The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the appointment of Leah Martin as its President, ushering in a pivotal moment for the rapidly expanding organization and the broader motorsports industry, as a whole. Martin steps into the role with an extensive background in executive leadership, national advocacy, organizational development, and large-scale motorsports operations. In this role, she will oversee all IHRA disciplines—including drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, tractor pulling, and otherr emerging motorsports platforms—ensuring unified leadership and strategic alignment across the entire IHRA organization.
Prior to entering motorsports, Martin's background were leadership roles within prominent national nonprofit organizations, including her tenure as a director with the American Lung Association. In these positions, she oversaw statewide and regional initiatives, unified diverse stakeholders around mission-driven objectives, and contributed to advancing the strategic goals of complex national systems. Her proven track record of building high-performing teams, fostering strong partnerships, and guiding organizations through periods of transformation has defined her leadership career.
In the motorsports arena, Martin has served as Executive Director of central Missouri's famed Lake of the Ozarks Shootout —the largest powerboating event in the world. Under her leadership, the event has strengthened its high-level sponsorship portfolio, optimized logistics and overall safety operations, expanded media and community engagement, and delivered substantial economic impact to the region. She will continue in an oversight role to ensure continuity, long-term planning, and strategic alignment as the event’s global presence grows. Martin will continue to oversee hundreds of volunteers and has implemented systems that improve governance, operational consistency, and large-scale event execution for the betterment of the massively popular event.
Within the IHRA, Martin has already played a critical role in modernizing organizational structure, supporting alignment across multiple racing disciplines, and contributing to the development of a unified framework designed to support long-term growth. She is widely recognized for her operational discipline, strategic clarity, and racer-first philosophy—paired with an ability to bring teams together around a shared mission.
Internal research indicates that Martin is currently the only female President of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. Her appointment represents a significant milestone not only for the IHRA, but also for the advancement of women in motorsports leadership.
Martin herself is humbled and motivated by her new assignment.
“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 thrives when organizations work together, when teams feel supported, and when the sport is aligned toward 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."
IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell is equally confident in his choice for IHRA President.
“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 the sport to new levels," said Cuttell. "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 making this industry better, and we couldn’t be prouder that Leah will lead the way."
Speedboating industry icon Bob Teague supports Cuttell's selection, based on previous projects that they've worked on together.
"I have had the honor and opportunity to work with Leah Martin personally as she directed and guided the massive improvements to the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, resulting in huge charity contributions, and then also adding the Shootout Offshore races," said Teague. "Leah has the ability to assemble effective teams to accomplish very high goals. She has immense energy, integrity and work ethics that are contagious. Leah’s historical appointment by Darryl Cuttell to the position of President of IHRA is amazing and well deserved, but not surprising because I am confident that she has the best interests of the motorsports she is overseeing at heart."
The IHRA Team, led by Cuttell and Martin, will be at the Performance Racing Industry Show (PRI) in Indianapolis, IN December 11-13, 2025.
