Drag racing fans rejoice! The International Hot Rod Association is roaring back to life with a racer-friendly approach that challenges the status quo of professional drag racing. Division Director Doug Foley joins the In Wheel Time podcast to share how IHRA is reinventing itself after years in the shadows of larger sanctioning bodies.

The biggest news? Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars are returning to IHRA competition after a 15-year absence, with full eight-car fields already committed to the upcoming season opener at National Trail Raceway in Ohio this July. Racing legends like Scott Palmer, Dale Creasy Jr., and Terry Haddock have signed on, drawn by IHRA's compelling format: $50,000 winner purses requiring just five runs to claim victory, compared to eight runs in other series.

"We're not trying to copy anybody else," Foley explains, detailing how IHRA has crafted its program specifically for racers who want competitive action without breaking the bank. While top teams in other series might spend three to four million dollars annually running 20+ events, IHRA's five-event national schedule allows teams to participate at less than half the cost.

The organization has invested heavily in infrastructure, purchasing five racetracks including National Trail and Galot Motorsports Park, while developing industry-leading insurance coverage that protects competitors with $1 million liability policies. Beyond the nitro classes, IHRA features Pro Mod, Mountain Motor Pro Stock (with larger engines than traditional Pro Stock), and various alcohol categories.

For fans of grassroots drag racing who remember IHRA's heyday, this revival represents a return to the organization's core values—providing thrilling competition without requiring corporate backing to participate. The season culminates at the World Finals in North Carolina this November, with live streaming planned for those who can't attend in person.

What's your preferred style of drag racing? Catch all the nitro-burning action as IHRA brings accessibility back to professional drag racing.

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