The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announces Leah Martin as President of the rapidly growing organization. Leah brings a broad and distinguished background in executive leadership, national advocacy initiatives, organizational development, and large-scale motorsports operations. In this role, Leah will oversee all IHRA disciplines—including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, tractor pulling, and emerging motorsports platforms—ensuring unified leadership and strategic alignment across the entire IHRA organization.
Before entering the motorsports industry, Leah held leadership roles within national nonprofit organizations, including serving as a director with the American Lung Association. In these roles, she guided statewide and regional initiatives, aligned diverse stakeholders around mission-focused goals, and helped advance the broader objectives of complex national organizations. Her ability to unify teams, build strong partnerships, and lead with strategic purpose has been a defining aspect of her career.
In motorsports, Leah has served as Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, the largest powerboating event in the world. Under her leadership, the Shootout expanded its sponsorship portfolio, strengthened event logistics and safety operations, enhanced media and community engagement, and delivered the most significant economic benefit to the region. She remains in an oversight capacity for the Shootout, ensuring continuity, long-term planning, and strategic alignment as the event continues to grow. Leah coordinated hundreds of volunteers annually and built operational systems that strengthened governance, consistency, and event execution.
Within IHRA, Leah has played a key role in advancing organizational structure, creating the alignment of multiple racing disciplines, and building a unified framework for the IHRA across its growing and diverse motorsports properties. She is known for her operational discipline, strategic clarity, and racer-first philosophy—paired with her ability to bring people together around a clear and shared mission.
In all her commitments, Leah is supported by her husband, Justin, and their three children. Her family has been a constant source of encouragement, and her two boys often tell everyone that their mom has “the coolest job in the world.” Their belief in her leadership continues to inspire her work within the IHRA and throughout the motorsport’s community.
A Historic First for Motorsports
Our research indicates that Leah Martin is the only female President of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. This marks a significant moment not only for the IHRA but also for women rising into leadership roles across the motorsports landscape.
Statement from Leah Martin, President, IHRA
“Stepping into this role is an incredible honor, and I am fully committed to advancing the International Hot Rod Association with a racer-first mindset and a clear vision for long-term growth. Motorsports thrive when organizations work together, when teams feel supported, and when there is alignment with a shared mission. My focus is on fostering collaboration, strengthening our operations, and building a foundation that will carry the IHRA forward for years to come. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to leading the IHRA into a new era of stability, innovation, and opportunity.”
Statement from Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA
“What’s important to me isn’t male or female, but rather who is best for the job. Leah has a tremendous sense of business and has surrounded herself with the strongest experts in each racing discipline under our umbrella. Her leadership, her strategic approach, and her ability to unite teams are exactly what the IHRA needs as we elevate our motorsports portfolio to new levels.
The fact that she is a woman breaking new ground in motorsports is a bonus—but it’s her capability, not her gender, that makes her the right leader. We are committed to progression in motorsports, and we couldn’t be prouder that Leah will lead the way.”
About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) fuels the future of motorsports with a multi-discipline platform and a renewed leadership vision focused on growth, competitive excellence, and modernized event experiences. With an expanding national footprint, IHRA is committed to elevating competitive standards, strengthening local venues, and delivering unforgettable experiences for racers, fans, and partners.
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