MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Maryland International Raceway (MIR) has denied being part of a seven-track acquisition announced by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) on March 7, 2025, leaving six facilities in the organization’s preliminary purchase agreement. IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell had claimed the group agreed in principle to buy MIR alongside National Trail Raceway in Ohio, Milan Dragway in Michigan, Dragway 42 in Ohio, Darlington Dragway in South Carolina, Galot Motorsports Park in North Carolina, and Kil-Kare Raceway in Ohio. However, MIR clarified on its Facebook page on March 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. that it is not for sale, calling its inclusion an error.
“In response to a post from IHRA on Friday, March 7, 2025 that Maryland International Raceway was being acquired by IHRA, MIR would like to make it clear that the track is not being acquired by IHRA,” MIR stated. “The inclusion of MIR as one of the multiple racetracks being acquired by IHRA was an error. MIR was not made aware of the content of the post until after it had been released.” MIR has requested IHRA amend its statement to exclude the track, emphasizing it remains under the ownership of Royce Miller, who reacquired it in 2021 from IRG Sports & Entertainment, as reported by the Southern Maryland Chronicle.
The term “agreed in principle,” as used by IHRA, refers to a tentative agreement on key terms—like price and assets—between the organization and track owners, pending final contracts, due diligence, and financial closure. “I am proud to announce that the International Hot Rod Association is purchasing seven legendary racing facilities as of today,” Cuttell said in the press release. While this suggests progress, the “in principle” qualifier indicates the deals are not yet finalized. With MIR out, the focus shifts to the six remaining tracks, all storied venues in drag racing.
Cuttell outlined a broader vision, including new partnerships and a digital platform. “The IHRA has also agreed in principle to purchasing, hosting, and partnering with some of the most successful and popular racing series in the entire world,” he stated. “These events will combine music, entertainment, and All-American family fun!” Additionally, IHRA plans to launch IHRA TV, which Cuttell described as a service to “bring more live drag racing content to the fans but also feature a diverse lineup of racing series on snow, water, dirt—anywhere you find horsepower and competition.” These initiatives aim to position IHRA as a “global leader in sports and entertainment,” he added.
MIR, a Mechanicsville landmark since 1966, has a rich history under the Miller family, who owned it from 1990 to 2014 before selling to IRG in 2015. Royce Miller, now 70, repurchased it in 2021, noting, “At 67-years-old I probably should have my head examined for buying the track back, but the deal made financial sense and I still have a little gas left in the tank,” per a Southern Maryland Chronicle report from November 11, 2021. He credited his staff and sons, Chris and Jason—who run a promotions company—for supporting his decision. MIR currently operates under the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA), a shift announced in January 2023 by the same outlet, marking its fourth sanctioning body after NASCAR, NHRA, and IHRA stints.
Despite opting out of the acquisition, MIR will collaborate with IHRA on the President’s Cup Nationals, set for August 8-9, 2025. “MIR remains enthusiastic about continuing to work with IHRA on this exciting event,” the track’s statement read, noting WDRA’s support for the partnership. “We wish nothing but the best for IHRA in its endeavors, as we do for everyone involved in our beloved sport of Drag Racing.”
The remaining tracks reflect IHRA’s intent to bolster its footprint. National Trail Raceway, a Hebron, Ohio, staple since the 1960s, has hosted NHRA events, while Milan Dragway and Dragway 42 cater to Michigan and Ohio racers. Darlington Dragway and Galot Motorsports Park anchor the Southeast, and Kil-Kare Raceway adds Midwest depth. “We look forward to revolutionizing racing and the continued growth of a legendary company,” Cuttell said. “As we head into the future, we are committed to making drag racing fun again!”
Founded in 1970 by Larry Carrier, IHRA has sanctioned over 100 tracks, evolving under Cuttell’s leadership after ownership by IRG and Larry Jeffers. A 2024 Newsweek report highlighted its logo revival, signaling renewed ambition. The Southern Maryland Chronicle sought comment from MIR and IHRA on the clarification but received no response by press time on March 11, 2025. The racing community now awaits IHRA’s next steps as the six-track deal progresses.
Editors Note:
This article was originally published before MIR’s response. The article has been rewritten with the inclusion of MIR’s response.