Mike Dunn looks ahead to new IHRA role

After 14 years as one of the most recognized and respected drag racing announcers on network television, offering his vast expertise on the drag racing circuit, Mike Dunn was all set to step away from the sport for a little bit.

"I was all set to take the year off," Dunn said. "I was all set to do some mountain biking or maybe do some driving, maybe in a little bit of a comeback."

Dunn, one of the best-known racers in the Funny Car and Top Fuel circuits during his career, winning 10 Funny Car titles (1981 through 1991) and 12 Top Fuel events from 1993 until he stepped away from competitive driving in 2002.

Dunn then signed on with ESPN, making the easy transition from the track to the booth.
Last October, Dunn received word that his services were no longer wanted for the National Hot Rod Association broadcasts, which have now moved from ESPN to FOX Sports, leaving Dunn's career in somewhat of a limbo.

But in early February, Dunn got a phone call that totally changed his life.

"Chris Lencheski (vice chairman of the board and chief executive officer of IRG Sports & Entertainment) said that he wanted to make me the president of the IHRA," Dunn said. "I immediately told him I was not qualified."

Lencheski wants to make the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) a major player in the auto racing industry once again and figured that there was no better way to start that than to have someone like Dunn who has been involved in every aspect – from mechanic to driver to popular television analyst – heading the organization.

"Chris and I spoke a few times and he showed me a few things," said Dunn, a native of California and resident of Pennsylvania whose father, "Big Jim" Dunn, is a drag racing legend and still owner of a Funny Car team.

"I know the way Chris wanted to take the IHRA and I liked what he had to say," Dunn said. "I knew the direction in which he wanted to go, looking to do more international things to get a younger demographic. I thought it made a lot of sense to try to bring in a new audience to the sport. It definitely needs a younger demographic and base. So I decided to take the job."

Just like that, Dunn became the new president of the new-look IHRA.

"It's been non-stop ever since I took the job February 1," Dunn said. "There are a lot of challenges involved. We're putting together a television package that more than likely will kick in for the 2017 season. We're still in initial talks with that. There are a lot of things I can bring to the table in terms of sales and marketing. I'm not a salesman by any means, but I can go and make a pitch or two if it helps. I'm willing to do anything. It's exciting, but it's also a little nerve wracking."

Dunn didn't want to take a position as a figurehead. That's just not his style. He wanted to work closely with IRG Sports + Entertainment to develop the IHRA.

"It's going to be challenging, but Chris has a good plan," Dunn said. "As long as we can execute the plan, it should be fine. It might be a unique plan, but I actually like that process."

Some of the ideas that have been floated about include the IHRA's return of the D1 Series and the possibility of drag racing conclave to uncover and develop new talent.

"I always heard that the IHRA had a good sportsman series and a lot of guys liked that racing," Dunn said. "To me, that's a big thing. I'll always be that quarter-mile Funny Car guy. It fuels my passion for drag racing, but we need to give the younger generation something they can relate to."

And the one thing Dunn doesn't want to see is a battle for supremacy between the NHRA and the IHRA.

"In the past, the IHRA has had some success," Dunn said. "What we're looking to do is get the younger demographic engaged in the event, with their tablets and their watches, following along every step. With Twitter and Facebook, getting the fans more involved. The fans not only want to come out and see racing. They want to be a part of the process. They want more. The race has to be more of an event. Sure, there are always going to be those who like watching the races, but we have to take it all to a different level."

Dunn, who will be 60 in September, certainly doesn't fit the role of the corporate suit type. It's not his style.

"Putting a shirt and tie on me is like putting whitewalls on a dump truck," Dunn said. "Even when I was on TV, I was usually in shorts and jeans under the table that you couldn't see. But I understand the corporate structure. I think being on the TV side helps there. It gives me a little bit more of an open mind to anything."

Added Dunn, "I was a racer. I look at it from having practiced it. I speak in common language that people understand."

For most of Dunn's life, it's been all about speed – until now. Dunn has to realize that his new job is not a sprint. In fact, he's even called the 2016 season as "the bridge year," meaning it will take some time for all of the planned changes to the IHRA to take effect.

"I'm a grandfather now," Dunn said. "As you turn older, you learn to become more patient. So I'm observing now, asking questions, asking people what they think. I'm trying to learn everything that I can. My dad once said that you have to learn how to work on a race car in order to make you a better racer. It may take a while. I am getting just a basic understanding of how everything operates and what I was hired to do."

And maybe, Dunn might just climb behind the wheel of a racecar again.

"The IHRA owns two teams and two cars," Dunn said. "There are some pretty good name drivers on the sidelines right now and quality teams that are interested. I think it gives us more options now. Who knows? Ask me in a year or so and we'll see."

One thing's for sure: In Mike Dunn, the IHRA certainly has a dynamic personality to serve as its president, someone who gives the association instant credibility and name recognition.