The International Hot Rod Association has acquired IHRA Australia, bringing drag racing operations in Australia and New Zealand under its ownership and uniting the sanctioning body’s global strategy from its Fairfield headquarters.
The move formally aligns IHRA’s Asia-Pacific presence with its United States leadership, creating a unified platform at a time when the sanctioning body is experiencing renewed momentum. The expansion comes during a successful season of the Outlaw Nitro Series, which has positioned the IHRA as a revitalized player in professional and grassroots drag racing.
IHRA officials confirmed that local operations in Australia and New Zealand will remain intact. Licensing, membership and regulatory responsibilities will continue in each country, while competitors will also be recognized as global IHRA members.
The Asia-Pacific headquarters will stay in Australia, ensuring continuity and local engagement. Maurice Allen will continue in his role as managing director of IHRA Australia, where he will oversee the transition and maintain stability in the region.
“This is a game-changer,” Allen said. “With Darryl Cuttell’s track record, including the purchase of seven iconic motorsport facilities in the USA and his dynamic vision for the sport, there’s no doubt this will take drag racing in our region to the next level.”
Allen said the deal offers long-term stability for racers, teams and facilities. He added that both grassroots competitors and professional organizations will benefit from a stronger connection to the IHRA’s global network.
For IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell, the acquisition is part of a larger push to strengthen drag racing worldwide. Since taking control of the sanctioning body, Cuttell has invested heavily in infrastructure, branding and operations to reestablish IHRA as a major force in motorsports.
“Bringing Australia and New Zealand fully into the IHRA family was an obvious move,” Cuttell said. “Our commitment is backed by substantial investment to support clubs, teams, venues and competitors throughout the region. I look forward to visiting soon and sharing our detailed vision for the future of drag racing in the Asia-Pacific.”
The acquisition highlights IHRA’s effort to expand beyond its traditional U.S. footprint. The Outlaw Nitro Series has been a springboard for the sanctioning body’s revival, attracting attention from fans and competitors with Pro and Pro-Am showcases across the United States.
IHRA leaders say they intend to bring that same energy to the international stage. By strengthening ties between hemispheres, the organization believes it can foster greater collaboration, expand competition opportunities and give drag racing a stronger global presence.
“This is not just about expansion, it’s about connection,” Cuttell said. “We want every racer and fan to feel part of the same IHRA family, whether they’re competing in the United States, Australia, New Zealand or anywhere else the sport continues to grow.”
The deal reinforces IHRA’s position in a competitive drag racing landscape where international recognition is increasingly valuable. With unified branding and coordinated operations, IHRA sees itself better positioned to meet the needs of sponsors, venues and racers on both professional and grassroots levels.
As IHRA continues to push forward with its Countdown-style Outlaw Nitro Series in the U.S., the sanctioning body now looks to replicate its growth model internationally. The expansion into Australia and New Zealand, leaders say, provides a strong foundation for what they view as a long-term global strategy.
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