SPRING WARM-UP & SWAP MEET RETURNS SATURDAY!

One of the most popular events of the entire season at Firebird, the 14th Annual Spring Warm-up & Swap Meet presented by American Classifieds returns, Saturday, April 12th. The full day of activities includes both a big day of test `n tune runs, plus the largest automotive swap meet in the five-state intermountain west. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of buyers will make their annual trek to Firebird for all kinds of parts, cars, trucks, collectibles and the like.

Vendor gates open at 2 pm and continue until 7 pm on Friday, April 11th. Racers hoping to beat the rush are also permitted to come out Friday afternoon and evening to get set up for Saturday’s full day of testing. Gates open at 8 am for sellers/vendors on Saturday, while spectator/buyer/racer gates open at 9 am. Best of all, the adult admission is just $5 bucks. Kids 6-12 are $3 and toddlers are free. You can also purchase a vendor 10’ x 20’ spot for $20 or make test `n tune runs for $25.

One week later, we will be kicking off the point’s season with the fourth annual Stinker Stores SEASON OPENER, set for Saturday and Sunday, April 19th and 20th. This will be the opening weekend featuring all point's classes and it's not just one, but TWO back-to-back days of racing. Categories offered include Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Snow/Bike, Jr. Thunder & Lightning, Outlaw Street, Street Truck, Street Bike and Nostalgia.  Points will be on the line both days, officially kicking off the 2008 “Drive for Five” Championship Season.

Start making your plans and passing the word for the opening bracket race this season at Firebird.

RESULTS FROM BIG DAY OF TESTING

Mother nature tried to toss a monkey wrench into our Pre-Season Test Day, but fortunately enough a few morning showers didn't detour a tremendous field of racers from attending the first day of action in over five months. Leading up to the event, weather forecasters had predicted a 60 percent chance of precipitation and temperatures in the low 50’s. Good luck was on our side as the majority of racers benefited from quite a number of runs, in addition to the opening stop in the Meadow Gold Junior Series.

We want to congratulate both Camille Shaffer and Amanda Luckow, both of which were victorious in their respective Junior classes.

Junior Lighting
Champion-Camille Shaffer, 7.95 elapsed time (7.90 dial), 79.33 miles per hour.
Runner-up-Hailey Smith, 7.86 (7.90 dial), 81.78
Semi-Wes Morris.
Quarters-Marrissa Kidd and Paige Lundeen.

Junior Thunder
Champion-Amanda Luckow, 11.97 (11.80 dial), 52.44.
Runner-up-Michael Jaggers, 13.17 (13.19 dial), 48.69.
Semi-Shandi Mason.
Quarters-Matthew Burger and Alex Steen.

TECH UPDATE

We want to update everyone on a couple of tech rules that will be in effect for the 2008 racing season. If you haven’t had a chance to review the NHRA Rule Book, we highly recommend purchasing one from the Sport Shop and spending some time looking it over. There are many details contained in this book that pertain to your race car, so it’s well worth your time to bring yourself up to speed on all the technical and safety rules. In addition, read through our 2008 Handbook, which further covers a number of track rules and procedures.

Street Bike – be aware that protective clothing for riders running 120 mph or faster must be either full all-leathers or SFI Spec 40.1/2 suits, which is further detailed in the NHRA Rule Book. The two-piece suits must be joined together with a zipper at the waist.

Pro – remember that your trans brake must be on the list for NHRA-accepted switches. This new rule went into effect at the Division 6 operator’s meetings this past December and will be in enforced at all races at Firebird and throughout the Northwest, including the Summit E.T. Finals over Labor Day weekend. Should you have any question over what is approved and what isn’t, feel free to contact the Firebird offices (938-8986) for more information.