Mon, 6 Dec 2010, 09:00 AM Elevation of NHRA Arizona Nationals to 'Playoff Race'

Courtesy of Bill Mayhall Highlight Busy 2011 at Firebird International Raceway

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- An important shift in the calendar regarding the 2011 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Arizona Nationals and the addition of an early season Lucas Oil Off Road Series race highlight a busy 2011 schedule at Firebird International Raceway.

As previously reported, long the crown jewel of Firebird International Raceway's annual early-season calendar, the 2011 NHRA Arizona Nationals is now scheduled on Oct. 14-16, ensuring the race a spot amongst the National Hot Rod Association six-race Points Countdown - the sport's equivalent of the championship playoffs.

What you won't see for the first time in 20 plus years, is the pre-season NHRA warm up. Officially referred to as the Time Trials Test & Tune and traditionally held each January, this event is not on the list for 2011.

"We know this event is a favorite of our fans," Firebird President Charlie Allen said,", "We are truly disappointed that we won't be having it in 2011. But, we do have GREAT new and exciting events coming up for 2011!"

The 2011 schedule follows below:

Feb. 17-20 - NHRA Division 7 Series Opener - More than teams will look to grab some early-season momentum, competing at one of the largest sportsmen's events in the country. Classes ranging from Alcohol Funny Cars to Gas, Super Street and more hope to open 2011 with a win.

March 27th - BUGORAMA - Bugorama is America's longest running VW event and is famous in the VW community. The event features VW drag racing, the world's largest VW only swap meet, a show & shine and a vendor alley.

April TBD - AHDRA Nationals - With 15 different classes ranging from 230-mph Top Fuel bikes to the highly competitive ET class, the All-Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) has experienced explosive growth both among competitors and at the turnstiles over the years.

Oct. 14-16 - NHRA Arizona Nationals - The fastest dragsters in the world arrive at Firebird for a critical Points Countdown race that could go a long way toward determining 2011 world champions. In addition, Firebird has confirmed the 2011 race will debut action in NHRA's motorcycle class, joining the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions.

Oct. 29-30 - The Super Chevy Show - If you love Hot Rods, custom cars and horsepower, this is the event for you. The Super Chevy Show features a huge vendor midway and hundreds of Chevy Show Cars vying for awards from "Super Chevy Magazine".