Drag racing fans rejoice! The International Hot Rod Association is roaring back to life with a racer-friendly approach that challenges the status quo of professional drag racing. Division Director Doug Foley joins the In Wheel Time podcast to share how IHRA is reinventing itself after years in the shadows of larger sanctioning bodies.

The biggest news? Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars are returning to IHRA competition after a 15-year absence, with full eight-car fields already committed to the upcoming season opener at National Trail Raceway in Ohio this July. Racing legends like Scott Palmer, Dale Creasy Jr., and Terry Haddock have signed on, drawn by IHRA's compelling format: $50,000 winner purses requiring just five runs to claim victory, compared to eight runs in other series.

"We're not trying to copy anybody else," Foley explains, detailing how IHRA has crafted its program specifically for racers who want competitive action without breaking the bank. While top teams in other series might spend three to four million dollars annually running 20+ events, IHRA's five-event national schedule allows teams to participate at less than half the cost.

The organization has invested heavily in infrastructure, purchasing five racetracks including National Trail and Galot Motorsports Park, while developing industry-leading insurance coverage that protects competitors with $1 million liability policies. Beyond the nitro classes, IHRA features Pro Mod, Mountain Motor Pro Stock (with larger engines than traditional Pro Stock), and various alcohol categories.

For fans of grassroots drag racing who remember IHRA's heyday, this revival represents a return to the organization's core values—providing thrilling competition without requiring corporate backing to participate. The season culminates at the World Finals in North Carolina this November, with live streaming planned for those who can't attend in person.

What's your preferred style of drag racing? Catch all the nitro-burning action as IHRA brings accessibility back to professional drag racing.

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Are electric vehicles at a crossroads? This question drives our enlightening conversation with renowned automotive expert Jack Nerad, who joins us from California to share his perspectives on the current state of EVs and the automotive industry at large.

Range anxiety emerges as a genuine dealbreaker rather than a minor inconvenience. When Mike shares his frustrating experience with a Volvo EV that can't complete his 112-mile commute without an hour-long charging stop, the practical limitations of current electric technology become painfully clear. Jack points out that without tax incentives on the horizon, manufacturers face an uphill battle convincing mainstream consumers to embrace fully electric vehicles. The consensus? Plug-in hybrids might offer the most practical solution for today's drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing convenience.

The conversation shifts to the endangered species that auto shows have become. Despite evidence that these exhibitions connect with enthusiastic consumers and aspirational buyers, luxury manufacturers increasingly withdraw their participation. Jack characterizes this retreat as shortsighted—"cutting off their nose despite their face"—noting that manufacturers miss valuable opportunities to build brand loyalty with future customers. While traditional formats struggle, innovative approaches like the Electrify Expo show promising alternatives with their interactive, festival-like atmospheres.

We round out the episode with an engaging review of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a vehicle that embodies Italian design philosophy with its distinctive triangular grille and uniquely sporty character. Though its infotainment system proves frustratingly complex (requiring users to "become a little bit Italian" to understand it), the 280-horsepower turbocharged engine and sports car-like handling make this SUV stand out in a crowded market. The Verde Fangio green paint attracted numerous compliments despite its $2,200 premium.

Curious about where the automotive world is heading? Join us Saturday mornings from 10 to noon Central Time on InWheelTime.com, YouTube and Facebook for more insights, reviews, and ente

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In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

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Tags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk