In 2013, when Feld Entertainment sold the IHRA to IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE) there were numerous questions and much speculation as to the future of the organization. At the time, IGRSE was more known for owning facilities like Palm Beach International Raceway and Memphis International Raceway than anything else. Over the past three years there have been various changes at the IHRA, both big and small, but the announcement by IGRSE’s Chris Lencheski that there will be no professional championship series in 2017 is by far the most compelling, as it will mark the first time in, well, ever, that the IHRA hasn’t had a professional racing series or classes.
In his IRGSE State Of The State release, Lencheski spoke about many subjects, including the deferment of the professional national points championship.
According to Lencheski, there were several factors that brought about the decision to pause the professional racing in 2017.
“The short answer on why the 2017 year is being deferred for the professional series events is between the timing of obligations to be 100 percent sure of quality IHRA Top Fuel teams in concert with our pending street racing plans for future IHRA USA-based national championship point races, the timelines and commitments became increasingly difficult to assure our board, managers, and collective new stakeholders that going for the sake of simply going forward was not a risk acceptable to a reasonable business person and we are in no hurry to fail.”
How this decision will impact the IHRA’s future is tough to call at this time. One thing that is obvious, though, is that the IHRA is basing these changes on a long-term and calculated plan with goal of stable growth. Whether the gamble will pay off, however, is sure to remain a topic in the months to come.
You can read the full State Of The State from the IHRA leadership right here. Stay tuned to Dragzine for more information on the IHRA and their plans as it becomes available.
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