05/19/2026
I used to get all caught up in the politics myself. Just my opinion try to remember, the joy of being able to participate in the race is the true prize.
IHRA Parts Ways With President Leah Martin, Names Dustin Farthing as Replacement
The International Hot Rod Association made another abrupt change to its leadership structure this weekend, parting ways with president Leah Martin during the Thunder on the Beach event in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
“The International Hot Rod Association and Leah Martin have parted ways effective immediately,” new / returning IHRA President of Powerboat Racing Tommy Thomassie announced in a text statement.
Filling her spot is current IHRA Director of Professional Watercraft Series and President of Sponsorship and Marketing, Dustin Farthing.
Farthing brings decades of experience as a world champion racer and accomplished business executive. Regarded as one of the most successful personal watercraft racers in the sport’s history, he has captured more than 30 professional world championships while competing across disciplines including offshore racing, snowcross, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Away from competition, Farthing has built a diverse business portfolio spanning powersports dealerships, motorsports operations, sponsorship ventures, and large-scale construction companies.
Martin called the circumstances “unexpected,” posting a statement on her page Monday. “Yesterday, I was informed that my time with the IHRA has come to an end. The conversation and circumstances surrounding it were unexpected, especially after meeting personally with Darryl just a couple of hours earlier with no indication that a change was coming. I was later informed that a meeting had taken place the night before at a hotel room regarding the decision. As difficult as today has been, I remain incredibly proud of everything we worked to build. I poured my heart, time, energy, and countless hours into this sport and this organization because I truly believed in the vision and the future of racing.”
Martin was announced as IHRA president in December 2025, with the organization noting she was the only female president of a major motorsports sanctioning body in the United States — “a significant milestone not only for IHRA but also for women rising into leadership roles across the motorsports landscape,” the organization said at the time.
The irony of Thomassie announcing Martin’s firing is not lost on industry observers. On the last day of 2025, IHRA had named Tommy Thomassie executive vice president and director of powerboating. Less than 100 days later, and two weeks after the organization held its first offshore race in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thomassie informed the IHRA that he was resigning , citing a split in “collective vision and execution.”
Along with Thomassie, Andrew Hubbell has been named new President of Offshore Racing. The duo will work together in overseeing the IHRA Offshore Powerboat Series.
