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IHRA President’s Cup Nationals
Returns to Maryland International
Raceway
MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — The roar of
11,000-horsepower Nitro Top Fuel and
Funny Cars will once again echo
through Maryland International
Raceway (MIR) as the IHRA
President’s Cup Nationals makes its
highly anticipated return on August
8-9, 2025.
After a nine-year hiatus, one of the
International Hot Rod Association’s
(IHRA) most celebrated events is
back, bringing with it a legacy of
unforgettable moments. First held
from 1992 to 2010, and again from
2014 to 2016, the President’s Cup
Nationals has long been a staple of
the drag racing community,
showcasing some of the sport’s most
thrilling performances.
The event has seen historic
milestones, including the first-ever
all 6-second Pro Stock qualified
field in drag racing history on
September 24, 1994. It has also
crowned champions across multiple
classes—Scotty Cannon’s Pro Mod
victory over Al Billes in the 1992
debut event, the introduction of
Funny Car in 1993 when Mark Thomas
took the title and the addition of
Nitro Harleys in 1999 with Jay
Turner’s win.
One of the most memorable moments
came in 2002, when Jack Ostrander
pulled off a stunning upset, ending
Clay Millican’s perfect season in
the first round before defeating
Paul Romine in the Top Fuel final.
That year’s event also saw an
overwhelming turnout of over 700
racers, so large that many had to
park in a nearby farmer’s field and
be towed to the track.
Maryland International Raceway owner
Royce Miller expressed his
enthusiasm for the event’s return:
“We are beyond excited to welcome
the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals
and ‘Nitro Racing’ back to MIR. The
nearly 20-year history of this event
is filled with incredible moments
for racers and fans alike. Thanks to
the collaboration between IHRA and
WDRA, we now have the opportunity to
create even more unforgettable
experiences. I hope everyone will
join me in celebrating the return of
this iconic event.”
Maryland International Raceway, a
premier drag racing venue in the
Washington-Baltimore region, hosts
over 100 events annually and has
been thrilling fans since it opened
in July 1966. From March through
November, the track features nonstop
action with professional and
sportsman drag racing, car shows,
and a variety of special events.
Details on ticket options,
additional race classes, and the
full event schedule will be
announced soon. Stay updated by
visiting IHRA.com and following IHRA
and MIR on social media. |
