The International Hot Rod Association has issued a $100,000 fine or one-year suspension to Mountain Motor Pro Stock racer Chris Powers following what officials described as a violation of participant conduct policies at the IHRA Nitro Outlaw Series finale in Dunn, N.C.
The sanction, announced Wednesday through IHRA’s social media channels, stems from an incident involving a fabricated promotional check that circulated at the event. According to multiple witnesses, the check appeared to represent a $100,000 payout and allegedly was used in photos implying a championship award.
The IHRA said Powers’ actions violated its administrative procedures related to participant conduct and honesty in dealings with the organization.
Parties involved. Chris Powers and Powers Xtreme Motorsports
The International Hot Rod Association hereby issues the following penalties to Chris Powers and Powers Xtreme Motorsports for violations under the administrative procedures and appeals related to participant conduct. Participants at IHRA events are expected at all times to conduct themselves in a professional and non-disruptive manner consistent with good sportsmanship and IHRA’s role as a family-oriented sports organization. All events must remain suitable for attendance by the general public and, when televised, appropriate for unrestricted public viewing.
Any participant who, in the sole and absolute judgment of IHRA, is not honest or truthful in dealings with the association, including without limitation making a false statement or creating, submitting, or posting false writings or documents, including on social media, or who otherwise violates IHRA rules, regulations or agreements, shall be deemed in violation of IHRA’s Participant Policy.
Penalty: This violation carries a maximum penalty of one-year suspension or a $100,000 fine.
Chris Powers and Powers Xtreme Motorsports have the absolute right to appeal the suspension and/or fine within 30 days of the date of service.
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the IHRA Board of Directors.
The penalty is among the largest imposed since the IHRA’s relaunch under new ownership, signaling a firm stance on conduct and integrity. The association’s rulebook allows officials wide discretion to address actions that could reflect negatively on the organization or its events.
For comparison, in 1997, a Pro Stock racer competing in the NHRA Springnationals at National Trail Raceway — a track now owned by the IHRA — was fined $50,000 and suspended for two seasons by NHRA following a nitrous oxide bottle explosion in the pits. That case remains one of the most severe safety-related penalties in drag racing history. Powers’ fine doubles that amount, underscoring the seriousness with which IHRA viewed the conduct violation.
Beyond the incident, the Mountain Motor Pro Stock Association (MMPSA) issued a statement that was published online with a cease-and-desist order against using the group’s logo, which was displayed on the check alongside the IHRA’s. The MMPSA said it had no prior knowledge of the check and sought to prevent confusion about the association’s involvement.
Witnesses told CompetitionPlus.com that the situation began when Powers or a member of his team allegedly produced a mock check intended as a joke or promotional prop. The check, sources said, did not specify its purpose but was interpreted by some as representing a championship award.
At least one media outlet photographed the check after an IHRA official appeared in the background of the image, leading the outlet to post the photo online under the assumption it was legitimate.
IHRA officials quickly clarified that no championship titles had been awarded for the 2025 season and requested that the post be removed. Both the media outlet and the team complied, though screenshots of the image continued to circulate online.
Multiple individuals familiar with the situation said the mock check later appeared in two additional settings, including a photo with IHRA owner Darrell Cuttell and later in the winner’s circle. Witnesses said officials instructed the team to put the check away and directed photographers not to publish related images.
Sources further indicated that a separate exchange between Powers and an IHRA official in the pits may have contributed to the decision to impose sanctions.
Under IHRA policy, Powers and his team have 30 days from the date of notice to appeal the sanction to the organization’s board of directors. Any appeal would be reviewed internally before a final determination is issued.
Within the Mountain Motor Pro Stock community, reaction was mixed. Several racers told CompetitionPlus.com the matter served as a reminder that the sport’s public image is closely tied to professional conduct both on and off the track. Others viewed the enforcement as an example of the sanctioning body’s intent to maintain a family-friendly presentation as it rebuilds its series.
IHRA officials did not provide additional comment beyond the formal statement. CompetitionPlus.com did not seek comment from Powers to avoid turning the matter into a dispute of conflicting accounts.
