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WDRA and IHRA Unite to Shape The Future of Sportsm...
IHRA Membership Renewals Important Update
Byrd named IHRA VP of Strategic Partnerships
WDRA and IHRA Unite to Shape The Future of Sportsm...

WDRA and IHRA Unite to Shape The Future of Sportsm...

2/6/2025 -
NORWALK, Ohio — In a groundbreaking move for the world of drag racing, the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and the International Hot Rod Associatio
IHRA Membership Renewals Important Update

IHRA Membership Renewals Important Update

2/4/2025 -
Membership Renewals – Important Update Attention IHRA members and competitors: Our online membership portal has been temporarily unavailable during th
Byrd named IHRA VP of Strategic Partnerships

Byrd named IHRA VP of Strategic Partnerships

2/2/2025 -
HAMILTON, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has named Christian Byrd the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. The 47-year-old B

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WDRA and IHRA Unite to Shape The Future of Sportsman Racing

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NORWALK, Ohio — In a groundbreaking move for the world of drag racing, the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) have announced their first-ever...more

IHRA Membership Renewals Important Update

2/4/2025
Membership Renewals – Important Update Attention IHRA members and competitors: Our online membership portal has been temporarily unavailable during the recent ownership transition. We appreciate...more

Byrd named IHRA VP of Strategic Partnerships

2/2/2025
HAMILTON, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has named Christian Byrd the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. The 47-year-old Byrd has served as General Manager for zMax...more

Syers Remembered as an Inspiration, Champion Racer

1/30/2025
The International Hot Rod Association remembers Teri Syers whose determination to be a champion despite battling cancer proved to be an inspiration for all. Syers died Tuesday. She was 52. Syers won...more

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1/27/2025
FERRIS, Texas — International Hot Rod Association officials, led by IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell and Vice President of Racing Operations Alan Reinhart, were on hand at Xtreme Raceway Park’s annual...more
IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals Result Means Everything to Willard
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11/4/2024

11/4/2024

IHRA Events


IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals Result Means Everything to Willard

Will Willard capped off a terrific career in Junior Dragsters with a runner-up finish in the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

The 18-year-old from Crockett, Virginia used a near perfect .001 start to advance past Race of Champions winner Ryan Roberts in the quarterfinals. Willard then posted a 7.727-second run against a 7.72 dial-in to get past Lane VanNote in the semifinals.

Willard, a racer who calls Elk Creek Dragway his home track, was a little anxious at the start of the Junior Dragster final against Tate Hildebrandt. He left -.004 too quick to trigger the red light. Still, Willard was pleased how the night went.

“It means everything to be the runner-up against the best-of-the-best,” Willard said. “I came as close as you can to winning it all.”

That was certainly a true statement as Roberts gained entry into the World Finals by his win in the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser at Quaker City Motorsports Park. VanNote was the Sportsman Spectacular winner at Muncie Dragway.

Will Willard

Both Willard and Hildebrandt qualified through the IHRA Summit Team Finals. Hildebrandt won the Division 4 (Renegades) title at his home track of Xtreme Raceway Park, while Willard won the Division 1 (Patriots) title at Roxboro Motorsports Park.

Willard was a key in Elk Creek Dragway repeating as team champions. His father, Mike, also qualified for the IHRA World Finals by winning the Mod (Box) class. Will explained being around family and friends is what makes racing so special to him.

“I’ve been racing 10 years. My grandpa, my mom’s dad, Richard Skeens, raced for many years,” Will said. “My dad, I’ve watched him since I was born and have always looked up to him. I got it from both sides of the family.”

As he moves from the Junior Dragsters to full-time in the big cars, Will is expected to remain a top contender. Congratulations to Will Willard and all those who reached the championship round at the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.


Submitted By: Amanda Wesler

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