After the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) was unceremoniously dismantled by IRG Sports + Entertainment, there was a void in the drag racing sanctioning body world. Chassis shop owner Larry Jeffers purchased the IHRA in 2022, and vowed to bring the sanctioning body back to its former glory. Well, with this latest move, it looks like Jeffers is ready to make that promise a reality.

At the PRI show, it was announced the IHRA inked a huge sponsorship deal with Darana Hybrid. This new deal will bring back the Nitro Jam series, and boost the purses for the IHRA Summit Team and Summit SuperSeries World Finals. It was also announced that Speed Sport 1 will air IHRA events on Amazon Prime, Pluto, Roku, Fubo, and Sling via Speed Sport1, a F.A.S.T. channel.

“These are huge steps in our goal with the #IHRAReturntoGlory,” IHRA President Kenny Nowling said. “We are building strategic partnerships for the long term. This is a monumental day for IHRA, our racers and track partners as we move into an exciting future.”

There will be a total of three IHRA Nitro Jam events held in 2025. Fans will get to see Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod, and Mountain Motor Pro Stock all contested at these events. Winners of Super Pro and Pro will each receive a $25,000 payout at the IHRA World Finals, while Sportsman, Motorcycle, and Junior Dragster will get $12,500. The winners of the IHRA Team Finals in Super Pro and Pro will get $7,500, while Sportsman, Motorcycle, and Junior Dragster winners will get $2,500 each.

It will be very interesting to see what teams will dip their toes into the new IHRA pool in 2025. Since there will be no entry fee for the pro teams at Nitro Jam events, it will make it a very attractive option for those who don’t run a full NHRA schedule.