Ohio driver Phil Esz will make his International Hot Rod Association debut this weekend in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class at Darana Raceway, as the revived series opens its Outlaw Nitro Series.
Esz, already the 2025 NHRA East Region champion, has collected three regional wins this season and now turns his focus to adding an IHRA national event to his resume.
“Got to see what the IHRA can do, got to support it,” Esz said of his decision to enter the first IHRA national event in over a decade.
The series has drawn interest from competitors by featuring alcohol funny cars in prime spots and partnering with streaming platform Speed Sport to boost exposure.
Esz, of Amelia, Ohio, noted the proximity of Darana Raceway — just two hours from his home and race shop — made the IHRA events an attractive option. “I’ve got multiple races near me worth running,” he said, also pointing to upcoming races at Milan Dragway and Dragway 42.
Veteran tuner Les Davenport, who calls the shots on Esz’s UltraSonic LLC-backed funny car, supports the effort. “Les Davenport is excited about and encouraged me to participate,” Esz said.
Davenport recently helped Esz qualify No. 1 at a national event, showing the team’s readiness to contend at any venue.
The IHRA winner this weekend will claim not only prize money but also the distinction of being the first alcohol funny car winner at an IHRA national event in more than 10 years.
Esz said he has his eyes on the series’ signature Ironman trophy and hopes to join names like Mark Thomas on the list of IHRA alcohol funny car winners.
Qualifying begins Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern, with a second session at 7 p.m. Elimination rounds start Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by the semifinals and final later in the evening.
