Good news comes to us from the newly resurgent International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) when it recently announced that MAVTV will take over broadcast rights of their entire 12-race Nitro Jam Racing Series in 2014. The IHRA promises a “character-driven show that will focus on equal parts behind the scenes stories, car and driver profiles and on-track racing” in a format promises to be much more than just a recap show. Along with 12 episodes of race coverage, IHRA will also air a 13th ‘season in review’ program. Programming will initially hit the air after the season wraps this fall.
Other notable changes to the IHRA for 2014 include a return to the traditional of qualified fields as well as Mountain Motor Pro Stock. Also on the agenda will be classic Nitro Funny Cars, Fuel Altereds, Nitro Harleys, and even heads-up jet cars. Jason Rittenberry, the President and CEO of IRG (IHRA’s parent company) had this to say: “We are very excited to partner with the leading provider of motorsports entertainment in MAVTV to bring our incredible series to a national television audience. IHRA is a unique brand with incredible classes and exciting characters and now we are adding true competition back to the series for the first time in many years. We look forward to showing the world what the new IHRA is all about and giving our fans a chance to follow the series all across North America.”
An old friend to drag race fans, Masters Entertainment Group, will be responsible for production of this year’s television program. Masters Entertainment Group has been providing industry leading motorsports programming for over 20 years. This season, the plan is to provide racing coverage from a new viewpoint. Butch McCall, Executive Vice-President of Masters Entertainment said, “Masters Entertainment has a long history with IHRA Motorsports and bringing their events to a national television audience. We are all very excited to once again partner with the IHRA in 2014 and bring their incredible series back to the forefront with MAV-TV.”