10-04-2013 09:30 PM

New management overhauling former Firebird Raceway

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Paul Clayton, managing partner of Wild Horse Motorsports Park’s new management firm, Copper Train Development Partners, plans to make better use of the 120-acre Firebird Lake. Click through for more photos of action at the park.




Like a gearhead tricking out his ride, new operators are in the midst of improving the site of the former Firebird Raceway.
Now dubbed Wild Horse Motorsports Park, the 500-acre site’s new management company has been working since the spring to breathe new life into the motorsports facility situated on the Gila River Indian Community just off Interstate 10 south of Chandler Blvd.
“We are excited about changing the image and perception of a facility (like this),” said Paul Clayton, managing partner of Copper Train Development Partners LLC. Clayton’s group was brought in by Sun Valley Marina Corp., which is the arm of the Gila River tribe that runs the motorsports park.
Right across the street from Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino, as well as the 5-month-old Phoenix Premium Outlets, the motorsports park makes for a natural extension of the Indian tribe’s tourism and entertainment destination development it has built in the area. That was the goal when the tribe approached him, Clayton said.
“The thing I heard over and over again was, ‘We want this to be something the community’s proud of,’” he said. “They want it to reflect the quality that Gila River has put into Wild Horse Pass.”
Late last year, the Gila River tribe decided not to renew Firebird’s lease after 30 years. Firebird’s lease expired in April.
Much of Clayton’s work since starting his lease in April has been cleaning up the 30-year-old facility. That work has included repainting the main drag strip, punching up the inside of the office building and installing new electrical and plumbing underneath. In addition, the park received its new name and accompanying logo. Clayton’s crew also has been working at making new partnerships and reforging others with companies in the motorsports industry, such as Lucas Oil.

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