The Bader Family has always understood one unpublicized fact about drag racing. As crucial as wins, losses, and stats are, the show business of drag racing wins the average race fan over.
For 47 years, the Night Under Fire, the largest one-day independent drag racing showcase of speed and entertainment, has been an unrivaled staple of the Summit Motorsports Park schedule.
The 2024 edition didn’t disappoint. Top Fuel racer Brittany Force and Funny Car veteran Dale Creasy Jr. scored Night Under Fire wins in the Chicago-style match race format.
There were very few if any, empty seats for the show Bill Bader Jr. has emceed for decades. It’s a throwback to the days when numbers didn’t matter, just the cackle and horsepower of the race cars going down the track.
“This annual event, which has become prestigious, means so much to our team, and we try very hard to ensure that it is magical and memorable for each and every one of our participants and guests,” said Bader. “That is our number one goal, and to see smiling faces means that we have accomplished that, and that gives us even more inspiration for planning next year’s event. We thank everyone who came to our home for the 47th Annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire, and we congratulate the winners. It is not too early to say here’s to next year’s event. We are already looking forward to it.”
One of those winners just happened to be a racer who needed a win.
After an 11-year absence, two-time Top Fuel World Champion Force made the most of her return to the Night Under Fire, driving to the quickest and fastest run of the event, 3.840, 320.20 on her way to victory.
“Bill Bader’s events are always a highlight of the season (and) competing in them is such a privilege,” Force said. “We ran the quickest ET in the first round, but in the final, our car started to spin. Fortunately, it was good enough for the win which gives us momentum heading into Brainerd [Minn., site of the upcoming Lucas Oil Nationals, Aug. 16-18].”
Bader’s shows have always been about the unpredictability of their winners.
While John Force Racing appeared headed to a double-up with newly appointed John Force substitute Jack Beckman, parts breakage negated the opportunity as Dale Creasy Jr. drove his way to the improbable win.
“It was our first time with the new car,” Creasy said. “We made six runs in two days – three on Friday and three on Saturday. We didn’t outrun anybody; we just didn’t make as many mistakes.”
The Norwalk Night Under Fire marked Creasy’s first time on the track since his accident last October, when he collided with Dave Richards at the NHRA Texas FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.
“The win was totally unexpected,” Creasy said. “The fans were incredible. I was the underdog, and plenty of folks cheered for us.”
Creasy’s return wasn’t the only comeback, as Beckman was making his first appearance as Force’s substitute since the 17-time drag racing champion’s June 23 accident, where he suffered a brain injury.
“I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that it’s actually me sitting in John Force’s car,” said the 33-time NHRA tour winner. “[JFR president] Robert Hight did a conference call on Friday, and I got to speak to John for the first time since his accident. That was medicine for the soul.
“John called me [Saturday] before I got in the car. He said, ‘just go out there and do what you know how to do. There’s no pressure,’” said Beckman. “And he was right. I actually came out here to get licensed and wound up having a ton of fun in the process.”
As part of the event’s opening ceremonies, Summit Motorsports Park president Bill Bader gave a touching tribute to 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion Force, who was not able to attend as he continues to recover from his on-track accident.
In addition to the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, the event featured a round of the NHRA North Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster classes. Sean Bellemeur continued his pursuit of a fourth championship with a win in Top Alcohol Funny Car over Chris Foster. At the same time, the third time was the charm for former crew member Gary Pritchett as he defeated NASCAR Hall of Famer and current Top Fuel driver Tony Stewart for his first win in Top Alcohol Dragster. Stewart had gotten the better of Pritchett in their first two meetings.
The Norwalk fans got a full show with Top Fuel Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, a Pro Mod Shootout, and action in Top Sportsman, E.T. Brackets, and Jr. Drag Racing divisions.
The evening was topped off by wheelstanders, jet dragsters, Funny Cars, and a Jet Truck, as well as Norwalk’s signature fireworks display presented by R&R Auto Body. This was followed by a track walk featuring thousands of fans and a concert by Trainwreck Country Band in the staging lanes.
