Schedule change announced for FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and Firebird Motorsports Park officials announced time changes for the upcoming FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, which takes place March 20-22.

Taking an abundance of caution for the expected heat in the weekend forecast, racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will shift to earlier in the morning on each day, setting up a Coffee and Nitro weekend at the Duel in the Desert.

Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m.

On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session — as well as the finals of the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge bonus race of the season — is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel.

Sunday eliminations will be bumped an hour earlier as well, with the first round of eliminations slated for 10 a.m. local time.

The shift to the earlier sessions was made to create the safest race environment for everyone in attendance, including fans, race teams, partners, and stakeholders.

“Due to the expected heat in the Phoenix area next week, both NHRA and Firebird Motorsports Park felt it was important to be proactive and adjust the schedule to include earlier start times,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Our priority is always the safety of our fans, race teams, and partners, as well as putting on the best show possible. We appreciate the flexibility and work from the amazing staff at Firebird Motorsports Park, the teams, and partners to make these time changes, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing in Phoenix.”

Gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

For more information on the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals, check out the EVENT GUIDE.

Message from Jim Robinson:

Dear FRiends,

We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.

If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:

Click here: to donate by Credit Card

Or here: to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you,

Jim

After the Chinese Lockdowns, the traditional opening rounds of Pomona and Chandler have been moved back weeks. This year's Arizona Nationals is scheduled March 20-22. The race has been held in March or April since the calendar changed to start the season in Gainesville, FL.

Historically, the Arizona Nationals are held in late February. However, the moving of the Super Bowl has affected the Winternationals (now a spring event) and the Arizona Nationals can no longer function in the traditional late February date.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.