On Monday, June 29, the IHRA unveiled changes to help put the drag racing sanctioning body on more stable footing by removing four races from its original 2026 schedule.
In the press release, the IHRA announced revisions to its remaining 2026 drag racing schedule as the organization continues making significant investments in its facilities and implementing key initiatives designed to strengthen the future of the series.
While IHRA fully intended to return to Darana Dragway – Milan, Michigan, Empire Dragway in Leicester, N.Y., Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan.; and Atlanta Dragway during the 2026 season, the organization has made the difficult decision to remove those events from the current schedule.
Over the past several months, IHRA has worked closely with local cities, counties, states, and contractors to complete substantial improvements and upgrades at multiple facilities. As these projects progressed, it became clear that the remaining timeline would not allow the organization to deliver the level of quality, professionalism, safety, and fan experience that IHRA expects from its events. Rather than continue delaying decisions or opening facilities that do not meet those standards, IHRA believes it is important to be transparent with its racers, teams, sponsors, and fans.
“We understand many people will be disappointed by this decision, and quite honestly, so are we,” said Dustin Farthing, President of the IHRA. “Our goal must be to build facilities and create experiences that our racers, fans, and communities can be proud of. Working with cities, counties, and contractors on projects of this scale takes time, and we were optimistic about what could be accomplished within our original timeframe.
“At the end of the day, the IHRA has a standard that we intend to uphold. Opening a facility that isn’t ready or doesn’t meet our expectations doesn’t benefit our racers, fans, or partners. Rather than continue pushing timelines back, we felt it was important to make a clear decision and continue the work necessary to ensure these facilities open at the level everyone deserves.”
In addition to facility improvements, IHRA continues to invest heavily in the future of the organization. These efforts include a fully integrated website, an upgraded ticketing platform, enhanced fan engagement tools, improved operational systems, and several behind-the-scenes initiatives designed to elevate the experience for racers, teams, sponsors, and fans alike.
The remainder of the 2026 drag racing season will feature three events:
Aug. 13-15: Dragway 42 – West Salem, Ohio (IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series)
Sept.10-13: Darana Raceway at Maple Grove Park – Mohnton, Pa., (IHRA Triple Crown x2)
October 8–10: Darana Motorsports Park – Benson, N.C., (IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Finals)
IHRA appreciates the patience, understanding, and continued support of its racers, teams, sponsors, and fans throughout this transition. The organization remains focused on completing improvements, strengthening operations, and ensuring future events and facilities meet the standards the IHRA community expects and deserves.
Fans and racers who have already purchased tickets or paid entry fees for affected events will automatically receive a full refund. Refund processing will begin over the next week, and no action is required unless contacted directly by IHRA.
“As President of the IHRA, my responsibility is to do what is best for the long-term success of our organization, our facilities, and the racers, teams, sponsors, and fans who support us,” Farthing said. “Every decision we make will be guided by our commitment to creating first-class experiences that everyone involved can be proud of.”
