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.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — As we celebrate the holidays, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) continues to put the spotlight on Junior Dragster racers across North America.

Byron Kirkpatrick, a 9-year-old from Redkey, Indiana, has been racing for three years. He drove his Halfscale Junior Dragster to a big win at the IHRA Ironman Classic race at Muncie Dragway back in June.

STEELE, Ala. — The excitement of old-school class racing and ground-pounding Pro Mods will be coming to Alabama International Dragway on June 6-8 with the IHRA Hot Rod Classic.

The Steele, Alabama facility was revealed as the latest site which brings back the awesome racing of the past. Other featured classes include: Top Dragster, Quick Rod, Super Rod, Hot Rod and Real Steel N/T. Drivers compete on the 1/8-mile to take home special black powder-coated IHRA Ironman trophies, big checks and a re-designed IHRA medal.

SALEM, Ohio — Talk about a great fit. Quaker City Motorsports Park and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced today an extension of their sanctioning agreement.

It’s been a great partnership for the Northeast Ohio track and the sanctioning body with each putting a huge emphasis on grassroots, Sportsman racing. Quaker City repeated as IHRA Division 3 (North Stars) Summit Team Finals champions last season and have won it three of the last four years.

The International Hot Rod Association staff passes on their condolences to the family of Don Schumacher and looks back on an amazing career in drag racing.

Schumacher, who made his mark as one of the best Funny Car racers of the early 1970’s and later became one of the sport’s most successful car owners, died Tuesday night. He was 79. 

CROFTON, Md. — In an era when many race tracks are struggling to survive, Capitol Raceway is in good hands with track owner Terris Hicks.

It helps the property is centrally located next to his largest customer in the recycling business. It also helps that Hicks, who has traveled all over the country running No Prep events, is passionate about fast cars and his home track which he purchased in November 2022.

AMARILLO, Texas — It’s not just a saying that the International Hot Rod Association is focused first on the grassroots, Sportsman racer.

Amarillo Dragway track manager Steven Lamberson has seen it first hand and that’s why the Texas drag strip has agreed to a multi-year sanctioning agreement to remain an IHRA member track.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — A pair of drag racing powerhouses have teamed together as the  International Hot Rod Association announced today that M&M Transmission has become a marketing partner through the IHRA Hot Rod Classic. 

Founded in 1996 by Mark Micke, M&M Transmission specializes in race-winning and record-setting drag transmissions with trusted reliability and top technology. Micke loves how the IHRA is truly bringing back a blast from the past with the IHRA Hot Rod Classic.

SIKESTON, Mo. — Ricky Skelton didn’t come here to save the day. But, the racer who drives a 1967 Camaro with Mighty Mouse on the door promises to give a heroic effort in running the drag strip which bears his name.

The track operator at Skelton Raceway, formerly Jeffers Motorsports Park, in Sikeston, Missouri, recently announced a multi-year sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Association.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — Many of today’s biggest drag racing stars started out in Junior Dragsters. The International Hot Rod Association is calling attention to the next generation of racers through a special series.

Bentley Hutchison, a 10-year-old from Chanderville, Ill., who competes at Central Illinois Dragway is the latest racer to be highlighted. Hutchison actually got his start oval-track racing with quarter midgets at age 5. He started with the Junior Dragsters at age eight.