The International Hot Rod Association names Dustin Farthing as President, signalling a growth push across its multi-discipline portfolio for the 2026 season and beyond.

Farthing is a world champion competitor with more than 30 professional titles, primarily in personal watercraft. His résumé also spans offshore racing, snowcross, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo campaigns.

He brings commercial depth from operating dealerships, race programs, sponsorship activations, and construction businesses. His remit covers group-wide strategy, operational standards, and coordinated scheduling across IHRA divisions.

Those divisions include drag racing, offshore powerboats, personal watercraft, stock cars, pulling, and snowmobiles. He also oversees concert tie-ins and new ventures developed under the IHRA umbrella.

Founded in 1970, IHRA is a leading North American sanctioning body built on drag racing. Under owner Darryl Cuttell, it pursues longer national calendars, new properties, and stronger verticals.

That ambition continues despite setbacks such as the recent IHRA Triple Crown delay, which reshaped timelines but not strategic direction.

Cuttell values Farthing’s racer-first approach and fluency with sponsors, promotions, and operations. The combination targets tighter alignment between competition delivery, commercial partners, and venue needs.

Early impact is visible in powerboat and personal watercraft programs, where event counts and partnerships increase. Leadership changes after the Leah Martin IHRA exit also sharpened focus.

The 2026 schedule spans multiple series nationwide, with further announcements expected on expansion and sponsorship. Developments around the IHRA Outlaw Nitro leaders will indicate competitive direction.

Farthing’s task centers on cohesion. He aims to strengthen ties between racers, tracks, sponsors, and communities, ensuring consistent standards and audience growth across varied disciplines.

The objective is clear: deliver reliable, high-quality events that attract larger crowds and sustainable investment, while respecting IHRA’s legacy.

With new leadership and assertive growth plans, the association enters 2026 with momentum. Fans and competitors should expect more events, deeper fields, and broader media visibility.

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Miles Carter

Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.