The inaugural NHRA Lucas Oil Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser and the Ohio Lottery kicked off Friday, May 18 with a full day of qualifying at Summit Motorsports Park. At the end of the first day the Bader family, owners and operators of the track, invited all racers and their families participating at this weekend's race to a cookout courtesy of NHRA, the Bader family, and Summit Racing Equipment, the facility sponsor.

It was an unexpected surprise for the racers. The picnic was supplied with hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and cookies and served about 1,250 people.

The idea started with Kirk Heinbuch, Motorsports & Events Manager at Summit Racing Equipment. “We want to support the sportsman racers who came to the track with our name on it. We’re not just putting our name on the place, we’re a participant,” said Heinbuch.

The inaugural NHRA Lucas Oil Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser and the Ohio Lottery kicked off Friday, May 18 with a full day of qualifying at Summit Motorsports Park. At the end of the first day the Bader family, owners and operators of the track, invited all racers and their families participating at this weekend's race to a cookout courtesy of NHRA, the Bader family, and Summit Racing Equipment, the facility sponsor.

It was an unexpected surprise for the racers. The picnic was supplied with hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and cookies and served about 1,250 people.

The idea started with Kirk Heinbuch, Motorsports & Events Manager at Summit Racing Equipment. “We want to support the sportsman racers who came to the track with our name on it. We’re not just putting our name on the place, we’re a participant,” said Heinbuch.

"These racers drove a long way and work hard all weekend," said Bill Bader, Jr., president of the track. "This is one way we can show our appreciation for them making the trip to the first NHRA Division 3 race at Summit Motorsports Park."

This weekend’s race is the first one in 2007 for Division 3. Racing continues through the weekend at Summit Motorsports Park. It features Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars along with Bob Motz’ Jet Kenworth semi, Jet Funny Cars, and 260 mph Fuel Altereds which will run on Saturday. Number one qualifiers Friday were Top Alcohol Funny Car driver and defending national champion Frank Manzo, and Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Dave Heitzman.

Gates open on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. with racing kicking off at 9:00 a.m. Saturday night racing includes a spectacular fireworks show at 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, children age 6-12 are $5, and children 5 and under are free.  For more information please call the track at (419) 668-5555  Event updates are being posted at http://www.SummitMotorsportsPark.com.