Inside IHRA: Classes, Tracks, And The New Grassroots Push
Nitro belongs to the people who build the cars, tow the trailers, and wrench late into the night—and that’s exactly where we start. We sit down with IHRA Division Director Doug Foley to unpack how a racer-led sanctioning body is rebuilding big-league drag racing around access, value, and raw excitement. Think eight-car nitro fields, a clean two-day show, and five passes to a $50,000 purse—designed to cut costs without cutting thrills.
Doug takes us inside IHRA’s class lineup, from Top Fuel Funny Car and Top Fuel to Pro Mod, Top Alcohol, and the fan-favorite Mountain Motor Pro Stock. He explains why IHRA’s rules hew close enough to NHRA for cross-compatibility while staying flexible for teams sidelined by expensive mandates. We also dig into the hidden economics of safety recertifications and how smarter formats reduce parts attrition and travel burn, giving privateers a real shot.
One of the biggest shifts: IHRA now owns multiple tracks, including National Trail Raceway, Milan Dragway, and Galot Motorsports Park. Facility ownership creates stability, consistent prep, and better sponsor value. Add in serious member insurance—robust liability, accident coverage, and income protection—and the message is clear: take care of racers and the show gets better for everyone. We map the season opener in Ohio, the World Finals in North Carolina, and tease livestream details so you can watch from anywhere.
If you care about sustainable nitro, big-inch Mountain Motor action, and events built by racers for racers, this conversation is your pit pass. Subscribe, share with your track crew, and leave a review to help more fans find the show. What would you change to make pro drag racing stronger? Tell us—we’re listening.
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00:00 - Opening Banter And Show Setup
00:54 - Introducing IHRA And Guest Issues
03:11 - IHRA Background And Grassroots Focus
03:56 - Doug Foley Joins With Stable Connection
04:21 - IHRA vs NHRA: Schedules And Costs
05:58 - Nitro Fields And Marquee Classes
07:23 - Cross-Sanction Compatibility And Mountain Motor
09:01 - Doug’s Path To IHRA And Track Ownership
10:35 - Fields, Purses, And Two-Day Show Format
12:37 - Rules, Safety Costs, And Racer-Friendly Flexibility
14:36 - Insurance Upgrades And Member Coverage
15:52 - Season Opener, Finals, And Livestream Plans
17:03 - Wrap With Doug And Segment Tease
17:40 - Racing Calendar Highlights
19:15 - This Week In Auto History
22:21 - Auto News: Robo-Taxis And Return-To-Office
25:25 - Event Promos And Show Close
