Quote:
Originally Posted by Formulajones
Yeah, I'm aware of the Indian Reservation land and the lease. It's the same thing that happened to the Beeline Dragstrip in the late 70's  If anyone even remembers that. They say history repeats itself. Now that Speedworld is gone (which started around 61 if I remember right) We've now lost the only 2 dragstrips that actually had nostalgia history (Firebird was opened in the 80's long after the good times of dragracing) But I digress 
The lease isn't being rehonored because of the lack of renovations and upkeep that is said to be Charlie's problem (the lessee). The Native Americans want the place cleaned up understandably. My hesitation comes from talks of whether the Native Americans were even going to keep the place open after March while possible renovations took place or whether they would even attempt to run it themselves at all. It's been on going for months. But I didn't mean to drag all that into the conversation. I truely hope it stays open and becomes a top notch facility.
Anyway, yeah you guys coming from Cali don't have much issue with the relocation since you'll probably just shoot straight accross the I-10 in no time.
Myself, I come down from the North (Prescott) and the 303 loop took me around Pheonix in no time flat and dumped me off just a few miles from Speedworld. Now I have to travel straight through town on the heavily traveled 101 and 202.
Firebird is only another 20-25 mile extra distance, but the added time is 45 minutes or more depending on traffic unfortunately. |
Yes, I remember Beeline very well. I ran my Pontiacs there the last 5 or so years it was open.
This pic is waiting to get in at Beeline ( note the sign in the background ) in 1977 pulling my 'glass tilted '69 GTO with my '72 GTO 455HO as a Senior in highschool. Beelines situation was quite different as that tribe had no interest in running the race track and wanted it shut down. IMO, that was a major income mistake but, that is their problem.
As for Firebird, Mick is correct, the Gila River Indian Nation has no desire to shut down Firebird raceway, they just wish to no longer have the current management ( Charlie Allen ), running it.
Firebird will stay open and under new management along with its own website.
I hope this answers your questions with this concern.
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