The NHRA has announced the formation of the NHRA Worldwide Network which will allow drag strips all over the world to apply for and get sanctioned by the NHRA. We’re thinking they should change the name to International Hot Rod Association. What? Someone already has that name? Never mind.

We think that going global is a brilliant idea and should make the NHRA some bucks in sanctioning fees. Whether you like it or not, the NHRA’s name is the gold standard worldwide for drag racing. Races are broadcast (with some delay) in Europe, Australia, and other points far and wide. The ADRL has been doing a good job grabbing some share in the Arabian market and we’re thinking the NHRA saw this and realized that they could benefit as well.

There are a bunch of benefits available to the member tracks, not the least of which is the ability to award legit Wallys to track champs and other event winners. Those trophies are drag racing gold here in the states where we’ve been seeing them for several decades. Imagine how big a deal it would be to run for one in places that have never been able to even see one in person before.

Here’s the release from NHRA.com:

NHRA has announced the creation of NHRA Worldwide Network, a program that will enable drag racing facilities around the world to conduct events under the NHRA banner. By becoming a part of the NHRA Worldwide Network, a facility will be able to use the specially-designed “Worldwide Drag Racing” NHRA oval for broad promotional purposes and will be able to draw on NHRA’s decades of experience and history.

“Organized drag racing is conducted throughout the world and we have been receiving many inquiries regarding how facilities outside of North America can become affiliated with NHRA,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “NHRA Worldwide Network provides drag racing facilities around the globe with unique benefits and identification with NHRA.”

NHRA Worldwide Network tracks will follow the NHRA Rulebook and will be assigned an account director for advice and consultation. The track will have access to NHRA’s technical department in the United States and may also request training at the track site. Tracks can also participate in any of NHRA’s Division Tech Seminars, SFI certification and training seminars, and emergency response training seminars.

As an NHRA Worldwide Network track, the facility will be able to award Wally trophies for track champions. NHRA will establish a link to the track’s Web site from NHRA.com and be listed in a newly-created Worldwide Affiliation directory of National DRAGSTER and NHRA.com.

The first track to be associated with the program will be the dragstrip currently being built within the confines of the Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

As the premier drag racing sanctioning body in the world, NHRA currently serves as the president of FIA’s Drag Racing Commission. The worldwide rules adopted by FIA for drag racing originate from NHRA’s Rulebook. Members of the commission meet annually to develop the rulebook and discuss drag racing on a global basis. Currently, organized series are conducted in Europe and Australia.