International Hot Rod Association - All IHRA News

Trailer Ranch LLC To Continue as Title Sponsor for Top ET Class at IHRA Division 9 Summit Team Finals

2024-04-10T16:41:09-05:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, MO — Attention Racers and Track Operators! If you have a need for a Race Trailer, Open Car Hauler, Concession or Restroom Trailer — Call Marty Williams at (803) 747-2793 or click this link https://www.trailerranchsc.com.

Trailer Ranch LLC will continue as the title sponsor of the Top ET class for the IHRA Division 9 Summit Team Finals to be held Sept. 26-28 at South Carolina Motorplex.

With headquarters in Orangeburg, S.C., featuring a great inventory of racing trailers and the passion for drag racing by owners Marty and Meta Williams, it’s the perfect partnership. Trailer Ranch LLC will also have a display at the upcoming IHRA Hot Rod Classic at Darlington on May 2-4.

Need to haul a race car? There are race trailers, open car haulers and gooseneck trailers. New trailers include trusted brands like CargoMate, Continental Cargo, Elite and Sundowner.

For the track operators, there are utility trailers, dump trailers, fuel trailers and concession trailers. There are even restroom and shower trailers available.

They have nearly a 10,000-foot building which includes the storefront and service department. They’ve advertised on billboards at different tracks reaching out to the racing crowd. But, the inventory reaches beyond the track to also fit one’s needs at home, on the farm or even other businesses.

There are open car haulers, goosenecks, dump trailers, ATV trailers, fuel trailers and concession trailers to name a few. There are even golf carts coming soon.

With the Williams family, there’s a special bond with drag racing. Their sons, Tommy and Jimmy, along with Jimmy’s wife Megan and two boys, also race.

Click here to check out the Trailer Ranch website and look over some of their new and used inventory.

TMF Metal Solutions Becomes Major Marketing Partner for IHRA, No Prep Warz

2024-03-08T10:11:58-06:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and No Prep Warz welcome TMF Metal Solutions as a major marketing partner for the 2024 season.

TMF Metal Solutions is a Native American owned and operated international metal fabrication contractor. Their expertise is in laser cutting, forming, sawing, finishing, welding, hardware insertion, surface treatments and coatings.

The company is a high-performance operation guided by the Native American Code of Ethics from an 800-year-old Native American legacy and tradition that says all people who work together, will make the world stronger by generously sharing our collective knowledge with others.

With headquarters in Hamilton, Ohio, TMF Metal Solutions is made up of a passionate team of industry leaders and innovators, driving new processes and technologies that facilitate the exchange of essential information and exceptional service, on time and on budget.

TMF Metal Solutions has proven system, trained staff who are passionate about racing and the latest technology in place to ensure that your fabricated products are made correctly and completed on-schedule every time. TMF’s company culture operates from a “zero defects” total quality management strategy. TMF consistently strives to do the job right the first time, every time at the highest quality.

TMF’s code of ethics includes integrity, trust, training, teamwork, leadership, communication, recognition and safety. Fiscal responsibility and accountability are key to TMF’s history of success and growth.

Click here to check out the TMF Metal Solutions website with areas like custom welding tables, precision fiber laser cutting, powder coating, custom forming and expert welding.

ATI Performance Products Increases Commitment to IHRA Programs

2024-02-28T18:55:22-06:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — The long-standing partnership of ATI Performance Products and the International Hot Rod Association has gotten even stronger for the 2024 season.

ATI Performance Products, the leader in state-of-the-art, high-performance driveline components for drag racers, has added contingency rewards for the IHRA Hot Rod Classic events. This goes along with the ongoing support of the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering, the IHRA Summit Team Finals and IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Junior Dragster racers who win or runner-up can also get paid by running the ATI decals on both sides of their cars.

Based in the Baltimore suburbs and backed by more than 60 years of racing experience, ATI produces a multitude of American-made parts including competition transmissions, Treemaster Converters, Super Dampers, Compu-Flow Valve Bodies, Flexplates, and Adapter Kits as well as a wide variety of performance enhancing internal transmission components.

From a simple washer to the permanent mold aluminum SuperCase transmission, ATI makes it all in-house! As a family-owned business, ATI emphasizes innovation, extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, and a commitment to helping its customers reach the finish line first.

“ATI has been an incredible partner for the IHRA and its racers over the years,” IHRA CEO Larry Jeffers said. “We appreciate their longstanding commitment to the sport and encourage our racers to use ATI’s top-of-the-line, American-made products.”

Click here to check out the ATI Performance Products website for products, technical help, news and other items. You can also follow ATI here on the Facebook page.

Hoosier Racing Tire Joins IHRA as Major Marketing Partner

2024-02-05T17:07:33-06:00

LAKEVILLE, Ind. — Hoosier Racing Tire has joined the International Hot Rod Association as a major marketing partner for the IHRA Hot Rod Classic.

It includes posting in the Hot Rod Classic Championship Contingency Fund. IHRA Hot Rod Classic points winners who run Hoosier Drive Tires and two Hoosier tire decals all season will be eligible for the payouts.

Pro Mod, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster champions have the opportunity to win $1,000 prizes. The champions in Real Steel, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod have the chance to earn an extra $500.

WIth Tires Designed for Champions, Hoosier is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world and produces over 100 different types of race tires. The company has its own 300-mph test wheel, a technology center, state-of-the-art, fully integrated production facilities, and a high-tech mixing plant.

It has come a long ways from its beginning. Bob and Joyce Newton began producing their own race tires in 1957 by re-treading street tires with softer compounds out of an abandoned horse barn in South Bend, Indiana. The familiar purple color comes from Bob’s first race car.

Starting on the short asphalt tracks of the Midwest, the Newtons teamed with Mohawk Rubber and built the first purpose-built racing tires. After Mohawk closed, they opened their own factory, the first specifically dedicated to producing race tires in Plymouth, Indiana.

Hoosier entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 1988 and their tires were on race winner Darrell Waltrip’s car at the 1989 Daytona 500. They also offer products for dirt track racing, karting, rally, off road and an impressive lineup for drag racing.

The Hoosier Racing Tires Drag Racing Division has been producing winning race tires for over 30 years. They are engineered for consistent ET’s and maximum traction with superior construction and compounding for most drag race applications.

The company ties in nicely with the IHRA as Hoosier produces purpose-built, bias-ply drag slicks and drag radials that are reliable, fast, consistent and affordable from the professional racer to the weekend sportsman racer. Hoosier builds a complete line of front tires to compliment the rear drive tire applications for drag cars and dragsters for a complete race tire package.

This week, Hoosier introduced a new drag tire to the existing line. This new tire — the 18154D05 — is designed to handle the roughest “No Prep” surfaces. It has been tested and proven to enhance performance on less prepped and rougher surfaces.

For more information about Hoosier Racing Tire, click here to check out the company’s website which includes products, services and a list of distributors domestic and abroad. Click here to check out the 2024 schedule for the IHRA Hot Rod Classic.

Substantial Money Still Available for IHRA Member Tracks

2024-01-29T11:18:11-06:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — Here’s a reminder for International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) member tracks. You have a fantastic opportunity to bring in a substantial amount of revenue through a unique IHRA promotion.

Thanks to IHRA partners Morrow Brothers Ford of Greenfield, Illinois and Extreme Racing Oils, IHRA member tracks will be given tickets to distribute for a chance to win a new Ford F150 crew cab XLT Sport truck with 4-wheel drive estimated valued at $60,000. This one-of-a-kind contest will be only held at IHRA-member tracks with more prizes to be announced soon.

Track will receive their tickets in early April as the IHRA continues to sign up member tracks.

The tickets will be distributed however the tracks decide. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to those tracks. The money can put into the racers’ points fund or a special event, or be used to help with maintenance, upgrades and other operating expenses. It’s up to the track to be used however is needed.

This is in conjunction with LJ1 Oil Products picking up all the sanctioning fees for 2024. It’s a no-brainer for drag strips to race with the IHRA in 2024 and beyond.

The grand prize winner will take home an incredible new vehicle which features the XLT Sport Package, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a towing package and a lot of nice amenities. Winners will be announced at the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

All entries must be turned in by October 1, 2024.

Morrow Brothers Ford has been a longtime supporter of auto racing. They sponsor the MOWA Sprint Car Series and the dealership’s general manager, John Wellenkamp, is a longtime drag racer who pilots a 1985 Ford Mustang. They’re excited to partner with IHRA on this new venture.

The IHRA offers the best programs for grassroots, Sportsman racers like the IHRA Summit SuperSeries, the most prestigious national championship in bracket racing with over $300,000 in payouts and prizes. The IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering and FuelTech has proven to be extremely popular and the IHRA Hot Rod Classic is set to its debut in 2024 bringing back the exciting class racing of the past.

Since the new IHRA ownership took over, there has been a huge emphasis on promoting the tracks and their racers. More great news concerning the IHRA racers, programs and tracks will be coming soon on the IHRA’s website and social media pages.

Click here to check out the Morrow Brothers Ford website for an extensive list of new and pre-owned inventory.

Moser Engineering, IHRA Team Up Again to Support Grassroots Racers

2024-01-24T16:55:27-06:00

PORTLAND, Ind. — Moser Engineering has teamed up with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) once again to offer their support to the grassroots, Sportsman racers.

Moser Engineering continues as the presenting sponsor of the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular. The Portland, Indiana company also will be posting contingency of $300 and $100 for their axles at all IHRA Hot Rod Classic, IHRA Sportsman Spectacular and IHRA Summit Team Finals events.

A leading manufacturer of high-performance rear ends, drive-line components and suspensions, Moser Engineering started from working on a single car in a garage and has evolved into a highly-innovative, computerized machining process spread out to a campus facility with over 100,000 square feet of machining capabilities.

Their involvement in drag racing includes sponsorship of Luke Bogacki, a three-time NHRA World Champion and also a big IHRA supporter, the winner of IHRA Ironman races at US 41 Dragstrip and Ellis I57 Dragstrip.

“Moser Engineering is a valued partner who continues to offer quality-made products to our racers,” IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers said. “Their support of drag racing adds excitement to the sport. We appreciate them teaming with the IHRA as they are a vital part of our success.”

The company is a leader in quality, costs and efficiency. Moser Engineering are the racers’ source for American-made products at an affordable price with the fastest turnaround available on custom made-to-order axles, housings and center sections.

Greg Moser laid the foundation when he resplined a pair of axles and shortened a 1957 Oldsmobile for his race car. Soon, other racers asked Moser for his service. That same splining process which began in 1982 has been perfected for today’s use. His vision for a strong and reliable, yet affordable aftermarket axle lives on.

Rob Moser, the son of founders Greg and Marianne Moser, grew up going with his dad on field calls, resplining product and preparing it for shipping. A graduate of the University of Southern California and holding a vast knowledge of the industry, Rob has taken Moser Engineering to the next level.

Moser Engineering prides itself on an industry-leading, two-day turnaround. Moser can manufacturer a completely custom-made axle or complete rear end from scratch on a daily basis for every customer who calls. There are a limited number of 24-hour turns for those times a racer or builder is up against a deadline and really needs help with axles or a complete assembly.

Click here to check out the Moser Engineering website and its line of products. To become an IHRA member and participate in programs like the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering, click here for the membership page or call membership coordinator Heather Roth at 85-JOIN-IHRA.

Strange Engineering, IHRA Renew Partnership for 2024 Season

2024-01-18T15:58:27-06:00

MORTON GROVE, Ill. — Strange Engineering and the International Hot Rod Association announced today a renewal of their partnership for the 2024 season.

The global leader in drag racing rear ends serves as a major marketing partner of the IHRA and the presenting sponsor of the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering.

Strange Engineering is the leader in performance rear ends that cover an extensive range of drag racing applications — from street to Top Fuel. That works well with the IHRA and its focus on the grassroots, Sportsman racer, but also coming back with the IHRA Hot Rod Classic this season.

Jeff Stange, the company President, leads the family-owned business started by his father, Bob Stange over 60 years ago. Bob Stange, a talented welder and machinist, competed as a racer at Union Grove Raceway. He started making suspension parts for his friends and himself in a two-car garage in Evanston, Illinois.

Officially incorporated in 1964, Strange Engineering has grown to an over 100,000-feet facility in Morton Grove, Illinois. Strange Engineering offers complete rear ends, rear-end parts, complete driveshafts, driveshaft components, performance steering and suspension parts, high-performance brake kits and brake parts for drag racing applications.

Strange Engineering debuted its own drag racing team at the 1973 NHRA Winternationals. It included Top Fuel veteran Chris “The Golden Greek” Karamesines and the famous Funny Car “Chi-Town Hustler” with Frank Hawley and Austin Coil. Strange Engineering has been recognized as drag racing manufacturer of the year multiple times and was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2010.

Jeff Stange is passionate about motorsports, attending both the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. He turned down some offers with large companies after college to work for the family business.

“Strange Engineering is excited to continue its partnership with IHRA into the 2024 race season,” said J.C. Cascio, Strange Engineering Director of Business Development. “The IHRA continues to grow and attract top-level race teams from around the country. IHRA’s commitment to the grassroots racers is in direct line with Strange Engineering’s focus which makes our involvement an easy decision.”

Strange Engineering is based on three key principles — quality product, quality service and a true enthusiasm for the performance industry.

“Strange Engineering has proven to be a great partner for the IHRA and our racers,” IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers said. “They’ve been leaders in the sport for well over 50 years. They share our vision for providing the best resources for the racers.”

Click here for the Strange Engineering website and its extensive line of products.

Stroud Safety Announced as Official Safety Supplier for IHRA

2024-01-15T17:11:42-06:00

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Stroud Safety owner Tommy Cunningham is a believer in his company and the International Hot Rod Association.

In fact, Stroud’s motto of “designed by racers for racers,” also describes the IHRA. That’s why the Oklahoma City-based manufacturer and provider has become the official safety supplier of the IHRA.

“The IHRA has been around a long time and I feel our views align,” Stroud Safety owner Tommy Cunningham said. “We want to provide the racers with quality American-made equipment.”

Cunningham is an accomplished Pro Mod racer who believed in the safety equipment company so much that he bought it from founder Bob Stroud in 2019. Both Cunningham and his father had used the Stroud equipment for years and knew its quality.

He also knows what it’s like as a racer who spends hours upon hours working on and fine tuning their cars. Like the racers, Stroud Safety prides itself on high quality, attention to detail and innovation.

“These guys are hard-working and build their hot rods in the garages at home,” Stroud Safety Sales Manager John Gentry said. “We just have a real big garage and we build our stuff here. The race cars are built in the USA and we have the products to match it.”

Cunningham pointed out Stroud Safety can customize equipment including different colors of sheet metals to the customer’s needs. With the process of being able to build different products to order, they’re able to work through the challenges that often come with equipping home-built hot rods.

The flexibility doesn’t end there as they are typically able to provide options to meet different budgets whether it’s an entry-level car or faster machines which require parachutes, window nets, engine diapers and the highest-grade seat belts. To further protect the drivers, they offer fire suits, boots and head and neck restraints.

Stroud holds multiple patents on the materials and manufacturing processes it uses which ensures the highest quality in their products. They’ve made a big commitment to the IHRA. Now, the goal is for the IHRA-member racers return the favor and show them the support back.

“We have the proper equipment they need to race safely,” Gentry said. “Our sport is a high-risk sport, but we try to make it as safe as possible for every racer whether it’s the entry-level guys or the Pro Mod guys.”

Their passion and commitment to safety is why IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers feels this will be a great partnership for a long time.

“We welcome Stroud as the official safety supplier of the IHRA,” IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers said. “The company has a long commitment to excellence and a proven track record as an industry leader.”

Click here to visit the Stroud Safety website and check out their extensive line of equipment, apparel and other accessories.

Baskin Supports IHRA Through Hot Rod Classic, Jackson Dragway LLC

2024-01-06T13:11:57-06:00

JACKSON, Tenn. — Don Baskin can’t hide his love for drag racing.

His company, Don Baskin Truck Sales LLC, has become a major marketing partner of the IHRA Hot Rod Classic. Also an accomplished racer with over a dozen championships, Baskin loves how the International Hot Rod Association has brought back some of the great class and Pro Mod racing which the organization became famous for.

“I like seeing the old heads-up classes and seeing them run,” Baskin said. “I’ve always enjoyed the heads-up racing.”

Baskin has a background in the heads-up racing, competing in a number of cars over the years including a 1969 Nova Pro Stock machine once raced by the legendary Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins.

He has also seen great bracket racing as well as the owner of Jackson Dragway LLC. This will be the track’s first year racing of participating in the IHRA Summit SuperSeries program. Baskin likes excitement joining IHRA has brought to his Tennessee track located between Nashville and Memphis just minutes off Interstate 40.

“A lot of people are racing more since we have the SuperSeries,” he said. “It’s something bigger than your regular bracket race where they can pick up points. They’re able to race against the other people who are the best around the country.”

Baskin is referring to the way IHRA Summit SuperSeries points champions from each member track earns the opportunity to compete in the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering. The program offered over $275,000 in payouts and prizes in 2023.

The racers are also looking forward to representing Jackson Dragway LLC at the IHRA Summit Team Finals.

Baskin’s story is one of success. He started out fixing up old 18-wheelers, some of them wrecked, others with bad motors. From those humble beginnings, he now owns Don Baskin Truck Sales LLC which sells over 5,000 trucks a year and has over 100 employees at its Covington, Tenn., location.

“I’ve made a lot of friends along the way and sold a lot of trucks,” Baskin said. “We’ve had a good run the last several years.”

He has been generous in his support of the sport he loves. He has put forth a varied schedule of events at the 1/8-mile Jackson Dragway LLC. They have a monthly heads-up event as well as the bracket racing, no prep and radial events. Also part of the 2024 schedule are swap meets, a cruisin’ event and a Ford Takeover, highlighting the Blue Oval brand.

With the busy schedule, Baskin continues to make the facility better for the racers and fans.

“We’ve got a bunch of stuff lined up so I added another 10 acres for parking race cars,” Baskin said. “We added another 1,000-seat bleachers and a place to sit down and eat your food while you watch the races on TV.”

It’s about improving the racers’ experience as Baskin and staff have done asphalt work on the track and are adding 50 amp breakers and a water supply in the infield. They’re also working on the lighting for better visibility at night.

That desire to constantly improve has made Baskin a great success both in the business world and the racing world.

To learn more about Don Baskin Truck Sales LLC, click here to check out the company’s website. To keep up with the latest news about Jackson Dragway LLC, click here to visit the track’s Facebook page.

Merry Christmas to all from the IHRA Staff

2023-12-24T18:37:27-06:00

The International Hot Rod Association staff would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all the IHRA-member racers who participate in our different IHRA programs, IHRA-member track owners, operators and other personnel who provide the great places to race and our valued partners who offer their support.

We thank you for all you’ve done for the sport of drag racing over the past year. We appreciate all of you and hope you are able to enjoy time with loved ones and to celebrate the holiday. We look to finish the 2023 year on a positive note and hit the ground running in 2024.