Debbie Bader
Debbie Bader was raised in Norwalk, Ohio; graduating from Norwalk High School in 1974. After graduation she attended Ohio University, initially majoring in psychology. One year later, she switched her major to nursing, graduating in 1978 as an RN.
Debbie met Bill in 1977. Bill was her mother’s boss. Owner of the then fledgling Norwalk Dragway, Bill needed more help at the racetrack. Deb’s mother volunteered Debbie saying, “My daughter is home from college. She’s broke. She’ll work anywhere.” After the race that night Bill and Deb went out for a drink, walked and talked for hours, and as the saying goes, the rest is history…they married in March 1986.
Restless by nature and always seeking new challenges, Debbie at first worked part time at the racetrack on weekends and as an RN in ICU/CCU full time. She started in the concession stands, then ran the clocks in the tower. She worked as a corner person at motorcycle motocross and BMX races; in the concession stand, timing tower, gates and the payout window at drag races. After 4 years, Deb could see nursing just wasn’t for her. Too many talents went unutilized. Besides for Deb, the racetrack atmosphere was electric. The stars aligned when Bill’s office assistant decided to quit. So one afternoon, Deb surprised Bill at work…she was his 4:00 job ‘interviewee’. Bill was duly shocked…(maybe even slightly horrified)… but he regrouped and hired her.
Deb’s initial learning curve was purely vertical. With no background in racing or clerical work, it took a few years, but she pushed until she excelled. From various marketing tasks, to accounting, operations, human resources and event planning/execution; projects were met with raw enthusiasm. Deb also worked in sponsor services; helping to write and design proposals while servicing various accounts throughout the season. But there were three areas where Deb especially shone. Her innate creativity and people skills were exceptional, while her logical approach to the world and problem solving proved invaluable.
Deb helped discover new ways to entertain fans and unique modes of presenting talent. She oversaw the design and production of brochures & merchandise, and assisted with the design and decor of various facility upgrades. It was Deb who taught team members, “if it’s above the ground it’s either a decoration, or an eyesore…everything matters.” Deb quickly gained great understanding of what each job required and instinctively knew what position a person would excel in. She interviewed, hired and enjoyed training Norwalk team members, ancillary employees and various local groups. Deb embraced customer service. She hired people ‘persons’ and trained them in outstanding customer service at all points of contact. If a guest was dissatisfied, Deb welcomed the opportunity to speak with that person, seeking to fix it for them as well as the next guy. She dove into guest issues rather than avoiding them, and tended to ‘fight fire’ with logic and laughter.
On race day, she was everywhere; because “a person isn’t truly trained until you evaluate them in action”. Bill orchestrated the race. Deb’s realm was everything outside the racetrack guard walls. At major events Deb checked in with parkers, ticket sellers, ushers, the state highway patrol, facility guards, box office managers, and as Norwalk grew – added campground personnel, and suite/chalet hostesses to her route. As the show began, Deb sat in the stands with fans. She monitored the show, it’s pace, delivery and PA levels. The race crew adjusted accordingly. There she also talked with folks around her, gathering information on their likes, dislikes while digging for their ideas on what could be improved. Her notes were often strikingly revealing. Like Bill, Deb’s work ethic was exceptional. She was always among the first ones in and the last ones out. With energy, detail, vision and her love of learning, Deb gave Bill time. Time to evaluate and alter existing programs, to plan and build for the future, and time to listen to his racers, sponsors and fans. No one was better with people than Bill, and his entire team knew it.
A formidable combination was born when Bill hired Deb. Together with their talented family, and an exceptionally driven group of customer service focused team members; the foundation was laid for Norwalk Raceway Park to grow into the Summit Motorsports Park of today:
‘Home Of The Largest Independent Sportsman Event In The World – The Halloween Classic’… ‘Home of The Largest Independent Single Day Event In The World – Night Under Fire’…
‘Home of the Largest National Event On The IHRA Circuit’…
‘Home of one of the most beloved stops on the NHRA Mission Tools Drag Racing Series’…. and Home of 21 ‘Track of the Year’ Awards beginning in 1981.
For 40 years Deb worked alongside Bill in every endeavor that called their name. In 1998, they purchased the IHRA. Deb initially remained at Norwalk Raceway (NRP) with Bill Jr. as he established ‘his’ team. Though acutely reluctant to leave NRP, Deb ultimately went back to work with Bill Sr. by joining Team IHRA. But in 2001, Deb experienced a career ending back injury, removing her from the work force. After 10 years of various treatments and demanding exercise, she at last turned the corner. Meanwhile Bill formally left IHRA. Bill and Deb were then able to retire to Idaho, where they could enjoy their beloved mountain with views that caress Heaven.