International Hot Rod Association is redefining what Pro Stock means within its professional structure, converting its Factory Stock division into the sanctioning body’s modern-era Pro Stock category beginning with the 2026 season. The new class will operate alongside IHRA’s long-standing Mountain Motor Pro Stock division, creating two distinct interpretations of Pro Stock under the same umbrella.
Under the revised structure, IHRA Pro Stock will focus on factory-built, supercharged platforms rather than the large-displacement, naturally aspirated engines that define Mountain Motor competition. The category will feature the Chevrolet COPO Camaro, Dodge Drag Pak, and Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.
IHRA officials said the change reflects both manufacturer involvement and the direction of contemporary factory performance programs. The class is designed to preserve factory identity while delivering consistent performance and a recognizable product for fans.
The move is not without historical context. Early in IHRA’s rebirth, the organization introduced a 500-cubic-inch Pro Stock division, but the category was later dropped due to limited participation and sustainability challenges.
Unlike that earlier effort, the new IHRA Pro Stock category will be governed by SFI specifications that establish clear performance parameters. Because of those standards, cars in the class will be restricted to elapsed times no quicker than 7.50 seconds.
“This move represents our continued commitment to professional drag racing and the evolution of IHRA competition,” IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell said. “Pro Stock strengthens our platform, delivers incredible performance, and gives fans the type of racing they expect at the highest level.”
IHRA Pro Stock will be fully integrated into both of the organization’s premier championship platforms. The class will compete in the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series and the IHRA Triple Crown Series, expanding opportunities for exposure, championship contention, and prize money.
Officials said the dual-series approach is intended to give teams flexibility while establishing Pro Stock as a consistent national presence. The integration also allows racers to pursue multiple titles within a single season.
The 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series schedule opens March 19–21 at Darana Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina. The series will also visit Virginia Motorsports Park, Montgomery International Dragway, Milan–Darana Dragway, Empire Dragway, Darana Dragway 42, Heartland Motorsports Park, and conclude with the IHRA World Finals at a location to be announced.
The IHRA Triple Crown Series will consist of three events at Darana-Maple Grove Raceway, Darana-National Trail Raceway, and Darana-Memphis Motorsports Park. A racer who wins all three events will earn a $1 million bonus.
Payouts are structured to reward both event success and season-long consistency. Outlaw Nitro Series Pro Stock winners will earn $10,000 per event, with payouts extending through the quarterfinal round, while the series champion will receive $25,000.
Triple Crown events will pay $20,000 to the winner, with payouts extending through first round. The $1 million bonus is reserved for any driver who sweeps all three Triple Crown events.
IHRA will continue its racer-focused event model for Pro Stock competitors. Benefits include complimentary crew member passes, free ice during race weekends, and hosted dinners on Thursday and Friday nights.
Events will follow a standardized format with parking and setup on Thursday, qualifying on Friday, eliminations on Saturday, and Sunday reserved as a travel or rain date. The Pro Stock entry fee will be $300 per event.
Technical oversight will include inspection of all superchargers and pulleys to maintain competitive balance. IHRA officials said consistent enforcement is central to the class’s long-term viability.
“With structured competition, defined performance limits, and meaningful payouts, IHRA Pro Stock is positioned to become a cornerstone of our professional racing platform,” Cuttell said.
