FAIRLAWN, VA – For nearly three years, the hills of Pulaski County have been silent. The asphalt at the legendary .416-mile oval, formerly known as Motor Mile Speedway, has sat cold, waiting for the right spark to reignite one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most storied short tracks.
Tonight, that silence ends.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) makes its official foray into the world of oval track racing tonight with the inaugural IHRA 225, the season-opening event for the brand-new IHRA Stock Car Series. For Pulaski County Motorsports Park, it isn’t just a race; it’s a grand reopening and a statement of intent for the future of grassroots motorsports.
A New Chapter for IHRA and Pulaski
The IHRA, traditionally a powerhouse in drag racing, shocked the industry last year when it announced a major expansion into stock car racing. As part of that vision, the organization took over the lease of Pulaski County Motorsports Park, installing former NASCAR standout and hometown hero Stacy Compton as the track’s General Manager.
“The racetrack has been woven into the fabric of this community for decades,” Compton said earlier this week. “Its return allows a new generation of fans and drivers to experience the excitement and traditions that make this facility so special.”
The Main Events: Pro Late Models & Late Model Sportsman
The debut features a double-header of late model action designed to be “affordable, competitive, and authentic.”
- Pro Late Models (100 Laps): Expect a high-speed chess match. The IHRA has emphasized a rules package that rewards driver skill and smart setups over massive budgets.
- Late Model Sportsman (125 Laps): This division serves as the backbone of the series. Tonight’s opener carries significant weight, as the IHRA has put up a massive $2,000,000 total season purse, with tonight’s LMS winner set to take home a hefty $25,000 payday.
Drivers to Watch
The entry lists are a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry local talent looking to make a name for themselves on a national stage.
- Trey Burke: The TeamWWF ambassador and Ross Dalton Racing driver has been vocal about his excitement for the inaugural championship.
- Kade Brown: Driving for the Millingtons, Brown brings a strong CARS Tour presence to the field and is considered a favorite for the Pro Late Model feature.
- Regional Standouts: Keep an eye on local favorites like Dylan Newsome and Ryan Wilson, who know the nuances of the Pulaski layout better than anyone.
Fan Experience & How to Watch
The IHRA is aiming for a family-friendly atmosphere with “retro” pricing. General admission is $25 for adults, while veterans and children under 12 are free. In a nod to the grassroots spirit, the track is even offering $3 hot dogs all night long.
- Gates Open: 2:00 PM (includes FanZone and simulators)
- Qualifying: Begins at 3:15 PM
- Racing: Features start at 6:15 PM
- Live Stream: For those who can’t make it to Fairlawn, the entire event will be broadcast live and for free on Speed Sport 1.
Tonight is more than just the first green flag of the 2026 season. It is the beginning of a “legacy” project for IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell—a bet that fans still crave the raw, unfiltered spirit of Saturday night short-track racing.
When the field thunders off Turn 4 tonight, Pulaski County won’t just be back on the map—it will be leading the charge into a new era of American motorsports.
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