MESA, Ariz. — Most drag-racing observers have sat back and watched with optimistic curiosity how Southwest Ohio-based business tycoon Darryl Cuttell is shaping the recently reinvented International Hot Rod Association.
And so far, the consensus is that he is making all the right moves and for the right reasons.
The boilerplate description from IHRA states this “new era” of the time-honored sanctioning body is “dedicated to preserving the sport’s heritage while driving it forward through innovation, inclusion, and a renewed focus on professionalism.
With member tracks and competitors across the U.S. and Canada, the IHRA sanctions drag racing at every level — from grassroots to professional — including Pro-Am sportsman racing, Jr. Dragster, bracket, and heads-up classes like Pro Mod and Top Fuel.
“Now entering The New Era, the IHRA is focused not just on creating world-class racing events but also on elevating the entire racer and fan experience — emphasizing clean presentation, competitive integrity, and a deep respect for the sport. Beyond the track, the IHRA is committed to fostering connections with the skilled trades and technical industries, promoting opportunities for career growth, education, and hands-on involvement in motorsports.”
Funny Car racer Terry Haddock, who earned the final Funny Car championship just before the IHRA eliminated the class in 2008, said, “The new owner’s an amazing guy, and he just loves drag racing and he wants to see it grow. And I applaud him for what he’s doing. We’re trying to support it. He understands it’s a business, and he’s trying to make it better. And when you show up over there, they’re nice to you. They’re kind, and it’s just been a fun experience.
“All the facilities he’s bought, he’s making them beautiful. He is spending the money. He’s in this for the long term, I think, to grow the sport of drag racing,” Haddock said. “It’s a real good opportunity, and again, he’s trying to help and give us a place to race.”
Cuttell hasn’t had trouble finding established — if, in some cases, struggling and low-budgeted – teams to fill his fields. Among the NHRA regulars who have found early success in the IHRA are Top Fuel’s Scott Palmer, Lex Joon, Shawn Reed, and Dan Mercier. Joe Morrison, Jack Wyatt, Dale Creasy, Todd Paton, Smax Smith, Greg Carrillo, and Gary Pritchett are a few of the nitro-class owner-drivers who have competed in the Midwest-based events.
Del Worsham, an NHRA champion in both Top Fuel and Funny Car who has returned to the seat after spending time recently as a team owner, has won twice in three IHRA final rounds so far.
Doug Foley — who began his career in the IHRA, moved to the NHRA, and today has a foot in both sanctioning bodies ‚ said, “It definitely gives a place for the people that didn’t think there was an opportunity in the past to at least get some runs in, get their license, and start entering the sport, which we need. It’ll bring guys that I think I can do it for X amount of dollars, substantially less than you can [in the NHRA]. It gives an opportunity for everybody to try it and hopefully get licensed and hopefully grow the class so we can have more cars. Darryl’s done a good job trying to make you feel comfortable and really showing his appreciation to the drivers and teams.
“I love racing [in the NHRA]. I think it’s badass, but everybody looks for that opportunity to keep the momentum, keep the excitement,” he said.
For those who doubt the level of competition, Foley pointed to the format that gives drivers just two qualifying sessions. “You only got two shots. [At one event,] I don’t even think we were qualified going into Q2 and we went from there to being No. 1. But it doesn’t matter where the track is located, what the sanctioning body is, if you got two shots and you’re not in, that’s some ass-puckerin’ moment.”
Cuttell, who owns and operates a self-described “provider of comprehensive electro-mechanical solutions for the supply-chain sector” called Darana Hybrid, bought the IHRA from Larry Jeffers. He moved the IHRA headquarters to the Cincinnati bedroom community of Fairfield, Ohio. Through the years, it had been based in a variety of cities, including Bristol, Tenn.; Waco, Texas; and Norwalk, Ohio.
His company doubles as multi-year title sponsor of the IHRA and benefactor of significantly increased purses in the IHRA SuperSeries, as well as the return to Nitro Jam and the Pro-Am events. Cuttell calls himself a hands-on business owner, a master electrician, and a member of the Tuscarora Native American Nation who manages his businesses by the Native American Code of Ethics and tradition that touts everyone working together to make the world stronger by generously sharing their collective knowledge. His corporate slogan is “Make It Happen.” He also drag-races a ’70 Chevy Camaro Pro Mod.
And Cuttell has some inevitable challenges, one of which might develop into any unnecessary apprehension, and therefore resistance from the NHRA that has arisen in the past.
“We should all be trying to support it. All the sanctioning bodies need each other,” Haddock said. “Competition promotes growth in any business.”
Foley agreed, saying, “I don’t think there has to be a line drawn in the sand. I think it could be, ‘Let’s go race and we’re supporting the sport,’ which is why we all entered it.”
