For any deniers still out there? — be aware! The IHRA will be in storm mode this season….
Here is the now complete and confirmed schedule for the entire 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Drag Racing Series.
After flexing some simply unprecedented purchasing power over the last year or so, this impressive 12-event schedule now incorporates numerous ex-NHRA discarded facilities as well as breathing back to life some former traditional IHRA race tracks.
Date <>Location
Mar. 19-21 Darana Motorsports Park (Benson NC)
Apr. 9-11 Virgina Motorsports Park (Dinwiddle VA)
May 7-9 Montgomery International (Montgomery AL)
May 22-24 Darana – Maple Grove Raceway (Reading PA)
June 5-7 Milan-Darana Dragway (Milan MI) *Pro Mod Mania
June 18-20 Darana-National Trail Raceway (Hebron OH)
July 9-11 Milan-Darana Dragway (Milan MI)
July 23-25 Empire Dragway (Leicester NY)
Aug 13-15 Darana Dragway 42 (West Salem OH)
Sep. 10-12 Darana-Memphis Motorsports Park (Memphis TN)
Oct. 8-10 Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park (Topeka KS)
Oct. 22-24 Darana-Atlanta Dragway (Commerce GA)
The IHRA’s most recent track acquisition (settled just yesterday) — will inject renewed life for fabled Atlanta Dragway – detailed below.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, just outside Commerce, Georgia, marking an important step in bringing one of the Southeast’s most historic drag racing facilities back to life.
Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway became a cornerstone of grassroots and national drag racing. Built on land originally graded for an airport, with its first timing tower repurposed from the airport’s control tower, the facility represents the ingenuity and heart of American motorsports. After its closure in 2021, the future of the track remained uncertain until the local community and leaders worked to preserve it for racing. A recent unanimous vote by the Banks County Commission cleared the way for its reopening.
“On behalf of Banks County, I want to welcome IHRA and express our appreciation for their investment in Atlanta Dragway. This facility has long been an important part of our community’s identity and economy. We are encouraged by IHRA’s commitment to revitalizing the property and preserving its legacy for racers and fans alike.
Banks County understands the positive impact that motorsports can have on local businesses, tourism, and community pride. We look forward to working alongside IHRA to ensure Atlanta Dragway continues to be a destination that benefits our citizens while honoring the rich racing history that so many families here cherish.
We are optimistic about this next chapter and the opportunities it brings for growth, partnership, and continued economic development in Banks County.” — Taylor Griffith, Banks County Commissioner
For IHRA, this acquisition is about more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring a place where families gathered, racers built careers, and memories were made.
“Atlanta Dragway has a long history in the sport, and we’re proud to bring it into the IHRA family,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Our goal is to invest in historic tracks, support racers at every level, and build strong relationships with the communities around our facilities. Hosting the Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals is just the beginning of what we plan to build here.”
Atlanta Dragway will host the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals, October 22–24, 2026, immediately reestablishing the facility as a national-level destination. The track will also serve as a key Southeastern hub for sportsman competition, national events, and community-focused programming.
About IHRA — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a motorsports sanctioning body based in the United States, supporting professional and grassroots racing programs across multiple disciplines. With a racer-first approach, IHRA focuses on safety, innovation, and strong partnerships with racers, tracks, and communities.
Link to IHRA Official : HERE
Posted with files by IHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
DragRaceCanada File Photos by Steve Lowry & Robert Richard
(Editors Note: DragRaceCanada/LMLC Media will feature full event results for each and every IHRA Outlaw Nitro Drag Racing Series this season. That will be included to our “International Dateline” subsection : HERE)
