MOROCCO, Ind. — Dominic Blasco was pleasantly surprised when he took over as Vice President and General Manager at US41 Dragstrip.

The veteran track operator had successfully run other facilities including Memphis, Cordova and his own track in Sikeston, Missouri. At one time, he was a partner in Great Lakes Dragaway, the world’s oldest continually operating drag strip in Wisconsin. So he knows what it’s like at a great race track.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — The International Hot Rod Association has made a splash with the hire of longtime industry leader Andy Carter as IHRA Business Development Manager.

Carter’s career in drag racing started when he was in college at Texas Christian University. He worked with U.S. Tobacco Company and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme until the legendary driver retired. Carter also was part of promoting the whole rodeo craze with the Professional Bull Riders.

NEWPORT, Ark. — It has taken a team effort to revive Newport Raceway. Scott Cooper and his wife Belinda took over the Arkansas track which had shut down in 2019. Through their hard work, the track has undergone a huge renovation project. 

Now, they’ve extended their partnership with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) through a multi-year sanctioning agreement. 

CENTERVILLE, Ark. — The owners of Centerville Dragway listened to their racers when it was time to decide whether to renew the sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Association.

The racers’ reaction was an overwhelming yes.

MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Dragway has been defined by outstanding performance.

Track owner Wes Clapp sees the same with the International Hot Rod Association as a sanctioning body. Now, the East Tennessee track known as a home of champions has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with the IHRA.

TALLMADGE, Ohio —  Summit Racing Equipment has added a big selection of automotive-themed toys, collectables, and apparel just in time for the 2023 holiday season.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — The Junior Dragsters are a great introduction into the sport of drag racing and the International Hot Rod Association is proud to highlight many of these young drivers.

Jaydin Dickerson, a 14-year-old from Christiansburg, Virginia, made his debut in the cars this past season. He raced a Halfscale brand junior dragster at Motor Mile Dragway.

HOUSE SPRINGS, Mo. — The International Hot Rod Association is hosting a meet-and-greet on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis.

All track operators and staff, as well as marketing partners are welcome to come hang out and talk drag racing with IHRA officials at the TOPS Workroom 131 West at the Indiana Convention Center.

Thank you to IHRA members, tracks and partners for your continued support of the International Hot Rod Association. 

As for the new tracks and partners coming on board, we welcome you into the IHRA family. We’re thankful you’ve trusted us and we look forward to working with you on both short-term and long-term goals.

UNION GROVE, Wisc. — Great Lakes Dragaway has a history unmatched in drag racing, but there’s also an emphasis on the future with a multi-year sanctioning renewal with the International Hot Rod Association.

The oldest continually operating purpose-built drag strip in the country is under the leadership of longtime track operators Randy Henning and Marcel Kuper. The pair of veteran promoters have a calendar full of great racing action.