quote:

Originally posted by Curly1:
They did announce today that Piedmont has been sold and will remain a racetrack. That is a little good news. Hope they can save the other 12......

You call it good news I call it great. Throw in Bob Harris will be running it and have known him since mid 80's. Heck out ran him in 86 or 87 and was more he screwed up than anything else. LOL Only 18 milesw from house also good thing.

quote:

Originally posted by BTR69:

quote:

Originally posted by ferndaleflyer:
Yes, they had a live broadcast on face book at 12 today giving some idea of what their plans are for Piedmont. Later in the day someone was there with a bob cat cleaning up some. Shame Darrel tore 1/2 of it up as it was a perfectly operational track, now they have a lot of work to do

I watched a bit of the live broadcast today. From what I've been led to believe about the condition of the facility, their anticipated return to racing date may be overly optimistic. I think I heard April 2027? Doing the entire track, stands and other needs in that time frame seems like a big big job. Think I heard 1000' of concrete and widening each lane quite a bit as well. I'm really looking forward to them getting back to racing. I've been to a couple events, but never raced there. Looking forward to racing there once open for business...

Not really that optimistic. Main track seems to be fine and destruction was finish line down. The little ditch for bleach box was torn up(a day for half ass concrete guy). Guardrails need replaced since gone. Old tower torn down but not used so doubt replace for any block wall behind burnout area gone. Tower still there as is concessions and toilet rooms. Biggest job looked like shutdown area needs paving.

quote:

Originally posted by wideopen231:

quote:

Originally posted by BTR69:

quote:

Originally posted by ferndaleflyer:
Yes, they had a live broadcast on face book at 12 today giving some idea of what their plans are for Piedmont. Later in the day someone was there with a bob cat cleaning up some. Shame Darrel tore 1/2 of it up as it was a perfectly operational track, now they have a lot of work to do

I watched a bit of the live broadcast today. From what I've been led to believe about the condition of the facility, their anticipated return to racing date may be overly optimistic. I think I heard April 2027? Doing the entire track, stands and other needs in that time frame seems like a big big job. Think I heard 1000' of concrete and widening each lane quite a bit as well. I'm really looking forward to them getting back to racing. I've been to a couple events, but never raced there. Looking forward to racing there once open for business...

Not really that optimistic. Main track seems to be fine and destruction was finish line down. The little ditch for bleach box was torn up(a day for half ass concrete guy). Guardrails need replaced since gone. Old tower torn down but not used so doubt replace for any block wall behind burnout area gone. Tower still there as is concessions and toilet rooms. Biggest job looked like shutdown area needs paving.

I like the sound of that. I heard much of the racing surface had been ripped up and most other facilities on site had fallen into serious disrepair. I guess that's typical for rumor mill crap though.

The original track surface is there but they want to make it wider. Bathrooms are still there and are nicer than most homes, I mean NICE, as is the snack bar etc. And they are already working on it.

Competitionplus.com is saying there is a rumor IHRA has been sold to a longtime racer who previously owned a track.

New owner is suppose to make the announcement this week.

Bill Bader
about an hour ago ·
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDUSTRY VETERAN BILL BADER, JR. LAUNCHES THE SPORTSMAN RACING LEAGUE (SRL), TO CHAMPION TRACK OPERATORS AND GRASSROOTS DRAG RACERS
NORWALK, Ohio (November 11, 2026) – 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
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