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FAIRFIELD, OH — March 31, 2026 — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today
announced the acquisition of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, one of the most respected and
influential driver development institutions in the history of motorsports.
For more than four decades, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has delivered world-class
instruction to drag racers from across the globe. Its alumni include national event-winning drivers
in both Professional and Sportsman categories, with more than 25,000 graduates having
completed the school’s renowned programs.
The school will continue to operate with the same experienced staff, proven curriculum,
equipment, and instructors that have defined its success—led by the master himself, Frank
Hawley—now under IHRA ownership.
“When I met Darryl Cuttell, I was very impressed with his ambitious vision to grow the popularity of
motorsports around the world,” said Hawley. “Darryl is working to coalesce motorsports
entertainment with other traditional forms of entertainment at IHRA facilities. Our industry has
been looking for leadership like this, and we are ready to join in the mission.”
Hawley added, “My entire life has been devoted to the sport of drag racing, and I can’t think of a
better way to continue the legacy of our school than under the ownership of the IHRA.”
Darryl Cuttell emphasized the significance of the acquisition for the future of the sport. “Frank
Hawley’s Drag Racing School is one of the most important institutions our sport has ever known,”
said Cuttell. “This is not about changing what works—it’s about protecting a legacy, investing in
education and safety, and ensuring that racers at every level have access to the very best training in
the world. IHRA is honored to carry this responsibility forward.”
Leah Martin, President of IHRA, highlighted the broader impact of the acquisition on racers and the
sport as a whole. “Education is the foundation of safe, competitive, and sustainable racing,” said
Martin. “Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School represents the gold standard in driver development.
By bringing the school into the IHRA family, we are reinforcing our commitment to racers—giving
them the tools, training, and pathways they need to grow from grassroots competition to the
highest levels of the sport.”
The acquisition represents a strategic milestone in IHRA’s long-term vision to strengthen
motorsports from the grassroots level through the professional ranks, while expanding access to
education, safety programs, and career development opportunities worldwide.
Additional details regarding future programs and expanded offerings will be announced in the
coming months.
About IHRA
Founded in 1971, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a leading motorsports sanctioning
body based in the United States, supporting professional and grassroots racing programs across
multiple disciplines. With a racer-first approach, IHRA focuses on safety, innovation, and strong
partnerships with racers, tracks, and communities.
