CHANDLER, Ariz. — A racetrack in Chandler that was on the brink of closing in 2023 is back and is ready to fulfill that need for speed starting with its grand reopening on Wednesday.
For nearly 40 years, Firebird Motorsports Park, formerly Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, has drawn huge crowds for the annual National Hot Rod Association events.
Brianna Wiens, who has been competing for 10 years, was at the track Wednesday running tests with her dragster. She said she's loved racing ever since she was young because her dad raced, so it's a family affair.
“My younger sister and stepmom also compete, plus dad picked the wild paint job on her dragster," Wiens said.
A star of the strip, Ron Capps, was on hand for the reopening of the track Wednesday.
"We can't wait to come back in April to compete for all the fans," he said.
The 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals will be at the track from April 5-7.
Driver backgrounds
John Force
John Force, driver of the PEAK/BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevy Camaro SS Funny Car, is the winningest driver in NHRA history with 155 wins and 16 championships to his credit. The iconic driver has the most wins in Phoenix of any driver in NHRA history, posting eight victories at the historic facility, with his last coming in 2005.
Brittany Force
Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Dragster, is a two-time Top Fuel world champion. She owns the current Top Fuel ET and speed records at 3.623 seconds and 338.94 mph, making the fastest run in Top Fuel history during her 2022 championship run. Force, who has 16 career Top Fuel victories, will be on the hunt for her first Phoenix race win in 2024.
Ron Capps
Ron Capps, driver of the NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra, is a three-time Funny Car world champion, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Capps, who has 76 career wins, finished fourth in points last season and will look for a quick start in Phoenix, where he has three career victories. His last came in 2013 and his three wins are the second-most in Funny car history at the track."
For ticket information, visit the track's website here.
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