IHRA Acquires Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School!
In just over a year’s time, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sanctioning body has made some significant moves to reclaim their standings in both national and sportsman level racing.
Today, they added another level to their arsenal, as the IHRA announced the acquisition of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.
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An established driver with a pair of NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Nitro Funny Car world championships to his credit, Frank Hawley took a step in a different direction by opening a school dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of drag racing in 1985.
Taught by not only Hawley, but several championship level drivers including Jack Beckman, the school has graduated over 25,000 students, with both classroom-style and ‘on-track’ lessons on how to handle a race car, the mental side, and securing racing licenses for thousands of drivers.
The school will continue with the current staff, and also bring the curriculum, racing equipment, and the instructors that have made the school successful. Hawley will continue to lead the charge under the IHRA’s ownership.
“My entire life has been devoted to the sport of drag racing,” said Hawley. “And I can’t think of a better way to continue the legacy of our school than under the ownership of the IHRA.”
“Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is one of the most important institutions our sport has ever known,” said Darryl Cuttell. “This is not about changing what works—it’s about protecting a legacy, investing in education and safety, and ensuring that racers at every level have access to the very best training in the world. IHRA is honored to carry this responsibility forward.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of IHRA and Jimmy Montgomery.
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