Photo Credit : Racing Refresh
A 102 mile drive from Columbus, Summit Motorsports Park, located in Norwalk has been home to the lone stop on the NHRA schedule in the Buckeye State for the last 15 seasons. Owned by the Bader family, close friend of John Force, Bill Bader Jr. has operated the track for many years growing his relationship with racers of both the nitromethane classes, and amateur and semi-professional drag racers in the Midwest.
Prior to Norwalk, National Trails Raceway was home to the Pontiac Nationals for decades, what some fans locally felt to be a prestigious, almost a crown-jewel weekend on the NHRA calendar. When the Norwalk stop replaced National Trails, the upgraded facility and large camping grounds only emphasized the luxury status of the event. Racers nationwide have prided themselves in bringing their sponsors, friends, and special fans to Summit Motorsports Park.
In response to the Covid-19 epidemic, the Bader family announced that the speedway would not continue operation until the 2021 season. It left a black mark on what had been known as an annual event since the 1970s. Even in 2021 as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returned to Norwalk, the State of Ohio was still following relatively strict protocols for fan and driver safety including mask recommendations and stern social distancing.
The peace and love of Norwalk has been missed. A full sellout hasn't been experienced at the racing facility since prior to Covid, but this year, Heaven's gates are open. Dry skies promised through the forecast on Friday and Saturday, and only a partial chance of interruption on Sunday's finals.
Fans are traveling hundreds of miles to see their favourite race drivers and teams, and several of the best groups and celebrated drivers will be participating in the action:
Top-Fuel Dragster
Brittany Force, Mike Salinas, Justin Ashley, Steve Torrence.
Funny Car
Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, Ron Capps, John Force, Cruz Pedregon
Pro-Stock
Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Kyle Koretsky, Greg Anderson
Pro-Stock Motorcycle
Steve Johnson, Karen Stoffer, Matt Smith, Angie Smith
It's going to be one of the hottest events in 2022 for motorsports, and we will be there reporting all weekend long!
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