Mike Dunn Out As President Of The IHRA?

Mike Dunn Out As President Of The IHRA?

Andrew Wolf
•
December 1, 2017

In a move that should come as a surprise to no one given recent developments from the once mighty International Hot Rod Association, reliable sources are confirming Mike Dunn’s departure from the organization, as reported today by our sister site, Drag Racing Scene.

Dunn, a decorated, second-generation Top Fuel and Funny Car pilot who made a successful transition into the color commentating booth for the NHRA and ESPN, was hired by the IHRA in 2016 to serve as the sanctioning body’s president. His presence was expected to factor heavily into the return of nitro racing to the program, but such a move never materialized, as the professional racing roadmap has been continually pushed. The organization then announced this fall the discontinuation of all championship sportsman drag racing in lieu of a bracket-only program for 2018, putting the writing square on the wall for Dunn’s ultimate parting of ways with the beleaguered drag racing organization.

Owned by IRG Sports + Entertainment and now based in West Palm Beach, Florida, the IHRA has faced its share of struggles over the last decade, and in recent years has not only pulled back on its racing programs, but has purged the majority of its staff, from more than 30 at its Norwalk, Ohio offices to just eight.

UPDATED 12/1: Official Statement From The IHRA

IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE), a leading promoter of sports and live entertainment experiences, announced today that Mike Dunn has been named senior consultant for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).

 One of the most accomplished figures in drag racing, Dunn served as IHRA President from Feb. 2016 until moving to this new position. The change allows him to pursue other interests outside of the sport, while continuing to serve as a trusted advisor to IHRA management and officials with the sanctioning body recently re-affirming its commitment to grassroots, Sportsman racing.
 
The son of legendary racer “Big Jim” Dunn, the Southern California native is one of only four drivers to win 10 or more races in both Top Fuel dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars. After retiring as a driver with 22 national-event victories in 2002, Dunn served as a drag racing analyst for the ESPN family of networks for 15 years including his time with IHRA Summit Sportsman National Championship last season.
 
“After so many years of following 20-some races per year as a driver and then in television, this new opportunity gives me some time to look at different projects that I’m interested in, some with the IHRA and some outside of racing,” Dunn said. “I thank IRGSE for giving me the opportunity to be IHRA President for two years and to remain as a consultant for the IHRA and IRG properties while I pursue some other opportunities.”
 
“With his varied experience in the sport as a driver, mechanic, team owner, television analyst and executive, Mike provides the IHRA with a unique insight into the sport,” IRGSE CEO Lou Partenza said. “We wish him well in his pursuit of new endeavors, but we also are happy that he has agreed to remain a valuable member of the IRGSE team.”

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