IMCA Racing President Brett Root Highlights Growth, Challenges, and Iconic Events at EPARTRADE's 5th Annual Race Industry Week
During EPARTRADE’s 5th Annual Race Industry Week, Brett Root, President of the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA), reflected on the sanctioning body’s rich history, growing membership, landmark achievements, and the continued evolution of dirt track racing. Founded in 1915, IMCA is one of the oldest and most enduring motorsports organizations in the United States.
IMCA: Over a Century of Racing Tradition
Root began by revisiting IMCA’s origins and its commitment to providing affordable, grassroots racing opportunities. “We’re a hobby association focused on creating a cost-effective entry point for local racers,” said Root. “From entry-level divisions like sport compacts to high-performance sprint cars and late models, our nine divisions cater to racers of all skill levels.”
In 2024, IMCA sanctioned over 9,000 drivers across 250 tracks in 40 states and Canada. The organization’s extensive reach ensures accessibility and inclusivity, with racers competing in everything from weekly local events to high-profile touring series.
2024 Highlights: Records, Champions, and Historic Achievements
Root celebrated several standout moments from the past season:
Mike Nichols' Historic 13th National Championship
Nichols claimed his 13th national title in the stock car division, surpassing a record held since the 1960s. Root praised Nichols as a talented racer and a valuable ambassador for dirt track racing.
Nichols claimed his 13th national title in the stock car division, surpassing a record held since the 1960s. Root praised Nichols as a talented racer and a valuable ambassador for dirt track racing.
Kaylee Richards Breaks Barriers
Richards became only the second woman in IMCA history to win a national championship, securing titles in both the sport compact division and the Lady Eagle Championship. “Her success highlights the inclusivity of our sport and sets an inspiring example for future racers,” said Root.
Richards became only the second woman in IMCA history to win a national championship, securing titles in both the sport compact division and the Lady Eagle Championship. “Her success highlights the inclusivity of our sport and sets an inspiring example for future racers,” said Root.
Kelly Shryock’s Super Nationals Victory
A long-time fan favorite, Shryock clinched his first victory in the stock car feature at the Super Nationals. Root likened the moment to Dale Earnhardt’s Daytona 500 win, calling it “a storybook ending for a racer beloved by fans and competitors alike.”
A long-time fan favorite, Shryock clinched his first victory in the stock car feature at the Super Nationals. Root likened the moment to Dale Earnhardt’s Daytona 500 win, calling it “a storybook ending for a racer beloved by fans and competitors alike.”
The Boone Super Nationals: IMCA’s Crown Jewel
Held annually at Boone Speedway in Iowa, the Super Nationals continues to set records, with 1,038 cars competing in 2024, the highest count in the event’s 42-year history. Root described the event as a “snapshot of weekly racing” and a logistical marvel, with over 900 campers and 25,000 attendees transforming Boone into a temporary city.
“The Super Nationals is more than a race—it’s a celebration of dirt track culture,” said Root. “Its growth is a testament to our racers, fans, and the pure, unscripted nature of grassroots racing.”
IMCA’s investments in streaming technology, including FPV drone footage and high-quality broadcasts, have expanded the event’s reach globally. “Streaming tells the story of Super Nationals in a way that photos or race reports never could,” Root noted.
Consistency in Rules: A Hallmark of IMCA
Root highlighted IMCA’s commitment to maintaining stable rules to control costs and extend the life cycle of race cars. “Frequent rule changes can alienate racers and inflate costs,” he explained. “Our consistent rulebook ensures racers can compete affordably and transition cars between divisions or sell them to others.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth
Root previewed several key developments for 2025:
- The introduction of OEM replacement metric frames and composite Camaro bodies—the result of years-long collaborations with Speedway Motors and 5 Star Bodies.
- Continued investment in connectivity and infrastructure at Boone Speedway to improve the Super Nationals experience for fans and racers alike.
Root also acknowledged the challenges of rule enforcement and the evolving nature of motorsports but emphasized the enduring passion of the IMCA community. “Racing brings out the best and sometimes the worst in people, but the passion is what drives us all,” he said.
A Legacy of Passion and Community
As IMCA looks to the future, Root remains focused on preserving the organization’s grassroots spirit while embracing innovation. “We’re not just a sanctioning body; we’re a community,” he concluded. “Our goal is to continue delivering affordable, competitive racing and unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”
About IMCA Racing
Founded in 1915, the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) is the oldest active motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. Focused on grassroots dirt track racing, IMCA offers affordable and accessible racing opportunities across nine divisions. For more information, visit www.imca.com.
To watch The 5th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, please CLICK HERE
For more information, please visit: www.epartrade.com
Founded in 1915, the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) is the oldest active motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. Focused on grassroots dirt track racing, IMCA offers affordable and accessible racing opportunities across nine divisions. For more information, visit www.imca.com.
To watch The 5th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, please CLICK HERE
For more information, please visit: www.epartrade.com
