It feels like forever since IHRA announced a new track purchase, but they haven’t been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Nope, yesterday they made the announcement that they had signed a lease agreement to take over operations of The Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia and were going to use the facility as the headquarter for the IHRA Stock Car Series. It was big news and the details are below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IHRA ANNOUNCES THE LEASING AND OPERATIONS OF THE PULASKI COUNTY MOTORSPORTS PARK, FORMERLY THE MOTOR MILE SPEEDWAY
~ Historic Virginia facility to serve as official launch site for IHRA’s new Stock Car Series and a renewed calendar of community-centered events ~
FAIRFIELD, OH – January 20, 2026 — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced it has entered into a lease agreement for the Pulaski County Motorsports Park, the landmark venue long known to racers and fans as the Motor Mile Speedway, marking a major step in IHRA’s mission to revive grassroots motorsports and reinvest in legendary community tracks.
“This track is part of the racing fabric of Virginia — and the kind of place where generations of families have made memories,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Leasing Pulaski County Motorsports Park allows us to put racing back where it belongs: in the community, accessible to local teams, and exciting for fans.”
First opened in 1952 as a dirt oval, the facility evolved into one of the region’s most recognizable racing destinations. The oval was later paved and developed into a 0.416-mile asphalt track, and the complex expanded over time to include a drag racing venue, helping establish Pulaski County as a true motorsport’s hub.
Under IHRA’s lease, Pulaski County Motorsports Park will once again become a year-round heartbeat for competitive racing, special events, and community engagement — with immediate focus on restoring a consistent schedule that brings fans back through the gates and supports the local economy.
Home Base for the New IHRA Stock Car Series
Pulaski County Motorsports Park will serve as a cornerstone venue for the newly launched IHRA Stock Car Series, a national-level program designed to bring stock car racing back to its roots through cost-controlled competition and a racer-first approach.
The 2026 IHRA Stock Car Series will open at Pulaski County Motorsports Park on March 21, with a second stop at the track on July 25.
“Pulaski County is excited to welcome IHRA in such a big way to our community, and to partner with them at the Pulaski County Motorsports Park to bring world-class drag and oval track racing back to the New River Valley”, stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator. “We feel that IHRA is a premier professional racing organization, and their focus on an array of motorsports applications closely aligns with the County’s overall sports and entertainment vision, as well as shared emphasis on community-centric events.”
A Track with National Visibility — Ready for a New Era
Pulaski County Motorsports Park has hosted a wide range of touring series and major events over the decades, including nationally recognized appearances as recently as 2023. With renewed operations and a refreshed event strategy, IHRA intends to bring an expanded calendar that includes:
· IHRA Stock Car Series weekends and regional racing programs
· Additional motorsports disciplines and touring events
· Family-friendly festivals, community nights, and sponsor-driven experiences designed to reintroduce the facility to new audiences
Built With the Community, For the Community
IHRA emphasized that this lease is not simply about events on a calendar — it’s about rebuilding momentum around a facility that has long been a point of pride for Pulaski County and the New River Valley. The organization will work alongside local partners to support community involvement, create opportunities for local businesses, and ensure the fan experience matches the significance of the venue.
“The motorsports park has been an important part of this community for decades, and I have felt that we had an obligation to do whatever we could to return it to its former glory since I arrived here,” said Tim Miller, Director of Sports & Entertainment for Pulaski County. “This partnership with the IHRA and the vision that Darryl Cuttell and his team have for the future of racing and this venue puts us in the best possible position to succeed.”
About Pulaski County Motorsports Park
The Pulaski County Motorsports Park is a 152-acre motorsports complex featuring a 0.416-mile
paved oval racetrack and a 1/8-mile paved drag strip. Located in Pulaski County, Virginia, the
facility has gone by several names in the past including Pulaski County Speedway, New River
Valley Speedway, and Motor Mile Speedway. It was purchased by the Shelor Team in 2004 and
later gifted to Pulaski County in April 2024.
About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a global motorsports organization sanctioning and promoting competition across multiple racing disciplines. With a focus on professional standards, safety, and consistent event execution, IHRA provides structured competition platforms for racers, teams, tracks, and fans worldwide. Through national series, facility partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives, IHRA continues to expand its footprint while supporting the long-term success of motorsports communities.
