Firebird International Raceway

Firebird International Raceway. It was a prominent motorsports complex located in the Gila River Indian Community in Maricopa County, near the city of Chandler, Arizona. Founded in the early 1980s, the facility quickly became a cornerstone for drag racing in the American Southwest and hosted a wide array of national and regional events across multiple racing disciplines. Its multiple configurations, including a famed drag strip and road course, made it a versatile and beloved destination for professional teams, amateur racers, and spectators for four decades until its closure.

History

The facility was constructed in 1983 by developer Charlie Allen, with the initial aim of creating a premier drag racing venue for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its early years saw it gain rapid prominence, leading to its acquisition by PIR, the operators of Phoenix International Raceway (now Phoenix Raceway). Under this management, the raceway secured a coveted spot on the NHRA national event calendar, beginning a long-standing relationship with the sanctioning body. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it underwent several upgrades to its infrastructure and safety systems, cementing its reputation as a modern and professional facility capable of hosting the world's fastest drag racing categories.

Facilities and Layout

The complex featured multiple distinct racing circuits within its property. The primary attraction was a quarter-mile competition dragstrip renowned for its excellent traction and timing systems, which included a separate launch pad for drag boat racing. Adjacent to the drag strip was a challenging multi-configuration road course that hosted sports car, motorcycle, and kart racing events. Additional amenities included extensive paved pit areas, permanent grandstands, timing towers, and support buildings for race control and concessions. The entire facility was situated on land leased from the Gila River Indian Community, which played a significant role in its operational history.

Major Events

For decades, it served as the host of the NHRA Arizona Nationals, a pivotal round of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series that attracted top drivers like John Force, Tony Schumacher, and Greg Anderson. The venue also featured rounds of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the AMA Superbike Championship, and the SCCA Runoffs. It was a popular testing location for teams from NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, and various sports car championships due to Arizona's favorable winter climate. Furthermore, the facility held numerous regional events for organizations like the National Hot Rod Association's Division 7 and hosted famous car show spectacles.

Notable Records

The drag strip was the site of numerous historic performances and elapsed time milestones in drag racing. Legendary driver Kenny Bernstein achieved several notable victories and record passes there during his championship campaigns. In 1992, Eddie Hill became the first driver to officially record a pass under five seconds in the Top Fuel category at this facility, a landmark moment in the sport's history. The track also saw record-setting runs in the Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes, with racers like John Force and Angelle Sampey etching their names into its history books.

Closure and Legacy

In 2023, after 40 years of operation, the raceway held its final events and was permanently closed. The closure was primarily due to the expiration of the land lease with the Gila River Indian Community and redevelopment plans for the area. The loss of the venue was deeply felt across the motorsports community, particularly within the NHRA, which relocated its Arizona national event to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. It is remembered as a foundational track that nurtured generations of racers, provided thrilling entertainment for fans, and played a key role in the development of drag racing in the Western United States.

Category:Defunct motorsport venues in the United States Category:Drag racing venues in the United States Category:Sports venues in Maricopa County, Arizona Category:1983 establishments in Arizona Category:2023 disestablishments in Arizona