01/05/2026
IHRA adopts Racer-Led Global Governance Model with Regional Promoter Voting ... Farthing emphasizes organization's racer-driven focus and invites input
Dustin Farthing (Posted on Social Media over the past day)
Attention racers, promoters, manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and everyone who truly cares about this sport:
We are building a racer-driven organization. Period.
For years, racers have been fed promises, excuses, and “next year” talk—while real change never showed up. We waited. We listened. We watched the same problems get recycled instead of solved.
2026 is the line in the sand.
While others react after the damage is done, we’re fixing problems before they become excuses. We’re not here to protect the past or anyone that’s continuing that old vision—we’re here to build the future with real sponsors and programs that will feed down to racers pockets in both amateur and professional ranks. 
When I put my name on something, there is no exit plan and no failure option. I don’t back down, I definitely don’t stall, and when I’m locked in I don’t miss often!
Now is the time. We are officially asking for your input. We are listening, and we are actively reviewing all suggestions, ideas, and supporting materials submitted.
While we can’t guarantee that every rule can be changed or every proposal implemented, we can guarantee this: every well-thought-out submission will be reviewed and discussed by the board—not ignored or pushed aside as others have done in past.
If you take the time to send a suggestion, please take the time to write it clearly and thoroughly so it can be properly understood, evaluated, and debated as a team.
This is a racer-driven effort, and meaningful input matters. The entire IHRA Team including myself care about giving racers cheaper entry fees, lower insurance cost, race fuel savings, hotel savings, membership savings, contingency programs, prize money and prizes for non payee classes.
Submit all feedback to:
[email protected]
All constructive input is welcome.
IHRA adopts Racer-Led Global Governance Model with Regional Promoter Voting to Strengthen World Championship Vision
Fairfield, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the formal adoption of its IHRA Global Racer-Led Governance Charter, establishing a transparent, multi-tier governance structure designed to guide the future of professional personal watercraft racing and the IHRA World Championship.
The newly ratified bylaws introduce a governance model built around racer leadership, operational accountability, and long-term industry stability, ensuring that competition decisions are made by racers, regional operations are guided by promoters, and industry expertise supports the sport without influencing competitive outcomes.
“This structure is about accountability, balance, and long-term growth,” said Dustin Farthing of IHRA. “Racers must lead the direction of the sport, promoters must have ownership in ex*****on, and industry partners must have a voice in sustainability. This model brings all of that together under one clear, transparent system.”
At the center of the new model is a global governance panel designed to ensure balanced representation and long-term stability. The panel consists of:
• Four (4) American racer representatives
• Four (4) international racer representatives
• USA regional promoter representatives, with one vote per affiliated region
• OEM and aftermarket industry experts, serving in non-voting advisory roles
• Technical Director with an advisory role to maintain the partnership world wide on rules and accountability
This structure clearly defines authority while aligning all stakeholders behind a shared vision for the sport’s growth.
Racers serve as the primary voting authority on all competition and World Championship matters through the International & American Racer Council, with equal voting power among members.
The Racer Council holds exclusive authority over:
• World Championship format, structure, location, dates
• Class framework and parity philosophy
• Closed course, endurance, and hybrid race formats
• Major competitive rule directions to ensure rules align
An International Council Lead will assist with global coordination and help expand international representation to ensure the World Championship reflects true worldwide participation.
The updated bylaws formally establish the USA Regional Promoter Panel as a voting body on regional operational matters. Each IHRA-affiliated U.S. regional promoter is granted one vote, exercised by its appointed representative.
Regional promoter voting authority includes:
• Regional scheduling and calendar alignment
• Venue standards and operational requirements
• Regional-to-national progression pathways, including alignment with the IHRA World Finals to provide racers a clear path from regional competition to World Championship Events
To preserve competitive integrity, the bylaws explicitly state that regional promoter votes do not supersede Racer Council authority on competition or World Championship decisions.
“This gives promoters real ownership and responsibility without blurring the lines between competition and operations,” Farthing added. “Racers come first on all decisons before profits. This is why we guaranteed a minimum of $250,000 in prize money along with additional prizes from sponsors. Everyone has a seat at the table, and everyone knows their role.”
An OEM & Aftermarket Advisory Board will provide technical and market insight to support long-term sustainability. This board advises IHRA and the Racer Council on:
• Safety considerations
• Cost-containment strategies
• Equipment evolution
• Technical feasibility
• Long-term industry and market trends and rule suggestions
The advisory board holds no voting authority, ensuring that competitive control remains independent of commercial influence.
A Foundation for a True World Championship
IHRA believes this governance model establishes the foundation necessary to rebuild a globally respected World Championship hosted in the United States, shaped by racers from around the world and guided by transparent, racer-first leadership. This event isn’t like others and we made sure that the first people being paid are our customers and they are the racers.
The governance charter has been created as Version 1.1, with full documentation, transparency measures, and version control in place. The charter will be made publicly available with all members carefully selected.
Additional announcements regarding Racer Council members, regional promoter representatives, and advisory board participants will be released in the coming weeks.
