Could it be a coincidence that NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, former Cup Series owner, and co-creator of the SRX Racing Series is also a champion NHRA dragster winner???
The NHRA – National Hot Rod Association – has announced an addition to their drag racing series with an eight week short track oval stock car racing series.
Featuring two divisions – late model sportsman and pro late model – the new series has a $2 million purse over the course of the eight week series. The season opener and final race in the series will pay $25,000 in the late model sportsman division. The remaining races will pay $10,000 each to the winners.
In a press release, IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell said, “we’re bringing stock car racing back to its roots. This is racing that rewards driver skill, smart setups, and teamwork—not massive budgets. It’s exactly the kind of competition fans love, and competitors deserve.”
He added, “unlike many modern series, the IHRA Stock Car Series is intentionally engineered to avoid the “arms race” of high-cost builds and spending wars. Instead, it prioritizes:”
The series will feature…
encouraging drivers to “out-think” each other
keep a level field
a welcoming entry for new drivers
a sustainable pathway
and “a robust, live broadcasting platform to help racers secure sponsorships.”
The 2026 IHRA Stock Car Series Schedule:
March 21 at Pulaski Motorsports Park in VA
April 18 at Cordele Speedway in GA
May 30 at Newport Speedway in TN
June 27 at Anderson Motor Speedway in SC
July 25 at Pulaski Motorsports Park in VA
Aug 22 at Salem Speedway in IN
Sept 26 at Newport Speedway in TN
Oct 17 at Memphis Motorsports Park in TN