Norwalk, OH--Summit Motorsports Park: Top 10 reasons to attend

This year marked my fourth year attending the Summit Racing NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. As usual, the event did not disappoint.

My dad, who has been attending races at Summit Motorsports Park (formerly Norwalk Raceway Park) since 1974, and I put our heads together to compile a list of 10 reasons the race in Norwalk should make it onto your "Races I Must Attend" list.

*Note: These are not in any particular order!

1. A pound of Velvet Ice Cream for $1--you just can't beat that.
2. The bathrooms. It should be noted that they only have flush toilets on one side of the track--the Budweiser side. However, they are clean. I like clean. I've never had a complaint about those bathrooms.
3. The Friday night fireworks. I can't say for sure how much money goes into the display, but the Bader family impresses me with it every year.
4. This may be one you don't normally think about, but Summit Motorsports Park provides a lot of picnic tables under the grandstands. This is nice because if you're eating your lunch, you probably want to sit down. It can also get really hot sitting in the stands, so it's nice to be able to take a break and sit in the shade.
5. The entire park is usually clean. If there is trash on the ground, an employee doesn't walk by without picking it up.
6. It's generally easy to get in and out of the track before/after the race.
7. If you decide to stay in the area for longer than race weekend, there are quite a few other activities to do. For example, you could go to Cedar Point, visit Lake Erie, or stay at Great Wolf Lodge.
8. The Baders, the family that owns the track, are truly a class act. They do everything they can to ensure that you have a great time. If you have problem, they will do their best to fix it.
9. The food selection. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something you like.
10. In 2012, we had some of the worst heat I think I've ever experienced. They had misters installed under the grandstands to help fans stay cool. Clever!

Have I convinced you to go? I hope I have because Summit Motorsports Park is not only my home track, but it also currently stands as my favorite track.

Happy 50th anniversary, SMP!

John Force's Funny Car, displayed to honor Summit Motorsports Park's 50th anniversary.