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CHANDLER, ARIZ. -- There may still be a future for a Valley race track.

Firebird International Raceway owner Charlie Allen said in a written statement on Wednesday that the Gila River Indian Community will not extend or renew the track's lease. The statement said that the track -- located on Interstate 10 south of Chandler -- will close in April.

But the National Hot Rod Association is trying to save Firebird. "

We have been in discussions with the Gila River Indian Community," said NHRA Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light. "It's certainly our hope that they can somehow keep the facility open."

Light said that not having races in the valley would be a disappointment.

"The Phoenix market is important to us and our sponsors," he said. "For the last 29 years, it's been one of our favorite spots on our 24-race NHRA series."

Light said the NHRA hopes to come to an agreement with the community and have an announcement about the track's future before the Mello Yello drag racing event that will be held at Firebird in February.

Bob McClay, Reporter

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7 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Working Man wrote...
    Get outa here!
    January 3, 2013 2:48 pm
    KTAR, you have lost your way if you are depending on Bruce St. James for insight. .
  • Abuse
    wrote...
    Firebird
    January 3, 2013 7:48 pm
    Brings the NHRA and a lot of money into the valley. I hope that the Gila River community recognizes its value and upgrades the facility for the future.
  • Abuse
    Working Man wrote...
    This story sounds better
    January 4, 2013 6:24 am
    If you would have looked on the Gila River Website, you would have found the article regarding the racetrack and the talks that were occuring with the NHRA. To ask Bruce St. James was like asking a one year old to explain Einsteins theory. Not to mention that Bruce is nowhere near a professional race car driver. Bruce is a professional excuse maker, just listen to his show during racing season. Always an excuse why he lost----Winning!
  • Abuse
    pontiac wrote...
    Racing
    January 4, 2013 8:38 am
    This would impact the local economy way more than people think if it is closed and gone. Keep it open
  • Abuse
    Mr Fiber Fry bread wrote...
    Firebird Raceway
    January 5, 2013 1:47 pm
    I sell the worlds best ndn fiber fry bread at firebird its fabulous
  • Abuse
    wrote...
    Firebird
    January 6, 2013 10:04 am
    It doesn't make any sense that The Gila River Tribe would want Firebird gone. They have the new Outlet mall going in, the Casino and the Resort it would seem foolish to lose the Race track which would generate business. There has to be somehting deeper here that is not being released. Either the tribe wants to bring in new management or use the land for further development.
  • Abuse
    WillyJKass wrote...
    Please keep Firebird open
    January 7, 2013 1:13 pm
    I don't know the reason behind closing Firebird, it doesn't make sense! It generates a lot of revenue. There is so much open land around it, why close the track and lake? My brother in law Frank Rizzo has raced there for many years, and the major events are always packed. I feel there must be some greed behind this move, it happens in other areas too where tribal land is involved.
  • 1

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