IGNITOR RETURNS TO FIREBIRD ON MAY 4-6

Boise, ID – The oldest major event in the Pacific Northwest, the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Opener presented by Peterson Chevrolet returns to western Idaho over the May 4-6 weekend. Continuously since 1971, the track’s first major event has been a fixture on the Firebird track schedule. The first champion was Don “the Snake” Prudhomme.

Taking place in the northwest foothills above Idaho’s capital city of Boise, nearly 400 racers are anticipated for the opening stop in the Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Race Series.

The Ignitor will also mark the second stop in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series in what is recognized as the Stinker Stores Nitro Knockout for the AA/Funny Car class.

Racers pre-entered into this year’s Nitro Opener include the #1 car in the national standings – Bobby Cottrell driving the “Northwest Hitter” Camaro of Austin & O’Brien. Prime challengers will include the likes of “Mr. Explosive” Mark Sanders, Shawn Bowen at the wheel of Michael Bartone’s New-York based team, the “Happy Hour” of Tim Boychuk, Jeff Arend driving the Don Nelson “California Hustler, Chris Davis, Scott Stanger and Jon Rice.

Dating back to 1969, Firebird has played host to an NHRA Division 6 point’s race. Originally coined the World Championship Series, today’s Lucas Oil Drag Race Series will see a multitude of racers challenging for valuable points in the start of the D6 2018 chase.

Racers will be competing in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Sportsman Bike/Sled, Super Pro, Pro and Heavy throughout the weekend.

Adult pit-side admission is $15 (Friday), $25 (Saturday or Sunday). As part of Firebird Fan Appreciation weekend, kids (accompanied by a parent) aged 15 & under will be admitted free of admission.

Funny Car qualifying is Friday at 5 pm, followed by the final two qualifying runs on Saturday, at 2 and 5 pm. The Nitro finals will get underway at high noon on Sunday.