KEY POINTS
- IHRA broke ground on January 7, 2026, to begin renovations at the former Memphis International Raceway.
- The track will now be called Darana Motorsports Park Millington.
- Plans include adding a dirt track, amphitheater, and multi-use upgrades.
- The project is part of IHRA’s recent expansion, including three other racetrack acquisitions since November 2025.
A January 7 groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of renovations at the former Memphis International Raceway. The Millington, Tennessee racetrack’s new owners, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), closed on the property just a few weeks prior.
What are IHRA’s Plans for Memphis International Raceway?
IHRA says it plans to restore the facility as a multi-use destination. In addition to the current paved racing surface, the organization plans to add a separate dirt track and an amphitheater for concerts and other performances.
Vacant since 2022, the track has fallen into disrepair. During an interview with Memphis’ WREG-TV, IHRA President Leah Martin acknowledged, “Most of it is coming down, but we’ll keep some storied pieces that are iconic for the space, and it will come to life really quickly.”
Who is the owner of the IHRA?
The groundbreaking also debuted the track’s new name: Darana Motorsports Park Millington, named after IHRA owner Darryl Cottrell’s main business, an electrical-mechanical contracting firm called Darana Hybrid.
Cottrell purchased the IHRA in 2024. At the time, it was a mostly dormant drag racing series dating back to 1971. Since his takeover, Cottrell has added other racing series to the IHRA roster and has purchased several racetracks across the United States.
What is the history of Memphis International Raceway?
The facility, also known as Memphis Motorsports Park for a time, has a rich history in North American auto racing. It once hosted NASCAR, NHRA drag racing, and other motorsports series. Since opening in 1986, the track has changed ownership several times and ultimately shut down in 2022.
What’s Next for Darana Motorsports Park Millington and the IHRA?
Since late November 2025, the IHRA has purchased three additional tracks, including the historic Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. The organization plans to host its own racing series at these venues while also attracting high-profile events like NASCAR, which already hosts events at Rockingham.
“For us, it’s really about restoring something that was phenomenal in the racing industry,” Martin told WREG.
While the IHRA has not shared exact timelines for the Millington racetrack renovations, the organization has said work is expected to progress quickly. Martin also noted to WREG, “I’m booking concerts for the end of the fall.”
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