2026 IHRA Plans with Scott "Woody" Woodruff on 1/12/26

We are joined by Scott “Woody” Woodruff of the International Hot Rod Association, an organization that’s gone from near-afterthought to full-on comeback story. With new track ownership, new partnerships, and an aggressive expansion plan underway, IHRA is rewriting its future heading into 2026.

IHRA's Resurgence and Expansion
Woody Woodruff discussed the resurgence of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), highlighting new tracks, ownership, partnerships, and an aggressive expansion plan. He attributed the turnaround to Darryl Cuttell, IHRA's leader, who shares Woody's passion for speed and has a clear vision for the organization's growth. Woody emphasized Cuttell's ability to visualize and pursue ambitious goals, comparing him to Larry Morgan, who also admires Cuttell's leadership style. Woody also mentioned recent announcements about the Outlaw Nitro series and Triple Crown races, reflecting the busy and exciting times at IHRA.

IHRA Strategic Growth and Innovation
Woody discussed the IHRA's recent achievements and strategic direction, highlighting Darryl's leadership in resetting motorsports and investing in facilities, racers, and fan experiences. He emphasized the importance of a balanced leadership team with both experienced racers and fresh perspectives, as well as the need to adapt to modern audience expectations by enhancing the event experience with Wi-Fi, entertainment, and diverse activities. Woody expressed confidence in IHRA's ability to steward the sport and make a positive impact through investments and innovative approaches.

Racing Community and Racing Categories
Bill and Woody discussed the modern racing scene, focusing on the family-oriented atmosphere and community aspects of the sport. Woody highlighted initiatives like providing ice to racers' trailers and organizing community dinners, emphasizing safety and camaraderie. They also discussed the various racing categories, including bracket series, Outlaw series, and sportsman classes, with Woody expressing a preference for smaller, diverse fields over large single-class events. Bill shared his experience tracking racers over the years and expressed a preference for seeing multiple classes with smaller fields.

IHRA 2026 Expansion Plans
Woody Woodruff discussed IHRA's plans for 2026, including expanding to 8th-mile races and potentially purchasing more tracks. He emphasized the importance of safety and community engagement for track operators. The organization is releasing a new website and implementing new technology to enhance the fan experience. Upcoming events and guests were announced, including the Foot Break Practice Tree Winter Nationals and interviews with NHRA Pro Stock racer Mason McGehee and the Funny Car team Chad and Hunter Green. The show also highlighted the loss of Carlos "Pepe Loco" Montona, a sport compact legend in the Northeast.