News

Corona, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2013) - The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series has cancelled the Gila River Desert Challenge scheduled for May 17-19, 2013 at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., due to contractual time constraints.

"We are proud and excited to return for the 4th year to Firebird" Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series Director Ken Dollar explained. "However, we do not have sufficient time to promote a quality event and therefore made the decision to cancel. It is an unfortunate situation, a case of bad timing."

Firebird operator Charlie Allen's lease on the property expires on April 6, 2013 and use on it reverts to the Gila River Indian Community.

The Lucas Oil World Finals at Firebird are still scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2013.

The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series will not seek a replacement for the Gila River Desert Challenge, the second round of the season. Nine events, beginning with the Lake Irvine California Classic on May 3-5, 2013, are on this year's schedule.