Legends: The Series will return after a nearly two-year hiatus with an episode honoring former IHRA President and track owner Bill Bader Sr. The one-hour feature premieres July 31 at 8 p.m. EST on the CompetitionPlusTV YouTube channel.
The episode, narrated by Bader’s son, Bill Bader Jr., details how Bader Sr. transformed a small-town dragstrip into a nationally known motorsports venue. It also explores his tenure as IHRA President and the legacy he left behind.
Bader Sr., the son of Lebanese immigrants, purchased Norwalk Dragway in 1974 with no prior drag racing experience. Through determination and long hours, he built the track into a premier facility that now hosts major national events.
“He would not be outworked,” Bader Jr. said of his father. “He led from the front and expected everyone to approach their business the same way he approached it. Everything that was asked of him, he did.”
The episode examines Bader Sr.’s straightforward business plan, built on keeping promises and starting events on time. It also highlights the challenges of passing the business from father to son.
Bader Jr. said narrating the episode was deeply meaningful. “My father was one of those special, one-in-a-generation kind of guys,” he said. “He left an indelible mark on the world, and we’re proud to honor him.”
The series, created by CompetitionPlus.com founder Bobby Bennett, was launched to preserve drag racing history. Since its debut, it has profiled more than 60 figures, including John Force, Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney.
Episodes require at least 60 hours of editing, and the series has generated more than 10 million total views. The most-watched installment, featuring “Jungle” Pam Hardy, has more than 2 million views.
Bennett said producing the Bader episode was emotional. “My biggest regret is that we couldn’t have Bill Sr. here to join the watch party,” Bennett said. “He had a larger-than-life personality and lived up to it. I’m proud of how Bill Jr. told his dad’s story.”
The preview of the episode features Kid Rock’s “Born Free.” Bennett said the song captured Bader Sr.’s passion, noting the lyric, “If you can’t see my heart you must be blind.”
Viewers can watch the premiere on the CompetitionPlusTV YouTube channel. Links and embed codes will be available for groups planning watch parties.
Legends: The Series began as a pilot on John Force’s early career and has become a comprehensive archive of drag racing history. The new episode continues the tradition of honoring those who shaped the sport.
This story was originally published on July 30, 2025. 
