Bader bought Norwalk (Ohio) Raceway in 1974 at age 27 and bought the International Hot Rod Association in 1998.
He was the fifth owner in IHRA history . But he was the one who applied his marketing magic and common sense to elevate it to its finest hour. By the time he retired, Bader said, “I’ve attended so many races, I’ve promoted so many events, if I never saw another race, I’m sure my life would be just fine.”
NHRA Pro Stock racer and 2017 champion Bo Butner said Sunday, “It seems unimaginable that as we watched the final rounds at Norwalk Raceway Park, something unimaginable happened to the Bader family. Bill Bader Sr. had visions, dreams, and hopes that were not for selfish achievements but rather for racers and a family he loved.
Grassroots racer and former IHRA employee Michael Beard recalls that Bader had a sign in his office that said, “I don't know what the secret to success is, but the secret to failure is trying to please everyone." Thomas said, “He never, ever, ever, ever, ever treated anybody . You could take the worst drunk who probably sneaked into the race and didn’t pay, and Bill would still treat him like a friend. It’s just Bill. That was his make-up.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2 dead after trying to beat train while fleeing drag racing sceneThe man and woman in their 20s were in a vehicle fleeing a drag racing scene in Detroit.
Read more »
Lewis Hamilton Responds to Retired Racer's Racist SlurThe seven-time World Champion Sir LewisHamilton responds to an audio clip of Nelson Piquet Sr. calling him the N-word on a Brazilian podcast.
Read more »
Family of Schaumburg woman who died in Florida parasailing accident to file lawsuitSupraja Alaparthi, her son, and her nephew were in flight off Marathon, Florida when a strong gust of wind 'pegged' their parasail.
Read more »
Longtime Lee County Coroner Bill Harris diesHarris died Wednesday morning surrounded by his family, according to Lee County Chief Deputy Coroner Gene Manning.
Read more »
California's change to concealed carry permits would reduce wide variations among countiesResponding to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, California legislators push a bill to restrict concealed carry permits. New numbers show a wide variation among counties in how many permits have been issued.
Read more »