IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Powers into Dragway 42

WEST SALEM, OH — The International Hot Rod Association’s (IHRA) Outlaw Nitro Series is set to take over Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio, Sept. 24-27, the second-to-last stop of the 2025 season. Fans will see some of the most powerful machines in motorsports across nitro, alcohol and doorslammer classes.

The event features headline action in Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Top Fuel Harley, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Pro Nitrous and Outlaw Pro Mod. Adding to the excitement, Fuel Altereds will make a special appearance, including a can’t-miss cacklefest in the pits.

“We are extremely excited as an organization to have a track like Dragway 42 in our portfolio,” Scott “Woody” Woodruff said, a member of the leadership team at IHRA. “We have made some great improvements focused on safety and have a plan for additional improvements to the facility centered around the fan experience. It's an exciting time at IHRA and for the racing community."

Several winners from earlier in the season will return to chase another Ironman trophy, including Scott Palmer, Dan Hix, Lex Joon, Del Worsham, and Mike McIntire in the nitro classes. 

Chris Powers and Jerry Tucker will continue their battle in Mountain Motor Pro Stock, while Brandon Pesz looks to build on his Outlaw Pro Mod victory during the class’s IHRA debut at Darana Raceway – Hebron. 

Rickie Smith will once again headline in Pro Nitrous, with Craig Sullivan and Kurt Steding adding firepower in Pro Mod. Phil Esz has been on a tear in Top Alcohol Funny Car, making him another favorite to watch.

The event also carries some hometown pride, as area resident Glenn Butcher makes his IHRA debut in Pro Nitrous. A well-known name in the region, Butcher’s first appearance with the Outlaw Nitro Series is expected to draw plenty of local support and add another layer of excitement to the weekend.

Fans can also tune in and watch special live radio remotes from Dragway 42 on Saturday, Sept. 27. The “Auto Smarts Radio Show” with Dan “Booots” Longenette will broadcast live from the IHRA Hospitality Area on 1270 AM / 96.7 FM from 8–10 a.m., featuring interviews with three Pro drivers (to be announced). Later in the day, iHeart Radio’s WNCO-FM will go live from 1–3 p.m., spotlighting Pro drivers Glenn Butcher, Cam Ferre and Kallee Mills.

Also, Saturday, Sept. 27, will feature a special Veterans Appreciation Day in the IHRA Hospitality Tent from noon to 4 p.m. Veterans and active-duty military will be treated to bottled water, desserts, and snacks, while Team Fastrax delivers the American Flag during the opening ceremonies. Veterans should gather at the hospitality by 12:30 p.m. if they want to participate in the opening ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m.

Alongside the Outlaw Nitro Series, the IHRA Pro-Am Sportsman program will compete in a doubleheader format, with races on Wednesday and Thursday followed by a second doubleheader on Friday and Saturday.

Adding to the atmosphere, live music will keep fans entertained throughout the weekend with a band performing at the track.

Fans can be part of the experience by purchasing tickets at IHRA.com/tickets. Every ticket includes pit access, giving fans the opportunity to meet drivers, see the cars up close, and enjoy the behind-the-scenes action. 

For those who can’t attend in person, the race will be broadcast live on IHRA.TV and SPEED SPORT 1 & SPEED SPORT 2.

Photo by: Robert Richard/BME Photography