Monster trucks, drag boats hit Firebird

While many Maricopa residents will be heading to Salsa Festival, it isn’t the only event this weekend. Firebird International Raceway will be hosting the 11 annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals and Lakefest this Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day event kicks off each day at 7 a.m. with a series of boat races, including the IHBA season opener.

Event spokesman Bill Mayhall said the races feature drag boats thundering down Firebird Lake at speeds surpassing 250 miles per hour and standard race boats doing laps.

The event includes a monster truck competition with entries such as Bounty Hunter, Big Foot and Avenger, jet dragsters and off-road racing.

If you go

What: NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals and Lakefest
Where: Firebird International Raceway, Interstate 10 and Wild Horse Pass
When: Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26; Gates open at 7 a.m. for IHBA Drag Boats and 11 a.m. for all areas.
Tickets: $25 general admission at the gate, $35 general admission with pit pass that includes IHBA Drag Boats, $35-$45 reserved seats. Kids 12 and under are free to general admission seating and pits with a paying adult. $3 off all tickets purchased in advance.
More information: Firebird Raceway Ticket Office, 602-268-0200 or www.firebirdraceway.com.

Submitted photo