IHRA members racing in the Top (Box), Mod (No Box) and Junior Dragster classes have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophy at each event as well as the coveted oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals and round prizes from IHRA partners like Sunoco Race Fuels and Summit Racing Equipment in addition to their winnings.
Each event remains tailored to the host track’s racing programs as Sportsman and Motorcycle classes could also be contested.
“The question arose, ‘How can we make the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular better than before?’ The answer was to make it even more prestigious with the opportunity to qualify for the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals,” IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers said. “This brings more value to our racers and our IHRA-member tracks who host these events. It’s another great way to show our support for the local Sportsman racers.”
Piedmont Dragway and State Capitol Raceway will host the first announced events on March 25. The Piedmont event gives IHRA Division 9 racers a chance to qualify for the World Finals after their IHRA Summit Team Finals event was cancelled in 2022 due to Hurricane Ian. They can also enter the Sportsman Spectacular event at Motor Mile (Va.) Dragway for an additional opportunity to qualify for the 2023 IHRA World Finals.
Below is a list of 2023 Sportsman Spectacular events. If there is not an event in your area, understand the IHRA is giving all member tracks the opportunities to hosts IHRA Sportsman Spectacular races for 2024 and beyond.
2023 IHRA Sportsman Spectacular schedule
March 25: Piedmont Dragway, Julian, N.C.
March 25: State Capitol Raceway, Port Allen, La.
April 15: Music City Raceway, Goodlettsville, Tenn.
April 29: London Dragway, London, Ky.
April 29: Xtreme Raceway Park, Ferris, Texas
May 20: Dragway 42, West Salem, Ohio
July 15: Motor Mile Dragway, Fairlawn, Va.
July 22: Quaker City Motorsports Park, Salem, Ohio
Aug. 19: Central Illinois Dragway, Havana, Ill.
TBA: Muncie Dragway, Muncie, Ind.
