Firebird International Raceway to close in April 2013

[On The Inside]

Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix has been officially notified that its lease on the Gila River Indian Community property will not be extended or renewed.

“After almost 30 years, it’s incredibly sad to know that we are looking at the end of Firebird International Raceway,” said Charlie Allen, who opened the facility in 1983. “But let me tell you, it’s been a heck of a great ride.”

Allen said that currently there are no concrete plans to build a new facility elsewhere, and he doesn’t know what will happen to the property after the Raceway’s exit in April of 2013.

“There has been some talk about the community utilizing the facility as a motorsports venue moving forward, and we have recently been made aware that they have made contact with several sanctioning bodies and promoters that we currently work with,” said Allen. “Beyond that, we really can’t comment.”