Entering his 50th year in drag racing, industry leader Bill Bader, Jr. today announced the formation of a brand-new sanctioning organization: The Sportsman Racing League (SRL). Built entirely around the needs of track owners, operators and sportsman racers, the SRL is dedicated 100 percent to revitalizing and supporting the core foundation of the sport.



As part of this launch, the SRL has acquired the rights to all existing sanction agreements previously held by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Bader emphasized that the SRL operates as a completely distinct, independent entity with no affiliation or ongoing association with the IHRA.



"Sportsman racing is the heartbeat, the backbone, and the soul of drag racing," said Bill Bader, Jr., President of the Sportsman Racing League. "For years, track owners, operators and grassroots competitors across North America have called for stable, transparent, racer-first leadership. We are launching the SRL to deliver exactly that: an organization built and run by ‘track people’ who understand the daily realities of operating a facility, managing overhead, preparing a track surface at 2:00 AM, and welcoming racers and their families at the gate.



To ensure immediate operational excellence, the SRL has assembled an executive leadership team with unmatched tenure and respect across the drag racing landscape:



Skooter Peaco: Bringing decades of proven track-relations experience, operational oversight, and rulebook stewardship to the league’s day-to-day administration.
Jon O’Neal: Providing technical acumen, deep operational expertise, and long-standing relationships throughout the sportsman community.
Donna Harper: Leading competitor services and member relations, continuing 25 years of trusted service to grassroots racers.


The Sportsman Racing League is founded on three distinct operational commitments:



Unwavering Support for Track Owners and Operators: Providing genuine collaboration, innovative event programming, direct marketing support, legislative advocacy, cost-reduction initiatives, and viable business solutions designed to ensure member facilities thrive financially.
Respect for the Sportsman Competitor: Delivering premier, national-caliber recognition, meaningful programs, and elevated prestige tailored specifically for bracket racers.
Direct Accountability and Accessibility: Maintaining open channels of communication, accessible leadership, transparent decision-making, and active input from participating track owners, operators and racers.


"As President of the SRL, I am humbled by the road ahead," Bader added. "Our focus will never drift from what matters most: serving our tracks and the sportsman racers loading their trailers each weekend. This marks the start of an unprecedented era in drag racing, and we are ready to get to work."



About the Sportsman Racing League (SRL)



The Sportsman Racing League (SRL) is a North American drag racing sanctioning body dedicated exclusively to the success of track owners, operators and sportsman racers. Founded by veteran promoter and track operator Bill Bader, Jr., the SRL combines decades of hands-on facility management experience with modern sanctioning support, to preserve and grow grassroots drag racing.



Bill Bader, President

Sportsman Racing League

Mobile # (419) 577-5210

This is going to be interesting. One of the tracks I race at is IHRA and will be going SRL. I wonder how class rules will shake out, especially in the footbrake/pro class.

quote:

The Sportsman Racing League

I wish them the best of luck, will support the best that I can.

Curtis Reed you hit the nail on the head. Make some rules, stick to them, and enforce them.

I expect this is what we as grassroots racers have been looking for. In addition, with Mr. Bader's talent and the experience and success he brings to this, we have some mighty fine days ahead.

This is the best outcome possible for this IHRA debacle. Bill Bader and the team he has already put together are all top notch experienced in the needs of sportsman racers. I look forward to seeing where this goes and will be happy to support the SRL. I just hope his NHRA ties do not mess things up.