IHRA Nitro Returns; Palmer, McIntyre Take Home Ironmans
- Logan Morris
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
By Logan Morris
Sunday at Darana Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, served as the impromptu final day of the Outlaw Nitro Series after a weather delay on Saturday, and it was undoubtedly worth the wait. History was made at Darana Raceway as the IHRA crowned its first winners in its comeback to the national event scene.
In Top Fuel, Scott Palmer took home the Ironman after defeating Krista Baldwin in the finals. He ran a 3.958 ET at 314.24 MPH. Baldwin, meanwhile, ran a 4.125 ET at 293.28 MPH. When I had a chance to ask Palmer what this win meant to him he was candid about it being extra special.
“It means a lot because they invested so much money and time into this deal. Larry Morgan, Darryl Cuttell. I mean, look at what Darryl’s invested here. This is a top-notch facility. Top-notch organization. I’m telling you, after a few races, Doug Foley Jr. has worked his ass off on this deal. For three months, just putting stuff together and just trying to get racers to understand how serious this is going to be.“
I also asked him how difficult it was to adjust to the conditions, given that the final round was originally scheduled to be run under the lights. He admitted it was difficult.
“It was tough. Last night was tougher than today because we had more runs in the heat, but when it comes down to stuff like this, when it’s hot like this and greasy, and the track preparation here is second-to-none. This track is awesome, but when it’s hot and the sun is on it, it’s tricky. No matter where you’re at. Over the last twenty years, we’ve done a lot of match races. I’ve made eleven races, going to little tracks, and putting on a show for the fans, so I call it my ‘Ozark Raceway Park tune-up’, and I put it in the car and it runs 3.95 [ET].”
In Funny Car, Ohio native Mike McIntyre ran a 4.166 ET at 293.41 MPH to defeat former IHRA world champion Del Worsham and become $50,000 richer. Worsham ran a 4.160 ET at 305.56 MPH.
When I asked McIntyre about what this meant to him being an Ohio native he was candid about his emotions.
“We’re only two-and-a-half hours from here and just winning, winning in general, is just awesome. Whether it’s at home or not, being close at all makes it that much sweeter.”
He was open about how special this one felt being the first IHRA event of its revival season.
““It’s cool. It’s cool, man. It’s indescribable right now. I mean, we’re just trying to take it all in and have a blast today.”
IHRA’s second event takes place July 23rd-26th, 2025 at Milan Dragway in Michigan.
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