The International Hot Rod Association returns to open professional competition this weekend, launching its Nitro Outlaw Series at the refurbished National Trail Raceway outside Columbus, and there appear to be more questions than answers. The event marks the IHRA’s first professional race under new ownership and leadership, showcasing Top Fuel, Funny Car, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Pro Modified, Nitro Harley, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and full sportsman classes.
National Trail Raceway, now owned by IHRA principal Darryl Cuttel, underwent extensive upgrades over the winter to prepare for the season opener. Vice president and race director Doug Foley Jr. said the revamped series is designed to complement — not compete with — the NHRA.
Foley is prepared to answer those questions.
“This is the first step,” Foley said. “It’s crawl before you walk, and reality’s starting to set in. The support we’ve had behind us already has been incredible.”
Foley said he and IHRA President Josh Peake crafted the event with entertainment in mind, limiting professional fields to eight cars per class to deliver a tight, engaging program for fans. “People don’t want to sit in the stands for 12 hours,” he said. “We want to put on a show that keeps the fans intrigued from start to finish.”
The program will feature two qualifying sessions on Friday, with pro and sportsman eliminations throughout Saturday. Foley said he and Peake removed their status as officials, choosing to analyze the upcoming event, with the idea to build a show he and Peake themselves would enjoy.
“If we were sitting at a racetrack and wanted to watch a show, what classes would we have? That’s how we built this,” Foley said.
The professional lineup includes an estimated 14 Mountain Motor Pro Stock entries, along with Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod, Pro Nitrous, and Top Fuel Harleys. Teams can enter at the gate, so final counts will not be known until race day.
Foley emphasized the IHRA’s focus on accessibility and entertainment, highlighting the personalities of the drivers and the thrill of racing under the lights. “Part of it is the fact we’re in the entertainment business,” he said. “The personalities and stories need to be told, and running nitro cars under the lights every week just makes sense to us.”
Pre-event ticket sales have been steady, but Foley expects a strong walk-up crowd, citing weather concerns as a factor. “The forecast isn’t exactly playing in our favor, but we know fans will show up,” he said.
Foley said PBR, a partner through driver Scott Palmer, will host a Thursday night promotional event at its Columbus bar with drivers signing autographs.
Foley acknowledged the first event won’t be perfect and urged racers and fans to be patient. “We know we’re not going to be perfect,” he said.
“There will be hurdles, but we’re going to work with everyone and continue improving. The NHRA sets the standard, and we’re just trying to give racers another place to compete and have fun.”
Customer service has been a key focus for the rejuvenated IHRA’s leadership team.
“We’ve really been hammering home to our staff that this is about being grateful,” Foley said. “There are 150 racetracks in this country they could race at this weekend, but they chose to come race with us. That means a lot.”
National Trail Raceway has seen substantial renovations in preparation for the event. The racing surface was ground over the winter, with extensive sealing and striping in the pit areas. Wi-Fi now covers the property, the tower and suites were renovated, and new paving was added throughout the facility, including return roads and entrance roads.
Foley said new grandstands, fencing, lighting, and improved timing systems round out the list of upgrades. “Basically everything is new or redone,” he said. “We wanted to make sure the track was as good as the show we’re putting on.”
The track’s Compulink timing system has been completely rewired and updated, while track prep will be overseen by Brandon Mass under the guidance of Peake and Jeff Parker.
Foley said the ultimate goal is simple: to revitalize the IHRA and re-establish it as a viable platform for professional and sportsman racers.
“We’re not here to take over or attempt to take over drag racing,” he said. “We believe a strong IHRA only makes the sport better, and that’s what we’re working toward — giving racers a place where they feel appreciated and putting on a great show for the fans.”
The IHRA Nitro Outlaw Series begins Friday at National Trail Raceway with qualifying, followed by eliminations Saturday.
