The 46th Annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire was the crown jewel of Summit Motorsports Park’s 60/50 anniversary year. Summit Motorsports Park opened in 1963 and has been owned by the Bader family for the last 50 years. During the pre-race meeting with the show participants, Bill Bader Jr. reminded them, “We must never forget that we are entertainers.” If anyone in the crowd of 40,000 was not entertained by the spectacle that was the Night Under Fire, it is their own fault. These photo highlights by Dave Oakes try to capture some of that spectacle.
The arrival of Old Glory.
John Force unveiled a special wrap to honor “America’s Racetrack’s” anniversary.
89-year-old Jim Brewer made his 45th and final appearance at Night Under Fire.
Ty Tharpe blasts off the line on his 200mph nitro Harley.
Al Lynch and the other Scott Rods gassers took care of the mosquito fogging.
Part of the crowd, estimated to be 40,000.
After an 11-year absence, the return of the Cool Bus with new owner Steve Harper.
Kurt Duckworth’s wild altered qualified for the top dragster field.
Daniel Wilkerson got to drive the family car for the night.
John Force had both low e.t. (3.880) and top speed (331.11) for the funny cars.
Ernie Bogue reclaimed the title of North American Jet Car Champion.
Robert Hight was crowned FC champ with a 3.92 – 3.96 pass over Ron Capps.
The racing action ended with Hayden Proffitt’s dual jet pickup truck.
As always, Night Under Fire ended with a spectacular $125,000 fireworks show.
