The International Hot Rod Association has named Dustin Farthing as its new president, issuing an official press release today following the dismissal of Leah Martin at the Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore event on May 17.
Farthing is not new to IHRA. He previously served as the organisation’s President of Sponsorships, where he was credited with helping expand its presence in powerboat and personal watercraft racing. His move to the top role is an internal elevation rather than an outside hire.
Racing and business background
Farthing is one of the most decorated personal watercraft racers in the sport’s history, with more than 30 professional world championships across his career. He has also competed in offshore powerboat racing, snowcross, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Beyond racing, he has operated powersports dealerships, motorsports businesses, sponsorship programmes, and large-scale construction companies.
As president, he will oversee all IHRA divisions: drag racing, offshore powerboat racing, personal watercraft, stock car racing, pulling, snowmobile competition, and concerts.
Dustin Farthing:
IHRA has an incredible foundation, an iconic brand, and some of the most passionate racers and fans in motorsports. This organization has the opportunity to become one of the most powerful motorsports platforms in the world by uniting multiple disciplines under one vision. Our focus moving forward will be growing the sport, supporting racers and tracks, building stronger sponsor partnerships, and creating world-class experiences for fans, competitors, and communities across the country.
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell:
Dustin is exactly the type of leader this organization needs as we continue building the future of the IHRA. He understands racers, sponsors, promotion, operations, and the business side of motorsports at the highest level. More importantly, he brings energy, vision, and a racer-first mentality that aligns perfectly with where we are taking this company. We believe Dustin will play a major role in helping elevate IHRA into one of the most recognized motorsports organizations in the world.
Context
The appointment follows a turbulent period at IHRA. Martin’s dismissal mid-race at Cocoa Beach came without warning, according to her own account, after a hotel meeting the night before had sealed the decision. The departure list since Cuttell acquired the IHRA brand in December 2024 has been substantial, spanning multiple senior roles across both drag racing and offshore divisions.
The IHRA 2026 season continues across multiple disciplines and championship series. Founded in Fairfield, Ohio in 1970, the organisation has expanded rapidly under Cuttell’s ownership into offshore powerboat racing, stock car racing, pulling, personal watercraft, and snowmobile competition.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
