News Bill Bader Jr., Summit Motorsports Park Commit to $150,000 World Finals for IHRA Bracket Racers By Drag Illustrated Published August 10, 2026 Flipboard Reddit Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Krista Zivcic photo With uncertainty surrounding the IHRA World Finals for bracket racers around the country, Bill Bader Jr. and his team at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio have stepped up to the plate in a massive way. In an effort to support grassroots drag racing, a $150,000 guaranteed purse has been officially secured for qualifying drivers at the upcoming World Finals, scheduled for October 22-24, 2026, Bader announced today. Five industry-leading companies – including Summit Racing Equipment, BluePrint Engines, PJH TrackBite, Fuel Factory, and one more yet-to-be-named company – have committed to fully underwrite the $150,000 purse, ensuring that sportsman racers who work all season to qualify get the payout, prestige, and championship stage they deserve. “Sportsman racing is the backbone of this entire sport,” said Bader Jr. “When times get tough, real partners step up to support the racers who keep the staging lanes full. We promised a purse and an event that everyone could be proud of, and thanks to these incredible sponsors, that promise is realized.” Bader also noted that the event remains an alternative should the IHRA decide not to produce a World Finals. “I’m excited to report that the Team Finals events are beginning to take shape with tracks stepping up to lead their respective regions,” Bader Jr. added. “Expect more details next week. Thank you for your continued dedication to our sport!” This story was originally published on August 10, 2026. In this article: bill bader jr , drag racing , ihra , summit motorsports park Advertisement Trending PDRA Butner, Camp, Green, Beattie Jr., and Vincent Take Home Wins at PDRA Drag Wars PDRA Tutterow, Bush, Essick, Beattie Jr., and McGee Earn Top Qualifying Honors at PDRA Drag Wars Race Coverage After Dramatic Indy Race, Small Tire Pro Stock’s Chad Neuenschwander Ready for Ohio Event News Give These Girls Lemons and They Make Lemonade News Tony Stewart to Host Bowling Tournament Benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities – Texas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flipboard Reddit Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Email You May Also Like PDRA Butner, Camp, Green, Beattie Jr., and Vincent Take Home Wins at PDRA Drag Wars Records, upsets, and huge points implications were the story of the day on Saturday at the PDRA Drag Wars presented by Big Stuff Total... Craig Cook 3 days ago News Tony Stewart to Host Bowling Tournament Benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities – Texas Motorsports Icon Tony Stewart will partner with Speedway Children’s Charities at Texas Motor Speedway and 105.3 The Fan to help raise funds for children... Drag Illustrated 1 day ago NHRA Big Nitro Fields To Headline Indy Action at Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals Biggest nitro fields since 2012 among the more than 850 entries set to compete at the world’s biggest drag race. Still need a reason... Drag Illustrated 9 hours ago News It All Comes Down to the Points for Steve Johnson at Indy Two-time Indy winner, Steve Johnson, rolls into the drag racing’s prestigious Labor Day weekend extravaganza, the 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals,... Bill Walters 1 day ago
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: dragillustrated.com