Extender32 Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 I read an intersting article on the GTO forum this afternoon about Firebird Raceway and I thought I would summarize for those of you who like to race out there on the weekends. In essence the article indicates that the current owner is having a difficult time renewing his lease with the Indian community and there is a good possibility that he won't. His current lease runs out sometime during the spring of 2013. If he is not successful, the track will more or less be closed down. If that happens, BYE BYE NHRA events and weekend drag racing. The current owners intent is to purchase land about 10 miles south of the track and build a new facility there; which means that the track won't be open for business until sometime in 2015. It looks like you all might have to run at speedworld for a while. By Michael Knight - Feb. 19, 2012 06:22 PM Special for The Republic There's a "1,000 percent" chance the 2013 Arizona Nationals will be at Firebird International Raceway. But, after that, it's increasingly likely there won't be an NHRA Full Throttle Series event in the state until 2015 -- and at a new location. 2012 NHRA Arizona Nationals Raceway President Charlie Allen told The Republic, "I still don't know" if he'll be successful in exercising a seven-year option on his current lease with the Gila River Indian Community. The Community owns the land where the track is located, near Chandler, and the lease expires next spring. Allen said the early season 2013 NHRA weekend will happen "1,000 percent." "We're constantly after them," Allen said of Gila River leaders. "We're communicating, our attorneys, their attorneys." In case no deal is reached, however, Allen already has been studying a new site. He declined to reveal the exact location, other than to say, "It's south of here (Firebird), on the freeway, a little over 15 minutes away, before Casa Grande." Allen said a new facility likely would include a road course and lake for drag boats. But it wouldn't be ready before 2015, meaning no race in 2014. Allen said he'd make a go/no-go decision on the project before next year's Arizona Nationals, "based on the economy." Graham Light, NHRA's senior vice president of racing operations, said Sunday no one other than Allen has made a recent, serious proposal for an alternate track. "I pray Charlie will go down the road and build another racetrack," said 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, who has a record eight Firebird wins. "We cannot lose this market." It would suck hardcore to lose that track. Regardless if your a Road Courser or Drag Racer. Plus its location is what makes it such a prime track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shifty Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 It would be a major loss for Arizona... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z06_Mir Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 This would make me a sad panda. How would not only the track relocated but how would Bondurant relocate? That seems like a HUGE loss on all parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Poppa Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Dood? Any inside word? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shifty Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 This would make me a sad panda. How would not only the track relocated but how would Bondurant relocate? That seems like a HUGE loss on all parts. Maybe to Inde.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buccaneer Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 WOW! This sux if it happens. Another Beeline Dragway because of Rez land. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOXXOH Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Just consider this a lesson to NEVER lease land from any Indians. Once you make a significant investment that can't be taken with you and then start making a profit, they hold you hostage for a major price increase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desertdawg Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Maybe an ALL makes, clubs, forums cruise to show support for Firebird needs to be thrown together... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOXXOH Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Maybe an ALL makes, clubs, forums cruise to show support for Firebird needs to be thrown together... As soon as that would happen, the tribe would even raise the ante more. Greed is why Beeline went dormant. However, if an agreement is reached for Firebird to stay, you can bet the prices will go up to pay for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ICULUKN Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 They have been talking about closing firebird for years. It never happens. If Charlie was smart he would just build a new track 'up the road' and not have to deal with the Indians. If Firebird moves, its a big hit to every Indian owned business in the area, Casino (with Hotel), gas station, etc.. The attorneys always come through at the 11th hour and get it done... Nothing to worry about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loud Pedal Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 I sure hope you're right. I just signed a 2 year agreement with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sidewinder Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Gotta speak the language. No move um smoke village. Trade um many skins for fire water. Keep um squaw in Milan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loud Pedal Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hahahahahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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