Now 27, he has become one of the most successful bracket racers in North America. His major victories include the $300,000-to-win Summit St. Patrick’s race in 2021 and the $125,000-to-win Firecracker Bracket Nationals last season.

He has also racked up with a half-dozen $30,000-to-win races and some other $10,000-to-win events. Foley brings a racer’s perspective to the new position.

“From the outside, you always have those ideas of what you can do to make it better from the racers’ standpoint,” he said. “Now, we have that opportunity. I’m excited to go to some new race tracks and check them out. Working with all the new people, it’s something that piques my interest.” 

From New York originally, Foley relocated with his family to North Carolina as a teenager. He has competed at IHRA tracks throughout the Carolinas like Wilkesboro, Piedmont, Shadyside and South Carolina Motorplex.

But, he’s seen many other tracks across North America, often traveling with his father, who won six IHRA national events and made 13 final-round appearances. His father was the most persistent rival to six-time IHRA Top Fuel world champion Clay Millican in 2006, briefly taking over the points lead.

The elder Foley set a speed record at Cayuga (Toronto Motorsports Park), rocketing down the track at 321.27 mph. Those experiences and the trips to get there helped fuel the younger Foley’s passion for drag racing and visiting different tracks.

“I traveled all over with my father from San Antonio to Edmonton to Cayuga (Toronto Motorsports Park),” Foley said. “I’ve been to a bunch of tracks, but am looking forward to adding more to my list.”

Beyond his own racing, Foley has served as a track manager at Motor Mile Dragway in Fairlawn, Virginia and has run his family’s drag racing school. 

Please join us in welcoming Doug Foley Jr. to his new position. For any questions, you may have please contact him at doug@ihra.com.