New IHRA Stock Car Series Revives the Spirit of Grassroots Racing

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced the launch of the new IHRA Stock Car Series. This isn’t just another racing division; it’s a heartfelt return to the very soul of grassroots racing. It’s about putting the spotlight back on the driver, where skill and strategy trump the size of your wallet.

For too long, the dream of competing on a national stage has been just that—a dream—for many talented local racers. The “arms race” of bigger budgets and more expensive builds has created a barrier to entry that feels almost insurmountable. The IHRA is tearing that barrier down.

What is the IHRA Stock Car Series All About?

At its core, the new IHRA series is designed for the racers. It’s a throwback to a time when ingenuity and teamwork in the garage were just as important as speed on the track. The series is built on a simple, yet powerful, foundation:

• Affordable Racing: A simplified and cost-controlled rules package means teams are encouraged to out-think, not out-spend, their rivals. This levels the playing field and makes the sport accessible again.
• Fair Competition: Transparent standards ensure that every driver has a fair shot at victory. It’s about wheel-to-wheel action, not checkbook racing.
• A National Platform: For the first time, local heroes will have a chance to shine on a national stage, competing at iconic IHRA partner tracks from the Southeast to the Midwest.

IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell put it best: “We’re bringing stock car racing back to its roots. This is racing that rewards driver skill, smart setups, and teamwork—not massive budgets. It’s exactly the kind of competition fans love, and competitors deserve.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the pure, unadulterated joy of short-track racing.

A Vision For the Future Of Motorsports

This new series is a cornerstone of the IHRA’s expanding vision for motorsports. Following recent ventures into powerboat racing and truck and tractor pulling, the IHRA is building a unified ecosystem that celebrates the grassroots competitor. It’s about creating a family-first environment where the passion for racing can be passed down through generations.

Tim Horton, the IHRA Stock Car Series Director, shares this passion. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “From the top down, we’re racers — not MBA grads. We understand the challenges today’s racers face, and every decision we make puts racers and fans ahead of profits.”

That statement alone speaks volumes. It’s a promise to the community that the people at the helm have grease under their fingernails and racing in their blood. They get it.

The Inaugural Season: What To Expect

The excitement kicks off in March 2026, with an eight-race schedule that promises thrilling action across some of the region’s most beloved tracks. Racers will be battling for their share of a whopping $2,000,000 purse, a figure that shows the IHRA is serious about investing in its competitors.

Here’s where the action will be:

• March 21: Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA
• April 18: Cordele Speedway, GA
• May 30: Newport Speedway, TN
• June 27: Anderson Motor Speedway, SC
• July 25: Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA
• August 22: Salem Speedway, IN
• September 26: Newport Speedway, TN
• October 17: Memphis Motorsports Park, TN

This is more than just a schedule; it’s a tour through the heartland of American racing. For drivers, it’s a chance to prove themselves. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness the rebirth of authentic, passionate stock car competition. The IHRA is not just launching a series; it’s reigniting a spirit. And for anyone who loves the roar of an engine and the thrill of a photo finish, it’s a beautiful thing to see.