The IHRA revival, which includes the fielding of the top alcohol funny car class, attracts UltraSonic LLC proprietor Phil Esz to compete. For Phil, 2025 has already been a tremendously successful season of top alcohol funny car racing. He has earned three regional wins and already secured the NHRA East Region Championship for the class. For the Ohio native, it’s now a goal to continue such success, but at the International Hot Rod Association’s season-opening Outlaw Nitro Series race at the famed National Trail Raceway (Recently rebranded as Darana Raceway).
“Got to see what the IHRA can do, got to support it,” is Phil’s thought on participating in the first IHRA national event in well over a decade. It’s no secret that top alcohol funny car competitors and teams are looking for more where they race. The IHRA presents an opportunity for increased exposure through partnerships with major streaming platforms, such as Speed Sport, and the inclusion of alcohol-fueled funny cars in a premium spot on the racing schedule.
For Mr. Esz, it also presents a practical racing option for all his racing endeavors with his methanol-burning funny car. The business, UltraSonic LLC, along with the home and race shop, is just east of Cincinnati, Ohio, making the trip no more than two hours for the Ohio racer. “I’ve got multiple races near me worth running,” was Phil’s remark concerning not racing just at Darana Raceway but also Milan Dragway and Dragway 42.
Les Davenport, a well-known and respected name in drag racing, is the knob turner for Phil Esz on his UltraSonic funny car and fully supports Phil’s participation. Phil confirmed, “Les Davenport is excited about and encouraged me to participate,” peeking into the tuner to owner-driver conversations concerning participating in the IHRA. Les has got the car right and is poised for success in the IHRA and anywhere else. He recently tuned Phil to his first career number one qualifying effort at Summit Motorsports Park at the NHRA national event.
There is a worthwhile monetary prize to win in the IHRA, but even more worthwhile is to be the first top alcohol funny car winner of an IHRA national event in well over a decade in a series that has showcased some of the greatest alcohol funny car racers ever. Phil
Esz has his sights on his first Ironman trophy and adding his name to the list of IHRA winners in Top Alcohol Funny Car, such as the great Mark Thomas.
IHRA Schedule For TAFC
Friday: Qualifier 1 – 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Qualifier 2 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: Elimination Round 1 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Rd. 2 after 4:00 PM. FINAL after 7:00 PM.
This story was originally published on July 11, 2025. 
