The IHRA continues to make big announcements leading up to the 2025 racing season. New ownership, bigger purses, a partnership with an NFL team, and now an expanded Nitro Jam schedule have all been introduced in the last month of 2024.

During the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos game, the IHRA unveiled some serious advertisements all over Paycor Stadium. IHRA Owner/Operator and CEO Darryl Cuttell, along with IHRA President Kenny Nowling have begun to ratchet up the presence of the sanctioning body and this move was another big step in their plans. The goal is simple, return the IHRA to its former glory.

The field trip to the NFL game was more than just a kickoff party for a new marketing campaign, the IHRA used it as the backdrop for another major announcement. At halftime, the IHRA dropped the news that the IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series will return with an expanded 10-race schedule in 2025. Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod, and Mountain Motor Pro Stock will still be the featured classes, but there’s more coming to the horsepower party. There will be a 500 cubic-inch Pro Stock class that will allow both fuel injection and carburetors to be used. If you like two-wheel racing, the Nitro Jam series will also have Nitro Harley, Top Fuel Motorcycle, and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Sportsman racers will also have a seat at the Nitro Jam table in 2025. Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Quick Rod, Super Rod, Hot Rod, Super Stock, and Stock will be contested at each event as well.

“This is another incredible step in the #IHRAReturnToGlory,” IHRA President Kenny Nowling said. “Thanks to our new parent company, Cuttell Motorsports LLC as well as several current IHRA marketing partners and those who will be announced in the coming months, we will be taking the IHRA to unprecedented heights. 2025 promises to be a fantastic year filled with incredible action for the entire IHRA drag racing community.”

Stay tuned to Dragzine as we continue to follow the IHRA in 2025.