After 42 years, one of the more nostalgic towers in the sport has been sent to greener pastures. The venue is Firebird Raceway, in what is known as Idaho's Treasure Valley -- more specifically, the foothills above the Gem State's capital city of Boise. In its place will be a striking new state-of-the-art race-control tower.
 
"This will unquestionably be the signature backdrop for our raceway," said track general manager Bill New. "It's taken quite an effort to pull it off this winter, but thanks to a team of better than 90 key people and the very instrumental CSDI construction firm, we will achieve our targeted opening this April."
 
The two-story tower will feature more than 3,200 square feet of space, a mighty increase from the old structure, which, after three additions throughout the years, topped out at 295 square feet, replete with its infamous rickety old stairways and 6-foot-tall ceilings. The new structure will house race operations, a media center, and offices.
 
One of the more progressive improvements in Firebird's four-decade-plus history, the new complex will officially debut at the 40th anniversary NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor opener, April 30-May 2. The oldest race in the Pacific Northwest, the Ignitor is part of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, featuring a key points stop and an eight-car qualified field for the AA/Fuel Dragster class. Additionally, the race will be the first Northwest stop in the Division 6 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Race Series.