Jan. 23, 2026

Land Speed Legends, Drag Racing Revival & IHRA’s Bold New Era

Land Speed Legends, Drag Racing Revival & IHRA’s Bold New Era

This episode of The Pits Are Open is packed with raw speed, deep storytelling, and major shifts across motorsports. Host Will Murati is joined by engineer and producer Alex Smith for an unforgettable show airing on SpeedSport One.

We open by celebrating recent racing headlines, including Westin Workman’s incredible Daytona class win, the latest action from the Chili Bowl Nationals, and early momentum heading into the Rolex 24 at Daytona. From IndyCar prospects to endurance racing, the season is already heating up.

Land speed racing takes center stage with Liz Leggett, driver of the legendary Iron Dinosaur Racing machine. Liz shares her extraordinary journey from steam locomotives and WWII tank restoration to piloting a 2,000-horsepower, twin-turbo lakester at Bonneville Salt Flats.
We dive deep into what it takes to run 300+ mph on salt, the reality of risk mitigation in extreme motorsports, and the ongoing fight to preserve Bonneville for future generations.

Next, Scott Woodruff, Chief Operating Officer of the International Hot Rod Association, joins the show to break down one of the biggest shake-ups in drag racing in decades.
From historic track acquisitions to boosted prize money and a bold Triple Crown concept with a potential $1 million bonus, IHRA is making serious moves. Scott explains the vision, the momentum behind the resurgence, and what this means for racers, fans, and the future of the sport.

• Airing Thursdays at 6 PM on SpeedSport One
• Streaming on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
• Audio versions available wherever you get your podcasts

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If you love motorsports stories that go beyond the surface, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

🏎️ Speed. Legacy. Passion. The Pits Are Open.

🏁 Guest 1: Liz Leggett – Chasing 350 MPH on the Salt🔥 Guest 2: Scott “Woody” Woodruff – IHRA’s Aggressive Comeback📺 Where to Watch & Listen📨 Stay Connected