Firebird Motorsports Park is charging ahead with significant upgrades as it gears up for the 2025 NHRA Arizona Nationals, scheduled for March 21-23. Among the improvements is a complete repaving of the iconic dragstrip, a critical enhancement to ensure top-tier racing conditions for drivers and fans alike.
The track, which has been a staple on the NHRA calendar since 1985, is receiving a state-of-the-art asphalt surface designed to provide unparalleled performance. Using advanced paving techniques and materials, the project features a seamless continuous pour—an industry gold standard for race surfaces.
Currently, the track is utilizing 125 truckloads of asphalt and employing pavers, rollers, and active-leveling skis. The 35 members of Sunland Asphalt crafted a continuous pour with no cold joint thanks to a solid plan by the company, building plenty of excitement for the 2025 NHRA Arizona Nationals and beyond.
“When we made our announcement Dec. 7 of last year that we were not only continuing operation of the facility, but rebranding as Firebird Motorsports Park, we understood the importance of our actions of proving to the motorsports community how committed we were to making the track successful, and how great our support is from Gila River Development and the Gila River Indian Community,” Track Manager Casey Buckman said.
This investment signals the track’s commitment to a bright future following its rebranding and renewed long-term lease in late 2023. Firebird Motorsports Park’s efforts are a testament to its dedication to motorsports excellence and its partnership with the NHRA, setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 event.
“I can’t think of a better display of commitment than being able to ink a long-term agreement with NHRA to host the Arizona Nationals, as well as making the largest facility improvement in decades by replacing the asphalt surfaces of the dragstrip, within weeks of each other. We have great partners on this project in Sunland Asphalt and Kurt Johnson, whose reputation in the drag racing industry speaks for itself, all to make the most competitive surface possible for our great racers and fans.”
Sunland led the charge on the continuous pour and they boast an impressive track record, including paying the Miami Formula 1 track and other big racing venues. It adds another exciting element to one of the hallmark events on the NHRA tour.
“This project just shows how strong our sport is right now, seeing NHRA Member Tracks investing in the future of their track, their local racers and our sport as a whole simply makes me happy,” NHRA Pacific Division Director Matt DeYoung said. “It’s great to see vendors like Sunland Asphalt, Total Venue Concepts, and RDO show so much support and dedication to the success of this project.”
With these upgrades, Firebird Motorsports Park is not just maintaining its legacy but elevating its status as one of the premier racing venues in the country. Fans and racers can look forward to an unforgettable experience when the NHRA Arizona Nationals return in March.
This story was originally published on December 19, 2024. 
