The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has been in a relatively constant state of flux for awhile, all in a series of efforts to serve its passionate community of racers and fans. Earlier this fall, it announced restructuring changes to multiple divisions. Now, it’s looking at all new leadership, with an announcement in at the 2024 Performance Racing Industry show early December 2024 that Owner-Operator of Darana Hybrid, Darryl Cuttel, was buying the organization from Larry Jeffers.
Cuttell is a racer as well as a businessman, and looks at this purchase as a chance to re-invigorate the organization. Darana Hybrid’s sponsorship will allow for the return of Nitro Jam and the Pro-Am events, as well as an increase in the purses in the IHRA SuperSeries.
“The IHRA isn’t just some hobby. It’s a business that I’m passionate about,” Cuttell said. “This is a needed move for the drag racing community. We’re going to start by building on the foundation of Sportsman racing and returning the IHRA to its former glory.”
The deal is reported to have kicked off at the PRI Show prior, where the original Darana Hybrida IHRA sponsorship was announced the Saturday of the show. Days later, IHRA President Kenny Nowling had another big announcement: new ownership from the same saving grace. “This is a dream come true. The entire IHRA team is going to work around the clock to return the IHRA to its former glory,” Nowling said. “This is such incredible news for our IHRA track partners, racers, marketing partners and fans.”
The IHRA also has another big announcement coming in January 2, 2025, so stay tuned!
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