The International Hot Rod Association has officially named Dustin Farthing as President of the organization, a move that further cements the longtime racer and businessman at the center of IHRA’s rapidly expanding motorsports ambitions.
The announcement comes just months after Farthing helped launch the new IHRA Pro Watercraft Series, a racer-focused national watercraft racing platform that has quickly gained momentum heading into its inaugural season. Since January, the organization has unveiled a national tour schedule, aligned with multiple regional promoters, introduced contingency programs and sponsor initiatives, and attracted nearly 150 pre-registered racers for its opening event in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Now, Farthing’s role inside the organization is growing well beyond personal watercraft racing.
According to IHRA, Farthing will oversee the continued growth and strategic direction of the company across multiple divisions, including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, personal watercraft, stock car racing, pulling, snowmobile competition, concerts, and future motorsports ventures.
For watercraft racers, the appointment represents another sign that IHRA’s involvement in the sport is not a short-term experiment, but part of a much larger long-term vision.
Over the past several months, Farthing has repeatedly emphasized a racer-first approach centered around professionalism, stronger sponsor relationships, national structure, and creating larger opportunities for racers and promoters alike. Under the new IHRA Pro Watercraft banner, the organization has already partnered with groups including Great Lakes Watercross, HydroDrags, AJSA, and WX-GP while building toward a national championship format culminating at the Lake Havasu World Cup.
Farthing’s background in the sport stretches back decades. A former factory-supported racer and multi-time world champion, he has spent much of his life around motorsports, both on the water and in business operations tied to the industry. That combination of racing experience and large-scale business management appears to be a major factor behind IHRA’s decision.
“This organization has the opportunity to become one of the most powerful motorsports platforms in the world by uniting multiple disciplines under one vision,” Farthing said in the official announcement. “Our focus moving forward will be growing the sport, supporting racers and tracks, building stronger sponsor partnerships, and creating world-class experiences for fans, competitors, and communities across the country.”
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell pointed to Farthing’s racer-first mentality, operational experience, and industry relationships as key strengths as the organization continues expanding its footprint across multiple forms of motorsports.
The timing is significant for the watercraft world, as the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series continues building momentum through its inaugural national tour season. Following successful opening rounds in St. Petersburg and New Orleans, attention is now turning toward Round 3 at Lake of the Ozarks on June 12-14, an event many expect to be one of the largest and most anticipated stops of the season. With growing sponsor support, expanding racer participation, and increasing international interest, the new series has quickly become one of the sport’s biggest storylines of 2026.
Watercraft Journal hopes to speak with Farthing directly in the near future for a more in-depth conversation about the appointment, the future of the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series, and the organization’s broader plans moving forward.
See the full official press release below:
IHRA Names Dustin Farthing President of the International Hot Rod Association
FAIRFIELD, OHIO — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Dustin Farthing as the new President of the organization, marking a major step forward in the company’s continued expansion across multiple motorsports disciplines.
Farthing brings decades of experience as both a world champion racer and successful business leader. Widely recognized as one of the most accomplished personal watercraft racers in the world, Farthing has earned more than 30 professional world championships throughout his career while also competing across multiple forms of motorsports including offshore racing, snowcross, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo competition. Beyond racing, he has built and operated multiple successful businesses nationwide, including powersports dealerships, motorsports operations, sponsorship programs, and large-scale construction companies.
As President, Farthing will oversee the continued growth and strategic direction of the IHRA across all divisions including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, personal watercraft, stock car racing, pulling, snowmobile competition, concerts, and future motorsports expansions.
“IHRA has an incredible foundation, an iconic brand, and some of the most passionate racers and fans in motorsports,” said Dustin Farthing. “This organization has the opportunity to become one of the most powerful motorsports platforms in the world by uniting multiple disciplines under one vision. Our focus moving forward will be growing the sport, supporting racers and tracks, building stronger sponsor partnerships, and creating world-class experiences for fans, competitors, and communities across the country.”
Founded in 1970, the International Hot Rod Association has long been recognized as one of the premier sanctioning bodies in North American motorsports. Originally built around drag racing, the organization has rapidly expanded in recent years into offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, pulling, and personal watercraft competition.
Under the ownership of Darryl Cuttell, the IHRA has entered an aggressive growth phase with expanded national schedules, acquisitions of additional racing properties, and the continued development of new motorsports divisions designed to bring racers and fans together under one unified championship platform.
“Dustin is exactly the type of leader this organization needs as we continue building the future of the IHRA,” said Darryl Cuttell. “He understands racers, sponsors, promotion, operations, and the business side of motorsports at the highest level. More importantly, he brings energy, vision, and a racer-first mentality that aligns perfectly with where we are taking this company. We believe Dustin will play a major role in helping elevate IHRA into one of the most recognized motorsports organizations in the world.”
Farthing has already played a major role in helping expand the IHRA’s presence in powerboat and personal watercraft racing, where the organization has experienced rapid growth through new national events, major sponsor partnerships, increased racer participation, and expanded media exposure.
The IHRA continues its 2026 season with events across the United States spanning multiple disciplines and championship series. Additional announcements regarding future expansions, sponsorship initiatives, and upcoming event properties are expected throughout the year.
