FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway, one of the most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.

The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties.

Known worldwide as “The Rock,” Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”

IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.

The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track.

The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. The event will continue to be promoted by Track Enterprises.

As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility.

IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.

“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch is among the 2,000 entrants at the annual Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma, where he is set to compete in four classes – all of which could also see him challenge his 10-year-old son, Brexton.

The Busch duo will be competing in the Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw class, Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw class, JST Motorsports A-Class, and the Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing class, while Brexton will also take on the K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Class.

The racing gods appeared to be smiling on the Busch family, drawing father and son against one another in race 182 in the A-Class – something which took them both by surprise.

“Yeah with the amount of heat races that are here, 45 of them or whatever it is for A-Class I mean how in the world do you draw the same heat race,” Kyle told FloRacing. “So crazy. But here we are. He’s got a fast one in front of him with Kaylee, and then obviously he’ll be starting in front of me. So hopefully we can make some ground and get some passing points out of our heat.”

As for Brexton, he admitted to being “excited” to take on his dad yet again, commenting, “This is the biggest race, and hopefully I can go five to one or something good and make the A.”

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Having kept a close eye on Brexton’s progress thus far, Kyle said, “The onboard actions been really good. His cars have been fast. He’s been doing a phenomenal job driving. I mean just quick laps and hot laps, but looks really, really good. 

“So, he’s an all driven stuff, so it makes for familiarity going between car to car to car where I’ve got a storm chassis, a driven chassis, some hyper chassis. So I’m all over the place with my stuff. But just trying to fine-tune and see what works best, and be ready for when he moves up or gets a little bit Older to really challenge for some drillers.”

Challenging for the ‘Golden Driller’ trophies will require some adaptation from Brexton, who admitted he’s been taken aback by the “speed difference” compared to what he’s driven previously. 

Despite this, he’s desperate to beat his dad, pointing out how this would make their record 2-2.

Looking at the bigger picture for the promising youngster, Kyle admitted that “obviously the goal is to make it to NASCAR.

“So eventually he’ll get to some ARCA races, some Truck races, and on to Xfinity on the Cup. So that’s the plan. Anyways, we’ll see how it goes. He’s got a lot of great help and sponsors with him along the way with Lucas Oil and Servpro and StarKist and FloSports, so we’re looking forward to making it all the way.”

The Shootout will be an excellent proving ground for Brexton, given that the competition has now only drawn Cup Series-level talent such as his dad, but also the likes of current champion Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs, among other top-tier drivers.

Xfinity is clearing the air on its involvement with NASCAR after the company’s second national division change its name from NASCAR Xfinity Series to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. On X/Twitter, Xfinity Racing shared a meme that had a man saying, “Thank you for changing my life,” to the Xfinity Series logo. That led to a fan replying that they hope it’s not a “goodbye” for Xfinity.

“We’re still a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, a team sponsor of [23XI Racing] , have the Xfinity 500 for fall [Martinsville Speedway], & the Xfinity Fastest Lap Award, for all three national series,” Xfinity Racing replied. “It’s only a farewell for that part.”

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson may be winless in the series since May, but the 33-year-old has taken full advantage of the offseason to taste victory once again.

The Hendrick Motorsports star opted to end 2025 with one final high-stakes race, travelling to Australia for the High Limit International, the second annual season-ending sprint race to be held at Perth Motorplex.

The event featured 26 drivers from both the U.S. and Australia competing for the grand prize of $110,000, along with perhaps the most coveted prize of all — bragging rights.

Michael Kofoid qualified on pole with Larson down in fourth, but the 32-time Cup Series race winner was ultimately able to get the best of both the two-time USAC National Midget Series champion and sprint car star Dayne Kingshott in the 35-lap event.

Speaking after capturing his second straight win at the track, Larson, who had driven the No. 1k Jason Pryde ride, admitted that the physicality of the race was a concern.

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“When I got to the lead, I was just trying to back my wheel spin down to take care of my tires and not blister them,” he told High Limit Racing. “I’ve been blistering them pretty bad, and then I wasn’t sure if it would take rubber, so I just wanted tread, and then Dayne slid me, and then I had to kind of get up on the wheel, and that was right when we were catching traffic anyway, so it was tough to do that.

“But he was able to find a little bit more pace, but then, with the pace, then you’re getting more, leaning into the cushion or the wall and just kind of dragging it around the whole track.”

Despite Larson’s issues, this didn’t put a damper on the experience for him at all, going on to admit that he believes Perth Motorplex is “the best racetrack in the world.”

“This has quickly become my favorite track, and I think everybody can agree,” he added. “This place puts on the best racing, and you guys are spoiled to have this in your backyard, and it’s just a pleasure to come here. It’s a long day of traveling, but it’s well worth it when you get to race on a track surface like this and in a facility like this and in front of great race fans.”

After a memorable trip Down Under, Larson booked it back to the U.S., more specifically to Oklahoma, where he watched his son Owen claim a win in the Winged A-Class at the Tulsa Shootout.

The 11-year-old fought for the win with Jeffrey Newell, with the youngster telling FloRacing afterward, “Yeah, it was a lot. I was getting frustrated because I was warming up in there, and my helmet kept fogging up a little bit. And I knew I had to just roll to the bottom and get the win. And I tried the top at the end. It looks a little bit sketchy, but it looks fun.”

The International Hot Rod Association has been making huge waves in the drag racing community with some pretty unbelievable announcements and purchases over the past year and there is no sign of them slowing down. After announcing last week that the long abandoned Memphis Motorsports Park had been purchased, and would return to racing glory in 2025, they could have easily cruised through the end of 2025 with no trouble. But that’s not their style, so here we go with one last big announcement for 2025!

Yep, they have just announced the purchase of another abandoned track, Heartland Park Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas. This track has been plagued with poor management, bad deals, lack of support, and more for the past several years. Can IHRA finally turn this cool facility around? I think there are some fundamental changes that need to be made here, but those changes can definitely make a huge impact. Check out their plans below.

We can’t wait to see what they do with it all!

IHRA Acquires Heartland Motorsports Park, Announces Vision to Restore Iconic Facility as a Destination Entertainment and Racing Complex

FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, reinforcing IHRA’s long-term commitment to preserving motorsports history while reimagining legendary venues for the future.

Originally opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway, the facility later evolved into Heartland Motorsports Park and became one of the most versatile motorsports complexes in the country. Over the decades, Heartland has hosted major national drag racing events, road racing, karting, motocross, and countless grassroots competitions, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of Midwest motorsports.

With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex.

“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of the International Hot Rod Association. “It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”

A Destination for Racing, Music, and Community

IHRA’s long-term vision for Heartland Motorsports Park extends well beyond competition weekends. Planned restoration and redevelopment efforts will focus on creating a year-round destination that blends motorsports with live entertainment and community engagement, including:

· Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities

· Expanded motorsports and special event programming

· Live music, concerts, and festival experiences

· Enhanced hospitality, vendor, and fan-experience areas

· Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact

“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell added. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”

The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition, and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems.

Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules, and community partnerships expected in the coming months.

About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)

Founded in 1970, the International Hot Rod Association is one of the world’s premier motorsports sanctioning bodies, overseeing drag racing and a growing portfolio of motorsports disciplines. IHRA is committed to racer advocacy, innovation, safety, and creating dynamic racing and entertainment destinations that benefit competitors, fans, and host communities.