Hard as it is to believe, the 2008 racing season is drawing to a close. The good news, however, is that the off-season will get a high-powered kick-off when the IHRA faithful gather at the Great Wolf Lodge to honor this season’s champions and do a little howling at the moon in the process.

Located north of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, adjacent to Kings Island, Great Wolf Lodge is a first-class, full-service family destination resort and conference center, designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the north woods.

Hard as it is to believe, the 2008 racing season is drawing to a close. The good news, however, is that the off-season will get a high-powered kick-off when the IHRA faithful gather at the Great Wolf Lodge to honor this season’s champions and do a little howling at the moon in the process.

Located north of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, adjacent to Kings Island, Great Wolf Lodge is a first-class, full-service family destination resort and conference center, designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the north woods.

The hotel’s 93,000 square-foot indoor entertainment area features the 79,000 square-foot Bear Track Landing, one of America's largest indoor waterparks, featuring 11 waterslides: two body slides, three tube slides, four kiddie slides, and the new water rollercoaster ride and Cannonbowl tube ride.

Fort Mackenzie, an interactive tree house water fort features a nearly 1,000-gallon tipping water bucket which pours out 380,000 gallons of heated water daily.

In addition, there are six pools: a gigantic wave pool, recreation pool, zero-depth entry children's pool, lazy river, adult whirlpool, and family whirlpool. Nearly 100 lifeguards nationally certified by Ellis & Associates will oversee waterpark safety.

And that’s just the beginning. There’s lots to do and plenty of places to explore at Great Wolf Lodge and the surrounding area. Here are just a few of the activities and attractions available:

Texas Hold’em poker tournament. 10:00 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Seating begins at 9:30 a.m.




There will be four separate races, and it will cost $1.00 per race to enter, with the winner taking all. Winner and runner-up of each race advance to an eight-person final race. Races are at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and the final race will take place at 5:00 p.m.




Saturday, between 5 and 10 p.m., the Science of Racings folks will host a pizza party for the kids. Adult supervision will be provided, so let your kids relax and have some fun during the banquet.

The Science of Racing is a non-profit informal science education organization committed to inspiring kids and their families to discover the excitement of the sciences while contributing to the nation's development of its human resource. Through innovative exhibits, programs, and services - that tie the thrill of auto racing to the engineering that literally fuels it –the organization hopes to make a real difference in our nation and in the lives of all those they reach.




One of the premier attractions in Ohio is the United States Air Force Museum, located at historic Wright Field near Dayton. It is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world.

The Museum uses both chronological and subjective layouts to tell the exciting story of aviation development from the days of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk to the Space Age. Exhibits include over 200 aircraft and missiles, plus family oriented and historically interesting aeronautical displays.

All exhibits and displays are well identified to permit touring without guides. Documentary films are shown free in Carney Auditorium on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Saturday morning would be a perfect time to make the short trip to Dayton, and banquet goers are encouraged to visit this awe-inspiring museum.


God Speed Ministry is hosting a racer celebration Friday, immediately following the Sportsman Awards Banquet.  The evening will include an entertainment group, refreshments, and plenty of fun with an “Open Mic Night” available to all.

God Speed would like to invite IHRA family members of all ages to share in the night with talents, jokes, stories, memories, and, if you’re brave enough, maybe even a song or two.  We know that many families will be in attendance to enjoy the indoor water park facility and want to include the children in this celebration. 

GSM is also compiling pictures from the 2008 season to be played during the ‘Celebrate” event. Pictures from the season or of the IHRA family in general are welcome. To submit pictures, please email photos to renee@godspeedministry.com . Captions for all submitted photos are encouraged. All “family safe” photos are welcomed, so be creative!

As mentioned, these are just a few of the activities scheduled for the 38th annual IHRA Awards Banquet, so make your plans now, and get ready to unleash your wild side and run with the wolves!

For more information, including a detailed weekend schedule and links to ticket purchasing, room reservations, and directions, click here:  2008 Banquet Info