Drivers and crew members aren’t the only ones going through a “Silly Season” in the off-season. The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has been busy acquiring some new racing facilities.
On December 23, the IHRA has purchased Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park. The facility features a drag strip, 1.77 mile road course, and a ¾ mile tri-oval short track.
The IHRA says that the complex will be a “multi-use” facility; it will support drag racing, stock car racing, grassroots motorsports events, and other events.
IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell spoke on the Memphis racing complex saying, “this is a special place in American motorsports. This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
IHRA President Leah Martin added, “this acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series Daniel Horton concluded, “Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts. Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young also spoke on the racing complex saying, “this investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future. IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”
On an apparent buying spree, the IHRA has also purchased Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. Just under a mile, the oval track is one of the oldest tracks on the NASCAR circuit.
Rockingham Speedway has been the recipient of a restoration project that includes a repaving of the track.
With acquisition of the track, the IHRA intends to expand upon those recent upgrades including adding other entertainment elements and expanded fan amenities.
NASCAR will be running their ARCA Menards, Craftsman Truck, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on April 3 and 4.
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell said, “IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world. This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
He added, “thisisn’t about changing what made Rockingham special. It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
Best known for their drag races, late last year, the IHRA announced a new short oval track stock car racing series.
Launching in 2026, the first season will feature eight races with two divisions – late model sportman and pro late model.
With a $2 million total purse, the opening and closing races will pay $25,000 for the winners of the late model sportman class and $10,000 for the remaining races.
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.”
Cuttell 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:
A cost-effective structure – encouraging racers to out-think rather than out-spend their competition.
Fair rules that keep the field level.
A welcoming entry point for new racers
A sustainable pathway for teams and tracks.
A robust, live broadcastingplatform to help racers secure sponsorships.”
The 2026 IHRA Stock Car Series Schedule:
March 21 at Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA
April 18 at Cordele Speedway, GA
May 30 at Newport Speedway, TN
June 27 at Anderson Motor Speedway, SC
July 25 21 at Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA
Aug 22 at Salem Speedway, IN
Sept 26 at Newport Speedway, TN
Oct 17 at Memphis Motorsports Park, TN