FAIRFIELD, OH – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has promoted Doug Foley Jr. to Chief Operating Officer of Drag Racing, expanding his leadership role within the organization as IHRA continues to grow its national racing programs and strengthen relationships with racers and tracks across the country.

Doug Foley Jr., who has already been actively involved in IHRA operations, brings a deep understanding of the organization and the sport to the position. A second-generation drag racer with lifelong roots in the racing community, he has been immersed in drag racing through competition, team operations, and the business side of the sport.

Doug Foley Jr. is a multi-time six-figure winner in big-money bracket racing, highlighted by victories at the $300,000 St. Patrick’s Day $300K and the $130,000 Firecracker Bracket Nationals. His accomplishments on the track reflect the experience he brings to his expanded role within the International Hot Rod Association

In his new role, Doug Foley Jr. will oversee the operational execution of IHRA’s drag racing programs, working closely with tracks, racers, and event teams to ensure successful national events while continuing to build and grow IHRA’s drag racing platform. Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH — We have officially reached 111 sanctioned drag racing facilities worldwide, marking the largest sanctioned track base in IHRA history and establishing IHRA as the global leader in drag racing facility sanctioning.

This milestone represents a 70 percent increase over last season and the most significant year-over-year growth our organization has ever recorded. Since December alone, 58 new tracks have chosen to join the IHRA family. This total does not include facilities recently acquired by IHRA.

The last time IHRA sanctioned 100 tracks was in 2012. Today, our sanctioned facilities span six countries, reflecting renewed global confidence in our leadership and long-term vision.

“This milestone is not just about numbers. It is about belief,” said Darryl Cuttell, IHRA Owner.  “This growth represents track owners around the world who believe in what we are building and where we are taking the sport. The foundation of drag racing has always been the weekly racer and the independent facility. Their vote of confidence speaks volumes.” Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, just outside Commerce, Georgia, marking an important step in bringing one of the Southeast’s most historic drag racing facilities back to life.

Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway became a cornerstone of grassroots and national drag racing. Built on land originally graded for an airport, with its first timing tower repurposed from the airport’s control tower, the facility represents the ingenuity and heart of American motorsports. After its closure in 2021, the future of the track remained uncertain until the local community and leaders worked to preserve it for racing. A recent unanimous vote by the Banks County Commission cleared the way for its reopening.

“On behalf of Banks County, I want to welcome IHRA and express our appreciation for their investment in Atlanta Dragway. This facility has long been an important part of our community’s identity and economy. We are encouraged by IHRA’s commitment to revitalizing the property and preserving its legacy for racers and fans alike. Continue reading →

Historic Virginia facility to serve as official launch site for IHRA’s new Stock Car Series and a renewed calendar of community-centered events

FAIRFIELD, OH – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced it has entered into a lease agreement for the Pulaski County Motorsports Park, the landmark venue long known to racers and fans as the Motor Mile Speedway, marking a major step in IHRA’s mission to revive grassroots motorsports and reinvest in legendary community tracks.

“This track is part of the racing fabric of Virginia — and the kind of place where generations of families have made memories,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Leasing Pulaski County Motorsports Park allows us to put racing back where it belongs: in the community, accessible to local teams, and exciting for fans.”

First opened in 1952 as a dirt oval, the facility evolved into one of the region’s most recognizable racing destinations.  The oval was later paved and developed into a 0.416-mile asphalt track, and the complex expanded over time to include a drag racing venue, helping establish Pulaski County as a true motorsport’s hub.

Under IHRA’s lease, Pulaski County Motorsports Park will once again become a year-round heartbeat for competitive racing, special events, and community engagement — with immediate focus on restoring a consistent schedule that brings fans back through the gates and supports the local economy. Continue reading →

MEMPHIS, TN — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), under the leadership of owner Darryl Cuttell, has made a $10 million charitable donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reinforcing IHRA’s commitment to serving communities not only through entertainment and shared experiences, but through support that truly changes lives.

Earlier today, IHRA leadership had the opportunity to tour the St. Jude campus, gaining firsthand insight into the hospital’s groundbreaking research, patient care programs, and the compassionate environment that supports children and families from around the world.
In addition to the donation, IHRA announced its intent to collaborate with St. Jude on future fundraising initiatives designed to expand awareness and generate additional support for the hospital’s mission: ensuring that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.

“This donation is made on behalf of IHRA, but it is also deeply personal to me,” said Cuttell. “I lived in Memphis for a period of my life, close to St. Jude, and through friends who were medical providers there, I heard firsthand stories of the compassion, innovation, and hope that define this extraordinary institution. Touring the facility today further reinforced just how impactful their work truly is.”
For IHRA, the partnership reflects a broader philosophy of community engagement. Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, closing on the property on December 23, 2025.

Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility has played a significant role in American motorsports history. It has hosted major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.

The facility has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County. Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region. Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today issued the following statement regarding the future of national-level motorsports events at Maple Grove Raceway and the responsibility of sanctioning bodies to support racers, fans, and host communities across all regions of the country.

Following IHRA’s recent acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway, IHRA leadership engaged the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) with the intent of maintaining continuity for racers, teams, fans, and the facility. While the existing NHRA contract did not permit assumption upon closing, NHRA received a standard notice related to due diligence during the acquisition process. That notice was followed by direct communication from IHRA leadership expressing a clear desire to continue hosting the event and to work collaboratively toward a path forward. Ultimately, a collaborative solution was not pursued.

“At its core, a sanctioning body exists to serve racers, fans, and the tracks that give them a place to compete,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of the IHRA. “That responsibility extends to supporting Sportsman racers in every region of the country, not just select markets. Events at facilities like Maple Grove Raceway consistently deliver sold-out attendance and meaningful economic impact for the surrounding community. While collaboration was not achieved in this instance, IHRA remains committed to acting in the best interests of racers, fans, and host communities nationwide.” Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced its acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway, marking a significant milestone for the sport of drag racing.

Established in the early 1960s, Maple Grove Raceway has earned national recognition as one of the fastest and most respected drag racing venues in the United States. For generations, it has served as a destination for racers and families, building a legacy rooted in community, competition, and tradition.

Under the leadership of the Koretsky family, Maple Grove has undergone a period of revitalization—pairing modern operational enhancements with the family-focused culture that has defined the racetrack for decades. Their commitment has preserved the track’s heritage while positioning it for long-term growth. The Koretsky family will continue to play an active role throughout the transition and in guiding Maple Grove’s future direction. Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH – As we head into the PRI Show, we want to ensure you have a clear overview of IHRA’s presence, key announcements, and opportunities to connect with our team throughout the week. Below is everything you need to know about IHRA at PRI.

IHRA will have a major footprint at the PRI Show this year with three booth locations, each highlighting all disciplines within the IHRA ecosystem:

Booth #5067
Booth #8367
Booth #2730

Together, these booths represent IHRA’s expanding multi-discipline platform. Track owners, track managers, racers, attendees, and media partners are invited to explore IHRA’s vision, programs, technology, partnerships, and the future of each discipline at any of our booth spaces throughout the show.

Continue reading →

Fairfield, OH – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announces Leah Martin as President of the rapidly growing organization. Leah brings a broad and distinguished background in executive leadership, national advocacy initiatives, organizational development, and large-scale motorsports operations. In this role, Leah will oversee all IHRA disciplines—including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, tractor pulling, and emerging motorsports platforms—ensuring unified leadership and strategic alignment across the entire IHRA organization.

Before entering the motorsports industry, Leah held leadership roles within national nonprofit organizations, including serving as a director with the American Lung Association. In these roles, she guided statewide and regional initiatives, aligned diverse stakeholders around mission-focused goals, and helped advance the broader objectives of complex national organizations. Her ability to unify teams, build strong partnerships, and lead with strategic purpose has been a defining aspect of her career.

In motorsports, Leah has served as Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, the largest powerboating event in the world. Under her leadership, the Shootout expanded its sponsorship portfolio, strengthened event logistics and safety operations, enhanced media and community engagement, and delivered the most significant economic benefit to the region. She remains in an oversight capacity for the Shootout, ensuring continuity, long-term planning, and strategic alignment as the event continues to grow. Leah coordinated hundreds of volunteers annually and built operational systems that strengthened governance, consistency, and event execution. Continue reading →