FIREBIRD RACEWAY WORK DELAYED
The repaving of both lanes, expected to be finished May 30 at a cost reaching $250,000, has been delayed to perhaps the end of next week.
The right lane was finished June 2, but Firebird Vice President Franki Buckman said milling in the left lane wasn't to President Charlie Allen's "satisfaction." According to Buckman, the lane was surveyed a second time, with more milling now planned for early next week. Final paving is to be done by June 11 -- but temperatures in the Valley of the Sun are forecast to reach 110 degrees this weekend and stay around that mark for several days.
The right lane looks alright at Firebird International Raceway but the left lane is left undone.
The repaving of both lanes, expected to be finished May 30 at a cost reaching $250,000, has been delayed to perhaps the end of next week.
The right lane was finished June 2, but Firebird Vice President Franki Buckman said milling in the left lane wasn't to President Charlie Allen's "satisfaction." According to Buckman, the lane was surveyed a second time, with more milling now planned for early next week. Final paving is to be done by June 11 -- but temperatures in the Valley of the Sun are forecast to reach 110 degrees this weekend and stay around that mark for several days.
The work comes in the aftermath of last February's Arizona Nationals, where the Pro Stock cars of Gordie Rivera and Vinnie Deceglie flipped. After one round, it was decided to complete the event during the Gainesville, Fla., weekend.
Construction details include: After the first 180 feet of concrete, 30 feet of concrete is being removed and replaced; grinding much of the concrete up to the 700-foot mark; and asphalt milled and repaved out to 1,500 feet.
Defending Full Throttle class champion Mike Edwards said, "The track was not raceable for us. Our cars were out of control. I've been running these cars over 20 years, and I was white-knuckle every time I got in the car."
