IHRA REBIRTH

each event offering $ 150,000 winner’ s purses in Top Fuel and Funny Car and $ 100,000 to win in Pro Mod. In addition, competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod, and Mountain Motor Pro Stock who sweep all three races have the chance for a $ 1 million bonus per class.

Centered on their racer-first approach, the IHRA has also demonstrated a willingness to listen and adjust to its customer base. After previously announcing that all professional and sportsman categories would compete at the eighth-mile distance, the sanctioning body reversed course on several classes. Factory Stock, Super Stock, Stock, Super Rod, Quick Rod, Hot Rod, and the HEMI Shootout will now compete in the quarter mile at all capable tracks. Also starting in 2026, IHRA is rebranding its Factory Stock Showdown category to IHRA Pro Stock.

In recent months, the organization has experienced multiple changes in leadership, but recently outlined the team set in place for the upcoming season. Leah Martin, whose background includes leadership roles in nonprofit organizations as well as an Executive Director role for the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, has been named IHRA President. Doug Foley Jr., a multi-time big-money bracket race winner, now serves as Chief Operating Officer, Larry Morgan is the Director of Competition, and Jeff Parker serves as the Outlaw Nitro Series Director of Safety. Josh Hamming is the National Technical Director, and former three-time Pro Stock champion Jason Line has taken on the Director of Sportsman Racing Development role. Rounding out the leadership team is Marty Rinehart, Dean Karns, and Ally Leach.

Another major shakeup came when IHRA announced the acquisition of the World Drag Racing Alliance( WDRA). The merger pulls WDRA under the IHRA umbrella and will help with expanding membership, the coordination of schedules, and the overall strengthening of sportsman racing opportunities nationwide. Once again, keeping the grassroots competition at the forefront of the sanctioning body’ s efforts.

There’ s no doubt the moves IHRA has made since it was purchased by Cuttell in late 2024 have taken a lot of people by surprise. While the organization has aggressively reinserted itself into the broader drag racing conversation, many critics have sung their songs.

However, IHRA’ s recent announcements, likely with many more to come, represent an undeniable commitment to a series that has been left in shambles throughout its decades-long lifespan. It has also sparked competition amongst other drag racing sanctioning bodies, pushing them to level up against IHRA’ s strong stance by increasing payouts and thinking outside of the box with new breakout series. The only thing to ask now is,“ What’ s next?”

As the season commences, IHRA’ s next chapter will be closely watched by all who care about the sport. The ultimate hope is for their efforts to translate into sustainable competitor participation, successful family-friendly events, and fully operational multi-use entertainment venues. DI

32 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 199