Inside IHRA: Classes, Tracks, And The New Grassroots Push

In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show

Nitro belongs to the people who build the cars, tow the trailers, and wrench late into the night—and that’s exactly where we start. We sit down with IHRA Division Director Doug Foley to unpack how a racer-led sanctioning body is rebuilding big-league drag racing around access, value, and raw excitement. Think eight-car nitro fields, a clean two-day show, and five passes to a $50,000 purse—designed to cut costs without cutting thrills.
Doug takes us inside IHRA’s class lineup, from Top Fuel Funny Car and Top Fuel to Pro Mod, Top Alcohol, and the fan-favorite Mountain Motor Pro Stock. He explains why IHRA’s rules hew close enough to NHRA for cross-compatibility while staying flexible for teams sidelined by expensive mandates. We also dig into the hidden economics of safety recertifications and how smarter formats reduce parts attrition and travel burn, giving privateers a real shot.
One of the biggest shifts: IHRA now owns multiple tracks, including National Trail Raceway, Milan Dragway, and Galot Motorsports Park. Facility ownership creates stability, consistent prep, and better sponsor value. Add in serious member insurance—robust liability, accident coverage, and income protection—and the message is clear: take care of racers and the show gets better for everyone. We map the season opener in Ohio, the World Finals in North Carolina, and tease livestream details so you can watch from anywhere.
If you care about sustainable nitro, big-inch Mountain Motor action, and events built by racers for racers, this conversation is your pit pass. Subscribe, share with your track crew, and leave a review to help more fans find the show. What would you change to make pro drag racing stronger? Tell us—we’re listening.

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants
Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
---- -----
Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?
In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!
Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.
In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:
Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.
Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/
https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime
https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime
For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at
[email protected]

فصول

1. Opening Banter And Show Setup (00:00:00)

2. Introducing IHRA And Guest Issues (00:00:54)

3. IHRA Background And Grassroots Focus (00:03:11)

4. Doug Foley Joins With Stable Connection (00:03:56)

5. IHRA vs NHRA: Schedules And Costs (00:04:21)

6. Nitro Fields And Marquee Classes (00:05:58)

7. Cross-Sanction Compatibility And Mountain Motor (00:07:23)

8. Doug’s Path To IHRA And Track Ownership (00:09:01)

9. Fields, Purses, And Two-Day Show Format (00:10:35)

10. Rules, Safety Costs, And Racer-Friendly Flexibility (00:12:37)

11. Insurance Upgrades And Member Coverage (00:14:36)

12. Season Opener, Finals, And Livestream Plans (00:15:52)

13. Wrap With Doug And Segment Tease (00:17:03)

14. Racing Calendar Highlights (00:17:40)

15. This Week In Auto History (00:19:15)

16. Auto News: Robo-Taxis And Return-To-Office (00:22:21)

17. Event Promos And Show Close (00:25:25)