FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The Worldwide Scorching Rod Affiliation has formally accomplished the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility previously often called Memphis Worldwide Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park.
The sale of the multi-purpose Millington, Tenn., facility closed on December 23.
Initially opened within the late Nineteen Eighties, the power has performed a big function in American motorsports historical past.
It has hosted main drag racing occasions and nationwide touring sequence and was, at one level, sanctioned by IHRA, internet hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing occasions throughout that point. With the property now underneath IHRA possession, the acquisition represents a full-circle second that reconnects the monitor’s previous with a renewed imaginative and prescient for its future.
The ability has lengthy contributed to tourism and financial exercise in Millington and Shelby County. Below IHRA possession, it should function as a multi-use vacation spot supporting drag racing, inventory automobile competitors, grassroots motorsports, and different large-scale occasions that have interaction the broader group and area.
“This funding honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park whereas positioning it for a powerful future. IHRA’s acquisition displays confidence in our area and creates new alternatives for tourism, native companies, and fan experiences.” mentioned Mayor Paul Younger, Metropolis of Memphis.
“Because the Commissioner for District 1, I’m thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park. This funding strengthens our native financial system, places world-class racing again on strong floor, and provides our households and younger folks a protected, thrilling place to create recollections for years to return. Having a nationwide group like IHRA dedicated to the long-term success of this historic facility is strictly the form of partnership Shelby County wants.” mentioned Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Authorities.
“Memphis Motorsports Park has lengthy contributed to tourism and financial exercise in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a constructive step ahead for the power and the group. This funding helps the continued use of the monitor as a regional vacation spot whereas creating alternatives for native companies and future progress. The Millington Space Chamber of Commerce seems to be ahead to working with IHRA as this subsequent chapter takes form.” mentioned Chris Thomas, Govt Director, Millington Space Chamber of Commerce.
“This can be a particular place in American motorsports,” mentioned Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep historical past in drag racing and inventory automobile competitors, and our objective is to honor that legacy whereas constructing a powerful, sustainable future. We’re dedicated to bringing significant racing again to this property whereas increasing its function as a vacation spot for a variety of occasions that serve racers, followers, and the encircling group.”
“This acquisition represents greater than reopening a racetrack,” mentioned Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “It’s about restoring alternative for racers, households, and the group. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first imaginative and prescient and our dedication to grassroots motorsports, whereas additionally permitting the property to help various makes use of that strengthen its year-round influence.”
“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a particular place in our hearts,” mentioned Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Inventory Automobile Sequence. “Bobby Hamilton gained the 2004 Craftsman Truck Sequence race right here in a truck constructed by Tim and with Danny because the crew chief. With the power now underneath the IHRA umbrella, we can provide grassroots racers an opportunity to compete the place legendary drivers similar to Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have gained. We’re extraordinarily excited to carry inventory automobile racing again to Memphis and proceed the legacy of this iconic monitor.”
Within the coming days, IHRA will start facility enhancements and operational preparations. Followers and group members are inspired to observe IHRA throughout its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes protection as revitalization efforts get underway. Additional bulletins relating to schedules and programming shall be launched within the close to future.
