As we close the books on the 2018 racing season and prepare for 2019, I would like to take this time to congratulate the World, regional and local champions. Thank you for participating at your local IHRA facility, the IHRA Summit Team Finals and the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. We are thrilled to have Summit Racing Equipment renew their commitment to our sportsman competitors for the 18th year as our primary partner for the Summit SuperSeries. For 2019, we are excited about adding another class that competes for a world championship to the Summit SuperSeries. The new Sportsman class may open the door for competitors that previously were not able to take advantage of the program. The Summit Sportsman Spectacular program had its share of weather difficulties during the season. Nearly three-quarters of the events were rescheduled or lost to weather. However, considering the series was in its first year of existence it produced moments of promise for the future. We will continue to modify the format to fit the desires of each region. If Mother Nature will cooperate, this program will provide one of the best value-oriented weekends for competitors on a local level in the future. This year we enjoyed successful Summit Team Finals events in every division with minimal weather affected program adjustments. This allowed us to strengthen the programs on every level. We are working on a few scenarios where additional events may be an option to reduce travel- related costs for the teams as well as potentially offering additional classes in select regions that will generate increased participation options both locally and nationally. The team at IHRA will continually look for ways to enhance the programs we offer to our competitors, marketing partners and member tracks. We always strive to find a path that will provide additional value for all involved parties. Please don’t hesitate to contact any member of our team with ideas or suggestions that may assist in improving the programs we have available on all levels. Happy Holidays and have a successful and safe 2019 season! Mike Baker Senior Director of Competition and Racing Operations Publication Ignite2X Managing Editor Ryan Perezluha Photography BME Photography Advertising Sales Dana Landry Art/Creative Ignite2X IRGSE President & CEO Lou Partenza Vice President Skooter Peaco Director of New Business & Industry Relations Dana Landry Director of Public Relations Ryan Perezluha Corporate Marketing Manager Mason Sheen Director of Creative Marketing Manfred Eissner Membership Coordinator Bobby Carville Senior Director of Competition and Racing Operations Mike Baker Divisional Directors Josh Peake, Jon O’Neal & Frank Kohutek The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is owned and operated by IRG Sports + Entertainment™, a TPG Specialty Lending company. The IHRA promotes professional and sportsman racing for drivers of all levels. The IHRA sanctions nearly 100 motorsport facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Bahama’s and welcomes 80,000 racers annually to their IHRA- sanctioned facilities. The IHRA oversees multiple Sportsman racing programs including the Summit Racing Equipment SuperSeries and the Sportsman Spectacular. AT THE STARTING LINE LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD