The International Hot Rod Association has acquired Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, adding another historic facility to its expanding portfolio of owned racetracks. The purchase underscores IHRA’s strategy of direct investment in venues as it seeks long-term stability and control over its competitive landscape.
Heartland Motorsports Park has been a fixture in Midwest racing for more than six decades. While the IHRA listed in their statement the track opened in 1963. the current multi-discipline facility that hosted drag racing, road racing, karting, motocross, and major special events came in 1989.
Over the years, Heartland became synonymous with national-level drag racing and large-scale motorsports programming. Its size and versatility helped establish it as one of the region’s most recognizable racing destinations.
The Topeka acquisition follows IHRA’s recent purchase of Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania. Together, the additions reflect a deliberate shift toward track ownership as a foundation for IHRA’s future.
IHRA officials have described facility ownership as central to a racer-first philosophy. Controlling infrastructure allows the sanctioning body to invest directly in safety, consistency, and long-term improvements rather than relying on short-term event agreements.
With the Heartland purchase, IHRA is positioning the Topeka property as more than a standalone racetrack. The organization said the long-term objective is to transform the venue into a year-round destination that blends motorsports with entertainment and community engagement.
Darryl Cuttell, owner of the International Hot Rod Association, said the facility’s history and scale made it uniquely suited for redevelopment. “Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” Cuttell said. “It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”
IHRA leadership views Heartland as complementary to Maple Grove rather than duplicative. Officials believe owning geographically distinct, historically significant tracks strengthens the sanctioning body’s national presence.
The plan for Heartland Motorsports Park includes significant restoration work aimed at modernizing infrastructure without erasing the venue’s identity. Upgrades are expected to prioritize racer functionality, fan access, and multi-use adaptability.
Planned improvements include revitalized drag racing operations and enhanced amenities for competitors and spectators. IHRA said those upgrades are intended to strengthen grassroots racing while supporting higher-level competition.
Beyond racing, the long-term vision calls for expanded motorsports programming and non-racing events. Live music, concerts, and festival-style experiences are expected to become part of the venue’s annual calendar.
Hospitality and vendor areas are also slated for enhancement. IHRA’s goal is to create a facility that remains active beyond race weekends and functions as a regional entertainment hub.
Community engagement is a key component of the redevelopment strategy. IHRA said it intends to host community-focused events designed to boost tourism and generate economic activity in the Topeka area.
“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell said. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”
IHRA officials said renovation planning will begin immediately. Additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules, and local partnerships are expected in the coming months.
For IHRA, the Heartland purchase represents another step in a broader restructuring effort. “Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy,” Cuttell said, “while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”
