In one of the more interesting developments in recent memory, former Top Fuel and Funny Car driver and longtime ESPN television analyst Mike Dunn has been named the new President of the International Hot Rod Association. IRG Sports + Entertainment, the parent company of the IHRA, made the announcement official this morning, with Dunn succeeding former president Scott Gardner and interim point man Skooter Peaco and tasked with heading up the organization during what’s described as a top-to-bottom reorganization process.

“We welcome Mike Dunn, one of the most respected figures not just in drag racing but in all of motorsports, to the IRGSE family of companies and specifically the IHRA as we begin to reshape the entire organization; Racing Operations, Television and Digital, Licensing, Track and Individual Membership and a newly developed Team Ownership Sponsorship Business Unit into a first class motorsports and entertainment platform. The future of the IHRA intends on delivering the world’s fastest race cars, in important automotive manufacturer influenced global markets, as a platform for growth in the important 9-19 socially active generation Z consumers, while re-igniting the platform of our traditional drag racing consumers with new investment and engagement,” said Vice Chairman of the Board and CEO of IRGSE, Chris Lencheski. “Mike has been a part of the most memorable moments that this sport has ever seen, and we are excited to have his expertise as a winning driver, businessman and influential media member to help lead us forward.”

Dunn spent the last 14 years serving as the on-air analyst for the NHRA broadcasts on ESPN. Prior to that, he spent two decades behind the wheel of a nitro car, winning 22 national events, earning the Car Craft Top Fuel Driver of Year award in 1999, and broke the Funny Car 280 mph barrier in 1987. He last drove competitively in 2002 before joining ESPN.

“I welcome this new opportunity after so many years in a race car and in front of the screen at ESPN,” Dunn said. “I think the vision that IRGSE and the IHRA is pulling together fits a younger and engaged fan base that loves action, speed and the personalities around those elements. I am looking forward to working with Chris and the entire IRGSE family of tracks and properties, the current drivers, the current race teams and the traditional IHRA tracks and all fans of this great sport to get things moving forward quickly.”  Dunn added, “The IRGSE Board are committed to the their decisions and vision for drag racing into the future but are staying flexible in their approach to teams, markets, promoters, media and sponsorship. I think they may have the best vision to come along in Drag Racing in a very long time and I am excited to be a part of the leadership team.”