The 52nd edition of the Ignitor Nitro Opener presented by The Blower Shop returns to Firebird on May 5-7. The track’s longest running event will showcase the excitement of 250 mph AA/Nitro Funny Cars.

The Ignitor marks the first major feature event of the 2023 Season, which is steeped in tradition and prestige. The winner of the inaugural Ignitor was none other than Don “the Snake” Prudhomme with his Hot Wheels Funny Car.

Sunday, May 7th, will offer Military Appreciation Day. Active military and veterans will receive FREE Ignitor spectator admission for the final day of eliminations.

The race will offer the second stop in the 2023 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Funny Car point’s series following the season opening March Meet in Bakersfield.

AA/FC Pre-Entry Roster for 2023 Ignitor

• Bobby Cottrell, “Northwest Hitter” Camaro
• Bill Windham, “Shakedown” Firebird
• Billy Morris, “Problem Child” Camaro
• Drew Austin, “WAR Racing” Mustang
• Kamaka Pocock, “California Hustler” Camaro
• Jim Maroney, “Speed Sport” Omni
• Chris Davis, “Old School Nitro” Arrow
• Ryan Hodgson, “Bubble Up/Pacemaker” Firebird
• Brad Thompson, “Jail Break” Camaro
• Mike Peck, “Instigator” Camaro
• Kris Krabill, “Bartone & Lebor” Camaro
• Tim Boychuk, “Happy Hour” Camaro
• Derrick Moreira, “Big Island” Camaro
• Geoff Monise, “Quarter Pounder” Firebird
• Tim Eickstadt, “Hit Man” Camaro

Additionally, the Ignitor is a key two-day stop for points in the Gold Cup Series in Super Pro, Pro, Sled/Bike and Sportsman. Pro Comp will also be contested in the first of five events this season, too. Lynn Johnston with The Comfort Source has offered a Pro Comp incentive of $100 that will go a a driver that nails a .000 perfect light (during qualifying or elims).

Learn More by clicking on the hyperlinks below:

IGNITOR EVENT FLYER (Super Pro, Pro, Sled/Bike, Sportsman)

RACER ONLINE REGISTRATION

• Super Pro (full event) online entry: $260 (day of event $285)
• Pro (full event) online entry: $210 (day of event $235)
• Sled/Bike (full event) online entry: $160 (day of event $185)
• Sportsman (full event) online entry: $95 (day of event $120)
• Pro Comp (full event) online entry: $125 (day of event $150)
• Friday Testing online: $75 (day of testing $95)
• Adult Crew Pass (full event) online: $60 (day of event $70)
• Kids 15 & under: FREE

SPECTATOR ONLINE TICKETS

• Adult pit-side spectator ticket (online) one-day: $20 (day of event $25)
• Kids (15 & under): Free

Looking forward to having you join us for our granddaddy Ignitor Opener!

Ignitor Schedule of Events
RACER PRE-REGISTRATION

Thursday, May 4
Gates open: Noon
Gates close: 8 pm

Friday, May 5
Gates open: 8 am
Testing: Noon
Gates close: 8 pm

Saturday, May 6
Gates open: 8 am
Time trial (1): 9 am
Gold Cup eliminations: 11:30 am
Nitro Funny Car qualifying: Noon, 3 pm, 5:30 pm
Concludes: 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 4
Gates open: 8 am
Gold Cup eliminations: 9 am
Nitro Funny Car eliminations: Noon, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
Concludes: 6 pm

Ignitor run order: Sportsman, Pro, Super Pro-Open Wheel, Super Pro-Full Bodied, Pro Comp, Sled/Bike.

Defending Ignitor champions include:

• AA/Funny Car
  Bobby Cottrell
• Super Pro
  Jake Jones
• Pro
  Courtney Alley
• Sportsman
  Chris Townsend
• Sled/Bike
  Clay Pollitt

SPORTSMAN RACER TECH CARD

(Fill-In and Printable Tech Card link)

TECH CARD: As a convenience to both you and Firebird’s tech team, please completely fill out the .pdf form on your computer (click on hyperlink above, both sides) and print. Please bring printed copy to this event to expedite the inspection process.

In the event of inclement weather, updates will be available on this site and on our Facebook page.

For more event information, email: [email protected]