[vin63]

Here's a report from a friend who races in the both the Sportsman Pro and nostalgia series events that he posted in another forum...

Originally Posted by Marv D

I'm ashamed to say... I was there but out in the early rounds. I stayed until the trucks were done. Robosorus tore down a power pole and put out the lights on the track, the monster truck show went on in the dark. The trucks show always gouges the track, they used to do it before a refinishing project. But exactly what damage he left. I havn't seen or heard yet.

I heard the burning cars were dropped OFF THE TRACK not ON. So that's one glimmer of hope. Rumor was Charlie was pissed that the tribe wouldn't buy the safety equipment and timing system, and he was going to do as much damage as possible. For once I can say he surprised me, BUT I haven't seen the track since the dark event.

As usual he did put the finals of Az grudge and National Dragster challange cars out 'in front of the crowd' on a jet-fuel coated track. Darren Dozal went into the wall HARD around 200'. Safety for the racers was never much of a concern,,, I didn't expect anything new out of him for this fiasco.

CHEERS to ANY managment that takes over. It's bound to be an improvement.

If I hear any verified news, I'll let you all know.

Hopefully, the new management will be able to fix the damage and have the track prepped for Steve's event weekend.

[Steve Barcak]

Part of Saturday nights program will be the "F body vs Mustang Shoot Out" where the Firebirds and Camaros take on the Mustangs. There willbe a cruise in show, burn out contest as well as trophy and money brackets.
There will also be open test and tune plus the Nostalgic Show & GO! warm ups and 2 rounds of 6 second blown fuel altereds! Something for everyone.




Main event sponsors-

Network Automotive Service Centers- 15 year sponsor
Glenn's Garage- 15 year sponsor
Too Hotties Mens hair cuts
WW Williams
Kauffman Racing
AllPontiac.com
Quick Guns
Todd Harding & Son auto Swap meets- New Sponsor!

co sponsors-

Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Ames Performance
Space Age Auto Paint Store
Reliable Diesel
National Parts Depot- new sponsor!
Cactus GTOs ( GTO AA)
AZ Chapt 29 POCI
Alpha Omega Surveying - returning sponsor!

[Steve Barcak]

Another thing of interest for those who do not know the area well.
They just opened a premium outlet mall right next to Firebird with over 90 stores!
Here is the link http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=105

There is also the Rawhide western town, the Gila River hotel and casino next door as well. Across the interstate is a Love's truck stop with an Arbys, showers and they sell high octane race gas from the pump both leaded and unleaded.

There are many businesses and hotels, places to eat, ect all nearby.


Main event sponsors-

Network Automotive Service Centers- 15 year sponsor
Glenn's Garage- 15 year sponsor
Too Hotties Mens hair cuts
WW Williams
Kauffman Racing
AllPontiac.com
Quick Guns
Todd Harding & Son auto Swap meets- New Sponsor!

co sponsors-

Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Ames Performance
Space Age Auto Paint Store
Reliable Diesel
National Parts Depot- new sponsor!
Cactus GTOs ( GTO AA)
AZ Chapt 29 POCI
Alpha Omega Surveying - returning sponsor!

[Steve Barcak]

I went to the track today and walked up to it and looked around. I did not see any serious damage to the track. There is still remnants of last weekend there, they have yet to clean it up. Next week and onward, I will be there a lot working out details and making plans with the new track manager. Will let everyone know how things are.
In the meantime, I did get a deal at the Hampton Inn near the track.
If you mention "Pontiac Heaven" and or "Nostalgic Show & GO", you will get a special rate of $89. Their ph# is 480-753-5200

I am also working with the hotel and casino too but, have yet to get anything finalized.

Also will be posting a 'survival guide' showing places of interest in the immediate area.

We are looking forward to having our annual Pontiac Heaven next month!
In anyone needs to call or email me, please do
steve@pontiacheaven.org
480-899-7873



'til next time..

Main event sponsors-

Network Automotive Service Centers- 15 year sponsor
Glenn's Garage- 15 year sponsor
Too Hotties Mens hair cuts
WW Williams
Kauffman Racing
AllPontiac.com
Quick Guns
Todd Harding & Son auto Swap meets- New Sponsor!

co sponsors-

Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Ames Performance
Space Age Auto Paint Store
Reliable Diesel
National Parts Depot- new sponsor!
Cactus GTOs ( GTO AA)
AZ Chapt 29 POCI
Alpha Omega Surveying - returning sponsor!

[Steve Barcak]

Here is a survival guide for those who do not know the general area. Most everything you may need is close by and I think you all will very much like our new location at Firebird.



Main event sponsors-

Network Automotive Service Centers- 15 year sponsor
Glenn's Garage- 15 year sponsor
Too Hotties Mens hair cuts
WW Williams
Kauffman Racing
AllPontiac.com
Quick Guns
Todd Harding & Son auto Swap meets- New Sponsor!

co sponsors-

Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Ames Performance
Space Age Auto Paint Store
Reliable Diesel
National Parts Depot- new sponsor!
Cactus GTOs ( GTO AA)
AZ Chapt 29 POCI
Alpha Omega Surveying - returning sponsor!

[Old Man Taylor]

I already made reservations at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel. Would I be better off canceling that and going with the Hampton?

[lust4speed]

Hey Jim we'll miss you if you cancel. Well, unless most of the group goes with the Hampton, then we'll be over there also.

It looks like the Hampton is about three miles north of the track. AAA discount at the Casino got us the $116.10 rate so there is $27 a night difference. I wonder how the parking lot security is at that Hampton -- looks pretty close to the freeway.

I think we'll sit tight with our reservations until Steve can get us some additional info.

[Old Man Taylor]

Mick - Thanks for the info, I think I will stay as well.

[Steve Barcak]

I should have the Hampton Inn room block set up today for our special rate.


http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...NHX/index.html


please let them know you are with Pontiac Heaven and or Nostalgic Show & GO!
Our Friday, May 3rd, tech sessions will be at the Hampton Inn Chandler.
More info coming.
thanks!

[Formulajones]

Not to rain on anyones parade here, but the latest news on the track is a bit of a downer. It appears they are having some "behind the scenes" issues with staff and then some. They have cancelled everything for the month of April, including events that Bondurant had scheduled which doesn't sound promising.
I just hope since this event is so close to end of April that it isn't affected or the problems don't carry over into May. I am planning to hit at least 2 of the events this weekend (Pontiac Heaven and the Fbody shootout) but I'm a bit worried now.

Here's the latest info if interested....

Officially, Firebird International Raceway saw its final checkered flag March 30. But the Sun Valley Marina Corp., a tribal company that leases the raceway and the surrounding land from GRIC, fully intends to continue operating the raceway—just as soon as the company can break out from an unforeseen pit stop.

When Sun Valley chose not to extend its 30-year sublease with Firebird president and owner Charlie Allen because of unfavorable terms, Sun Valley’s board of directors expected to maintain continuity and financial productivity immediately by signing the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving to a one-year agreement. Bondurant had already been operating as a sub-tenant under Allen for 23 years and with Allen out as a middleman, rent revenue going back to the Community would increase 500 percent.

The ink was still drying on the Bondurant deal when the Sun Valley board was told it was invalid. At a Feb. 14 special meeting with the Economic Development Standing Committee, which oversees many tribal business entities including Sun Valley, a 1980 resolution was cited which canceled Sun Valley’s authority to make leases for less than a year without EDSC’s approval.

EDSC then called for the Sun Valley board members—President Harlan Bohnee, Treasurer Pamela Pratt Morago and Secretary Cheryl Coppedge—to resign by Feb. 27. When they did not, EDSC sent a recommendation for the board to be removed at the next Community Council meeting on March 6.

In the interim, Sun Valley presented at district meetings in D1, D3, D4 and D5 and rallied support from some Community members and when March 6 came, the vote to remove the Sun Valley board was never held and the issue was dispensed.

But business has still stalled because under the 1980 resolution the company cannot make lease agreements without EDSC’s approval. A new amendment to Sun Valley’s master lease with GRIC would enhance Sun Valley’s authority to negotiate leases up to five years. The amendment was on the agenda of the March 27 EDSC meeting, but that meeting was canceled because there was no quorum. The next committee meeting is April 10.

“We’re in limbo because the lease on Firebird is going to expire before we even get to the committee now,” Morago said. The lease with Firebird ends April 6.

Bondurant events scheduled for April have been canceled until further notice. Sun Valley cannot hold any races until it buys safety equipment, and it can’t get a loan to buy the equipment until it can sign leases with tenants.

Once the smoke clears, Sun Valley has major development plans to complement the racing infrastructure that already exists. It hopes to host at least 150 events a year. Future development projects potentially in the works include a theme park, water park and a movie theater.

The Sun Valley Marina Corp. charter was approved in 1970. The property comprising Firebird and the surrounding area was recently valued at $20 million, said Arthur Felder, a consultant to Sun Valley. Eighty-three allotted landowners own about one fourth of the land.

Council appoints Sun Valley board members for lifetime terms. The master lease between Sun Valley and GRIC expires in 2019.

[Big Injun]

The Wangers team is all booked into the Hampton Inn. See you all there!

[raidex1]

Originally Posted by Steve Barcak

I should have the Hampton Inn room block set up today for our special rate.


http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...NHX/index.html


please let them know you are with Pontiac Heaven and or Nostalgic Show & GO!
Our Friday, May 3rd, tech sessions will be at the Hampton Inn Chandler.
More info coming.
thanks!

Steve,is this event on or off?

[Formulajones]

I'm sure Steve will confirm, and it definately appears they are planning serious renovations, with a water park and movie theater mixed in. I'm guessing this will be a beautiful facility when done with things for the whole family to do.
Unfortunately it appears some political drama behind the scenes is slowing things down. I simply posted the latest just in case Steve hasn't been made aware.

Fingers crossed that Pontiac Heaven is unaffected.

[Ken K]

[QUOTE=Formulajones;4899735]I'm sure Steve will confirm, and it definately appears they are planning serious renovations, with a water park

They might be needing that water park in May.

[Steve Barcak]

OK, before the mudd and rumors get spread any thicker...

There is NO reason to think that the drag strip is going to be turned into a water park. Remember, this is a national event NHRA track. No one wants to give that lucrative deal up and there is no reason to think they will. I would not be surprised if a water park is added to the area but, it will not compromise any of the racing ( drag, road race, water ) on the facility.

Relax, I know you all want, and deserve, answers. I am working hard to provide them. Spreading rumors and hearsay is not helping anyone. I have no reason the think that anyone here is purposely trying to do that, Just want to reassure people that I will keep all informed.

Bear with me. Some issues have come up but, they are being worked out. This has been a trying time for me to say the least.

Will Pontiac Heaven run ? YES

Is Firebird going to remain a drag strip? YES

More info coming, in the meantime, I kindly ask to 'sit tight' as I work things out. If I reported every little detail it would be misleading. Trust me, I am working on it.

thank you for your patience. Some things are out of my control but, many things are in my control. stay tuned. The most current info will be on my site www.pontiacheaven.org

is anyone needs to call me 480-899-7873

[Formulajones]

Steve,
No rumors intended here, that was just the latest news straight from the Gila Bend website that I believe to be factual (it's run by the same tribe), nor did I mean to imply a water park was replacing the dragstrip. Only that the water park and theater would be "additions" to what is already there. I'm sure that is what the letter meant that I quoted and that's how I interprated it.

I appreciate all the hard work and troubles you've had to deal with, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that. Now lets go racing

[Steve Barcak]

Late this afternoon I had another meeting with the new track president and he informed me that they will not have the new compulink timing system installed by the May 3rd-5th weekend.



This means that if this years Pontiac Heaven runs May 3-5 there will be no drag racing.
So, am looking into other options- changing the date, again, running the event without drags, etc. Will keep all informed.

[Steve Barcak]

Hello out there, I would again remind that Pontiac Heaven has not been cancelled or postponed. I am working on options and trying to make things as attractive as is possible. Please check back .

www.pontiacheaven.org

[Steve Barcak]

After much thought and looking into more options, I have decided to run the 15th annual Pontiac Heaven car show and part exchange on Saturday, May 4th.
With Firebird not available until a later date, I will have to move my racing portions of the events to the evenings as the weather will be too hot.
So, I have yet a new location for the show and swap.
It is at the Couryard by Marriot hotel 1100 s Price rd in Chandler. It is very easy to get to and just south of the 202 and 101 fwys.
swap setup is 6am
show registration starts at 7am
awards around noon

There will be music and their bistro rest. will be open and serving food and beverages indoors.

General admission is free and all are welcome.
Show entries are for real Pontiac power vehicles of al years and makes $25
Swap spaces are $20

There will be more updates on my site.

thanks.
Steve

www.pontiacheaven.org

[twooldgoats]

Thanks for all your hard work on this, Steve. It's disappointing about the race portion, but it was unavoidable. We had the "perfect storm" of both Phoenix-area tracks going down at the same time with a lot of uncertainty about their futures. We'll be there for the show and swap meet and we look forward to both. I've got a bunch of stuff to sell at the swap meet to help pay for the blower conversion on my Tempest.

Is there a group rate at the hotel?

Jim