2026 IHRA schedule and other info
- Thread starter Ponyhntr
- Start date
Rocket Man
Nitro Member
the haters will still complain even with 3 times the payment of an NHRA National and 1000 ft for the 3 races.
Chili
Nitro Member
This is an obvious attempt by IHRA to grab the NHRA Nitro racers. Two of the events are close in distance to an NHRA event hoping to get racers on their way. Maple Grove in sandwiched between Chicago and Maryland, Columbus between Bristol and Norwalk. The interesting one is Memphis which is the same weekend as Martin Michigan and the start of the countdown. I think the first two could get some big name cars but anybody in the countdown for the championship will probably not run Memphis.
I don’t think IHRA will get the NHRA racers they think they will. Most touring cars have set budgets already. Running two more races cost a lot more money. Even winning an event doesn’t necessarily mean a profitable weekend. Now winning all three races and a Million dollars would. It also requires more time on the road. Running the first two events would make it 7 straight weekends racing.
I also think
That was Last year's excuse.
ironpony
Nitro Member
Start of the countdown so the teams that are out could go IHRA and make some "easy" money. Already have money to run just spend it on IHRA and miss an NHRA event.
Chili
Nitro Member
All touring cars make the countdown. Plus in most cases, their contracts stipulate they need to run all the races on the tour. It makes sense for any team not running the entire tour to run those three races. Not sure I would call it “easy” money. Winning the event doesn’t guarantee a profitable weekend. Most likely making 5 runs and damaging an engine or a body you might still lose money.
I’m not trying to rag on IHRA for doing this. I just don’t think the announcement this late into offseason and the dates selected is going to entice the regulars one for three events. I’m sure we will see some at the first two events because it’s a chance to race. But it takes finances and commitment from your entire team. Doug Kalitta could definitely do it with a self funded car. But is he going to be running it during the first race of the countdown with the NHRA race in Michigan even if they won the first two events? I can’t speak for Doug but I doubt it.
If that third race was on a open NHRA weekend then I think there could be more reason to race them.
I will complain about the purpose of what IHRA is doing. They have said multiple times that they are designed for the racers and the sport as a whole. But all the moves they are doing seems to be done with intent to hurt the other racing series. All the Pro Mod classes along with TS and TD going 1/8 mile with larger payouts is going to seriously hurt the PDRA and the MWDRS. Tell me why any of them would not run IHRA? Doing damage to other series’s isn’t good for racing or the racers. Now many of these moves seem to be done to hurt NHRA. Bankrupting NHRA or any of the other sanctions isn’t better for the racers, fans or tracks. How would the drag racing landscape look like if IHRA is the only series left in 5 years? The racers might be paid more money which is overall a good thing but all the lower funded teams would find themselves in the same position they have been the last 15 years. As a fan I don’t care what organization I follow. Yes I don’t want it to be 1/8 mile but if IHRA is the only series and they are running 1000’, I will go watch races if that is where the stars are. The sport as a whole is better when there are multiple organizations that are successful. I believe the poor car counts the last 15 years is because NHRA was the only option. With IHRA back, I would like to think we could see new cars being built and hopefully we can get back to 30-40 active nitro cars in both classes. I think if IHRA has their way, they would destroy NHRA and be the only option. Be careful what you wish for.
They are on both schedules. Which one will not happen?
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