By SEMA News Editors
IHRA Acquires Atlanta Dragway, Agrees to Terms on Acquisition of Virginia Motorsports Park
The IHRA has acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, Georgia, and has agreed to acquire Virginia Motorsports Park, a drag-racing, autocross, drifting and motocross facility in Dinwiddie, Virginia.
Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway closed in 2021. Following the purchase, IHRA will host the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals, October 22-24, 2026, and serve as a key hub for sportsman competition, national events and community programming, the sanctioning body said.
Additionally, IHRA announced it has agreed to acquire Virginia Motorsports Park from Tommy and Judy Franklin, who have owned the 500-acre facility since 2018.
For more information, visit ihra.com.
Formula Drift Launches Content Studio for Video Production
Long Beach, California-based Formula DRIFT is relaunching FD Studios to create content at the highest level.
Longtime staff members Joyce Leung and Teo Corrales have been appointed co-directors of FD Studios, in charge of developing the entire Formula DRIFT content strategy, including sponsor-related content plus managing usage, broadcast and copyright matters.
Additionally, the pair will manage a roster of media personnel to develop and distribute stories and content from both the FD PRO and PROSPEC Championships.
"We're excited to enter this new chapter with FD Studios and look forward to producing fresh and engaging content for the fans to enjoy," said Leung.
"FD Studios in 2026 will be telling compelling, original stories, creating lasting memories and showcasing every layer of the Formula DRIFT eco-system within the world of drifting," Corrales added.
With FD Studios already in operation, it has announced Larry Chen Photography as the first agency to sign up as a content creator. The team managed by the photographer and videographer will provide FD Studios with both production capability and the unique eye of the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame recipient, Larry Chen.
"Formula DRIFT has always been my home. I started photographing in 2006 and the series has given me and my team the ideal environment to practice, hone our craft and push our creativity without limitations," said Chen. "It's been an absolute honor to be the official photographer since 2012, and after all these years, it makes sense for us to also provide video content to the series, showcasing professional drifting in the most beautiful and awe-inspiring way possible with cinematic motion pictures and incredible slow-motion clips. We'll strive to ensure our video content will be the best representation of Formula DRIFT in order to help the series grow since video is often how people around the world learn about professional drifting. I'm looking forward to pushing what's possible with Formula DRIFT content in 2026 and beyond."
"By relaunching FD Studios, we've empowered two of our longstanding team members, who've repeatedly proven themselves capable and ready to head our internal studio, to lead this new initiative. Their roles will focus on content generation with a strong underlying narrative to impart the strength of the Formula DRIFT brand," said Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage. "I could not be more thrilled to build the studio within the walls of our HQ. And in partnership with Larry Chen Photography, our foundation is already strong and capable of moving at the pace needed to keep up with one of the fastest-moving action sports series in the world."
Content creators and media agencies wishing to collaborate with FD Studios can contact them directly at FDstudios@formulad.com.
For more information, visit formulad.com.
NASCAR Introduces NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts
NASCAR has relaunched its weekly racing series as the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts, a strategic reframing of its longstanding grassroots racing platform designed to more clearly reflect the vital role local short tracks play in communities across the United States and Canada.
Formerly known as the NASCAR Weekly Series, the NASCAR Local Racing Series places renewed emphasis on the competitive, community-driven racing that serves as the foundation of the sport. The updated identity simplifies how grassroots racing is presented to fans, partners and communities, while reinforcing NASCAR's long-standing commitment to local competitors and hometown tracks.
"Local short tracks are the heartbeat of NASCAR--they're where raw talent is developed, hard-nosed competition is on full display, and the next generation of stars earns its stripes," said Joey Dennewitz, managing director of NASCAR Regional. "Week after week, these drivers compete in intense, high-level racing environments that demand skill, resilience and respect for the craft. The NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts captures the authenticity, toughness and community pride that define grassroots racing, while presenting it in a way that is clearer and more accessible for fans and partners alike. This platform celebrates the tracks and communities where racing isn't just something you watch--it's something you live."
As part of the launch, O'Reilly Auto Parts has been named the exclusive entitlement partner of the NASCAR Local Racing Series, further deepening its long-standing relationship with NASCAR, which includes the title sponsorship of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
"O'Reilly Auto Parts has a deep-rooted passion in providing excellent customer service and helping customers keep their cars in great condition, whether it's in local racing or regular commuters" said Hugo Sanchez, vice president of marketing and advertising at O'Reilly Auto Parts. "From local short tracks to the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and throughout the country, our commitment to NASCAR fans and our customers spans the full spectrum. Powering the NASCAR Local Racing Series allows us to continue supporting racers, teams and local communities."
In addition to O'Reilly Auto Parts' entitlement partnership, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, a brand of American Snuff Company, will serve as a significant partner to local tracks within the NASCAR Local Racing Series footprint, providing additional support through signage and market-level activations.
The NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts will continue to sanction weekly racing at tracks across North America, serving as a critical entry point for emerging drivers and a cornerstone of NASCAR's driver development pathway. You can watch NASCAR local races all season on FloRacing.
For more information, visit NASCAR.com/Regional.
Image courtesy of NASCAR | Darren McCollester/Getty Images
