Tuesday, April 02, 2013

IHRA Sets Sanctioning Record with Signing of Atmore Dragway, Hobbs Motorsports Park




IHRA member track family features 105 tracks from 29 states and territories, plus Canada, New Zealand and Aruba

NORWALK, Ohio (April 2, 2013) – With the recent signing of Atmore Dragway in Alabama and Hobbs Motorsports Park in New Mexico, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is pleased to announce that it has set an IHRA sanctioning record with 105 tracks now a part of the IHRA member track family.

Both Atmore Dragway and Hobbs Motorsports Park are welcomed additions to the IHRA family as they join Divisions 2 and 4 respectively. With the addition to the two new tracks, the IHRA now sanctions 105 tracks in 29 states and territories, four Canadian provinces and New Zealand and Aruba.


“Over the past few years we have seen a steady influx of new tracks wanting to take advantage of our incredible sportsman programs. Just last year we were thrilled when we signed our 100th track and to see that trend continue with Atmore and Hobbs taking us to a new sanctioning milestone is very exciting,” said Aaron Polburn, President of IHRA Motorsports. “We have also seen a steady increase in tracks from areas not usually associated with IHRA which is a very positive sign.”

Atmore Dragway, located in Atmore, Alabama, has undergone massive renovations over the past year. Under the direction of Gary Moore, Atmore Dragway has received over $1 million of renovations including a completely new racing surface and shutdown area, asphalt throughout the pits, new concessions stands, a renovated tower, new timing system and more. The track hopes to be racing within the month.

“Atmore is a great addition to the IHRA family. Gary Moore has done a marvelous job with the place turning it into a great destination for racers,” said Phil Gingerich, IHRA Director of Track Development. “The place received a complete facelift and will be a great addition to the area. We look forward to working with the track as it gets up and running and becomes a major player within our sportsman programs.”

Hobbs Motorsports Park is an 1/4 mile facility located in the Hobbs Industrial Air Park near Hobbs, New Mexico. The facility is operated by Darrell Reid and is a popular tracks for racers in the area. A longtime NHRA facility, Hobbs Motorsports Park will hold its first IHRA Summit SuperSeries competition later this month and will be a welcome addition to the Division 4 roster.

“We have seen steady, solid growth in Division 4 and that continues with the addition to Hobbs,” said Frank Kohutek, IHRA Division 4 Director. “Hobbs is our second track in New Mexico joining Roswell Dragway which signed last year. Our hope is as tracks continue to see the benefit of being a part of the IHRA family we can continue to grow Division 4 and further establish Division 7.”

For more information on the IHRA, its tracks and its numerous racing programs visit www.ihra.com.