The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced the launch of the IHRA Stock Car Series, a new division built to restore the true essence of grassroots stock car racing. The series emphasizes driver talent, balanced competition and cost-controlled rules while delivering a national platform for local racers.

The IHRA Stock Car Series, with a firm commitment to accessible racing, will offer a simplified rules package, affordable participation and transparent competition standards that put the focus back where it belongs: skill, determination and the spirit of American short-track racing, says the IHRA.

A Return to Authentic Stock Car Racing

The IHRA Stock Car Series is intentionally designed to avoid the high-cost equipment wars common in many modern series. Instead, it prioritizes:

• Cost-effective structure that encourages racers to out-think rather than out-spend the competition.
• Fair, transparent rules that keep the field level.
• A welcoming entry point for new racers.
• A sustainable pathway for teams and tracks.
• A robust live broadcasting platform to help racers secure sponsorships.

"We're bringing stock car racing back to its roots," said Darryl Cuttell, owner of IHRA. "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."

A National Stage for Local Racers

The series will run at IHRA partner facilities from the Southeast to the Midwest. Racers will compete for their portion of the $2,000,000 purse, along with series-specific awards and expanded championship opportunities as the program grows.

Aligned With IHRA's Expanding Motorsports Vision

The new Stock Car Series arrives at a pivotal time for the IHRA, following significant growth into powerboat/offshore racing, truck and tractor pulling, and additional motorsports disciplines. It further strengthens IHRA's commitment to family-first racing, grassroots competitors, and building a unified national motorsports ecosystem.

"This is just the beginning," said Tim Horton, IHRA Stock Car Series director. "We're creating a modern motorsports organization with the heart of grassroots racing—and the Stock Car Series is a perfect reflection of what the new IHRA stands for."

Horton added: "From the top down, we're racers—not MBA grads. We understand the challenges today's racers face, and every decision we make puts racers and fans ahead of profits."

2026 IHRA Stock Car Series Schedule

Race 1 — Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA — March 21

Race 2 — Cordele Speedway, GA — April 18

Race 3 — Newport Speedway, TN — May 30

Race 4 — Anderson Motor Speedway, SC — June 27

Race 5 — Pulaski Motorsports Park, VA — July 25

Race 6 — Salem Speedway, IN — August 22

Race 7 — Newport Speedway, TN — September 26

Race 8 — Memphis Motorsports Park, TN — October 17

2026 Purse Structure Coming Soon

Tracks, teams, and partners interested in joining the IHRA Stock Car Series can contact the IHRA Competition Department at scsinfo@ihra.com. For more information, visit ihra.com.

IHRA at the 2025 PRI Show

IHRA will be represented at the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals, the PRI Show, December 11-13, in downtown Indianapolis, in Booth #5067 and #8367. For more information, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow.