FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The Worldwide Sizzling Rod Affiliation has formally accomplished the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility previously referred to as 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 ability 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 beneath IHRA possession, the acquisition represents a full-circle second that reconnects the observe’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. Underneath IHRA possession, it can function as a multi-use vacation spot supporting drag racing, inventory automotive competitors, grassroots motorsports, and different large-scale occasions that interact the broader group and area.
“This funding honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park whereas positioning it for a robust 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 economic system, places world-class racing again on stable floor, and provides our households and younger folks a protected, thrilling place to create reminiscences for years to return. Having a nationwide group like IHRA dedicated to the long-term success of this historic facility is precisely the type 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 optimistic step ahead for the ability and the group. This funding helps the continued use of the observe as a regional vacation spot whereas creating alternatives for native companies and future development. The Millington Space Chamber of Commerce appears ahead to working with IHRA as this subsequent chapter takes form.” mentioned Chris Thomas, Government 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 automotive competitors, and our objective is to honor that legacy whereas constructing a robust, 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 assist numerous 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 Collection. “Bobby Hamilton gained the 2004 Craftsman Truck Collection race right here in a truck constructed by Tim and with Danny because the crew chief. With the ability now beneath the IHRA umbrella, we can provide grassroots racers an opportunity to compete the place legendary drivers resembling Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have gained. We’re extraordinarily excited to deliver inventory automotive racing again to Memphis and proceed the legacy of this iconic observe.”
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 concerning schedules and programming will likely be launched within the close to future.
