Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, is proud to share that Debbe Bader was honored with the Pat Garlits Memorial Award during the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Ceremony presented by Wynn’s on March 6, 2025, at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville.
Debbie, the beloved wife of the late Bill Bader Sr., has held a variety of positions at Summit Motorsports Park across the decades, each crucial to the success of the business owned and operated by the Bader family for more than 50 years.
In 2023, she stepped into Guest Advocacy and Fan Enrichment roles, where her passion and penchant for putting guests first shine.
“Debbie is led by her heart in all she does, and that means a lot to us and everyone she comes into contact with,” said Bill Bader, who is Debbie’s stepson and president of Summit Motorsports Park, and will present her at the event. “We love her, and we continue to be inspired by her. We join everyone in celebrating her being honored with this special Pat Garlits Memorial Award.”
Also at the ceremony, Paul Sergi, Summit Racing Equipment founder, received the Founders Award, and Terry Vance, Byron Hines, Gary Scelzi, Jim Head, Charlie Allen, Jay Howell, Gary Dyer and Phil Burgess were inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Summit Motorsports Park is at 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio. For information, visit summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555.
This story was originally published on March 10, 2025. 
