Event Coverage Phoenix,AZ kills off local Drag Strips

Unless a miracle happens it looks like the party's over:http://www.arizonaautoscene.com/archives/19735

 

I'm still so pissed about Speedworld I'm ready to beat someone! I think I know how it all went down, and I probably would have unfortunately done it the same way if it were my deal... NEVER trust the government!!!

I've been hearing about the final event at Fire Bird on the radio for the last week now while working in the shop, yet the Southwest Nostalgia drags are a go for two weekends later. I'm pretty sure that the tribe has decided to manage it themselves, but that's my speculation.

 

Why wouldnt the tribe manage it themselves now that it is a turn key operation compared to years ago while the land was being developed to make it what it is today.

 

Bullshit that's what it is, I was working in phoenix for 3 month about 3 years ago and spent almost every weekend at Speedworld, the facility was great, bothered no one around there,You can't duplicate tracks like this today.It really sucks.

 

Back to the streets.

 

When the NHRA was here they made a statement that they didn't want to lose this venue and I heard that they were in contract talks with the indians but can find no information.

 

Another source says that developers want the land for a new and probably unneeded shopping mall. Developer money and political clout usually ends up trumping racer money and often lack of political clout.
The tribe is probably looking at one big pay off rather than what it should be and that is a steady income producer and employment opportunity for tribal members for decades to come.

 

Developer money will trump dag racer money every time. Just ask any of us here in Calif.

 

Speedworld is, was, so far away from the general public that no shopping center or development is going to be worth it for the return investment. They should have just allowed the track to come into compliance and obtain the permits

 

Pretty sure it was all the off road stuff that did Speedworld in and I'd bet Firebird ain't going away, just the name. Speedworld might even have a chance at a comeback if old Dan doesn't tear the surface up out of spite. JMHO, I'm by no means an insider.

 

I understood that Speedworld had permit problems as they had buildings or other improvements with no permits.

 

All the Firebird good bye and last race stuff is Charlie Allens exit from the track.

 

All related to the add ons. The strip would have been just fine.

 

I saw a bumper sticker that said " Knock down a mall and build a Drag Strip"

I really hate to see another drag strip going away for either a mall or condo's

Jimbo

 

I'm not an insider either, and I think you are correct, going by what I have read on some of the drag race forums. I really hope the Speedworld drag strip can be opened back up by itself, too nice of a strip to not be used.
Firebird is a dump, never liked the location. But it might be all we have. If the Indian Tribe would talk to the press then these rumours would stop. I'm not sure they know what they want to do. And I don't think there is any interest for a new drag strip in this area even if both these closed, at least not from someone that could make it happen.

 

Listen guys, The Tribe is Charlie's landlord until April 6th when the contract runs out.
I'm sure that's why they haven't released a public statement yet. They are promising me one any day now...possibly tomorrow...I'll post anything I get right here and on our other thread.
Charlie is trying to make as much as possible in the next week and a half.
Technically ," Firebird Raceway" IS closing for good. Charlie owns the name...All part of the act..Don't be alarmed

 

Absolutely what I said Mark. After talking to you guys I knew it was all good! I just wish there was some way of reaching our elected officials about Speedworld. That is by far my favorite venue in town. Still think it might be time to street drag in front of the capital!!

 

That's a beautiful looking facility from the picture. Drag boats too? That would hurt to lose that

Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app

 

Yeah no shit!

 

That is Firebird. Great place, pretty my h every kind of racing and I'll be sorry to see the name change. I'm sure the racing will not stop there.

Speedworld is the kind of place that dreams are made of. Real racing. Good times. I'm truly sad to hear I is closed.

Also Speedworld is on a well and is the only place in phoenix I found with good tasting water.

 

Looks like its time to move to lake Havasu.
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/buckle-and-hold-its-coming-lake-havasu-drag-racing

 

dying breed guys---what is the answer ?

 

NEW NEWS:

I just spoke to the incoming president of the new Firebird raceway (or whatever it will be called.)
He wanted it known that they will be re-opening soon after the end of the lease with Charlie Allen on April 6th.
Unfortunately our event (Southwest Nostalgia Drags, S/SS Combo) will have to be postponed until the earliest possible race date...which will be as soon as humanly possible.
I am meeting with this gentleman later next week, and will have more at that time.

That's all I have today .If you are a sponsor or directly involved and want to call , I'll do the best I can , but you'll have to bear with me.

Former employees of either track...Stand by !

 

Take it to the streets.......

 

The Speedworld deal is a huge bummer. I read up on the goings on at most of the offroad stuff.... no good. With stuff like underage girls being drunk, and involved in wet t-shirt contests (firsthand accounts I read), it usually isn't long before a place gets shut down. From all I read, the operator sounded a little casual about these problems. Not a good way to keep a track on public land operating. I sure would like to see someone else step in once the current operator gets out of the way.

As far as cruising central goes, I liked it last year when the rain postponed it the first time. The day it was postponed was way more fun than the actual event.

 

Although my memory aint what it use to be i recall them saying the tribe had hired a investment group to run the track with one of the parties involved being the guy who managed OCIR. Since the Indians already have a new resort and casino built out there called Wild Horse Pass, and since wild horse pass road is right there i would assume they would tie it all together and call it Wild Horse Pass Dragway or Gila River Dragway (my vote).

 

History repeats itself and with the way cars are built today fatality rates will do nothing but go up.

When i went to Firebird Raceway this year the President of the NHRA said the track wasn't going anywhere and that they would be back for 2014. In fact one rumor around the track was that it's already scheduled.

 

Yes! When i was there this year they were advertising for the last race AND next years nationals both. I bought the T shirt that says Firebird Raceway 1983-2013 because unfortunately the name will go away unless the investment group buys the rights to it.

 

Firebird will indeed not close, at least not for any length of time. We are working with the new management and will be running Nostalgic Show & GO! as well as Pontiac Heaven and the Fall Fest along with some new ones.
Looking forward to a new relationship at Firebird.

There also remains the possibility that Speedworld can reopen as well under new management. I have heard a few rumors of this.

Wouldn't that be great to have both track open and running, full tilt?

SIR in Tucson did very well last Saturday with Nitrojam. The stands were packed and there was standing room only.. But, there is less to do, for the entertainment dollar, in Tucson than in Phoenix.
Still, the future looks very bring for drag racing to continue in the Phoenix area. Amen!
Also, we may end up with 4 drag strips in Arizona! Now, if there could just be a 5th one in the white mountain area. hmmmm

 

The State of Arizona and Maricopa County wanted Dan Matthews gone that much was obvious when the state abruptly pulled the lease. Hopefully Speed World re-opens but this time the owner has the skill set to keep up working relationships with the state and county government.
Businesses are in line for the frontage land between Firebird and running along I-10. I will bet part of the road track will go away and maybe the lake soon. Also the indians are currently negotiating the 202 freeway extension that will add profitable frontage for the increased traffic.