By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The buzz around the International Hot Rod Association this week was the return of motorsports to the Mid-South.
Closer to home in Flag City, the red carpet was rolled out by the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Millington for the leaders and dignitaries of IHRA for the purchase of the former Memphis Motorsports Park/Memphis International Raceway.
“It’s amazing,” Millington Mayor Larry Dagen said. “It shocked me. It just happened so quickly. Had no rumors of it or anything like that. Then just to drop an absolute (happy) bomb on us is amazing.”
IHRA officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, closing on the property on December 23, 2025. Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility hosted NASCAR, NHRA, Super Chevy and IHRA events for several years.
The venue was home to major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.
“Great to be back home,” said IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell, “work in the area and we’re doing some work in Memphis. It’s all about the track. It’s a big part of my life. I was fortunate enough to purchase it. So I did.”
The facility will undergo an estimated $60 million renovation providing several forms of motorsports in the near future. IHRA officials said they’re targeting October for a drag racing event on the new strip.
Officials from Millington and Memphis showed up Jan. 7 at Millington City Hall for a welcome. Those leaders hope the facility will boost tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County.
Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.
“The truth is the reason, Millington is the fastest growing city in Shelby County,” Dagen noted. “There’s good reasons for that. The nine to 10 years that we’ve planned. The infrastructure that is in place. Look at all the developments that have already taken place. The new shopping centers. I was just talking to Mayor Harris, and showing him the remediation over there. ‘Target? How did you guys get Target?’ I said, ‘I don’t really know. We’re just ready.’ We’ve been talking to Target for the last three years.
“Next to Lowe’s and Academy Sports will be there,” he continued. “I think Academy Sports is going to open soon. They’re going to try to open by Christmas of this year. Target, that 200,000 square foot facility is going to take a little bit longer. So we’re talking Summer of ’27.”
The IHRA’s arrival coincides with a lot of recent commercial development growth along with large crowds coming to visit USA Stadium.
“IHRA is going to help motivate hotels to come and locate,” Dagen said. “Simulus to get things going in that area and attract more businesses near Target.”
IHRA has already begun facility improvements and operational preparations. IHRA President Leah Martin noted the old building currently standing at the facility will come down. The oval track will be preserved and there will be events for amateur drivers like Test N Tunes.
Fans and community members are encouraged to follow IHRA across its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as revitalization efforts get underway. Further announcements regarding schedules and programming will be released in the near future.
“It will be (flagship) venue,” Martin said. “It’s one of our storied venues, a great history and emotional meaning.
“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” she added. “It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
Chamber Executive Director Chris Thomas had the honors of touring the IHRA leadership around Millington during their January visit.
“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” he said. “This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”
The list of champions at the venue reads like a who’s who. Cuttell said he is blessed to provide opportunities for the next generation of champions.
“This is overwhelming,” he said of the groundbreaking turnout. “I thought we were going to have only 10 people here. It’s going to be huge. They’re going to love it.”
For more information and sponsorship opportunities: info@ihra.com
