phoenix crash

[W J]

Originally Posted by Rod Greene

Then, dump that venue.....there are plenty of good tracks around the western/southwestern US that would love to host a NHRA event of this magnitude

The problem is there are no QUALITY tracks capable of holding a National event in the southwest besides Vegas.

So give another major event to Vegas.....If they're first class-----reward them for being first 1st class! It's time to dump the donkeys that don't spend any money to improve their venue, even though they're hosting a National event. WJ

[7423]

Vegas has 2 nationals now, you want them to have 3? There are no other tracks to host a nat on the west coast and support a pro car. This is where it all started and we have very little left.

[herbjr]

Originally Posted by W J

Sorry, but I surely disagree w/that. A racer deserves certain things when he pays the entry fee and decides to go and compete----ESPECIALLY for a National or Divisonal event. Poor track prep, very narrow grooves due to skimpy track prep, bumpy track, dips in track surface, etc. just don't cut it to be hosting ANY sanctioned event. You pay to belong to a sanctioning body---you deserve more. If things aren't safe, shut it down and make it safe, or finish it up someplace else that is. Then, dump that venue.....there are plenty of good tracks around the western/southwestern US that would love to host a NHRA event of this magnitude, this time of year, that know what it takes to run a SAFE, SMOOTHLY RUN event that could send the competetitors home saying that a poor track wasn't a factor----whether or not those racers went out in the 1st round, or went home a winner. It's about time for all racers to do what the ProStock teams did at Firebird last weekend after nothing was done to correct a ill-prepared, unsafe track----PACK UP AND LEAVE. Then maybe someone will start paying attention, because we all know, it's all about MONEY. If the racers start walking away from crappy venues, the circus owners will have NOTHING.....My sincere thoughts.....WJ

Your right but wrong again. I agree but you were there 7 days ago and the track was crap, pro stockers crashing, super street cars crashing, guy complaining about lifting at the 1000' mark. Is a 350. entry worth crashing a car. If you knew going in there were major track problems in the left lane, and you crashed in the left lane WHY WERE YOU THERE TO BEGIN WITH TO PUT YOURSELF IN THAT POSITION. I guess its worth taking a chance over a 350 entry vs crashing a car........dont think so.

[W J]

Wet weather and cold track temperatures have not helped matters at Firebird over the past couple of weeks for sure, but from what people are saying, the track really needs a re-grade and re-pave.....May not get done if his lease isn't re-newed. Just too bad 2 large events had to get fouled up because of it....Early 2010 inclement weather is taking its toll across the country, so we may see a few more big events screwed before the good weather arrives....WJ

[Pat Cook]

That's too bad,that is great spot for a drag strip and Phoenix certainly has the population base for national event racing. Leasing from the Indians is what killed Beeline dragway that and Rick Lynch

[Jeff Lee]

Yes the tribe has a lease agreement with Charlie Allen but I CAN SEE NO REASON THE TRIBE WOULD WANT THE TRACK GONE! Maybe I'm wrong but Firebird has to be a major draw for the casino, both with participants and spectators. And the Firebird billboard and proximity to I-10 makes it eye candy which brings people to the casino. A racer friend went to the casino yesterday and it was packed, including the restaurants and he noticed a LOT of racer t-shirts. And I'm sure casino management notices the same thing.

Also....don't forget, track prep is NHRA's responsibility on national events. Aside from that, I think the weather has a huge impact on these issues. As I stated before, we've had over a years worth of rain here in the first 2 months of the year!