IHRA and Maryland International Raceway Officially Cancel 2025 President’s Cup

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and Maryland International Raceway (MIR) have canceled the 2025 President’s Cup Nationals, originally set for August 8-9, 2025. MIR announced the cancellation on its Facebook page, citing limited access to content and ongoing time constraints as reasons.

Both organizations had intended the event to be a key part of IHRA’s relaunch efforts, making the cancellation a surprise to many in the drag racing community. The President’s Cup Nationals has long been a major event at MIR, often drawing strong entries and large crowds.

This cancellation adds to a period of uncertainty for the IHRA. Earlier in the year, IHRA shared a letter of intent to purchase MIR, but track management publicly denied the claim, causing confusion among racers and fans. For more details on the legal aspects of such agreements, you can refer to the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on business acquisitions.

The IHRA has also experienced significant leadership changes since the start of 2025. CEO Christian Byrd, President Rich Schaeffer, and Vice President of Race Operations Alan Reinhart have all separated from the organization.

These departures have raised questions about IHRA’s stability and direction heading into next season. Despite canceling the President’s Cup Nationals, MIR indicated that replacement events are being discussed, with official announcements expected soon.

Maryland International Raceway remains a key venue in the Northeast drag racing scene, frequently hosting regional Pro Mod and Top Alcohol competitions. Anticipation for new events at the raceway is high. To learn more about the history of drag racing in the U.S., visit the NHRA’s historical overview.

As of now, the IHRA has not released an official statement about the cancellation on its website or social media. Many racers and fans await further details about the 2025 schedule and the impact on planned IHRA series and points races.

Drag racing in the region remains popular, with recent events at MIR attracting strong participation. The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod season announced a return to MIR for its kickoff race this year, providing some stability for enthusiasts.

The local racing calendar also includes Top Alcohol dragster shootouts, which draw both veteran and first-time competitors. The full impact of canceling the President’s Cup Nationals will become clearer in the coming months. For insights into drag racing safety and regulations, check out the Society of Automotive Engineers’ resources.

Teams, drivers, and fans hope for new opportunities and a return to regular racing at one of the area’s premier tracks. For updates on regional motorsports events, you can explore the Maryland Department of Transportation’s event listings.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.