International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka's Heartland Motorsports

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.

The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems, said a IHRA news release.

With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex, said the news release.

Owner of the International Hot Rod Association, Darryl Cuttell said Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing.

“It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations," said Cuttell.

What is IHRA's vision for Heartland Motorsports Park?

The IHRA plans to restore Heartland Motorsports Park as a destination for racing, music and community. Those plans include redevelopment for year-round efforts that extend beyond competition weekends which involve the following:

• Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities.
• Expanded motorsports and special event programming.
• Live music, concerts, and festival experiences.
• Enhanced hospitality, vendor and fan-experience areas.
• Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact.

“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell said. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”

When will renovations begin?

Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules and community partnerships expected in the coming months, said the news release.

Heartland previously owned by Kansas City Missouri company

A Kansas City, Missouri-based company called Topeka 77 LLC, had purchased in September the Topeka properties that formerly were the site of Heartland Motorsports Park.

The company registered a deed for those 28 parcels with Shawnee County while giving its mailing address as 2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700. That is the same address as 145-year-old Kessinger, Hunter & Co., LC, the oldest commercial development company in Kansas City, Missouri, which says on its website that it operates $2 billion worth of real estate and has 200 associates, The Capital-Journal previously reported.

Topeka 77 paid Shawnee County — under protest — $3,402,313.05 in outstanding property taxes owed by the company that sold it the property, Chris Payne's Raymore, Missouri-based Shelby Development, LLC, said former Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka's Heartland Motorsports