IHRA Reaches New Milestone with 111 Tracks

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially hit a new all-time high, sanctioning 111 drag racing facilities across the globe — the largest track network in the organization’s history and a clear signal that IHRA has emerged as the dominant sanctioning body in the sport.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The milestone marks a staggering 70 percent increase over last season, the biggest single-year jump IHRA has ever recorded. Since December alone, 58 new tracks have joined the IHRA family, not including several facilities recently acquired by the organization. The last time IHRA reached the 100-track mark was back in 2012. Today its sanctioned venues stretch across six countries, reflecting a powerful resurgence of confidence in the sanctioning body’s leadership and long-term vision for the sport.

“This milestone is not just about numbers. It is about belief,” said IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell. “This growth represents track owners around the world who believe in what we are building and where we are taking the sport. The foundation of drag racing has always been the weekly racer and the independent facility. Their vote of confidence speaks volumes.”

The rapid 2026 expansion underscores a broader shift taking place in grassroots drag racing. Track owners cited IHRA’s racer-first policies, operational transparency, commitment to safety innovation, and aggressive marketing support as the deciding factors in their decision to align with the organization.

Dan Crownhart, owner of Cordova Dragway, praised the leadership team behind the growth.

“The group IHRA has assembled to lead member tracks is second to none,” Crownhart said. “We feel part of a bigger stage as IHRA moves forward in becoming the dominant sanctioning body. I am thrilled to be an IHRA member track. The enthusiasm, inspiration, and growth of the sanctioning body over the last 12 months has been truly remarkable.”

Gaylon Rolison, owner of Gulfport Dragway, echoed that sentiment.

“Gulfport Dragway is proud to be a part of IHRA,” Rolison said. “The IHRA Member Track and Bracket Racing group puts priority on assisting and helping the tracks they represent and goes out of their way to help all tracks operate efficiently. A true 10 out of 10.”

For the first time in its history, IHRA now sanctions more drag racing facilities worldwide than any other sanctioning body — a benchmark that underscores the growing trust and commitment of track operators around the world.

IHRA officials expressed deep gratitude to every track owner and operator who has chosen to join the IHRA family.

“Your trust, partnership, and commitment to the future of drag racing are what make this growth possible,” the organization stated.

With momentum clearly on its side, IHRA enters the heart of the 2026 season as the undisputed global leader in drag racing facility sanctioning — and the grassroots community appears ready to ride that wave.