Summit Motorsports Park cancels 2020 season

NORWALK — The Bader family held out hope. But as each week passed, it became more clear that a tough decision loomed for the family business of 42-plus years. On the social media sites for Summit Motorsports Park, owner Bill Bader Jr. announced Tuesday night that the Norwalk dragstrip facility was canceling all remaining events and will not open for the 2020 season. On April 15, Bader said he was going to run some events this season despite the nationwide shutdown of large gatherings as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But in the weeks and months that followed, it became apparent that wasn't going to be possible. "While faced with trying to produce events that would not, under current circumstances, hold up to the high standards that I set years ago when I took over the family business from my father, I was well aware that we had already lost 83 percent of our revenue for the year," Bader Jr. said in his message online to fans. "We wouldn't be able to make the money we need to make to successfully sustain operations if we opened. "In fact, we would lose money, and I can't responsibly take that financial risk." When Bader addressed the fanbase and supporters in mid-April, his hope was to run a scaled-back schedule this season. But there were many moving parts with regards to sponsorships and other facility lease agreements. On May 5, the NHRA then announced it was attempting to run an 18-race schedule instead of the usual 24-race schedule — which would potentially start in August. That included the cancellation of the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk — one of the two biggest events of the schedule for Bader and his staff, along with the yearly Night Under Fire exhibition in August. "I was prepared to do whatever I needed to do to ensure that every guest who came through our gates would be safe while still experiencing everything that has helped Summit Motorsports Park stand out in the motorsports industry for so many years," Bader said. He added that though this season is canceled, he's already started planning to make the 20201 season "the most magnificent and monumental yet." After the initial April 15 announcement to open, Summit announced six events had been canceled, and two others were rescheduled for later in the season. That included the 28th annual Grand Nationals, which sold out all 425 entries to compete and was moved to Labor Day weekend in September. "I was eager to present the fast cars and fireworks, the entertainment and excitement, and most of all, "The Norwalk Experience." My team wanted the same," Bader said. I was confident that this year's offerings, including the highly-anticipated Night Under Fire, would help us reach record attendance as we have so many times before," he added. "But it was becoming apparent that I was not going to be able to accomplish all of that, as our country was still so adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic." Bader also said the majority of his staff has already been laid off. He asked fans to be patience as they worked to regroup and "plan a most remarkable rebound that will show racers, race fans, sponsors and supporters why we're America's Racetrack." On May 31, Summit Motorsports Park served as the host for Norwalk High School's graduation ceremony, which was a smash hit for those involved. The event included a brief fireworks show and was capped by students and their families in their vehicles able to race down the dragstrip before leaving. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support and for standing by me, my family, my team and Summit Motorsports Park in these turbulent and trying times," Bader concluded in his message. "Here's to a tremendous 2021 together."