Women Take Prominent Roles in Drag Racing

Saying “What’s important to me isn’t male or female but rather who is best for the job,” International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) CEO Darryl Cuttell nevertheless made history by naming Leah Martin as the sanctioning body’s new president.

As overseer of all of the IHRA’s disciplines—drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, tractor pulling, and emerging motorsports platforms—Martin is the only female president of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. Cuttell said Martin will draw on her previous IHRA experience and her leadership roles within national nonprofit organizations.

“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,” Cuttell said.

“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,” he said. “We are committed to progression in motorsports, and we couldn’t be prouder that Leah will lead the way.”

Martin said, “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.”

In the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman has appointed Michelle Domagala to vice president, operations and partnerships, for the sanction’s largest team.

Domagala, administrator for PRO (Professional Racers Owners Organization) for the past 18 years, will work with Freeman in acquiring new partnerships, maintaining current relationships, and building the Elite Motorsports brand both on and off the racetrack.

“Michelle is one of the hardest working individuals in the sport,” Freeman said. “This sport is really all about the people, and Michelle is one of the people I felt Elite Motorsports needed as we shift into this new era. We’re going on 20 full years of being in this business, and we’ve got big plans. Michelle has offered a fresh perspective and will be instrumental in keeping us on the right path as we continue to change the sport for the better.”

Domagala will continue her work with PRO while she and husband, Mike, will partner with Elite Motorsports through their own business, Premium Motorsports Products (PMP), to further accommodate their international customers and help Elite HP, Elite Motorsports’ high-performance parts, cars and engine division, reach a broadened audience. Mike Domagala is co-crew chief on Leah Pruett’s Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (TSR Nitro) Top Fuel entry.

“Richard and I have always worked well together. I see his vision clearly, and I believe in the excitement he’s bringing to the sport,” Domagala said. “Elite Motorsports has always done things a bit differently. The culture Richard has built and the people he’s surrounded himself with are truly second to none. I look forward to contributing to our unique brand and continuing Elite’s innovative approach to the sport of drag racing.”

Michelle Domagala also will work closely with Sara Slaughter, director of communications and sponsor relations, to maintain partner deliverables and relationships. The two will work hand-in-hand with Innovative Creation Experts, a marketing firm owned and operated by Natalie Jahnke (Torrence), to execute social-media strategy. On the team side of operations, Courtney Enders will continue her role managing crew and personnel.