Mike Dunn Out As President Of The IHRA?

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.”

About the author

Andrew Wolf

Andrew has been involved in motorsports from a very young age. Over the years, he has photographed several major auto racing events, sports, news journalism, portraiture, and everything in between. After working with the Power Automedia staff for some time on a freelance basis, Andrew joined the team in 2010.
Read My Articles

Drag Racing in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Dragzine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Street Muscle Magazine
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
Diesel Army
Diesel Army
Engine Labs
Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Streetmuscle Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • Diesel Army Diesel Army
  • Engine Labs Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading