A Historic Shift in the Staging Lanes: IHRA Names Leah Martin President

If you listen closely to the rumble coming from the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) headquarters, you’ll hear something different in the mix. It’s not just the sound of high-horsepower engines. It’s the sound of barriers breaking and history being made.

In a move that’s shaking up the motorsports landscape in the best way possible, the IHRA has officially handed the keys to Leah Martin, naming her the new President. This isn’t just a staffing update; it’s a massive signal of intent from the organization as they gear up for the future.

A New Voice at the Helm of the IHRA

Let’s be real for a second, racing has traditionally been a bit of a “boys’ club.” But the times, they are a-changin’. With this announcement, Leah Martin becomes the first female President of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. That is a headline in itself.

But if you talk to CEO Darryl Cuttell, he’ll tell you this wasn’t about checking a box. It was about finding the absolute best person to steer the ship. “The fact that she is a woman breaking new ground in motorsports is a bonus,” Cuttell noted. “But it’s her capability, not her gender, that makes her the right leader.”

And he’s right. Martin isn’t stepping into this role green. She’s been in the trenches, recently working on the internal development of the IHRA, aligning operations, and prepping the organization for its next chapter.

From the Water to the Tarmac

You might be wondering, where does a leader like this come from? Martin’s resume is as diverse as the racing classes she’s now overseeing. Before she was managing staging lanes, she was the Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.

If you aren’t familiar, that is the largest powerboating event in the world. We’re talking about massive logistics, high stakes, safety protocols, and managing an army of volunteers. If you can handle the chaos of thousands of horsepower on the water, you can handle it on the drag strip.

Beyond the track and the water, she cut her teeth in the non-profit world, holding leadership roles with the American Lung Association. That might seem like a left turn, but think about it: guiding statewide initiatives and aligning diverse stakeholders? That’s exactly what a sanctioning body needs. It’s about people management, and Martin clearly has that down to a science.

A Racer-First Mindset

What should get drivers and teams excited is Martin’s philosophy. She’s coming in with a “racer-first” mindset. In an industry that can sometimes feel bogged down by politics and red tape, hearing a President talk about collaboration and support is a breath of fresh air (or perhaps, a breath of fresh nitro).

“Motorsports thrive when organizations work together, when teams feel supported, and when there is alignment with a shared mission,” Martin said regarding her appointment.

She’s looking to unify the IHRA disciplines. And remember, the IHRA isn’t just drag racing anymore. We’re talking offshore powerboats, stock cars, tractor pulling—it’s a massive, multi-discipline beast. Martin’s job is to make sure all those moving parts are firing in the same firing order.

The Mom with the “Coolest Job in the World”

Here is where the story gets some real warmth. Behind the executive title and the strategic vision, Leah Martin is a mom. Supported by her husband, Justin, and their three kids, she’s balancing the high-octane IHRA world with family life.

There’s a great little detail that came out of the announcement: her two boys tell everyone their mom has “the coolest job in the world.” And honestly? They’re right.

It’s that kind of grounding that often makes for the best leadership. The ability to manage the pressure of a national organization while still being a hero to your kids speaks volumes about character.

Looking Down the Track

As we look toward the 2026 season and beyond, the IHRA seems to be finding its footing in a new era of stability. The appointment of Leah Martin isn’t just a win for diversity in sports; it’s a win for competence, operational discipline, and strategic growth.The engines are fired up, the lights are dropping, and Leah Martin is in the driver’s seat. It’s going to be a fun ride to watch.