I can tell you them going straight to NHRA makes perfect sense to me. It is SOP for them to bring in "outsiders" on the gaming side such as Casino Managers and then as soon as they feel someone in the tribe can do that job they get rid of the outsider. It sounds to me more like Charlie Allen's contract is up as promoter, rather than Firebird is closing and the Tribe feels as though they can do it themselves.

 

[darkpino]

This will explain it better than I can. Phoenix 92 wasn't known for a bunch of new records. Just tons and tons of personal victories and unbelievable upsets. Mike Dunn's first race as a Top Fuel driver. Kim LaHaie's first race as a Top Fuel driver. Pat Austin's double victory in Top Fuel and Top Alcohol funny car. The launch of the careers of two of the greatest Sportsmen racers ever, Edmund Richardson and David Rampy. And on and on.

Greatest Races? What About Phoenix '92? - National Dragster

Thanks!

 

[Nunz]

If the problem is between the Indians and Charlie, and, IF in fact the Tribe would rather keep it a racetrack with new management, then the NHRA should step up and negotiate a very long-trem lease, similar to what they have with Pomona, which would secure the market for years to come. And, make it worth gradually upgrading the facilities.

 

[Dave]

God knows the tribe has plenty of money to upgrade the facility. I have paid for a lot of it myself.

 

[Toejam]

God knows the tribe has plenty of money to upgrade the facility. I have paid for a lot of it myself.

If they are anything like the Indian casinos here in New Mexico, they can throw $5 Mil. At that track overnight!