IHRA Announces Acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway

As a result of IHRA buying Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA, the NHRA has refused to race there any longer. Instead, U.S. 131 Motorsports Park at Martin, Mich., will host its first NHRA national event as the opener to the six-race showdown in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This is a huge blow to Maple Grove Raceway and Pennsylvania drag racing fans that have packed the Raceway for years.

Friday’s news was also a blow to the NHRA, which announced this past September that it had a Saturday sellout crowd for the fourth-straight year at its Countdown to the Championship kickoff at Maple Grove Raceway.

This NHRA vs IHRA duel for drag racing supremacy reminds us of the destructive IRL vs CART IndyCar duel in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. It won’t end well.

IHRA Press Release

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today issued the following statement regarding the future of national-level motorsports events at Maple Grove Raceway and the responsibility of sanctioning bodies to support racers, fans, and host communities across all regions of the country.

Following IHRA’s recent acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway, IHRA leadership engaged the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) with the intent of maintaining continuity for racers, teams, fans, and the facility. While the existing NHRA contract did not permit assumption upon closing, NHRA received a standard notice related to due diligence during the acquisition process. That notice was followed by direct communication from IHRA leadership expressing a clear desire to continue hosting the event and to work collaboratively toward a path forward. Ultimately, a collaborative solution was not pursued.

“At its core, a sanctioning body exists to serve racers, fans, and the tracks that give them a place to compete,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of the IHRA. “That responsibility extends to supporting Sportsman racers in every region of the country, not just select markets. Events at facilities like Maple Grove Raceway consistently deliver sold-out attendance and meaningful economic impact for the surrounding community. While collaboration was not achieved in this instance, IHRA remains committed to acting in the best interests of racers, fans, and host communities nationwide.”

“I personally reached out to NHRA leadership because I believe collaboration matters,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “While I was disappointed by their decision, our focus remains on the future. When organizations are willing to collaborate around a common goal, the entire sport is elevated. That willingness to lead, to work together, and to put the sport first is what separates true leadership from the rest. IHRA remains committed to supporting racers in every region of the country and strengthening the communities that host our events.”

IHRA believes that national-level motorsports opportunities should be accessible across all regions and that Sportsman racers deserve strong, competitive platforms regardless of geography. Facilities like Maple Grove Raceway are cornerstones of their regions, driving tourism, hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic, and local business revenue while serving as gathering places for racing families and fans.

IHRA is moving forward with plans to bring a premier national-level motorsports event to Maple Grove Raceway, paired with live music concerts and enhanced fan experiences. These initiatives are designed to honor the track’s historic legacy while strengthening its role as a modern, multi-use entertainment destination that benefits racers, fans, and the local economy alike.

Additional details regarding IHRA’s national event and concert programming at Maple Grove Raceway will be announced in the coming weeks.

December 13, 2025

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced its acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway, marking a significant milestone for the sport of drag racing.

Established in the early 1960s, Maple Grove Raceway has earned national recognition as one of the fastest and most respected drag racing venues in the United States. For generations, it has served as a destination for racers and families, building a legacy rooted in community, competition, and tradition.

Under the leadership of the Koretsky family, Maple Grove has undergone a period of revitalization—pairing modern operational enhancements with the family-focused culture that has defined the racetrack for decades. Their commitment has preserved the track’s heritage while positioning it for long-term growth. The Koretsky family will continue to play an active role throughout the transition and in guiding Maple Grove’s future direction.

“This is a track with deep roots and an even stronger future,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Maple Grove represents what racing should be—competitive, welcoming, and centered around racers and families. Bringing it under the IHRA umbrella is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to strengthening the sport and investing in its long-term success.”

The Koretsky family emphasized the personal significance of this transition.

“Maple Grove has always been more than a racetrack to our family—it is home, not just for us, but for generations of racers,” the Koretskys said. “Our mission has always been to preserve this facility and ensure it remains a premier racing destination. Seeing Maple Grove join the IHRA family feels like a natural and meaningful next step for the sport.

“Meeting Darryl and Leah from the IHRA was truly eye-opening. Their vision, work ethic, and genuine passion for racers and fans are unmatched. Their innovative, forward-thinking approach is exactly what this sport has been missing. The IHRA shares our values—making racing affordable, fun, and family-centered. This new chapter is about honoring Maple Grove’s legacy while elevating the experience for future generations.”

The Koretsky family looks forward to working closely with the IHRA throughout 2026 and beyond.

With IHRA ownership, Maple Grove Raceway is expected to see continued investment in racer-focused services, fan amenities, youth and grassroots development, safety programs, and infrastructure improvements. This acquisition reinforces IHRA’s broader vision to elevate drag racing at every level while protecting the traditions that have made it a cornerstone of American motorsports.

Additional announcements regarding upcoming events, programming, and future initiatives at Maple Grove Raceway will be released in the coming months.

NHRA Implications

The recent acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) — announced on December 12, 2025, from the previous owners (the Koretsky family) — has several potential implications for NHRA races at the track, but no immediate changes have been confirmed for the near term.

Short-Term Implications (2026 Season)

– The 2026 NHRA national event schedule includes a race at Maple Grove Raceway
– NHRA and track officials have multi-year sanctioning agreements for national events, so the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals (or equivalent Reading Nationals) is expected to continue in 2026 without disruption.
– IHRA leadership has publicly stated they have no ill feelings toward NHRA and aim to grow the sport collaboratively (e.g., referencing past track acquisitions where NHRA events continued). This suggests a cooperative approach rather than immediate conflict.

Longer-Term Implications

– Potential shift in focus: IHRA emphasizes grassroots, bracket, and sportsman racing with a family-friendly, affordable model. They plan investments in racer services, fan amenities, youth programs, safety, and infrastructure at Maple Grove — which could benefit NHRA events indirectly (better facilities) but might prioritize IHRA-sanctioned series more over time.
– Risk of losing NHRA national event status: If IHRA pushes its own professional or divisional series harder, or if negotiations sour, NHRA could eventually relocate the Northeast playoff-opener event (historically a high-attendance, record-setting race at Maple Grove). However, this is speculative—no such indications exist yet.
– Precedent from other tracks: Some IHRA-owned facilities host both sanctioning bodies’ events peacefully, while others lean more toward IHRA. Maple Grove’s strong NHRA history (hosting nationals since 1985, consistent sellouts under recent ownership) makes it a valuable venue, reducing the likelihood of abrupt changes.
– Positive side: New ownership could bring fresh marketing, upgrades, and energy, potentially boosting attendance and the overall experience for NHRA fans and teams.

In summary, no NHRA races are canceled or threatened right now—the 2026 event appears secure, and the change could even enhance the track. More details on programming and initiatives are promised in the coming months. If you’re planning to attend future events, keep an eye on official NHRA and Maple Grove announcements for any updates!