Firebird Motorsports Park announced the repaving of its dragstrip ahead of the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, scheduled for March 21-23, 2025. The upgrade comes as part of a multi-year extension for the event, signaling a commitment to the facility’s future.
Next year’s Arizona Nationals will celebrate four decades of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the Phoenix-area track. Tickets for the “Duel in the Desert” are on sale, and fans and teams will benefit from a newly repaved dragstrip.
Currently, the facility is receiving 125 truckloads of asphalt, applied with pavers, rollers, and active-leveling skis. A team of 35 from Sunland Asphalt is conducting a continuous pour, avoiding cold joints and enhancing the track’s surface.
“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,” said Track Manager Casey Buckman. “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 while making the largest facility improvement in decades.”
Sunland Asphalt, known for its work on high-profile venues, leads the repaving project. “This project just shows how strong our sport is right now, seeing NHRA Member Tracks investing in the future of their track,” said NHRA Pacific Division Director Matt DeYoung.
The NHRA Arizona Nationals has been a significant fixture since its inception in 1985, delivering record performances and drawing large crowds. In 2024, Shawn Langdon, Austin Prock, and Greg Anderson emerged as winners, with Prock claiming his first career Funny Car victory.
The track boasts a rich history, featuring notable achievements from drag racing’s biggest stars. Tony Schumacher holds five wins at the venue, while John Force has eight. Other champions, including Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, and Greg Anderson, have each secured three victories at Firebird Motorsports Park.
