For the first time, two of drag racing’s biggest sanctioning bodies are teaming up to make the sport stronger. The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) have announced a partnership aimed at creating a better future for racers and tracks across the country. This collaboration is all about stability, opportunity, and making sure sportsman racers get the support they need.

Racers know that consistency and organization are key to a great experience at the track. That’s exactly what this partnership is designed to deliver. WDRA’s Don Scott sees it as a game-changer.

“We have a unique opportunity to combine the strengths of both IHRA and WDRA to help our collective facilities and provide opportunities and stability for our bracket racing members,” Scott said. “WDRA’s expertise is on the member track, licensing, and bracket racing side of the sport. As IHRA launches new pro racing programs and events, there is a need for making sure the IHRA tracks and bracket racers get taken care of. The WDRA team is going to make sure that we are there to support the IHRA facilities and bracket programs because this arrangement is simply good for our sport.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by IHRA’s Darryl Cuttell, who makes it clear that this is about doing what’s best for the racing community.

“Both groups have the best interests of the tracks and racers at heart. We all agree that we will make our sport better by working together, and each group complements each other perfectly. Anyone that has been around me or our group knows that we are going to make it happen.”

Together, WDRA and IHRA oversee 110 sanctioned facilities and 15 bracket racing events, with more partnerships on the way. For racers, this means more opportunities, better organization, and a system built around their success.

Changes are already in motion, with both groups working behind the scenes to build a solid foundation for the future. More announcements are expected soon, but one thing is clear—sportsman racing is heading into an exciting new era.