The 48th Annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, had everything you could ever ask for at a drag racing event. Picture-perfect weather, a facility that feels like an amusement park, top-tier racers, and so much more. It’s easy to see why this event is referred to as “The Greatest Show in Drag Racing” year after year.
Bill Bader Jr, the ringmaster of this horsepower circus, refers to the racers as “performers” on this magical night, and for good reason. During his pre-show meeting, Bader reminds the performers that this is a show and their job is to be the entertainment. Opening ceremonies feature a parade with all the performers, skydivers, a flyover with historic military aircraft, a massive American flag, and Bader’s injection of that good old Summit Motorsports Park patriotism. The atmosphere just sizzles with excitement because everyone knows the show is about to begin.
What follows is a mixture of competition, showmanship, and horsepower. Racers aren’t just throwing down layups; they’re tossing everything they have at the track to win. Those who are victorious score hardware and the honor to be a part of the post-race celebration that takes place on the track after the massive fireworks show.
You never get the same show twice at the Night Under Fire. Bader is always finding new ways to entertain his guests. This year, NHRA Pro Stockers got invited to the event, some circle track Super Modifieds roll raced, and there was a wheel-standing van that shot fire out of its headers.
The Chicago-style eliminations saw Ron Capps, Justin Ashley, and Eric Enders all bring home wins. Chris Foster won the Divisional points race in Top Alcohol Funny Car, while McKenna Bold picked up the victory in Top Alcohol Dragster. Mike Janis earned the Pro Mod victory, and Brian Yanchik got the Topo Sportsman win. Ohio native Mark Pawuk claimed a win in the Factory Stock Showdown class, while Louie Wirbel won in Pro Outlaw Drag Sleds.
Ed Kasicki won the Gasser final, and Ernie Bouge scored the win in the North American Jet Car Championship. In the sportsman finals, Carter Sherman, John Bailey, Jeremy Hicks, and Jim Ring were victorious. The Junior Dragsters racers got to race in front of the packed house, with Brandon DuPont, Tyler Jacobs, and Derek Peters all winning.
You need to put the Night Under Fire at Summit Motorsports Park on your bucket list of drag racing events to attend. There really isn’t another event like it in motorsports. You get all the best parts of a national event and so much more, all packed into one night at America’s Racetrack. What more can you ask for?
You might also like
This 3,000HP Street Legal Bentley Rips Off Seven-Second Passes
Billy The Kid and his 3,000 HP Bentley set a new record with a 7.28-second pass. The street legal car was the quickest at the national finals.
