With an immediate effect, IHRA, the International Hot Rod Association, parted ways with its president, Leah Martin. The sudden change in the top brass of the organization took everyone aback and left them surprised as it took place amidst an ongoing International Hot Rod Association event.

When she got fired, her husband, Justin Martin, was performing his safety director duties at the Cocoa Beach on Sunday, May 17. When the news spread out about Martin's dismissal, he turned the pace boat to the pits and disembarked.

As a result, it created a major disruption while starting the race. The International Hot Rod Association replaced Leah Martin with Dustin Farthing and made him the new IHRA President.

“Yesterday, I was informed that my time with the IHRA has come to an end," Martin said on May 18. (Via Powerboat news). "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."

She was promoted to the post in December last year and became one of the top female executives to head an international racing organization. Here's what she further said about her dismissal, which was done via text:

"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."

New IHRA President shared his thoughts after taking over responsibility

Dustin Farthing, who became the new president, earlier served the organization as Managing Director of the IHRA Professional Watercraft Racing Series. He was also recently promoted to the IHRA President of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing.

"IHRA has an incredible foundation, an iconic brand, and some of the most passionate racers and fans in motorsports,” said Farthing.

“This organization has the opportunity to become one of the most powerful motorsports platforms in the world by uniting multiple disciplines under one vision."

Farthing comes with ample experience as he is a highly decorated motorsports figure. He has over 35 years of professional racing experience and claimed more than 30 professional world championships in personal watercraft (PWC) racing during his career.

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Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason