Eastbound Dragway becomes Track #111 in the All New IHRA sanctioned tracks.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Avondale, NL — Eastbound International Dragway is proud to announce its official sanctioning with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) for the 2026 racing season, marking an exciting new chapter for drag racing in Newfoundland and Labrador. The upcoming season is presented by Hickman Automotive Group and A1 Automotive, reinforcing strong local support behind one of Atlantic Canada’s premier motorsports facilities.
“We are excited about the opportunities and the exciting programs that the new IHRA owner Darrell Cuttell and his team have put together,” said Eastbound Park’s owner Pat Squires. “We would also like to thank Jon O’Neal and Scooter Peaco for their continued support after a decade of working with Eastbound Dragway. In 2015 we were welcomed into the previous IHRA family and were honoured to participate in the 2015 Summit Super Series World Finals in Memphis, Tennessee, where a Conception Bay South native Darien Legge became the first child with autism to compete in the Junior Dragster finals and showed the world his skill set by placing 2nd in the world. The 2026 IHRA World Finals are set for October 22–24. Could this be the year an Eastbound driver gets crowned a World Champion?”
“It seems like yesterday when I touched down for a facility inspection at Eastbound Dragway to see if it was up to snuff for sanctioning. Now, over a decade later, it’s still an honour to have a tiny part in bringing unique programs to such an amazing facility,” said Jon O’Neal of the IHRA. “To this day Eastbound holds a unique and beautiful spot among the world of motorsports. I look forward to seeing the growth and unique programs offered in such a beautiful setting.”
The 2026 drag racing season will officially launch June 13–14 for Opening Weekend and will feature eight action-packed weekends of racing. A major addition to the calendar is the all-new Thursday Night No Prep Series, presented by Built in NL, Three Kings Auto & Transmission, and Blazer Concrete Sawing & Drilling, bringing grassroots street-style competition to the forefront.
Fans can also look forward to the highly anticipated return of the Annual Street Car Shootout on August 16, presented by PartsCity Auto Parts, showcasing some of the region’s fastest street machines.
2026 Schedule Highlights
Saturday & Sunday, June 13–14 – Gamblers / Thunder Series / Street Wars (Opening Weekend)
Thursday, June 25 – Thursday Night No Prep Heads Up
Saturday & Sunday, June 27–28 – Gamblers / Thunder Series
Thursday, July 16 – Thursday Night No Prep Heads Up
Saturday & Sunday, July 18–19 – Gamblers / Thunder Series
Thursday, August 13 – Thursday Night No Prep Heads Up
Saturday & Sunday, August 15–16 – Gamblers / Thunder Series & Annual Street Car Shootout
Saturday & Sunday, August 29–30 – Gamblers / Thunder Series / Street Wars
Saturday & Sunday, September 12–13 – Gamblers / Thunder Series / Street Wars
Saturday & Sunday, September 26–27 – Team Events / Thunder Series
Saturday & Sunday, October 10–11 – Rain Dates
With renewed IHRA affiliation, expanded programming, and a full season of competitive racing ahead, Eastbound International Dragway is poised to deliver one of its most exciting years yet.
For racers and fans alike, 2026 promises high horsepower, fierce competition, and the potential for Eastbound to make history on the world stage. To learn more on how to become a race car driver in our junior or senior programs, participants can email info@eastboundpark.com
