Mike McIntire drove the Mac Attack Funny Car to a breakthrough victory Sunday, becoming the first IHRA Funny Car winner since 2008. McIntire, who qualified No. 1, defeated three-time nitro champion Del Worsham in the final round at Darana Raceway.
McIntire’s path to the title also included wins over Jody Stroud and Jack Wyatt before lining up against Worsham, the 1992 champion and a driver he called a legend. The win came just weeks after McIntire lost his father and on the eve of a family vacation he delayed to compete.
“I don’t know,” McIntire said at the finish line. “You know, this is crazy. It’s a lot to take in. We had a lot of success with IHRA back in the nostalgia days and it is super cool winning a big show, you know?”
McIntire said competing and winning in the nitro Funny Car ranks carried special meaning compared to his past nostalgia-class success. “Yeah, it’s huge,” he said. “These things are a lot of work and everybody worked their butts off and it’s just, it’s crazy. I have no words right now.”
He emphasized the significance of racing Worsham for the trophy. “We raced Del in the finals and, I mean, how cool is that?” McIntire said. “I mean, he’s a legend and, yeah, it’s just been an amazing weekend.”
McIntire credited his crew for keeping the car competitive through every round. The Mac Attack team’s consistent performance mirrored Scott Palmer’s winning effort earlier in the day, as both drivers triumphed from the No. 1 qualifying position.
When asked about the next step, McIntire said he plans to race again when the series returns in September to Columbus. “We’ll probably be back down here in September for the next IHRA race,” he said.
For McIntire, hoisting the Ironman trophy — the IHRA’s signature prize — was another milestone. “Oh, it’s going to be great,” he said. “I cannot wait to give that thing a big kiss.”
After an emotional weekend, McIntire said his celebration would be a quiet one with his family. “I’m going to celebrate with my wife and kids on vacation,” he said.
The win capped a significant weekend for independent teams, with McIntire demonstrating that smaller operations can still contend against championship-caliber talent. He became the first Funny Car driver to win in IHRA national event competition since the series revived the class this year.
McIntire’s victory also highlighted his perseverance through personal and professional challenges, from mourning his father to making last-minute changes to his family plans to stay and race. The delayed vacation seemed a small price for a career-defining moment.
For McIntire, sharing the final round with Worsham made the result even more meaningful. “He’s a legend,” McIntire said again, shaking his head. “It’s just been an amazing weekend.”
IHRA officials expect McIntire’s presence at the next national event in Milan, Michigan, where he will have the opportunity to extend his winning streak. The Mac Attack Funny Car has long been regarded as one of the top-performing independent entries in the sport.
Sunday’s performance reinforced that reputation as McIntire delivered consistent, quick runs in every round. In the final, he held off Worsham with a clean pass that brought the crowd to its feet.
McIntire’s focus now shifts to enjoying his delayed vacation with his family before preparing for the next race. But he made clear the Ironman trophy won’t be far from his mind — or his hands.
“I cannot wait to give that thing a big kiss,” McIntire said, smiling as he cradled the trophy.
