“It’s the Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Been To” - Greg Anderson Makes Night Under Fire Debut
- Logan Morris
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Logan Morris
The 48th annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire isn’t just a drag race; it’s a spectacle unlike any other. It’s a beloved Bader family tradition that blends raw horsepower with patriotic tribute, making Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, the place to be every August. No event honors the military quite like this one, and no fan leaves without being entertained. From fire-breathing jet cars to jaw-dropping fireworks and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. If you love drag racing, you'll find more than your fill.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the grandstands fill with thousands of fans, and the energy in the air is electric. Though it's technically an exhibition, the event carries the weight and prestige of a national race. It draws a drag racing who’s who, and among the big names this year was none other than Greg Anderson.
Anderson, a six-time Pro Stock world champion, hardly needs an introduction. His career was shaped under the legendary Warren Johnson, and the results speak for themselves. With 110 Pro Stock wins, he’s the most successful driver in class history. Backed by Rick Hendrick and part of the powerhouse KB Titan team, Anderson has seen and done it all - except, until now, participate in Night Under Fire.
“Well, it’s the first time I’ve ever been here, and I gotta say, I’ve never seen or experienced anything like this before. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever been to. It is awesome, it is absolutely awesome. My hat is off to Bill Bader; he’s got it figured out. He’s been doing it for years, and I’ve never been here before.”
Even though the event wasn’t part of the national points standings, Anderson brought his trademark intensity to the track. Still, he appreciated the unique atmosphere and found joy in simply being part of the spectacle, even after taking home the consolation Pro Stock win.
“It was probably more fun. You know, it’s a little more laid back and a lot more fun, but it was just neat to witness what was going on around you. All of that crazy stuff that was going on besides race cars. It just shows you there’s more that can be done in these races to make it interesting, you know, and that fireworks show, that’s the coolest one I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything about it was fantastic. Perfect weather, I mean, it was just a beautiful day, perfect day.”
Anderson still has a sharp competitive edge. While the trophy ultimately went to Erica Enders, he did notch a personal win by outrunning KB Titan teammate Dallas Glenn. Anderson clocked a 6.53 at 210.11 MPH to Glenn’s 6.556 at just over 209 MPH. Consolation wins might not be his usual aim, but Anderson left Norwalk with a full heart and sights still set on the top.
I asked what continues to drive him at this stage in his legendary career, and his answer was crystal clear.
“The competition, without a doubt. It’s so tough. It’s so hard to win these things. It just drives you. It drives you nuts, but it drives you. I just still love to win, I absolutely love to win, but it’s harder now. I love the fact that it’s harder; that’s really what makes it cool when you do it. It’s just so tough, so many cars, so many great drivers, so many cars can beat you. Everybody can beat everybody and on any given Sunday. Either you’re perfect or you’ll lose, simple as that, and it really is that simple.”
Greg Anderson will return to competition August 14 through 16 at the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota. Until then, Night Under Fire will surely stand as one of the most memorable moments in a career already packed with highlights.