MIR Moves to a New Sanctioning Body for 2023
For the first time since 1991, Maryland International Raceway (MIR) has changed sanctioning bodies. MIR is officially a member track of the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA). This will be the fourth different sanctioning body that MIR will be apart of after opening in July of 1966. In 1966, the facility was apart of the NASCAR sanctioning body when it had a drag racing division. Several years later, MIR made the switch to National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and at the start of the 1992 season, became a part of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). The WDRA is the first sanctioning body created since November of 1970, when formed by Larry Carrier.
Under the ownership of Don Scott, a former track operator at Central Illinois Dragway and long-time competitor, the WDRA looks to fill voids left with recent sanctioning body changes. The WDRA’s mission is to provide drag racing facilities and sportsman racers a platform to flourish for decades to come.
Don Scott also has some of the best resources available at the WDRA. This includes former sanctioning body president and multi-track owner, Scott Gardner. Plus, a Track Advisory Council has been formed to assist in helping fellow member tracks as well as provide direction and input as the WDRA continues to grow out of its infancy. The council consists of Jason Peterson (US 131 Motorsports Park), Royce Miller (Maryland International Raceway), Carl Blanton (Mo-Kan Dragway) and Jeff Miles (Darlington Dragway). These individuals will play key roles in the development of the WDRA. We also see other familiar faces that include former Division Directors John O’Neal and Josh Peake.
While many details are still coming together over the next few months for a program still in the growing stages, familiar favorite events will be continuing. The WDRA will hold a Sportsman Series event here at MIR. In 2023, the Bracket Finals will also be run, but MIR racers will be making a trek to New Alexandria, PA to Keystone Raceway Park for a change of scenery. In 2024 however, MIR racers will have home track advantage as MIR will be the host track for the Bracket Finals. The Summit World Championships will be run at Darlington Dragway where the Summit Drag Racing Series Champions will all race for the World Championship.
The 2023 season continues to shape up to be a fantastic one and MIR is excited to become part of WDRA. The WDRA will be “The New Home of Sportsman Racing” and will focus on the backbone of the drag racing industry; The men, women, and juniors that will be racing at the weekly programs that are supported by so many racers and business. You can find out more about the WDRA by visiting: https://www.racewdra.com/
About the WMDRA
The mission of the WDRA is to provide value as a sanctioning body to racers and facilities through process modernization, unparalleled service, and value-driven partnerships.
A new drag racing sanctioning body has been formed as the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA). Under the ownership of Don Scott, a former track operator at Central Illinois Dragway and long-time competitor in grassroots racing programs, the WDRA will fill voids left with recent sanctioning body changes. The WDRA’s mission is to provide drag racing facilities and sportsman racers a platform to flourish for decades to come.
The WDRA has secured the services of former sanctioning body president and multi-track owner, Scott Gardner. Gardner has committed to a consulting role to help build the foundation of this new organization and to work with tracks in securing sanction commitments for the 2023 season. With the help of Gardner, the WDRA will prioritize communication with those who have managed tracks, run successful programs, and provide access to insurance agencies.
After speaking with several track owners, many have come forward and committed to the WDRA. A Track Advisory Council has been formed to assist in helping fellow member tracks as well as provide direction and input as the WDRA is built. The council will consist of Jason Peterson (US 131 Motorsports Park), Royce Miller (Maryland International Raceway), Carl Blanton (Mo-Kan Dragway) and Jeff Miles (Darlington Dragway). These individuals will play key roles in the creation of the WDRA.
The WDRA has identified the concern for the future of sportsman racing programs. It is the WDRA’s intent to bring all bracket racers together and create an evolving community that will survive the current threat to our industry.
The WDRA is founded in the belief that together we can secure our own future in the manner we choose.
