Never let it be said the International Hot Rod Association doesn’t know how to make a splash.
At the close of the second day of the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show on Friday, Dec. 12, the IHRA delivered its biggest offseason headline yet.
The IHRA announced its acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., marking a significant milestone for the sport of drag racing and another bold move in the organization’s ongoing resurgence.
“We needed a track on the East Coast, and we have been looking at doing Atco (N.J.) Dragway, and I’m not saying we won’t, but we have been thinking about this,” said longtime Pro Stock racer Larry Morgan, who works closely with IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell as a key advisor. “Billy Jackson and I both reached out to Kenny Koretsky, and I asked him if they’d be interested in selling the track, and he said, ‘Not really.’ I said, ‘Well, if you are, then call me back.’ That’s really how it got started.”
Morgan said Maple Grove’s future schedule remains flexible.
“I can’t answer you if it’s going to be one of the TBA races in the fall, because we have two other places,” Morgan said. “But I will tell you this — this track will be open to NHRA if they want to use it. We don’t want to take their schedule away.”
The NHRA has been the dominant sanctioning body in drag racing for decades, and Morgan made it clear the IHRA has no intention of creating unnecessary friction.
“Here’s the deal — we want to play well with everybody,” Morgan said. “We are not that type. When we bought Columbus (Ohio) National Trail Raceway, we offered them the Jeg’s All-Stars and they chose not to. We don’t have a problem with them.”
“Without NHRA, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. I don’t have any ill feelings toward NHRA. Darryl wants to be friends with everybody.”
Morgan acknowledged the Maple Grove deal will not be the last headline-making move from the organization.
“There’s a lot of splash that’s coming,” Morgan said. “But this was a pretty good splash.”
Established in the early 1960s, Maple Grove Raceway has earned national recognition as one of the fastest and most respected drag racing venues in the United States.
For generations, it has served as a destination for racers and families, building a legacy rooted in competition, community, and tradition.
Two sanctioning bodies. Two different directions. One goal — to make drag racing stronger. In 2026, NHRA and the rejuvenated IHRA are proving that the sport doesn’t need a war — it needs growth. Bobby Bennett lays it out plain: coexistence beats competition every time.
— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) November 26, 2025
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In April 2022, the Koretsky family purchased Maple Grove Raceway.
Veteran NHRA racer Kenny Koretsky, along with his family — including sons Kenny Jr. and Pro Stock driver Kyle Koretsky — acquired the facility located just outside Reading, Pa.
Under the Koretsky family’s leadership, Maple Grove underwent a period of revitalization, pairing modern operational enhancements with the family-focused culture that has defined the track for decades.
The Koretsky family will continue to play an active role during the transition and in guiding Maple Grove’s future direction.
“This is a track with deep roots and an even stronger future,” Cuttell said. “Maple Grove represents what racing should be — competitive, welcoming, and centered around racers and families.”
“Bringing it under the IHRA umbrella is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to strengthening the sport and investing in its long-term success.”
The Koretsky family emphasized the personal significance of the transition.
“Maple Grove has always been more than a racetrack to our family — it is home, not just for us, but for generations of racers,” the Koretskys said. “Our mission has always been to preserve this facility and ensure it remains a premier racing destination.”
“Seeing Maple Grove join the IHRA family feels like a natural and meaningful next step for the sport.”
“Meeting Darryl and Leah from the IHRA was truly eye-opening. Their vision, work ethic, and genuine passion for racers and fans are unmatched.”
“Their innovative, forward-thinking approach is exactly what this sport has been missing. The IHRA shares our values — making racing affordable, fun, and family-centered.”
“This new chapter is about honoring Maple Grove’s legacy while elevating the experience for future generations.”
The Koretsky family said they look forward to working closely with the IHRA throughout 2026 and beyond.
With IHRA ownership, Maple Grove Raceway is expected to see continued investment in racer-focused services, fan amenities, youth and grassroots development, safety programs, and infrastructure improvements.
The acquisition reinforces IHRA’s broader vision to elevate drag racing at every level while protecting the traditions that have made it a cornerstone of American motorsports.
Additional announcements regarding upcoming events, programming, and future initiatives at Maple Grove Raceway are expected in the coming months.
