The long-quiet racetrack outside Millington is gearing up for a comeback with a new name and a massive cash infusion. The facility formerly known as Memphis International Raceway is now Darana Motorsports Park, Millington, as the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) rolls out roughly $60 million in renovations to bring the site back to life as a multiuse motorsports and entertainment complex. The venue has been largely idle since 2022.
The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce announced the rebrand and outlined the latest plans, according to Action News 5. That report notes that IHRA took ownership of the property and that construction crews broke ground earlier this year. Chamber officials said the name change is meant to signal a clean start for a high-profile property that has sat vacant since 2022.
New owners and how the deal unfolded
Darryl Cuttell, owner of Darana Hybrid, purchased IHRA in December 2024, according to Performance Racing Industry. Industry coverage reports that IHRA completed the purchase of the Millington facility on Dec. 23, 2025, and then moved quickly to map out a full rebuild of the track. RacingJunk documented early local reaction from the Millington Area Chamber and carried initial IHRA statements about the acquisition.
What’s in the $60 million plan
IHRA held a groundbreaking on Jan. 7, 2026, and has budgeted roughly $60 million to restore the drag strip and circle track while adding a dirt oval, an amphitheater, and upgraded fan amenities, according to ConstructConnect News. The project is being pitched as a multiuse destination that can host national racing weekends alongside concerts and other large events. IHRA leaders say they plan to preserve some of the site’s historic features while modernizing the rest for today’s teams and fans.
When can fans expect racing
Millington Area Chamber executive director Chris Thomas told Action News 5 that the track is now expected to reopen in 2027, a shift he linked to leadership changes and scheduling adjustments at IHRA. IHRA’s public calendar still shows an IHRA Sportsman Bracket Racing World Finals slot for Oct. 22–24 at Darana Motorsports Park - Memphis, which sends mixed signals about the fall schedule. That listing appears on IHRA. For race teams and ticket buyers, the fall timeline remains a tentative target while renovations continue.
Local stakes
Local officials and business leaders see the investment as a potential economic lift, from campgrounds and concessions to hotel and restaurant traffic, if the venue returns to regular event hosting. “This supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses,” Chamber director Chris Thomas said after the sale, as reported by RacingJunk. At the same time, nearby communities are expected to keep an eye on traffic, noise, and environmental impacts as construction and large events ramp up.
What to watch next
IHRA has been expanding its footprint and rebranding acquired sites under the Darana name as part of a broader strategy to host multiple racing disciplines and entertainment events, a move reflected in the sanctioning body’s news and event listings. For now, actual reopening dates will depend on construction milestones and formal event confirmations from IHRA and the Millington Area Chamber. Fans can track updates through IHRA’s event pages and future statements from local officials.
