IHRA Acquires Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

If you want to understand where the future of drag racing is headed, you need to look at how the next generation of drivers is being built. That’s why the announcement that the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is such a big deal for the sport. This is a strategic play that could reshape how racers are developed from the grassroots level all the way to the professional ranks.

For more than 40 years, Hawley’s school has been one of the most respected training grounds in motorsports, producing thousands of drivers who have gone on to succeed at every level of drag racing.

His school has trained more than25,000 drivers, many of whom have gone on to win national events in both professional and sportsman categories. This is the result of a proven curriculum, experienced instructors, and a relentless focus on safety and performance. The good news for racers is that none of that is changing.

Under the new ownership, the school will continue to operate with the same staff, equipment, and instructional approach that made it successful in the first place. Hawley himself remains at the helm, ensuring continuity as the program enters this new chapter.

“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 made it clear that the goal is to preserve what works while expanding its reach.

“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.”

Today’s cars are faster, more complex, and more demanding than ever before. That makes driver education a key component of both performance and safety.

IHRA President Leah Martin emphasized that point, highlighting how the acquisition fits into the broader mission of the organization.

“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.”

One of the most important aspects of this acquisition is its potential impact at the grassroots level. Drag racing has always relied on new participants entering the sport, whether through bracket racing, street car programs, or entry-level classes. Providing those racers with access to professional-grade training can make a huge difference, not just in performance, but in retention.

A well-trained driver is more likely to stay in the sport, compete safely, and continue progressing. By integrating Hawley’s school into its ecosystem, IHRA is creating a more structured pipeline for talent development. That benefits everyone, from local tracks to national events.

Another key element of this move is its international potential. The IHRA has made it clear that part of its long-term strategy is to grow motorsports on a global scale. Pairing that vision with a proven driver development program opens the door to expanding training opportunities beyond traditional markets.

While the core structure of the school will remain the same, IHRA has indicated that additional details regarding future programs and expanded offerings will be announced in the coming months. That likely means new opportunities for racers, whether it’s advanced training programs, expanded class offerings, or integration with IHRA-sanctioned events.

For racers, this means continued access to one of the best training programs in the world. For IHRA, it’s a chance to build a stronger, more sustainable future.