IHRA Going Down – Again?

Darryl Cuttell’s quick assumption of IHRA assets, his added venues, added classes and pretty much added everything made this writer think about other series takeovers and how long they lasted. Cuttell’s didn’t even make it to two years and made us think about so many others that showed up, spent and left disaster in their wake.

This past weekend, as NHRA conducted its 12th race of a 20-contest season at Pacific Raceways, all officials on the other side of the fence at IHRA were told their services were no longer required. Why would they be when IHRA had already cancelled most of its series’ dates? 

From here, one has to wonder about the facilities Mr Cuttell has purchased and whether they’ve been paid-for and escrow closed? What happens to the employees of these circuits? The equipment purchased to put cars on the track and service vehicles? Well, one team owner was approached to purchase IHRA’s assets, such as they might be. But not directly.

As reported by Drag Illustrated, its founder Wes Buck was approached by Cuttell. Perhaps IHRA’s current “owner” didn’t realize that media companies exist in a less exalted lifestyle than team owners, so Buck contacted someone who might have the wherewithal to take over the sanctioning organization. After all, he owns the largest drag racing team in this country: Richard Freeman and Elite Motorsports.

Freeman had been eyeing the events around IHRA’s rise from the ashes, its extravagant plans for 2025, 2026 and next season. He was the right person to contact and, perhaps make that purchase. So Freeman, accompanied by his brother Royce and by Wes Buck, went to Ohio to look at what was available and talk with Cuttell about dollars and common sense.

Turns out there was no common sense in this and there was no sale. Cuttell, after some negotiations, told Freeman he had another iron in the fire, but gave no specifics. Freeman was ready to make a deal, but after eight days of talks, it all fell apart.

And that brings us back to square one.  Races have been canceled. The human toll is even worse, when one considers that there were many racers, track executives, track workers, vendors, media members that put their hopes and dreams into this revival. No one has been paid for their work. Wash, rinse, repeat.

“Anyone who is holding their breath for payment, thinks next year is happening, or ever thought for a second this guy was the savior we needed, has no clue,” Richard Freeman told Drag Illustrated after his exchanges with Darryl Cuttell. We’d have to agree.