In recent weeks, uncertainty has surrounded the future of sportsman bracket racing. One track owner is stepping up to help.
Earlier this month, Summit Motorsports Park owner Bill Bader Jr. pledged to host the World Finals for bracket racers amid recent cancellations of some events sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). At press time, there have been no confirmed IHRA World Finals bracket racing cancellations, but Bader and Summit Motorsports Park are ready to step in if needed.
Designed to support Sportsman racers who could be without a year-end event for the 2026 season, the proposed Norwalk, Ohio, event––tentatively scheduled for October 22-24––would be backed by several industry partners like Summit Racing, BluePrint Engines, Fuel Factory, PJH TrackBite and Cornwell Quality Tools, and include a $150,000 guaranteed purse. In addition, FloSports would broadcast the event.
PRI News recently spoke with Bader about how the event is taking shape, why his team at Summit Motorsports Park is preparing the event and what supporting grassroots racing means to the wider industry.
Read the full interview on the PRI website.