The 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA nationals are taking place at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk.
Most people are looking forward to seeing the eight Pro Stock drivers compete for top honors, including reigning six-time champion Greg Anderson.
“Everyone I bring to a race for the first time never leaves and says, ‘I’m not coming back.'” They always leave saying, ‘This is the greatest sport ever.’ “You must be there to feel it, hear it, and smell it,” Anderson explained.
Over the next four days, owner and operator Bill Bader expects 50,000 people to support the nation’s fastest cars.
“It’s one of those events that our guests mark on their calendar every year. It brings the world’s quickest and fastest cars to Norwalk, Ohio. We’re one of 20 races nationwide, and if you’re a race fan, this is the center of the drag racing universe this weekend,” Bader explained.
On Thursday, they began with the sportsman race category. On Friday, there will be two rounds of professional racing, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, and the evening will conclude with fireworks. On Saturday, there will be two rounds of professional qualifying, followed by the NHRA championship on Sunday.
The track has been in Norwalk for 63 years and has become an institution in the racing world.
“I believe we are a part of the fabric of Norwalk in Huron County; we have excellent relationships with our neighbors. “And I think they appreciate our presence,” Bader said.
According to Bader, the thousands of visitors to Norwalk each year bring in millions of dollars for the city and its businesses.
“We generate an economic impact of $100 million, which includes hotels, motels, convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Many of these race teams have been here for nearly two weeks, and we know that many of them come to the islands on vacation,” Bader said.
Anderson says Norwalk is an excellent place to watch drag racing.
“When you come out there as a fan, you’re treated like royalty. Anderson added, “And you get ice cream that you’ll talk about forever.”
