Bill Bader sr

[PJ]

Post on the track Facebook is saying Mr Bader passed away in an accident today.

 

[stitcherbob]

https://norwalkreflector.com/news/394340/former-raceway-owner-bill-bader-sr-dies/

 

[SoCal Racer]

Really sad news. I didn't know him well, but did know him from racing at Norwalk up until the '90s when I moved west. He was a fabulous promoter hosting IHRA national events for a number of years and putting together huge indepndent events like the Halloween Classic, whcih is an experience in itself. Prayers for the Bader family.

 

[aakar]

In shock, spent many many summer days and nights@ Norwalk, Mr Bader was one of the nicest and respectful people I have ever meant, and man, did he love the racers and the fans.
RIP, thank you for the wonderful things you did for our sport and for making a 300 mile trip to Norwalk something to always look forward to

 

[megadeth]

Very sad news! My condolences to his family and friends!

 

[Cliff]

Sad news. He did a great job of running IHRA. Did a great job with running his track, as does his son. Sigh

 

[Nunz]

So sad. And unreal that it happened on the day of the Norwalk event. RIP Mr. Bader

 

[CrewMan]

That guy was one of a kind. Attended many a event at NRP and nobody did it like Bill. He treated everyone like he had known them their entire life. He would not see you folks but maybe once a year - and he always remembered names and little tid bits of information about them or their familes - I don't know how he did it. RIP sir!!!

 

[HoodooVoodooAngus]

Way up here in the Great White North, we were a little skeptical back in the day when IHRA said they were holding a National in Edmonton. Bill Bader made it happen though. And then many of us were equally surprised to have him greeting us lowly bracket racers as we came in the gate. He made us feel like they were the privileged ones that were lucky enough to be able to come to race at our track, when we were just grateful that so many racers would travel this far to make such a big show. (If you look on a map, Edmonton Alberta is about as far away as you can get from any IHRA or NHRA National Event track). I've never been to Norwalk, but I can only imagine the imprint left there by Mr. Bader. Respects and Condolences to his family and racers everywhere.