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Here is the latest news for all you race fans of what is Happening
UPDATED 01/03/2023
Sad Sad news, Professional rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block died in a snowmobile accident on Monday, his Hoonigan Racing team announced. He was 55. Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” Hoonigan Racing said in a statement. “He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”
The accident occurred at 2 p.m. when Block was riding a snowmobile down a steep slope in Wasatch County, Utah,
Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino compete at the WRC Rally Mexico in 2012.
Before embarking on his rally driving career, Block co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes in 1994, which went on to become one of the most recognizable skateboarding apparel brands in the world.
He began rallying in 2005 and two years later made his debut on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit in Mexico. He started 25 WRC events and won five X Games medals in RallyCross between 2006 and 2015.
UPDATED 05/24/2022
SAD NEWS:
Voice of Drag Racing Dave McClelland Passes Away
Dave McClelland, 85, the voice of the NHRA through the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s, both on television and at the racetrack, passed away May 22 of natural causes. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, which was quiet and peaceful.
For many years, Dave McClelland served as emcee for the annual SEMA Awards Gala and SEMA Show Banquet.
McClelland, whose skills, talent, and charm reached all corners of the motorsports world and was always everyone’s first choice as an emcee—including several years as emcee for the annual SEMA Awards Gala and SEMA Show Banquet—was honored with hall of fame enshrinements and awards that spanned his more than 60 years in the broadcasting business. He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1994.
McClelland continued to be a master of ceremonies and do voice-over work for clients, including NHRA, SEMA, NASCAR, ISCA, AARWBA, PWA, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, R.J. Reynolds, Petersen Automotive Museum, International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Championship Auto Shows, Petersen Publishing Company, Emap, Primedia, ProMedia, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Castrol, Mopar, Toyota, Shelby Automobiles, Meguiar’s, The California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and many other organizations.
McClelland was enshrined in the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1994.
Away from the microphone, McClelland’s motorsports career runs the gamut from track operator to the founder of the Super Chevy shows to serving as the NHRA’s director of communications. He has been involved with drag racing since 1955; a racer himself, his dragster is in the NHRA museum. Additionally, he has served on the board of directors and as chairman for Racers for Christ, and was a recipient of the SEMA Industry Icon Award and the Car Craft All-Star Drag Racing Team Award, as well as the NHRA Good Hand Award, Don Prudhomme Award, Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award and Goodguys Hot Rod Hero.
McClelland is survived by his wife of 64 years, Louise; son Kevin and his wife Lisa; son Mike and his wife Laurie; daughter Melissa Knight and her husband Tony; granddaughters Ashley and Sara McClelland; grandsons David McClelland and his wife Brittiney; Daniel McClelland and his wife Shirley; Matthew and Ryan Knight; and great-granddaughters Alana and Mylah Knight.
McClelland was inducted into the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Hall of Fame in 2012.
PRI Hosts Founding Members at DIRTcar Nationals
PRI Founding Members and Legacy Exhibitors were invited to attend the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park near Barberville, Florida.
PRI Founding Members and Legacy Exhibitors were invited to attend the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park near Barberville, Florida. PRI and its members were on-hand for the biggest event in DIRTcar racing as the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, All Star Circuit of Champions, Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds, Xtreme Outlaws Sprint Cars, DIRTcar Late Models, and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds took on the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”
The PRI Advisory Board was represented by PRI Track Ambassador Tom Deery, and representatives from E3 Spark Plugs, Taktical Solutions, Regis Communications, NASCAR, and MyRacePass were among those in attendance in the PRI Suite. Justin and Rebecca Starkey of VMP Performance in New Smyrna, Florida, were also on-hand.
Ernie Audino, the district director at the office of U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6), served as a liaison for the congressman for the event, which was overseen by World Racing Group (WRG) CEO Brian Carter, WRG Executive Director of Events Jeff Hachmann, and Volusia Track Manager James Sawyer. Existing PRI members also received a $5 discount on ticket prices.
Extreme E Reveals First Hydrogen Off-Road Racing Championship
Extreme H is the first-of-its-kind series for hydrogen cars and will race on the exact dates and locations as the Extreme E series.
Extreme E, the maker of the all-electric off-road series, will launch an off-road hydrogen championship in 2024. Named Extreme H, the first-of-its-kind series will race on the exact dates and locations as the Extreme E series. The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E, but a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source. Extreme H will feature two categories: full transition or combined racing. Officials plan to launch a prototype vehicle in early 2023. For more information, visit extreme-e.com.
Mercedes Launches New F1 Car
The W13 vehicle was built for the 2022 technical regulations and features narrow sidepods and a rearward-placed engine layout.
Mercedes has revealed the car that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will drive in this season’s championship. The W13 vehicle was built for the 2022 technical regulations and features narrow sidepods and a rearward-placed engine layout. Mercedes has won the constructors’ title for eight successive seasons but relinquished the drivers’ championship as Max Verstappen snatched the crown from Hamilton on the final lap of the 2021 season. The W13 will officially launch on March 18–20 for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. For more information, visit formula1.com.
JRi Shocks Continues Partnership With ARCA Menards Series
JRi Shocks announced the company’s continued sponsorship as an authorized product supplier in the Performance Parts Program for the ARCA Menards Series through the 2022 season. JRi Shocks will provide a contingency award to the highest finishing driver participating in the program, as well as the hard charger rookie and hard charger non-rookie at each event across the ARCA Menards Series, the ARCA Menards Series East, and the ARCA Menards Series West.
Trans Am Series Announces New Leadership in Driver Orientation Program
The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli has announced new leadership for its Driver Orientation Program. Following the upcoming retirement of Terry Earwood, who has managed the program since its inception, Ernie Becker will be at the helm of the curriculum, which aims to assist SVRA crossover drivers and series newcomers both on and off the race track. Becker has previously participated in the series with Class Auto Motorsports as team manager, driver development coach, and test driver from 2016 to 2018. The 2022 Trans Am Series season kicks off at Sebring International Raceway on February 24–27. For more information, visit gotransam.com.
Patriot Sprint Tour Sets 14-Race Schedule
Officials with the A-Verdi Storage Containers Patriot Sprint Tour have announced its schedule for 2022. The point fund will pay out a guaranteed $20,000 cash to the top five finishers in points in honor of the series’ 20th anniversary season. After a two-year hiatus, the season will kick off at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York, for the 34th annual Syracuse Motorsports Expo, March 11–13. Next will be the annual Outlaw Spring Nationals at Outlaw Speedway. The event will pay $4,000 to the winner on Friday, April 15, and marks the first of five trips to the Dundee, New York-based oval. Click here for the complete schedule.
Sad news…
Alex Borla—the co-founder and CEO of Borla Performance Industries with facilities in Oxnard, California, and Johnson City, Tennessee—has passed away.
In 1978, Borla co-founded Borla Performance and Borla Exhaust with his wife Alyse Borla. The company, which started as a manufacturer of exhaust components for Rolls-Royce and Ferrari Concours classics, has evolved into a premier exhaust brand covering many cars and trucks.
Borla, a lifelong auto enthusiast, has participated in several racing events, including the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week.
By SEMA editors, Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio, and Carr Winn
Just 21 years old, Christopher Polvoorde passed by friends, competitors, and some of his heroes, on his way to taking first place in the Hammers Toyo Tires Desert Challenge in the T2 class. SEMA News caught up to Polvoorde to talk about the experience.
Truly a challenge to even the most seasoned drivers, the course featured 227 miles of racing over both rocky terrain and high-speed areas. Polvoorde was thrilled to pilot his #94 Optima Batteries Ford Raptor across the finish line.
In a recent Toyo Tires press release, Polvoorde explained the challenges of the race. “This race throws every different type of terrain at you and it gets more challenging every lap,” said Polvoorde. “I am stoked to be able to have all the stars align and win the T2 class and 2nd overall.”
For more information about the 2022 Progressive King of the Hammers, presented by Optima Batteries
Oracle Red Bull Racing Unveils RB18 With Fan-Led Reveal
Oracle Red Bull Racing have revealed the car with which they will be contesting the 2022 Formula One World Championship—the RB18—in a collaborative broadcast with many of the team’s online followers. Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez joined forces with the Oracle Red Bull Racing engineering team to reveal the 2022 car to the world in a fan-first experience. The launch was hosted from their technology campus in Milton Keynes and streamed by thousands of fans.
15th North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards Ceremony Set for April 19
The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) has announced the NC Motorsports Industry Ceremony will take place Tuesday, April 19, at Embassy Suites Ballroom in Concord in Concord, North Carolina. The ceremony will honor NASCAR Hall of Fame championship team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame football coach Joe Gibbs with the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award.
A native North Carolinian, Gibbs will join motorsports notables such as Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Junior Johnson, O. Bruton Smith, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, Ned Jarrett family, Dale Earnhardt, Benny Parsons, Mike Helton, Jeff Gordon, Roger Penske, Jack Roush, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Robert Yates as NCMA Achievement in Motorsports Tribute honorees.
Tickets are available for the dinner and awards ceremony and include single and table options. For more information, visit northcarolinamotorsportsassociation.org.
PPG Renews Sponsorship With Team Penske
PPG has announced that it will renew its sponsorship of Team Penske and two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden, who is set to drive the No. 2 PPG Chevrolet in 2022. PPG will once again sponsor Team Penske’s No. 2 Chevrolet, featuring the colorful new PPG livery unveiled in 2021. The car will be driven by Newgarden in eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES races this season. Newgarden, who has represented PPG on multiple occasions since joining the Penske team, claimed the INDYCAR SERIES Championship in 2017 and 2019. PPG’s longstanding relationship with Team Penske began in 1984 when PPG supported Penske’s numerous race cars. Today, PPG supplies refinish coatings for Penske Corporation’s racing, truck leasing and automotive collision repair subsidiaries.
Alan Gow
Alan Gow Reappointed President of the FIA Touring Car Commission
International motorsports governing body the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced Alan Gow has been reappointed as president of the FIA Touring Car Commission and the World Endurance Commission. With his role extended through 2023, Gow enters his 13th year as president of the FIA Touring Car Commission, the body that oversees the FIA-sanctioned touring car competitions. He also retains his position as a member of the World Endurance Commission, which he has held since 2018. This role will also extend through 2023. For more information, visit fia.com/commissions.
Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Forms NASCAR Team
Floyd “Money” Mayweather has partnered with Pit Viper to form The Money Team Racing (TMTR), which will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut with No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022.
Legendary five-division world champion and Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather has partnered with sunglass giant Pit Viper to form The Money Team Racing (TMTR), which will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut with No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022. Driver Kaz Grala will pilot the new NASCAR Next-Gen Chevrolet with an engine from ECR Engines. Calling the shots from the pit box will be NASCAR Cup Series winning crew chief Tony Eury Jr. The co-owner of TMT Racing, William Auchmoody, an associate of Mayweather’s and a longtime member of the NASCAR community, will serve as the team’s general manager. For more information, visit nascar.com and themoneyteamracing.com.
Ultra4, King Of the Hammers Announce EV Racing Program
Officials with Ultra4 Racing and King of the Hammers have announced the EV Spec Racing Program, an electric vehicle (EV) series that will compete with EV crate packages from Hypercraft and Dana Inc., along with supporting components from Yukon Gear and Axle and Holley/AEM. Eleven Ultra4 Racing teams have committed to the program to help develop and build EV-powered vehicles. The first race will take place in July 2022 in Attica, Indiana.
By Ashley Reyes
While the current trajectory of OEMs focusing on EV technology threatens the potential applications for products designed for internal-combustion engines (ICE), a new hydrogen-fueled ICE offers manufacturers hope into future possible markets and applications.
Introduced by Mike Copeland of Diversified Creations, the new technology was recently showcased on a ’48 Chevy truck with a supercharged LS engine.
Codenamed Zero, the truck—which produces zero tailpipe emissions—debuted at the 2021 SEMA Show and amassed wide media coverage and industry interest.
AVD Motorsports Presents “Save Our Racecars Night” At Wenatchee Valley Super Oval
AVD Motorsports has announced that the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval will present a night of racing on April 16, to bring attention to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and its “Save Our Racecars” initiative. The Save Our Racecars Night at Wenatchee will feature three classes of racing and highlight PRI’s Save Our Racecars campaign—a crucial initiative to preserve motorsports in North America.
Save Our Racecars Night seeks to grow interested and membership in PRI and to build grassroots support for the vital Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act 2021 (H.R.3281/S.2736). The RPM Act is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress that protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars by clarifying in the federal statute that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a dedicated track vehicle used in motorsports competition. The bill also enshrines in law the racing industry’s ability to produce, market, and install parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.
“The RPM Act is essential to racing and we are determined to pass it in this Congress,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, president of PRI. “We are thrilled to sponsor Save Our Racecars Night to highlight this important issue that affects all racers and racing enthusiasts. I ask racers and race fans to head to saveourracecars.com and urge your lawmakers to take action.”
PRI is leading the effort to pass the RPM Act, which is crucial to the future of motorsports. Competition and performance rights are under threat from those who want to attack those freedoms through government overreach and interference. PRI will be on-site at Wenatchee promoting its individual memberships, and individuals can sign up or learn more about them at performanceracing.com.
Ford Performance Announces Mustang GT3 Racecar
The new Mustang GT3 racer will be powered by a Ford 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine developed by Ford Performance and built by long-time racing collaborator and world championship winning team M-Sport of Cumbria, England.
Ford Performance has revealed plans for its all-new Mustang GT3 raceccar that will compete in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) 2024 race season, including the 24 Hours of Daytona. The new Mustang GT3 racer will be powered by a Ford 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine developed by Ford Performance and built by long-time racing collaborator and world championship winning team M-Sport of Cumbria, England.
The effort will be a joint program between Ford Performance and long-time racing collaborator Multimatic Motorsports. It will feature both a two-car factory-backed IMSA GTD Pro works team managed by Multimatic and customer Mustang race cars for the GTD class starting at Daytona in 2024. The two organizations have a rich history in the FIA World Rally Championship and recently collaborated on developing and preparing the Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1. For more information, visit performance.ford.com.
BFGoodrich Tires, Torruco, Blurton, MacCachren Motorsports McNeil, Hagle, Salvatierra All Winners at 2021 SCORE Awards
BFGoodrich Tires, Mexico Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marques, Phil Blurton, MacCachren Motorsports, Jason McNeil, Ethan Hagle and Juan Carlos Salvatierra were all major winners last Sunday night, January 30, as SCORE International officially concluded the 2021 SCORE World Desert Championship with its second pre-recorded virtual SCORE Awards Night showing airing on the SCORE website and through the SCORE social media platforms. The 2021 SCORE Awards show remains available on the SCORE website at www.SCORE-International.com, the SCORE You Tube channel and the SCORE facebook page.
The 49-page digital event commemorative program previews the show and salutes the 2021 SCORE point champions in text, images and embedded videos. It is available on the SCORE website and at 2021SCOREAwardsdigitalprogram.
SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year awards were officially presented in 14 categories, along with the 55 winners of the Rod Hall SCORE Milestone Awards, presented by VP Racing Fuels, as well as the overall and class point champions of the pandemic-abbreviate two-race 2021 SCORE World Desert Championship. The streamed event, with Rat Sult as the host once again, was also a celebration of 48 years of SCORE championship desert racing.
Track Enterprises Purchases Champion Racing Association
Macon, Illinois-based Track Enterprises has purchased the Champion Racing Association (CRA).
Macon, Illinois-based Track Enterprises has purchased the Champion Racing Association (CRA), as announced by both organizations. CRA—the Salem, Indiana-based sanctioning body—operates four touring divisions, including the ARCA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS, the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour presented by Chevrolet Performance, Van Hoy Oil CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS and the Vore’s CRA Late Model Sportsman Powered by JEGS.
Several key staffers will remain with CRA, including former co-owner and Series Director Glenn Luckett, Chief Technical Director Eddie Chew and Director of Operations/Chief Scorer Greg Wood. For more information, visit cra-racing.com and trackenterprises.com.
IMSA Acquires Historic Sportscar Racing
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has acquired the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) series. HSR is known for its vintage and historic sports-car racing, including its trio of HSR Classics events at Daytona International Speedway and Sebring International Raceway, plus its HSR Mitty event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The 2022 HSR season opens with the annual Spring Fling at Sebring on April 6–8. HSR becomes the eighth racing series to be sanctioned by IMSA, joining the WeatherTech Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA Prototype Challenge, and its four single-make series: Ferrari Challenge North America, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. For more information, visit imsa.com and hsrrace.com.
Sick The Magazine Presents First-Ever Sick Week Drag Event
A week-long drag racing event billed as the “hardest vacation you’ll ever take” is coming to Florida and Georgia for the first-ever Sick Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive on February 7–11 (with testing on February 6). The event will see 350 competitors race at four different NHRA-sanctioned venues over five days, driving between each track on public roads for the ultimate test of a street car. Entrants cannot use transporters or support crews; they must race with what they can tow in a small trailer.
The event begins and ends at Bradenton Motorsports Park (Bradenton, Florida), and also makes stops at Orlando Speed World Dragway (Orlando, Florida), South Georgia Motorsports Park (Adel, Georgia) and Gainesville Raceway (Gainesville, Florida), home of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Special stops include Orlando theme parks, the “Big Daddy” Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and more.
Both the race entries and the Sick Week have already sold out. The event has attracted entries from all over North America, including influencers Cleetus McFarland, PFI Speed, Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage, Alex Taylor, Kevin Smith of KSR Performance & Fabrication, Cooper Bogetti and Steve Morris. For more information, visit sickthemagazine.com/sick-week or nhra.com.
Hagar Hired as New Tulsa Speedway Operations Manager
The New Tulsa Speedway co-owners Keith Haney and Todd Martin have announced longtime racer Nathan Hagar as track operations manager of the dirt track in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The co-owners have also announced facility enhancements, including new surface clay, configuration changes to turn two and additional bleachers, and updates to the concession stand and bathrooms.
The New Tulsa Speedway schedule opens with the Classic Chevy Opening Night on March 25.
Nathan Hagar, photo courtesy: The New Tulsa Speedway, Tyler Rinken Photography
Martelli Brothers Announce California 300 Off-Road Race Set for October
Matt and Josh Martelli, promoters of the Mint 400 off-road race, have announced a new off-road desert race named The California 300. The California 300—set for October 12–16—will feature 40+ classes and will take place on a newly mapped 75-mile racecourse for a four-lap race in Barstow, California. The event will include an off-road festival, pre-running, and a public poker run, followed by Limited class and UTV World Championship racing before wrapping with Class 1, Unlimited Truck SPECs, Unlimited Trucks, and more.
The Martelli-owned Mad Media will provide media coverage of the event. The announcement comes from the Martelli Brothers after more than a decade of promoting and producing two popular off-road desert races, The Mint 400 and The UTV World Championship. Racer registration and more details will be announced in the coming months.
2022 Dates, Stops for HOT ROD Drag Week, Power Tour Announced
MotorTrend has announced two of its annual events are returning in 2022: the HOT ROD Power Tour (June 13–17) and HOT ROD Drag Week (September 18–23). The 28th Annual HOT ROD Power Tour Driven by Continental Tire is “going South” for 2022. The 1,000-mile traveling car show is set to take place Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17, and will visit motorsports venues in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
HOT ROD Drag Week will be held September 18–23. Image courtesy: MotorTrend
Meanwhile, the “Fastest Street Car in America” will be crowned during the 18th annual HOT ROD Drag Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23. The endurance drag racing event will visit four classic drag strips: Memphis International Raceway (Millington, Tennessee), World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison, Illinois), Beech Bend Raceway (Bowling Green, Kentucky) and Alabama International Dragway (Steele, Alabama).
Day 1: Monday, June 13—Memphis International Raceway, Millington, Tennessee
Day 2: Tuesday, June 14—Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee
Day 3: Wednesday, June 15—Hoover Met Complex, Hoover, Alabama
Day 4: Thursday, June 16—Pensacola Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida
Day 5: Friday, June 17—Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
HOT ROD Drag Week 2022 Dates and Locations:
Registration, Tech Day, and Test’ n’ Tune: Sunday, September 18—Memphis International Raceway, Millington, Tennessee
Day 1: Monday, September 19—Memphis International Raceway, Millington, Tennessee
Day 2: Tuesday, September 20—World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Illinois
Day 3: Wednesday, September 21—Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Day 4: Thursday, September 22—Alabama International Dragway, Steele, Alabama
Day 5: Friday, September 23—Memphis International Raceway, Millington, Tennessee
Record-Breaking Loeb Snatches Win at FIA World Rally Championship
Sébastien Loeb and Isabelle Galmiche grabbed a Rallye Monte-Carlo victory last weekend.
Sébastien Loeb became the oldest winner of an FIA World Rally Championship round after grabbing a Rallye Monte-Carlo victory from the under the nose of old foe Sébastien Ogier last Sunday. The 47-year-old Frenchman trailed Ogier by almost half a minute heading into the penultimate speed test of the four-day event in the French Alps. But when Ogier limped to the finish with a front left puncture, Loeb reclaimed a lead he had conceded to his compatriot on Saturday. He stayed calm through the final test to seal his eighth Monte-Carlo success in a Ford Puma by 10.5 seconds.
Loeb, starting his first WRC event for more than a year, was competing for the British M-Sport Ford squad in a one-off appearance. He joins Ogier at the top of the Monte-Carlo roll of honor with eight wins. His victory means he has topped the WRC podium in three different decades. Co-driver Isabelle Galmiche, a 50-year-old schoolteacher who was making her first top-tier start, became the first female winner of a WRC fixture since 1997.
Craig Breen finished almost 90 seconds further back in third in another Puma, giving the British-based M-Sport Ford squad an early lead in the manufacturers’ championship. Kalle Rovanperä languished outside the top 10 after the opening night, but after set-up changes improved the balance of his GR Yaris, he soared up the order to secure fourth. Despite losing time with engine issues on Saturday, Gus Greensmith claimed fifth in another Puma after winning his first special stage at WRC level. Thierry Neuville was sixth in a Hyundai i20 N.
The championship switches to Scandinavia next month for the only pure winter round of the season. Rally Sweden takes place in Umeå on February 24–27.
NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Announces Red Line Oil as Title Sponsor
Red Line Oil has signed a two-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals. The Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals offers six national events catering to grassroots drag racing, street performance and the restoration and customization segments. The Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals is prepared to launch at Bradenton Motorsports Park on March 17–20 for the NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem Presented by Holbrook Racing Engines. For the complete 2022 season schedule, visit here. For more information, visit nmcadigital.com.
Forrest Lucas, Founder of Lucas Oil, Named to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022
Lucas Oil Products Inc. has announced the induction of Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil and namesake of Lucas Oil Speedway and Lucas Oil Stadium, into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He is recognized worldwide as a generous supporter of motorsports and the innovative pioneer of problem-solving oils and fuel treatments. Lucas and his fellow inductees will be honored in ceremonies on Sunday, February 6, in Springfield, Missouri.
Lucas founded the company in 1989 alongside his wife Charlotte in an effort to create oil and fuel treatments for the trucking industry that would reduce mechanical failures and increase mileage. Since the company’s realization, Lucas has created engine oils and fuel treatments for just about any machine with an engine or moving parts. Beyond being a self-made businessman, he is also a generous philanthropist and sports marketing legend—famous for strategic sponsorships spanning amateur and professional sports of all kinds.
Lucas’ numerous contributions to the automotive industry and sports nationwide are traceable over decades. He has made significant investments in sports across the Midwest and around the country. From the Lucas Oil Speedway, known as “The Diamond of the Dirt Tracks” in Wheatland, Missouri, to high-profile sponsorships like Lucas Oil Stadium, Home of the Indianapolis Colts, as well as exclusive oil of Monster Jam and the Dallas Cowboys.
He is accompanied into the 2022 Hall of Fame Class by St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday and Ken Morrow from the “Miracle on Ice” 1980 USA Olympic Gold Medal hockey team. Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s CEO & Executive Director Jerald Andrews will introduce Lucas and the Class of 2022 Enshrinement at the Highland Springs Country Club with a reception presented by Reliable Toyota to follow.
NHRA Announces Hot Rod Heritage Series Schedule
NHRA has announced the eight-race schedule for the 2022 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, featuring two Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum’s Hot Rod Reunions. The series will feature nitro-burning Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters and Nostalgia Funny Cars. The 2022 season will begin at the Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, March 3–6, at Famoso Dragstrip. The California Hot Rod Reunion will close the season at Famoso Dragstrip on October 21–23. Nostalgia Top Fuel will compete for points at five events during the season, and Nostalgia Funny Car will compete for points at six events.
In addition to Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster and Nostalgia Funny Car, there are two groups of additional classes. Group 1 includes A/Fuel, Jr. Fuel, and 7.0 Eliminator, while Group 2 includes Nostalgia Eliminator l, Nostalgia Eliminator ll, Nostalgia Eliminator lll, A/Gas, B/Gas, C/Gas, D/Gas, and Hot Rod Eliminator. Drivers in each class will be able to run a combination of events that will award them points toward their respective championships.
NHRA has released the category schedule for all classes of racing at NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events in 2022.
The 2022 season opens on Feb. 17–20 with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. Both Top Fuel and Funny Car will race at all 22 events at standout facilities across the country during the 2022 season.
Pro Stock will have 18 races in 2022, including the first five events of the year. The category will make its first appearance at Bristol Dragway since 2018 for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on June 17–19.
The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will race at 15 events next season.
All four professional categories in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will also appear at the final race at Houston Raceway Park, the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil on April 22–24.
The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will have 10 events in 2022. Like Pro Mod, the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown will see its season conclude at Texas Motorplex, marking the last of eight events during the 2022 campaign.
Top Fuel Harley will have six scheduled events, while the Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, which features popular and powerful 800-plus cubic-inch engines, will compete at four events in 2022.
For the complete schedule and more information, visit the announcement here, or nhra.com.
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LAST YEAR
Updated – Dec 22/2021
NASCAR Announces Next-Gen Rules Configuration
NASCAR officials have announced the baseline rules configuration for the Next-Gen vehicle set for its NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2022. A 670-hp target engine output and a lower-downforce 4-in. rear spoiler will be used at short tracks, road courses, and intermediate-sized tracks. The announcement follows two days of organizational tests at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tests are scheduled for January 5–6, at the newly repaved and rebuilt Atlanta Motor Speedway, and January 11–12, at Daytona International Speedway, for the rules configuration on superspeedways. For more information, visit nascar.com.
Don Hawk
Longtime Executive Don Hawk to Depart Speedway Motorsports
After more than 14 years in a variety of executive roles across the company, Speedway Motorsports’ Chief Racing Development Officer Don Hawk will step away to open a personal sports management firm.
Hawk joined Speedway Motorsports in 2007 and was named the company’s vice president of business affairs in 2012.
He was promoted to his current role of chief racing development officer in 2018.
Hawk received Speedway Motorsports’ O. Bruton Smith Award—the company’s highest individual honor, in 2012.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem Elected FIA President
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been elected president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). He succeeds Jean Todt, who has served the maximum three terms since his election in 2009. Sulayem, from the United Arab Emirates, has served as the president of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) since 2005 and was FIA World Motor Sport Council vice president for the Middle East. Also a former Rally driver, he was a 14-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion, winning 61 international events from 1983 to 2002. Elected for a four-year term, he appointed Carmelo Sanz de Barros as president of the Senate, Robert Reid as deputy president for Sport and Tim Shearman as deputy president for Mobility. For more information, visit fia.com.
Salem Speedway Appoints Will Greenwell Track Announcer
Salem Speedway and Dirt2Media.com have announced Will Greenwell as the new track announcer for 2022. Greenwell has previously served as a track official for Fayetteville Motor Speedway and first as co-announcer with Mike Benson, then later permanent announcer, for Sportsdrome Speedway. Greenwell has also worked with All Star Monster Truck and called many different forms of motorsports in several states, including in Utah, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Kentucky.
Verstappen Overtakes on Last Lap to Grab First F1 Title
Max Verstappen won his first F1 title last weekend.
Max Verstappen overtook rival Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the final race of the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship season to win his maiden title as a late safety car at Yas Marina brought drama to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last Sunday. By the end of the season, after Verstappen took 10 victories, 10 pole positions and 18 podium finishes, the Dutchman became Red Bull’s second world champion after Sebastian Vettel annexed the title for four straight years from 2010–2013. Red Bull’s title ends Mercedes’ seven-year run that coincides with the introduction of the 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid era from 2014, while he becomes the 34th world champion in F1 history dating back to 1950. It is the first title for Honda since Ayrton Senna won the 1991 crown and comes in the engine manufacturers’ final race with the team.
Texas Motorplex Releases 2022 Schedule
Heading into 2022 Texas Motorplex, the only quarter-mile multi-use racing facility in North Texas and home of the Stampede of Speed and NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, will once again host dozens of specialty events drawing fans from across the country. The addition of the Stampede of Speed in 2021, the largest continuous motorsports event second only to the Indy 500, will anchor a season of racing action in 2022.
Xtreme Outlaw Series Created for Midgets, Non-Wing Sprint Cars
World Racing Group (WRG) CEO Brian Carter has announced the addition of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series and Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Car Series. The company behind the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Racing and more made the announcement during the 2021 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.
Each Series will feature a 10 to 15-race schedule with a combined point fund approaching $100,000. Long-term goals center around increasing fan interaction and engagement and building brand awareness for the sport of non-wing racing, according to WRG. Added to the annual DIRTcar Nationals, the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars will debut at Volusia Speedway Park, February 14–15, 2022, in Barberville, Florida. In addition, the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will be added to the Ironman 55 at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, August 5–6, 2022, in Pevely, Missouri. Additional events will be announced at a later date. The newly created Series will be guided by Casey Shuman, a veteran sprint and midget racer who continues to serve his fourth year as the World of Outlaws late-model series director.
Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, Announces Closure
Auto Club Dragway, the 1/4-mile dragstrip in Fontana, California, has permanently closed. The below announcement was made by officials from Auto Club Speedway, the 2-mi. oval track also in Fontana, California.
“After careful consideration on the best direction forward for Auto Club Speedway, the difficult decision has been made to permanently close Auto Club Dragway. We thank all of the competitors, fans, and corporate partners who made so many wonderful memories at Auto Club Dragway through the years, and we look forward to making new ones as we embark on our 25th Anniversary Season at the 2-mi. oval in 2022.”
It was previously announced in April that the drag strip would remain closed for the 2021 season “due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.” The track was first built in 2001 outside of the backstretch of Auto Club Speedway.
SPEED SPORT, the motorsports media company, and Riivet, the provider of motorsports live streaming and video production, have established SPEED SPORT 1. The new joint venture builds upon the SPEED SPORT Network launched in 2019. SPEED SPORT 1 broadcast rights holders (tracks, sanctioning bodies, promoters and broadcasters) will be given the opportunity to participate in the growth of SPEED SPORT 1 since participation will be based on longevity, broadcast performance, content syndication and other parameters to be announced in the coming weeks. The new structure incentivizes and rewards its affiliates to develop their broadcast assets and unique brands while also showcasing and promoting their content via the SPEED SPORT 1 digital television channel and the entire SPEED SPORT network of media.
Al Unser Sr. retired with 39 wins and season championships in 1970, 1983, and 1985.
“Al Unser Sr. was one of the smartest drivers I’ve ever raced against,” Mario Andretti said on ESPN’s SportsCentury series. “And I often said I wish I could’ve had some of his patience. I know it would have worked for me many times.”
Unser began racing in 1957 and competed in his first Indy 500 in 1965. He dominated in his first Indy win in 1970 by starting from the pole and leading all but 10 of the 200 laps, beating runner-up Mark Donohue by 32 seconds. He won again the next year in the distinctive “Johnny Lightning Special” fielded by Parnelli Jones and finished second to Donohue in 1972.
He earned his third Indy win in 1978. The fourth, in 1987, was, by far, the most surprising as he entered the month of May without a ride for the race.
Unser had been dropped by team owner Roger Penske after four seasons in favor of Danny Ongais, but Ongais suffered a concussion in a practice crash and wasn’t able to compete. Penske turned back to Unser, giving him a backup car that began the month as a show car on display in a hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania, where the team was based.
With his victory in 1987, Unser, then 47, became the oldest winner in Indy 500 history. He also joined A.J. Foyt as the only four-time winner of the race, a group that now includes Rick Mears and 2021 race winner Helio Castroneves.
“I will always remember Big Al welcoming me to the speedway,” Castroneves told The Associated Press on Friday. “He and Johnny Rutherford were the two helping me with my rookie orientation. He will be missed.”
Penske said in a statement that Unser was “a true racing legend and a champion on and off the track.”
“Al was the quiet leader of the Unser family, a tremendous competitor and one of the greatest drivers to ever race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Penske said. “We were honored to help Al earn a place in history with his fourth Indy victory … and he will always be a big part of our team.
Our thoughts are with the Unser family as they mourn the loss of a man that was beloved across the racing world and beyond.”
Richard Petty Motorsports Sells Majority Interest
Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 driven by Erik Jones courtesy of RPM.
Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM)—owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty—has sold a majority interest to GMS Racing owner Maury Gallagher.
A statement from Gallagher and RPM reads: “Richard Petty Motorsports has agreed to sell a majority interest to Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing. Two charters are included in the agreement and will be operated during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. This is a special moment for both organizations as the Next Gen car allows a new chapter to be written.”
GMS Racing had previously announced that it would expand its NASCAR operation into the Cup Series level in 2022. Ty Dillon was revealed as the driver of the brand-new No. 94 Chevrolet. RPM, meantime, confirmed two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Erik Jones will return to the No. 43 Chevy.
RPM began racing in 2000 under a different name, Evernham Motorsports, and took on its current branding in honor of “The King” in 2009 following a merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises. Since 2009, RPM has won five Cup races and two Xfinity Series races. For more information, visit gmsracing.net and richardpettymotorsports.com.
NMCA Introduces Drag & Drive Shootout
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022.
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has introduced Drag & Drive Shootout to bring select long-haul street car participants to three events in 2022. The 2022 Gear Vendors Drag & Drive eight-car shootout presented by Sick the Magazine will take place during the NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park (March 17–20), NMCA All-American Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park (August 25–28) and the NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance at Lucas Oil Raceway (September 22–25). The invitational will feature cars driven by Tom Bailey, the founder of Sick the Magazine, social media influencer Alex Taylor, and two-time Drag Week champion Dave Schroeder. For more information, visit nmcadigital.com.
2022 ASCS National Lineup Revealed
The lineup of events for the 31st season of competition for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) has dropped with 57 dates spread across 30 tracks in 11 states. Putting the primary focus on tracks in the Midwest, new series owner Terry Mattox is entering his first year at the helm with the emphasis on making the national tour more efficient, effective and affordable for teams to be able to travel on a full-time basis. Among the new destinations is Superbowl Speedway in Greenville, Texas, Thursday, March 24. Just down the road, Jackson Motor Speedway in Byram, Mississippi, comes out swinging as Mattox has leased the track for action April 1–2. For the complete schedule, visit the ASCS website.
Agreement Reached to Sell Cordova Dragstrip
An agreement has been reached between the International Race Group (IRG) and Dan and Shelly Crownhart’s 1320 Promotions to acquire the historic Cordova Dragstrip—the IHRA-sanctioned ¼-mile dragstrip in Cordova, Illinois. Closing is expected to occur before the end of the year. The Crownhart family has been involved in drag racing for generations on many levels. Dan, a native of Sterling, Illinois, has experience on the track, racing both alcohol and jet funny cars, and will be taking over the day-to-day management of the race facility. The Crownharts are finalizing plans for facility upgrades, new events, and the sportsman racing series among other items. There will also be a meet and greet for racers and fans planned for early 2022.
Larson, Sweet, Copeland Named Promoters for Silver Dollar Speedway
2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson and three-time World of Outlaw NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Champion Brad Sweet have teamed up to become the new promoters of Silver Dollar Speedway—the historic dirt track in Chico, California. While Larson and Sweet remain focused on their respective full-time racing careers, Sweet will oversee day-to-day operations at Silver Dollar Speedway. A third member of the newly formed Sweet Larson Copeland (SLC) Promotions team is regional racer Colby Copeland of Roseville, California. He’ll serve as the liaison between the promoters, drivers, and fans. The group announced plans to “turn up” its Gold Cup experience, along with plans to revamp the midway behind the main grandstands and upgrades to the facility. SLC Promotions replace the former promoter, Dennis Gage.
SCCA Refocuses Road Racing Program
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has announced an expanded operating agreement with Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) for SCCA Pro Racing and the launch of SCCA’s new Enduro program. Already executing on long-term licensing agreements with PMH for the promotion and commercial rights management of the Trans Am Series, Formula 4 (F4) United States Championship, and Formula Regional Americas (FRA) series, SCCA has expanded the partnership to include the operation and staffing of all SCCA Pro Racing series activities.
Under the expanded agreement, PMH will assume responsibility for the promotion, operating, staffing, and commercial aspects of SCCA Pro Racing beginning in 2022, while sanction and FIA sporting oversight of the F4 U.S. and FRA Championships, and FIA International events, will remain with SCCA. With the shift, Vice President of Road Racing Eric Prill will now oversee both professional and amateur road racing activities for SCCA. Jon Krolewicz, currently senior manager of time trials/track events, will add endurance and regional-based road racing to his portfolio as the new senior manager of regional track program development.
SCCA Pro Racing General Manager Sydney Davis Yagel will transition to a senior management role with PMH at the end of the year, continuing to work closely with Prill on SCCA Pro Racing initiatives. SCCA Road Racing Director Deanna Flanagan’s role leading the Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing program, including the U.S. Majors Tour, Hoosier Super Tour, and National Championship Runoffs, remains unchanged. For more information, visit scca.com.
Bob Bondurant, Car Racer Who Tutored Actors on the Track, Dies at 88
After a racetrack accident put him in the hospital, he pivoted to open a driving school, where his students included Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, and Christian Bale.
Bob Bondurant, left, was a racecar driver with a knack for teaching actors how to take on that role. He gave instruction to Yves Montand in 1966.Credit…Central Press/Hulton Archive, via Getty Images
Bob Bondurant, a master race car driver who was better known for his driving school in California and later in Arizona, where he tutored actors like Paul Newman, Tom Cruise and Christian Bale for their onscreen racing roles, died on Nov. 12 in Paradise Valley, Ariz. He was 88.
A death certificate provided by his wife, Pat Bondurant, said he had a “suspected immune reaction related to vaccinations.” It cited cerebrovascular disease and cerebral arterial stenosis as underlying conditions. He died at an assisted living facility.
Mr. Bondurant began attracting attention in the racing world in 1959 when he won 18 of the 20 races he entered behind the wheel of a Corvette.
“I am an original California hot rodder turned white-hot when I started winning everything in my Corvettes,” he was quoted as saying by the National Corvette Museum, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2016.
He continued to win races regularly in Corvettes in the 1960s, but he also began to race successfully in other sports cars and open-wheeled Formula 1 machines, including for the elite Ferrari team from 1965 to 1966.
“He was top of the line,” said Peter Brock, who designed the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe that Mr. Bondurant raced with Dan Gurney to first place in the GT, or Grand Touring, class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1964.
But in 1967, Mr. Bondurant crashed during a race at what is now the Watkins Glen International in upstate New York, suffering multiple injuries, including fractures of both feet and a broken right ankle. It was a turning point.
In the hospital, he came up with the idea of opening a school that would teach safe, defensive driving to auto enthusiasts.
The Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving opened in early 1968 at the Orange County International Raceway in Irvine, Calif. “We want to make a better driver, rather than make a faster driver,” he told The Los Angeles Times at the time. He also offered instruction in racecar driving, motorcycling, and drag racing.
Even before opening the school, Mr. Bondurant had some well-known students. He had coached James Garner and Yves Montand in driving Formula 1 cars for John Frankenheimer’s 1966 film, “Grand Prix.” Mr. Bondurant, who was a stunt man and technical adviser to the film, wore 16-millimeter cameras on the sides of his helmet to record racing action on the track while moving at 150 miles per hour.
Mr. Bondurant, in the car, with Paul Newman on the set of the 1969 movie “Winning.” Mr. Newman was one of his first big-name students.Credit…Universal, via Everett Collection
Soon after Mr. Bondurant opened the school, Mr. Newman and Robert Wagner signed up as students. They had been cast as racecar drivers in the film “Winning” (1969), in which Mr. Newman’s character dreams of winning the Indianapolis 500.
“Paul has a knack of knowing how to learn,” Mr. Bondurant told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1988. “He’s like most actors — they know how to listen. He would move at his own pace, and wouldn’t go too quick. He took it step by step, and it came naturally to him.”
He tested Mr. Newman on three tracks before he handed him off to another instructor, who familiarized him with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mr. Newman’s experience on the film led him to take up racecar driving as a sideline, both as a successful professional driver and as a team owner.
As Mr. Bondurant’s school grew, it moved from Irvine to Ontario Speedway, near Los Angeles, then to Sonoma Raceway, in Northern California, and in 1989 to its most recent location, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in Chandler, Ariz.
“I love teaching and I love driving,” he told The Post-Dispatch. “I hope I never grow up. It would be a disaster.”
Robert Lewis Bondurant was born on April 27, 1933, in Chicago to John and Ruth (Williams) Bondurant. His mother was a homemaker, and his father was a luxury car dealer who sold his business during the Depression; moved the family from Evanston, Ill., to the Westwood Village neighborhood of Los Angeles; and made his living selling surgical instruments.
His parents divorced when Bob was 12; four years later his mother died.
“My dad took me to Gilmore Stadium when I was 7 to watch the races, and that got me interested in racing,” Mr. Bondurant told Motor Trend magazine in 2012.
He drag-raced, began racing motorcycles at 18, moved on to sports cars — a British Morgan Plus 4, a Triumph TR2 — then drove a 1957 fuel-injected Corvette in his stunningly successful 1959 season, when he was named best Corvette driver of the year. He kept winning in Corvettes into 1963.
After studying business, he graduated from Woodbury College in Los Angeles in the early 1960s.
Driving for the Shelby American team, Mr. Bondurant raced Cobras in the United States and Europe; in addition to the Le Mans triumph in 1964, he helped Shelby and Ford win the prestigious World Manufacturers’ GT Championships the next year.
After his interlude with Ferrari, Mr. Bondurant leaped to the Canadian-American Challenge Cup circuit — better known as Can-Am — in cars that went even faster than those in Formula 1. His 1967 accident came at the Can-Am race at Watkins Glen. He was driving his McLaren Mark II at 150 miles per hour when his steering arm broke, causing the car to flip multiple times.
After recovering, he continued to race occasionally; he raced for the last time in 2012. But his focus was on his school, which his wife said had taught more than 500,000 people over 50 years, including professional racecar drivers, celebrities, military officers, F.B.I. and C.I.A. agents, Navy SEALs, and teenagers learning safe-driving skills, usually at the request of their parents.
In recent years, after Mr. Bondurant became less involved in it, the school was beset by financial problems; it filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2018. An investment group purchased its assets the next year and renamed it the Radford Racing School. Ms. Bondurant said she was working to start another school that would use the Bondurant name.
Mr. Bondurant in 2016 behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo Giulia.“I love teaching and I love driving,” he said. “I hope I never grow up.”Credit…Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images
Mr. Bondurant married Pat Chase at the Monaco Grand Prix racetrack in 2010. In addition to his wife, he is survived by her son, Jason Bondurant, whom he adopted and was a vice president of the racing school; his stepdaughter, Meagan Radigan; and two step-grandsons. His previous marriages ended in divorce.
In 1990, Mr. Bondurant trained Tom Cruise for his role as a stock-car driver in Tony Scott’s “Days of Thunder,” and in 2000 Nicolas Cage trained at the Bondurant school for his role as a car thief in “Gone in 60 Seconds.”
Mr. Bondurant worked with Christian Bale in the summer of 2018 as Mr. Bale trained to play the British racecar driver Ken Miles in “Ford v Ferrari” (2019), James Mangold’s account of the cutthroat competition between the two automakers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
“Bob spent hours with Christian in his GT40, talking to him about how to play Miles,” Ms. Bondurant said in a phone interview. “Bob had great reverence for Christian because both were motorcycle racers. With Christian’s motorcycle racing experience, Bob said: ‘I’d do anything to get him to quit acting. I could get him to win Le Mans.’”
Sad News:
October 21 st, Dart Machinery has announced its founder Richard Maskin has passed away at the age of 74.
“He was an innovator in motorsports, a fierce competitor, a good friend, a loved family man, a generous and respected employer, and we all will miss him immensely,” the company said in a post.
“Richard leaves behind a great legacy. One that spans decades and can’t be put into just a few words. We do take solace in knowing that his contribution to racing will continue, however, with every Big M engine block that finds a home under someone’s hood. He is the namesake, the original, and the one and only ‘Big M.’”
Maskin’s engines have won multiple NHRA Pro Stock world championships and national events.
Dart Machinery’s products can also be found on cars in a wide range of drag racing categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Street, Pro Mod, and more.
Automotive pioneer and industry legend Billy “Bill” Haegen Howell, passed away July 22, after a battle with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Recognized as a leader in the development of Chevrolet performance engines and electronic fuel injection, Howell’s career with Chevrolet spanned from 1961–1987. While at Chevrolet, he became one of the core team members in the development of the new big-block Chevy motor that replaced the 409 while working as a test engineer in high-performance engine development for the Chevrolet Product Performance Group. During his career there, he also served as the company’s representative for many racing sanctions throughout the country, including the ASA series where they promoted first Pontiac, and then Chevy body styles.
Upon retirement from Chevrolet in 1987, Howell focused his attention on developing electronic fuel injection. At the time, only Corvette had port fuel injection and people were beginning to put Corvette engines into other classics. In 1988, Howell and his son Matt Howell formed Howell Engine Developments Inc. and began to build EFI wiring harnesses for Corvette/Camaro TPI engines and TBI V6/V8 fuel injected truck engines. Hot Rod magazine was quick to take notice and helped spread the word among race and performance enthusiasts in an article in May 1988. The business that started in the basement of their home was off and running with the phone ringing off the hook.
Soon thereafter, Chevrolet proposed to ASA that they switch to the new Corvette LS-1 engine in basically stock configuration—sealed engines with only a dry-sump scavenge pump, cam change, and valve springs. ASA had been looking for an option to leave the V-6 engines, as they were getting more expensive. Matt shares that Howell was able to get the contract to build the wiring harnesses and service the systems at the racetrack. GM ran a test program throughout the 1999 season to develop the package and bulletproof it. They switched the series to the LS-1’s in 2000, and they proved to be easy to tech and bulletproof. We maintained the harnesses and provided tech support for the series until ASA sold it.
The Indy Lights program started in 1993 and the Indy Racing League program started in 1995. “Of the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500 in 1998, 1999, and 2000, 30 used engine wiring harnesses manufactured by Howell Engine Developments,” says Matt Howell.
Howell Engine Development, aka Howell EFI, today is a leading supplier of wiring harnesses for direct injection swaps for classic muscle cars, Corvettes, Jeep, and trucks for both automatic and manual transmissions with unlimited applications for Street Rod, Pro-Touring, Off-Road, Sand Rails, Street Machines and more. Howell EFI is now in the company’s 34th year of operations from its headquarters in Marine City, Michigan, with Matt Howell serving as president/co-founder.
Billy spent most of his life in Detroit, and then for many years in Lake St. Clair, near Algonac, Michigan. He retired in October 2003 to Punta Gorda, Florida. He is survived by his son and the co-owner of Howell Engine Developments Inc. Matthew Howell (Gina), and his daughters Deborah Bradford (Jerry) and Molly Reeves (Tracy), a sister, Barbara “Bobbie” (Pete) Petersen, and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and beloved wife, Barbara Ann Caudle Howell.
RACING
UPDATED 11/15/2021
Jim Beaver Wraps Up 2021 BITD Season With Victory in California City
Professional off-road racer and General Tire Down & Dirty Show Powered by Polaris RZR host Jim Beaver ended his pursuit of the 2021 Best in the Desert class championship with the UTV Unlimited victory in the Cal City Desert Challenge. Beaver and the #2915 General Tire Polaris RZR team crossed the finish line first in class on both days of racing to cap off the BITD season with a second-place finish in the class points standings. The 2021 campaign has seen Beaver make half a dozen race starts, with a full slate of BITD events as well as the Legacy Racing Association Baja Nevada. He scored podium finishes in half of those events, with second-place runs at Baja Nevada and Vegas to Reno joining the win in Cal City. The #2915 machine, nicknamed “Mona Lisa,” finished every race it ran in the top 10, starting with its debut in Beaver’s hands in the Parker 250 at the start of the season.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Announces 2022 Schedule
NASCAR has announced 13 races in the 2022 schedule for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, with additional dates and venues to be announced in the future. For the first time in series history, the season will kick off at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, Saturday, February 12, as part of the track’s “World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing” during NASCAR’s Speedweeks. It will also be the series debut at the half-mile oval.
After opening the 2021 season, Martinsville Speedway will serve as the season finale and where the champion is crowned, Thursday, October 27. This will mark the first time in 30 years and the sixth time overall Martinsville has hosted the final Whelen Modified Tour race of the year. For the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 2022 schedule, visit nascar.com/whelen-modified-tour.
Hot Shot’s Secret Boasts Clean Sweep at ODSS
Hot Shot’s Secret has announced a clean sweep of every class champion in the 2021 Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS).
Jamo ET Bracket: Ryan Riddle
ATS/Diesel Power 7.70 Index: Nick Morris
Thoroughbred Diesel 6.70 Index: Landon Miller
Firepunk Diesel Outlaw 5.90 Index: David Large
Hot Shot’s Secret Pro Street: Johnny Gilbert
SunCoast Performance Pro Mod: Larson Miller
2022 Schedule for Inaugural USF Juniors Series Announced
Andersen Promotions has unveiled the 2022 schedule for the launch of its new series, USF Juniors Presented by Cooper Tires. The professionally managed, entry-level series is aimed at preparing drivers for the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires—the stepping stone to the NTT IndyCar Series. The 2022 schedule will feature six events and 16 total races, held in conjunction with USAC’s Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, the NTT IndyCar Series, and select NASCAR events. All races will be run to a lap count with extended time windows to ensure competitors a set number of green-flag racing laps.
The season kicks off alongside USF2000 and the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires at the annual Road to Indy Spring Training test held on the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course in Homestead, Florida, February 17–18. The series finale will feature a triple-header round at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, September 17–18.
USF Juniors will feature a prize package exceeding $325,000 which includes a scholarship valued at more than $200,000 to advance to the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, the first step on the driver development ladder. For the complete 2022 USF Juniors schedule, visit usfjuniors.com.
Speedway Motorsports to Acquire Dover Motorsports
Speedway Motorsports—the marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment and owner of several premier racing facilities—has entered an agreement to acquire Dover Motorsports for an approximate total equity value of $131.5 million. Dover Motorsports owns and operates Dover International Speedway (Dover, Delaware) and Nashville Superspeedway (Lebanon, Tennessee). The transaction was announced by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith and Dover Motorsports President and CEO Denis McGlynn. Speedway Motorsports owns and operates Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway. For terms of the merger agreement and related information, visit the announcement here.
West Coast HoF Reveals Nominees For Next Class
Eight first-time nominees are among the 21 individuals under consideration for induction into the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2022. The inaugural nominees include Greg Biffle (NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and 19-time NASCAR Cup Series winner), Brendan Gaughan (two-time ARCA Menards Series West/former NASCAR West Series champion and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner), David Gilliland (Daytona 500 pole winner and two-time ARCA Menards Series West/former NASCAR West Series championship crew chief), Eric Holmes (ARCA Menards Series West/former NASCAR West Series 17-race winner and two-time champion), John Moore (founder of JM Environmental, 2021 All American Speedway and NASCAR State of California titleholder, and team owner and sponsor), Brad Noffsinger (two-time CRA title winner and former Cup crew chief for Wally Dallenbach Jr.), Ken Sapper (three-time Modified Stock Car champion at the former Saugus Speedway (California) and current Speedway Engineering president) and Jimmy Sills (three-time USAC Silver Crown champion).
Nominated again after appearing on previous ballots are Ken Boyd, Ernie Cope, Mike David, Garrett Evans, Dave Fuge, Lance Hooper, Tony Hunt, Brent Kaeding, Danny Ongais, Greg Pickett, Nick Rescino, Carl Trimmer, and Sean Woodside.
Five inductees will be named in early 2022, following two rounds of voting by the organization’s Board of Directors. First-round voting begins next week. The organization also will induct its fifth Heritage class of five individuals whose careers began prior to 1970. The Heritage inductees will be named in 2022. For more information, visit westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com.
Joel Steele’s Mustang Claims Title Of Quickest Domestic Stick Shift In The World
Joel Steele’s 2021 FL2K race was filled with a few records with his 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302. His 6.95 @ 202 MPH blast earned him the title of fastest stock-block Coyote, quickest domestic stick-shift car in the world, and the first domestic, stick-shift car to break into the six-second quarter-mile zone. And if we heard him right, there’s still more on the table.
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Compiled by SEMA Editors
DeJoria, Salinas and Sampey Pick Up Wins at NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Alexis DeJoria powered to her first win in more than four years, rolling to the victory in Funny Car last Sunday at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Mike Salinas (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the 18th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the fifth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. DeJoria qualified No. 1 for the first time since 2016, and went 3.921 seconds at 327.66 mph in her 11,000-hp Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry in the final round to beat J.R. Todd, who went 3.939 at 326.22. Todd jumped to third in points and pulled to within 83 points of Ron Capps with two races remaining in the 2021 season. Capps’ lead over Matt Hagan is just one point.
In Top Fuel, Salinas picked up his second straight victory at Bristol Dragway, once again beating points leader Steve Torrence in the final round. Torrence ran into issues right off the starting line and Salinas’ run of 3.845 at 245.05 in his 11,000-hp Scrappers Racing dragster was enough to give Salinas his third career victory. By advancing to the championship round, Torrence also opened up a 73-point lead on Brittany Force heading to the last two races.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Sampey scored her second victory in the Countdown to the Championship. In an all-female final round, Sampey beat Karen Stoffer on a holeshot on her Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, as her run of 6.773 seconds at 196.85 held up. It gave Sampey her 45th career victory and second this season, as she pulled within 25 points of Matt Smith, who also holds a 56-point lead against Steve Johnson heading to the final two events.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action October 29–31. with the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Turn 14 Distribution-Sponsored Formula DRIFT Driver Dai Yoshihara Announces Retirement
After 18 years of competing as a driver in the Formula DRIFT Championship, Turn 14 Distribution driver Daijiro Yoshihara has announced his retirement from the series. Daijiro, who is known by his fans as Dai, participated in 128 events, stood on the podium 28 times, and won eight events. The defining moment for him was when he secured his 2011 Formula DRIFT Championship. Although Dai is retiring from the Formula DRIFT series as a driver, he will pursue other opportunities as a professional driver and brand ambassador, along with other business ventures.
AP Racing Announced as Technical Partner to Bahrain Raid Xtreme
AP Racing has become a technical partner to Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX). The team’s car, the Prodrive Hunter, has been re-designed by UK-based motorsport specialists, Prodrive, to meet new FIA T1+ cross country regulations and will compete at the 44th running of the Dakar Rally, which will take place in Saudi Arabia in January 2022.
Alongside bespoke billet monobloc calipers, AP Racing is supplying its latest D drive Ø355 disc assemblies, the all-new pull-type pedal box with master cylinders, and its Ø184mm cerametallic clutch for the updated Hunter T1+. The program has already seen success this year, culminating in the team setting eight out of a possible 11 fastest sector times at the Baja Aragon event in July. The Hunter has now been revised with bigger tires, more suspension travel, and a wider track, to meet the new T1+ regulations, devised to balance the performance of the two- and four-wheel drive cars.
World Champion Walkner Crowned on Desert Sands of Rallye du Maroc
The Red Bull Desert Wings squad are celebrating yet another world title at the 2021 Rallye du Maroc as Austrian biker Matthias Walkner of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing secured his second FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. Second place at Rally Kazakhstan and a win at the Silk Way Rally had put Walkner on the verge of reclaiming the World Championship he first won in 2015. The KTM Factory biker arrived in Morocco knowing a podium finish could wrap up the championship in his favor with a race to spare. Walkner was joined at the finish by teammates Kevin Benavides (ARG) and Toby Price (AUS) who also put in plenty in valuable kilometers ahead of next January’s Dakar while Sam Sunderland (GBR)—the fourth Red Bull KTM Factory Racing biker—withdrew on Stage Four while feeling unwell.
Australian Daniel Sanders’ third place gave GasGas Factory Racing their first-ever World Championship podium finish. Sanders will race next month’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge aiming to secure a runners-up result in the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in a remarkable debut season for the best-placed rookie at the 2021 Dakar. The Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team will be back in action at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge next month.
F1 Releases 23-Race Calendar for 2022
Formula 1 has announced a record-breaking 23 Grand Prix schedule for 2022, which opens in Bahrain on March 20, and closes in Abu Dhabi on November 20. The new Miami Grand Prix, set for May 8, joins the United States Grand Prix—set for October 23 at the Circuit of The Americas—on the calendar. Like 2021, F1 will not visit China, but will return “as soon as [pandemic] conditions allow.” Next season will also usher in the new 2022 F1 car, which is designed “specifically to promote better racing” with the potential for more overtakes. The vehicle was originally slated to be released during the 2021 season but was delayed due to the pandemic. For the complete schedule, visit here or formula1.com.
Neuville Holds on for Win at FIA World Rally Championship/RallyRACC – Rally de España
Thierry Neuville stormed to his second FIA World Rally Championship victory of the season with a commanding display at RallyRACC – Rally de España last Sunday afternoon. The Belgian took control of the penultimate round with eight straight fastest times in his Hyundai i20 across the middle of the three-day asphalt rally to secure back-to-back Spanish victories by 24.1 seconds.
Second place for Elfyn Evans in a Toyota Yaris means the fight for the 2021 drivers’ title goes to a final-round decider in Italy next month. He headed Dani Sordo’s i20 by 11.2 seconds and trails teammate Sébastien Ogier by 17 points. A maximum 30 remain available. Sordo, who won all four of Sunday’s special stages, demoted Ogier and claimed the final podium place. Neuville and Sordo’s 1-2 in the bonus points-paying Power Stage means the fight between leader Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport for the 2021 manufacturers’ crown will also go to the last round. The final round at FORUM8 ACI Rally Monza will take place on November 18–21.
Tony Stewart Racing Joins NHRA With Pruett, Hagan
Tony Stewart, the championship-winning race car driver, is joining the NHRA as a team owner in 2022. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) will field two full-time entries—one in Funny Car for 39-time event winner Matt Hagan and one in Top Fuel for nine-time event winner Leah Pruett, who is engaged to Stewart. TSR will make its NHRA debut during the 2022 season opener on February 17–20, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
Racer Applications Now Available for SCORE Baja 1000
Online racer entry applications are available through Friday for November’s internationally-televised season-ending BFGoodrich Tires 54th SCORE Baja 1000, presented by 4 Wheel Parts, the final round of the four-race 2021 SCORE World Desert Championship. Starting and finishing under strict BioSecurity health and safety protocols in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, and in La Paz, Baja California Sur, race-week activities and the race itself will be held November 15–20. It will be a 1,227-mile race down Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
Racer entry applications are available at www.SCORE-International.com under “Race Info” on the SCORE Baja 1000 page. Questions should be directed to SCORE Registration and Membership Director Audreonna Garcia at 775-852-8907 or via email at registration@score-international.com. Online racer entry applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, October 22.
65 Events, High Purses for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2022
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series (LOLMDS) has announced the 2022 schedule, with a groundbreaking lineup that includes 65 feature events at 35 different venues across 18 states. Of those, 17 events will offer a top prize of more than $20,000—including 11 marquees that pay $50,000 or more to the winner. In addition, next year’s Lucas Oil National Champion will receive $150,000; second place will earn $75,000; third place garners $50,000. The year-end points fund for the Top-12 in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will total more than $500,000.
The Series will head to new venues in 2022, including:
Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pennsylvania, June 23–25, for the 16th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by Big River Steel
Davenport, Iowa’s quarter-mile oval on July 6
I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Missouri, on July 14
Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota, on July 19
For the first time since 2013, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will return to West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, June 3–4. For the complete 2022 schedule, visit the series website.
J.J. Hickle Wins the 48th Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals
Three trips to the Devil’s Bowl Speedway in 2021 and three trips to Victory Lane later, J.J. Hickle added his name to the list of winners at the 48th running of the Devil’s Bowl Winter Nationals and Lanny Edward Memorial with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network. For complete results, visit www.ascsracing.com.
The final two rounds of the 2021 season are next, with Blake Hahn and Hickle only 52 points apart. The championship will be settled at the COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tires on Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23, at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tickets and event information are online at www.i-30speedway.com. The race will be shown exclusively on FloRacing.com.
Anderson, Ashley, Capps, and M. Smith Grab Key Wins at Texas NHRA FallNationals
Greg Anderson made history last Sunday at Texas Motorplex, picking up his 98th career win to become the all-time wins leader in Pro Stock history at the 36th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals. Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up wins at the 17th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the fourth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Anderson capped off another brilliant weekend in Dallas, earning his sixth victory at Texas Motorplex when Chris McGaha went red in the Pro Stock final round. For his part, Anderson went 6.624-seconds at 206.32 mph in HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro to cap off his historic day and weekend. The victory also gave him the most Pro Stock wins in Texas Motorplex history and extended his points lead in the process—81 points ahead of defending world champ Erica Enders.
In Top Fuel, Justin Ashley beat points leader and three-time defending world champ Steve Torrence on his home turf, as Ashley went 3.759 at 326.40 in his 11,000-hp Smart Sanitizer dragster powered by Vita C Shot to slip past Torrence’s 3.764 at 321.81. After advancing to a pair of final rounds this season. Both had great identical reaction times of .035, but Ashley had just enough at the finish line to deny Torrence his 50th career win in Top Fuel.
Capps strengthened his Funny Car championship chances with a standout performance in the final round against Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan, picking up the holeshot victory with his run of 3.930 at 326.87 in his 11,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Hagan, the defending world champ, went a quicker 3.919 at 328.78 but Capps pulled off a strong .042 reaction time to get the win and make amends for his rough outing on the starting line two weeks ago in St. Louis.
Smith moved into the points lead to finish off a dominating weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, beating Hector Arana Jr. in the final round. Arana left too soon on the starting line, while Smith put together a run of 6.839 at 199.08 on his Denso Auto Parts/Stockseth/Matt Smith Racing EBR. Smith also had the quickest run in the class in each round of eliminations, moving into the points lead where he now holds an eight-point advantage over Steve Johnson with three Pro Stock Motorcycle races remaining.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action, October 15-17, with the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
Wilkerson, Hart, Koretsky, and Sampey Earn Wins at Dewalt NHRA Carolina NationalsTim Wilkerson powered to a run of 3.927 seconds at 331.36
mph in his 11,000-hp Levin, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby
Mustang, picking up his second victory this month and the
22nd in his career.
After going winless for five years, Funny Car veteran Tim Wilkerson now has two wins in the past three weeks, driving to the victory last Sunday at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Josh Hart (Top Fuel), Kyle Koretsky (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up wins at the 15th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the second race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Taking on Cruz Pedregon in the final round, Wilkerson powered to a run of 3.927 seconds at 331.36 mph in his 11,000-hp Levin, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang, picking up his second victory this month and the 22nd in his career. Wilkerson also moved to sixth in points, taking out three competitors in front of him in the standings en route to the win on Sunday.
In Top Fuel, Hart picked up the second victory in his career in just his eighth start, beating points leader Brittany Force on a holeshot in the final round. Hart went 3.770 at 324.12 in his 11,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, which was enough to hold off Force’s 3.751 at 320.05.
Koretsky denied Greg Anderson a chance at history in Pro Stock and in the process picked up his first career win, going 6.629 at 207.27 in his Lucas Oil Chevrolet Camaro to beat Anderson’s 6.639 at 208.20 in a battle of KB Racing teammates.
After coming close on a couple recent occasions, Sampey broke through with the victory in the final round in Pro Stock Motorcycle, chasing down Joey Gladstone with a run of 6.861 at 196.62 on her Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Sampey was late on the starting line, but she had enough at the finish line to slip past Gladstone, earning her first win this season and 44th in her career.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action, September 24-26, with the NHRA Midwest Nationals at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.
NMRA Releases 2022 Ford Nationals Event Schedule
The NMRA Ford Nationals returns to action in 2022 with six all-Ford national events through unique markets across the eastern United States. The national event series hosts thousands of participants each year with championship street-car drag racing, True Street challenges, specialty shootouts, car shows, celebrity appearances and more.
The NMRA officially kicks off the season with the Spring Break Shootout, held at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The second tour stop is Rockingham Dragway—the new home of the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals in April. World Wide Technology Raceway, just outside of St. Louis, continues to host the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing extravaganza. A month later, the traveling Ford motorsport show returns once again to Summit Motorsports Park in Ohio with the Ford Performance Nationals. Then it’s back to US 131 Motorsports Park for the NMRA/NMCA Power Festival in July, followed by a break leading up to the NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival. This annual festival includes the culmination of championship drag racing, street car shootouts, True Street, along with professional and amateur drifting, autocross extravaganza, an off-road course open to professionals and amateurs alike, and an all-Ford car show. For more information on the 2022 NMRA Ford Nationals, visit www.NMRAdigital.com.
17 Races For IndyCar In 2022
IndyCar has announced a 17-race schedule for the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season, which will feature unprecedented coverage on network television, an earlier start date, a “re-energized” summer of fan favorites and a turbocharged stretch run. The 2022 calendar is benchmarked by the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29. This year’s “500” on NBC was the most-watched edition of the race since the 100th Running in 2016.
In the United States, a record 14 events will air on the NBC broadcast network, one more than previously announced in July. It is the most single-season appearance on network television in IndyCar Series history. Two additional races will appear on USA Network while Peacock Premium, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, will provide live coverage of all 17 races in addition to practices and qualifying. For more information, visit indycar.com.
In his ’20 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo, Liam Lawson sealed two
podium finishes at Assen last weekend to claim the 2021
DTM championship lead with just two rounds left in the
season.
Lawson Earns DTM Lead After Assen Podiums With Two Rounds Left
Liam Lawson sealed two podium finishes at Assen last weekend to claim the 2021 DTM championship lead with just two rounds left in the season. Despite carrying an extra 25 kg of success weight, Lawson was in contention for the win until the end of the race, which featured two safety car phases—his #30 ’20 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo eventually coming home third with Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse teammate Alex Albon a DNF after being hit by a rival at the start of the race.
On Sunday, Lawson and Thai driver Albon locked out the second row of the grid to start third and fourth respectively and, despite initially losing a position from the start and running fourth, clever strategy in the pit stop put Lawson out in second place on the road. Lawson was then able to pull clear and pile pressure on race leader Lucas Auer (AUT) in the closing stages, but eventually had to settle for a close second place with Albon ending fifth in the #23 ’20 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo.
Lawson has now finished in the top three on eight occasions already this season and he is now ahead of German Marco Wittmann by 10 points in the standings. Albon is 71 points behind Lawson in sixth with Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse now having 279 points to its name after six races to extend its lead in the team competition to 58 points with the 2021 season continuing from October 1-3 around the Hockenheim circuit in Germany.
Race 1 Result:
1. Marco Wittmann (GER) – Walkenhorst Motorsport
2. Mirko Bortolotti (ITA) – T3 Motorsport
3. Liam Lawson (NZL) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
4. Maximilian Götz (GER) – Mercedes-AMG Team HRT
5.Christian Klien (AUT) – JP Motorsport
DNF Alex Albon (THA) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
Race 2 Result:
1. Lucas Auer (AUT) – Mercedes-AMG Team Winward
2. Liam Lawson (NZL) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
3. Marco Wittmann (GER) – Walkenhorst Motorsport
4. Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) – Team Abt Sportsline
5. Alex Albon (THA) – Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse
NHRA Announces 22-Event NHRA Camping World Series Schedule
NHRA officials have announced the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule, which features the return of fan favorites such as the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, the Virginia NHRA Nationals in Richmond, and the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, which will serve as the traditional conclusion of the annual Western Swing.
The 2022 season kicks off in Pomona, California, for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. For the first time in four seasons, the NHRA will host a specialty race amongst the stars of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series nitro categories. Fans will be treated to two NHRA Allstar Shootout events in 2022, at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the prestigious Dodge//SRT NHRA US Nationals over Labor Day weekend. Then is the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs leading up to the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series world title.
For the complete 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule, visit the NHRA website. Details on Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle schedules will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Aurimas Bakchis in the Falken Tire/Feal Suspension Nissan S15
claimed his first win since the opening round at Michelin
Raceway Road Atlanta and pulled himself to within 43 points of
the championship leader.
Batchkis Takes the Win on the Streets of Long Beach; Aasbo Leads Formula DRIFT Points With One Round to Go
A big weekend for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team in Long Beach, California, saw Fredric Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra earn a second place result and move into the Formula DRIFT series points lead ahead of next month’s season finale in Irwindale, California. The result also vaults Toyota to the top of the Auto Cup standings, while partner Nitto Tire extends its lead in the Tire Cup rankings. Aurimas Bakchis in the Falken Tire/Feal Suspension Nissan S15 claimed his first win since the opening round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and pulled himself to within 43 points of the championship leader.
As the series approaches its season finale in Irwindale, California, October 22-23, Aasbo leads the standings by 19 points over second-place challenger Chelsea DeNofa. The series awards 100 points for an event win and Ryan Tuerck is sixth and still mathematically in the chase. For more information, visit the Formula DRIFT website.
NASCAR Announces 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
NASCAR has announced the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The slate spans 39 total events, including the previously announced Clash, set for February 6, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the first time in series history.
The NASCAR Cup Series will visit another track for the first time at World Wide Technology Raceway just outside St. Louis, on June 5. In another move, Homestead-Miami Speedway will return to the playoff schedule. The 1.5-mile destination track will host the second of three Round of 8 races on October 23. In addition, Texas (September 25) and Las Vegas (October 16) will swap dates and lead off the Round of 12 and Round of 8, respectively. In addition, Kansas will move up in the Playoffs schedule, becoming the second race in the Round of 16 (September 11).
The 2022 season will officially kick off with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 20, live on FOX—an event that will also host the regular season points race debut of the Next Gen race car. The Cup Series will then stop at Auto Club Speedway on February 27—the first time NASCAR will visit the high-speed two-mile oval in nearly two years—followed by Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 6) and Phoenix Raceway (March 13).
The Bristol Dirt Race returns to the schedule, this time under the lights on Easter Sunday Night (April 17). The NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race will also return to Texas Motor Speedway (May 22). For more information, and to view the complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com.
T. Johnson Jr., B. Torrence, Anderson and S. Johnson All Win MOPAR Express Lane NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil
Filling in for defending world champ Matt Hagan, Funny Car veteran Tommy Johnson Jr. picked up a win last Sunday, powering to the victory at the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Maple Grove Raceway. Billy Torrence (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the 14th of 20 races during the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the first race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
With Hagan recovering from COVID-19, Johnson stepped in for his Don Schumacher Racing teammate at last week’s U.S. Nationals and this weekend’s playoff stop at Maple Grove Raceway. He went 3.926 seconds at 330.23 mph in the 11,000hp Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, taking out John Force’s 3.946 in a side-by-side duel in the final round.
In Top Fuel, Torrence turned in a 3.720 at 326.08 in his 11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round to knock off Justin Ashley. Torrence made a huge jump in points, moving from eighth to third on the strength of his second win this season and eighth in his career.
In Pro Stock, Anderson tied NHRA legend Warren Johnson for the most wins in class history, picking up his 97th career win with a victory over defending world champ Erica Enders in the final round. Anderson went 6.578 at 208.30 in the finals to beat Enders and earn his third victory of the season.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, S. Johnson finds himself in the points lead for the first time in seven years after beating Eddie Krawiec in the final round on his Mac Rak/Slick 50 Suzuki with a run of 6.775 at 196.87.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns September 17–19, with the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.
NASCAR Announces Hall Of Fame Class of 2021
The NASCAR Hall of Fame and NASCAR have announced the inductees for the Class of 2021, the 12th class inducted into the program since its inception in 2010. The first class with three members instead of five comprises Dale Earnhardt Jr., Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik. The induction of this class brings Hall’s total number of racing legends to 58. Additionally, Ralph Seagraves will be honored with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.
The Class of 2021 Induction Ceremony will take place in Charlotte, Friday, January 21, 2022, as part of a three-day special program set for Thursday, January 20–Saturday, January 22. Tickets to the Class of 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events go on sale to the general public on Thursday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.
Don Prudhomme
Don Prudhomme, Richard Shute Named Texas Motorplex Legends
Iconic drag racer Don Prudhomme and award-winning drag-racing photographer Richard Shute will be recognized as Texas Motorplex Legends during the opening ceremonies of the 36th annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals. Prudhomme won the Fall Nationals three times including a Funny Car title in 1989, Top Fuel in 1991 and his final professional Top Fuel win was recorded at the 1994 Fall Nationals. Shute has chronicled every Texas NHRA Fall Nationals winner’s circle as part of his 50-year career as one of the sport’s most popular photographers.
Richard Shute
Prudhomme concluded his 47th year in drag racing in 2009, his 15th season as an owner, after logging 32 seasons behind the wheel as one of the sport’s elite drivers. His remarkable driving career began in 1962 with his first Top Fuel victory at “Smokers March Meet” in Bakersfield, California, before ending with 49 NHRA career victories—the sixth most in NHRA history—following his farewell “Final Strike Tour” in 1994. For his career, Prudhomme reached the finals 68 times, posting 35 wins in 45 Funny Car finals and 14 wins in 23 Top Fuel finals rounds.
In 2020, Shute celebrated his 50th year of professionally pointing the lens at drag cars and archiving the history of the fastest accelerating machines on the planet. He began shooting professionally in 1971 and covered drag racing for several drag strips in Southern California. In 1979 he started Auto Imagery where he began photographing all NHRA’s national events. Shute still provides professional-quality photographic reproduction and film services out of his lab in Carlsbad, California.
The Texas NHRA Fall Nationals will be contested from October 7-10, with tickets available at www.stampedeofspeed.com.
Ted Van Zelst
John Force Racing Names New Chief Commercial Officer
John Force Racing has hired Ted Van Zelst as chief commercial officer (COO). In this new role, Van Zelst will be responsible for creating new partnerships, enhancing business-to-business relationships with existing partners and developing successful activation. Van Zelst joins John Force Racing with 25 years of experience, most recently serving as the president/CEO of Zeker Solutions, a consulting agency. He has also held senior leadership positions with NASCAR, the Detroit Pistons, WWE and the New York Islanders.
Comella Drives ’68 Cuda to Victory at 20th Anniversary Dodge Hemi Challenge
The 20th-anniversary edition of the Dodge Hemi Challenge saw a new winner crowned at Lucas Oil Raceway as Steve Comella drove his ’68 Plymouth Barracuda from a runner-up finish in last year’s event to earn his first victory at the longest-running, continuous, specialty race in NHRA history.
Comella earned the victory from the No. 1 qualifier position with a dominant performance through eliminations to advance to the final, where he defeated Jim Daniels Jr., four-time (2016–2019) Dodge Hemi Challenge winner. He drove his Super Stock ’68 Cuda to an elapsed timed run of 8.364 seconds at 161.17 mph to beat his opponent’s 8.423-second/158.02-mph pass under the lights at Lucas Oil Raceway in a late-night showdown during the 67th annual Dodge//SRT NHRA U.S. Nationals last Friday.
Fans will be treated to two NHRA Allstar Shootout
events in 2022, at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA
Gatornationals, March 10–13, and the Dodge//SRT
NHRA U.S. Nationals, August 31–September 5. Photo
courtesy: NHRA
NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car Allstar Shootouts to Debut in 2022
For the first time in four seasons, the NHRA will host a specialty race among the stars of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series nitro categories. Fans will be treated to two NHRA Allstar Shootout events in 2022, at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 10–13, and the Dodge//SRT NHRA U.S. Nationals, August 31–September 5. The NHRA Allstar Shootout events will feature competition among the top eight NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers in the world. The shootout will utilize a call-out format with the No. 1 seed getting their first choice of opponent.
The first shootout of the season will be the Top Fuel NHRA Allstar Shootout at the 53rd annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, in Gainesville, Saturday, March 12. The eight-car field will be set based on a combination of season end and qualifying points at the 2022 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals and NHRA Arizona Nationals. The Funny Car class will have their Funny Car NHRA Allstar Shootout at the 68th Dodge//SRT NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Sunday, September 4. Drivers will gain points toward the shootout from the 2021 Dodge//SRT NHRA US Nationals until the event before the 2022 Indianapolis event. For more information, visit nhra.com.
Keegan Kincaid took the victory and claimed the season
championship at the Crandon World Cup.
Keegan Kincaid Wins Crandon World Cup and Pro 2 Title
Despite entering Saturday’s Championship Off-Road finale more than 20 points out of the lead, Keegan Kincaid took the victory and claimed the season championship by the slimmest of margins. To back it up, he claimed his second career Crandon World Cup win by putting on a clinic in his Pro 2 truck, earning the biggest single-race payday of the season.
For Kincaid to reclaim the points lead in Saturday’s final points race of the season, a lot of things would have to go right. But the Crandon native focused on putting the #4 Lucas Oil/Cooper Tire/Vision Wheel truck where it needed to be, launching to the lead with a terrific holeshot, nabbing bonus points for leading at the halfway caution, and taking his fifth checkered flag of the season. The final tally saw Kincaid score 459 points—good enough to claim the championship by one point.
Sunday’s World Championship races saw Kincaid on the podium once again, as he kicked off the day with a third place finish in the morning’s Pro 2-only race. With a tough decision to make between sticking with the Pro 2 and switching to Pro 4 for the World Cup race at the end of the day, Kincaid chose track position with the Pro 2 rather than trying to chase the field down on a track that had shown plenty of wear throughout the day.
Kincaid now boasts three victories on World Championship Sunday at Crandon. Prior to this year’s World Cup, he won the 2015 Pro 2 World Championship race and 2016 World Cup, also in a Pro 2. His focus now turns to 2022, where he’ll return to the Pro 4 division full-time for the first time in multiple seasons.
The SRO America Series has finalized its 2022 schedule,
which visits some of the most iconic road courses in North
America.
SRO America Series Set to Visit Eight Venues in 2022
The SRO America Series has finalized its 2022 schedule, which visits some of the most iconic road courses in North America. In 2022, the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS will contest its fourth full season as part of SRO Motorsports Group. Sonoma Raceway retains its position as season opener, with the opening event set to run on April 15–17. The second round of the campaign is planned for May 20–22, with the location to be confirmed at a later date. Next up, Virginia International Raceway will stage its annual contest on June 10–12. Watkins Glen will host its race weekend on July 22–24, moving earlier in the season from its traditional Fall date. The only divergence between the series comes on August 5–7, when GT America powered by AWS breaks rank to join IndyCar on the streets of Nashville, forming part of the Music City Grand Prix.
All four categories will reunite at Road America on August 19–21, while Sebring International Raceway will host the series in Florida, September 23–25. The season will conclude when Indianapolis Motor Speedway plays host on October 7–9, as a part of the Indianapolis 8 Hour. For more information, visit sro-america.com.
K1 Speed has broken ground on the nation’s first professional
outdoor electric kart racing course in Winchester, California.
K1 Circuit Breaks Ground on First Outdoor Electric Kart Track
Indoor kart racing operator K1 Speed has broken ground on the nation’s first professional outdoor electric kart racing course. K1 Circuit will be based in Winchester, California, approximately 80 miles from downtown Los Angeles and San Diego, 70 miles from Orange County and 30 miles from Riverside. Set to open in 2022, the track will host its own pro-level electric kart racing series, said to be the first of its kind. The competition karts will be developed by Italian manufacturer OTL Electro Kart and will utilize lithium batteries.
In addition, K1 Circuit will also welcome classes of gas-powered karts from major professional kart series such as SuperKarts USA (SKUSA), United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS), ROK Cup USA, Rotax Kart and more. Recreational kart enthusiasts will also be able to rent a ride as part of a new Arrive & Drive program, with details set to be announced at a later date. The 1.1-mile configurable circuit is designed by pro racer Rocky Moran Jr. The course will feature a straightaway approximately 900 feet in length, a universal track width of 28 feet, CIK/FIA curbing and up to 6% of elevation change. For more information, visit k1speed.com.
Papadakis Racing Toyotas Score 1-2 Finish in St. Louis
Rockstar Energy Toyota driver Fredric Aasbo scored a victory in St. Louis after an all-Toyota, all-Nitto Tire Final battle with teammate Ryan Tuerck. The one-two finish narrows the points standings as the Formula DRIFT series returns to California for the final two rounds of the season. Aasbo and Tuerck were the drivers to beat in St. Louis and they delivered a show of skill in the opening corners of their Final battle. But a misstep from Tuerck saw him tap the wall with his Gumout/Nitto Tire/Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla hatchback and the battle win went to Aasbo. The St. Louis win narrows the points gap at the top of the championship and both drivers are in the hunt for the title with just two rounds to go. Aasbo currently sits third—just 19 points off the lead. Tuerck is a close fourth. The victory brings Aasbo’s record-setting career wins tally to 16. Next up for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team is a return home to Los Angeles for an exciting Round 6 on the Streets of Long Beach, September 17–18. The season finale takes place at Irwindale Speedway October 22–23.
Driver Jesse Iwuji, NFL Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith Form Xfinity Team
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Iwuji has partnered with NFL Hall of Fame recipient Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, a race team set to debut in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The team will utilize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and esports simulator racing to “connect with lower-income communities” and “serve as a pipeline for people to get in the sport. Whether they want to drive… crew chief, engineer, whatever it is,” Iwuji said to NASCAR.com.
Iwuji will serve as a driver-owner for the team. Now in the US Navy Reserves, he served in active duty from 2010–2017. Since 2015, he has competed in five Xfinity Series races and has started in 14 Camping World Truck Series races. Smith, a longtime running back primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, has known Iwuji for around 20 years. Last October, Smith’s company Notable Live sponsored Iwuji’s No. 99 car in the Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. For more information, visit jesseiwuji.com.
NHRA Set for Return to Maple Grove
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs are back with a visit to Maple Grove Raceway for the 36th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil set for September 10–12. The event serves as the first of seven playoff races during the 2021 season and marks the series’ return to the 1/5-mile dragstrip in Berks County, Pennsylvania, for the first time since 2019.
Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes will be highlighted during the weekend, which will also be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including final eliminations on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will also compete along with the Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets, visit maplegroveraceway.com. For more information, visit nhra.com.
SVRA Releases 17-Race Schedule for 2022
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced a 17-race schedule for 2022, which also marks the tenth anniversary of SVRA’s acquisition by Parella Motorsports Holdings. The SpeedTour weekends include vintage racing, contemporary sports cars and other features.
Hagan Wins All-Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car Final at Brainerd International Raceway
It was an all-Dodge final at the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) pilot Matt Hagan powering the Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to his first victory at Brainerd International Raceway by defeating fellow HEMI-powered driver Cruz Pedregon. It was Hagan’s 38th career Wally trophy and his second win of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Series season. After qualifying No. 4 on the eliminations ladder, Hagan put together a string of consistent runs and round wins over Dale Creasy Jr., Paul Lee and Bob Tasca III to advance to his 69th career final round. That paired him with No. 2 qualifier Pedregon and his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for their first final round showdown in more than 10 years. Hagan’s quick 0.051-second reaction time gave the DSR Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat an early lead from which he never looked back on his way to a 3.923 second elapsed time run at 327.98 mph to defeat Pedregon’s 0.106-second light and solid 3.935 sec./324.83 mph pass and capture his second win in five national events. The last race of the regular season will be the 68th edition of the NHRA’s cornerstone event and world’s biggest drag-racing competition—the Dodge//SRT U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend.
IndyCar to Return to Iowa for 2022 Doubleheader
After a one-year hiatus, the NTT IndyCar Series will return to Iowa Speedway in 2022 as part of a doubleheader event set for July 23–24. The series will return as part of a wide-ranging partnership with Hy-Vee—a grocery chain based in the Midwest. The NTT IndyCar Series was among the first to race on the D-shaped layout when it made its debut in Newton, Iowa, in 2007. A fan favorite for fans and drivers, IndyCar has held 15 races at the track known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet” since it opened in 2006. The Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 will take place Saturday, July 23, and the Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300 will occur Sunday, July 24. Officials say the entire 2022 Series calendar will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit indycar.com.
Alex Albon celebrated the first DTM win of his career in his #23
Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.
Albon Celebrates First DTM Career Win With Nürburgring Masterclass
Thai driver Alex Albon celebrated the first DTM win of his career in his #23 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in last Sunday’s race eight at the Nürburgring circuit to move up to fourth overall in the title race. He crossed the line after 38 laps with a lead of 4.6 seconds to record his first DTM series career victory and third 2021 trip to the podium following third-place finishes at Zolder and Monza. The points awarded for pole position and the race eight win see Albon move up now to fourth spot in the 2021 drivers’ standings with 82 points. After eight races, Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse has scored 162 points and is in second place in the team standings with the next DTM stop from September 3–5, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Formula 1 Cancels 2021 Japanese Grand Prix
The Japanese Grand Prix will not take place in 2021, Formula 1 has announced. Race organizers have cited “ongoing complexities” related to the pandemic. The event—which was set to be part of a tripleheader with the Russian GP and the Turkish GP—was also canceled in 2020.
A statement from Formula 1 read: “Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan, the decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country.”
Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks. For more information, visit formula1.com.
Pacific Raceways has broken ground on a new 200,000-sq.-ft.
Pacific Innovation Center and Pacific Motorsports Park.
Rendering courtesy of Pacific Raceways
Pacific Raceways Breaks Ground on New Innovation Center
Pacific Raceways—the multi-purpose motorsports facility in Kent, Washington—has broken ground on the new Pacific Innovation Center and Pacific Motorsports Park, part of a $200 million expansion. The expansion will total 200,000 sq. ft. and be used as a garage/shop, business, innovation center and retail space. Racers, retailers, enthusiasts, and technology development companies will be able to utilize prototype manufacturing, storage and workspace steps away from the track. The groundbreaking ceremony at Pacific Raceways was attended by more than 100 notable guests, including elected officials, representatives, sponsors, and fans. For more information, visit the Pacific Raceways website.
NHRA Set to Return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in 2022
NHRA has teamed up with Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and the Gila River Indian Community to announce the return of the NHRA Arizona Nationals, slated for February 25–27, 2022. The NHRA Arizona Nationals traditionally serves as the second event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series tour. The facility has seen record-breaking performances and is a fan-favorite of the circuit. Updates for 2022 include free event parking with the purchase of an NHRA Arizona Nationals ticket. Ticket renewals for 2020 ticket holders will begin in September, with new ticket sales opening in October. NHRA officials plan to announce the full 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule in the upcoming weeks. For more information, visit nhra.com.
McLaren Racing to Acquire Majority Stake in Arrow McLaren SP
McLaren Racing has agreed to acquire a majority share in the Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar team. The transaction will close by the end of the year and see McLaren Racing take a 75% share of the team. The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. The team will be governed by a new five-person board, comprising three McLaren Racing appointees together with Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson, chaired by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. Taylor Kiel, president of Arrow McLaren SP, will continue to lead and oversee the team’s operations, reporting directly to the board.
Rob Ramage
Texas Motor Speedway Appoints Rob Ramage as Senior Vice President, General Manager
Veteran Texas Motor Speedway executive and general counsel Rob Ramage has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Texas Motor Speedway, as announced by Speedway Motorsports President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith. Ramage succeeds promoter Eddie Gossage, who stepped down in June after 25 years at the helm of Texas Motor Speedway and more than three decades with Speedway Motorsports.
Ramage has worked for Speedway Motorsports since 2013, serving as general counsel and director of governmental affairs and senior vice president of finance and compliance at Texas Motor Speedway. His efforts have spanned a variety of capacities, including risk management and working with government entities, business leaders, and community advocates. Before joining Speedway Motorsports, Ramage practiced law in Dallas, focusing on complex litigation, intellectual property and business transactions.
Ramage currently serves on numerous boards of directors that focus on supporting veterans, law enforcement-related causes and transportation matters. In addition, he was recognized for his charitable work for veterans by being named an honorary commander of the United States Air Force.
The dates of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing
Series season opener of the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals
will be February 17–20.
2022 NHRA Winternationals Returns to Traditional February Date as Season Opener
NHRA and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona have announced the dates of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season opener of the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Presented By ProtectTheHarvest.com as February 17–20. As is tradition at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the NHRA Winternationals will kick off the year at the famed track in Southern California. The historic Pomona track sees two of NHRA’s most significant events on tour: the NHRA Winternationals and the Auto Club NHRA Finals, slated for November 11–14.
The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) has
announced its Class of 2021 as Steve Kelley, Spencer Low,
John Marking and Tim Morton.
Off-Road Motorsports Hall Of Fame Announces Class of 2021
The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) has announced its Class of 2021 as Steve Kelley, Spencer Low, John Marking, and Tim Morton. A committee of off-road professionals convened to evaluate and review more than 40 submissions. The inductees that received at least two-thirds of votes were submitted for ratification by ORMHOF.
ORMHOF inductees represent excellence and achievement in many areas of off-road, including advocacy, journalism, industry, rock sports, desert racing, short course and rally. The Class of 2021 will be celebrated at the 2021 ORMHOF Induction & Awards Gala along with the Class of 2020, including Bob Bower, Dean Bulloch, Danny Foddrill, Jack Johnson, Roger Mears, Cal Wells, and Tom White. These inductees bring the total number in the Hall of Fame to 110. For more information on the inductees, visit here. For more information, visit ormhof.org.
Annual DEI Cruise-In Set for Saturday, August 21
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), in partnership with the city of Avon Lake, Ohio, will host its annual DEI Cruise-In on Saturday, August 21. The event will feature food, music and the hottest cars, trucks, SUVs, race cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles. Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the Weiss Baseball Fields, 33401 Webber Road, across from DEI headquarters. It will include activities, music, food vendors and more.
This year the Cruise-In will also serve as a fundraiser for Valor Home of Lorain County—a transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. Funds will be raised through a $10 donation for anyone wanting to show a vehicle, with all years, makes, models, and styles eligible to participate. For more information about the annual DEI Cruise-In and how to register a vehicle, visit facebook.com/DEIcruisein.
The United States Touring Car Championship to Race With IndyCar at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
The United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) has added the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey to its 2021 calendar. The new Round 5 of the championship will be at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, September 17–19, with the IndyCar series. The weekend starts with practice, qualifying and round 5 of the championship, Friday, September 17, followed by round 6 on Saturday, September 18. Tickets for the event are available at www.weathertechraceway.com.
Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series Sets 2021–22 Schedule
The Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series has announced its third season winter tour schedule, which features four weekends of Late Model racing from November through February. Eight races are set across South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, as the series adds Lancaster Motor Speedway and I-75 Raceway to the schedule for the first time. The season champion is set to earn $15,000 from a $42,000 point fund that rewards the top 10 overall who compete in the entire schedule. Drydene Performance Products also continues as the title sponsor of the tour. All events will be broadcast on DIRTVision. For more information, visit xtremedirtcar.com.
Fifty Five Promotions will take over ownership of Skagit Speedway,
the dirt track based in Burlington, Washington. Photo courtesy: Skagit
Speedway
Fifty Five Promotions Acquires Skagit Speedway
Fifty Five Promotions will take over ownership of Skagit Speedway, the dirt track based in Burlington, Washington. Fifty Five Promotions is the new promotional group comprised of Washington car owners Kevin Rudeen and Mike Anderson and the California-based promoter Peter Murphy. The group takes over ownership from longtime track owner Steve Beitler, who was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2018. Also the owner of Funtime Promotions, Beitler manages the Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington, and the Summer Thunder Sprint Car Series and the Washington Modified Tour. The acquisition and transition will be completed at the end of the track’s season following the Sage Fruit Skagit Nationals featuring the World of Outlaws 410 sprint cars and NW Focus midgets, September 3–5, followed by the season championship presented by Scrap-It-Stow-It on September 18.
Toyota will team up with Bubba Wallace’s foundation to assist the
students who dream of working within the world of motorsports.
Photo courtesy: NASCAR
Toyota Racing Forms “The Dream” Experiential Endowment
Toyota Racing has announced the establishment of the Dream Experiential Endowment in partnership with Bubba Wallace’s Live to be Different Foundation. The initiative will see Toyota team up with Wallace’s foundation to assist the students who dream of working within the world of motorsports. It is a continuation of the Toyota Racing “Dream” commercial that took to the airwaves around the 2021 Daytona 500. By working with various organizations around the country, Toyota Racing will identify a minimum of four participants per year and arrange for them to spend a finite amount of time with a Toyota race team or TRD-related organization to experience the dream they have to pursue a career in the world of motorsports. The initial group of recipients will be chosen in the coming weeks and begin their experience during the late summer of the 2021 racing season. Applicants looking to be considered can submit a resume along with a 500-word maximum essay explaining their dream to work in motorsports to ToyotaRacing@golin.com.
Calistoga Speedway Announces HOF Class of 2021
Calistoga Speedway, the 1/2-mile dirt oval in Calistoga, California, has announced its 2021 Hall of Fame class. The Hunt Family, Dewey Gatson, Paul Worden, and Dick Golden join the already announced inductees, which include Gene Figone, Ray Smith, Shane Scott, Roger Henderson, and Rick Hirst. The inductees will be honored during the Louie Vermeil Classic taking place at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on Labor Day weekend. The 10th annual Calistoga Speedway HOF dinner takes place Friday, September 3, prior to the winged sprint car event running on Saturday and Sunday, September 4–5. For more information, visit the event page.
Kyle Petty Charity Ride Announces Mini Ride for Fall
This fall, Kyle Petty will host the “Charity Ride Revival (CRR),” a one-time-only, miniature version of his annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The CRR was created in response to postponing the larger Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America until Spring 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Differing from the annual Ride, the CRR will be half the time, half the size, and based at one single hotel–The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. It will also only include previous participants of the Ride. These are precautions put in place by the Ride to protect the safety of participating riders and team members. From September 21–23, the CRR will travel a different route each day to a unique point of interest for riders to explore and enjoy before returning to the hotel.
Kyle Petty’s 2021 Charity Ride Revival Schedule:
Day 1, Tuesday, September 21 – National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia
Day 2, Wednesday, September 22 – Seneca Rocks in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
Day 3, Thursday, September 23 – New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia
The CRR will continue the Ride’s mission of raising funds and awareness for Victory Junction–a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic and serious medical illnesses. For more information, visit kylepettycharityride.com.
SCORE Releases 2022 World Desert Champion Schedule
Mexico’s Baja California peninsula will host the four-race schedule for the 2022 SCORE World Desert Championship released by SCORE International. Featuring all four races in Baja California, Mexico, for the seventh time in the history of the series, the race coverage will air domestically and be syndicated internationally. In addition, SCORE will celebrate its 49th desert-racing season in 2022 with the expected return to pre-pandemic race operations. As in years past, the season opener will be held in San Felipe. The three additional events will start and finish in Ensenada, considered the off-road capital of the world.
The BFGoodrich Tires 54th SCORE Baja 500 presented by 4 Wheel Parts will be held June 1–5, in Ensenada, and the season-ending BFGoodrich Tires 55th SCORE Baja 1000 presented by 4Wheel Parts will be held November 15–20, in Ensenada. After being postponed due to the pandemic, the SCORE Baja 400 will be held September 13–18, in Baja California. The 2022 schedule marks the third time the newest SCORE Baja race will take place.
Dodge//SRT Ready to Rumble in the Rockies at Dodge//SRT Mile-High Nationals Presented by Pennzoil
Dodge//SRT and Mopar brands will return for a 32nd season as title sponsors of the Dodge//SRT Mile-High Nationals Presented by Pennzoil, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series event held at Thunder Mountain, otherwise known as Bandimere Speedway, near Denver. The brands’ partnership with Bandimere Speedway began in 1989 after a major track renovation and, following an extension announcement earlier this year, continues to be the longest active event title sponsorship in all of motorsports. This 2021 installment is the second of five national events with Mopar and Dodge//SRT headline support for the NHRA’s 70th anniversary season.
Following May’s Mopar Express Lane SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil in Houston and this weekend’s activities, three more national events remain on the schedule this year:
September 1–5: Dodge//SRT U.S. Nationals (Indianapolis)
September 10–12: Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil (Reading, Pennsylvania)
October 29–November 1: Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil (Las Vegas)
While on-track action at Bandimere Speedway will be livestreamed via NHRA.TV throughout the weekend, FS1 will provide television highlights of qualifying on Saturday, July 17, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (EDT), and Sunday, July 18, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT). Coverage of Sunday’s Dodge//SRT Mile-High Nationals Presented by Pennzoil elimination rounds will air on FS1 from 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (EDT). The Denver-area stop kicks off the NHRA’s three-race western swing, which includes Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, and Pacific Raceways in Seattle over consecutive weeks.
Pace Rush Sprint Cars at Perris Auto Speedway Postpones Until 2022
The Pace RUSH Sprint Car Series scheduled to launch in the West Coast Region at Perris Auto Speedway on July 17, 2021, has been postponed until the 2022 racing season.
Both RUSH Directors and the Perris Auto Speedway were anticipating a successful launch of the series from their announcement on March 24, 2021. With the impacts of coming out of the pandemic and vendor supply issues, the Series will have to wait until next year according to Don Kazarian the longtime promoter at the Perris Auto Speedway.
The RUSH Sprint Cars were launched in 2018 as a true “cost containment” non-wing division featuring the Chevrolet Performance RUSH 602 sealed crate engine sold directly from Pace Performance. RUSH directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone plan to visit Southern California in November to meet with the prospective Promoters interested in the new Series along with interested participants. For anyone interested in participating in the Q&A with the RUSH directors, please follow our Social Media for further information.
Even though the Rush Series has been postponed, the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and PAS Senior Sprints will still be in action this Saturday night, July 17. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 7:00.
the Global Time Attack Pro Championship will run at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, September 24–26.
Global Time Attack Added to Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Weekend
SCCA Pro Racing’s Global Time Attack (GTA) and Grand Prix Association of Long Beach officials have announced that the Global Time Attack Pro Championship will run at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, set for September 24–26. The GTA event, which will take place with competition laps on all three days, will feature 20 cars in three different divisions trying to set the fastest lap of the 11-turn, 1.97-mile race circuit in the streets of Long Beach, California. This year marks the first time GTA will run at the iconic event. The race will feature Unlimited, Limited, and Street classes with mass-produced street cars modified to GTA specs. Cars will be sent out five to 10 seconds apart so each can complete flying laps (laps with no race traffic) to secure the fastest time.
In addition to GTA, the 2021 Acura Grand Prix will be headlined by the NTT IndyCar Series along with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, plus doubleheader action from the Formula D Super Drift Challenge, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, and the also new-for-2021 Historic Formula Atlantic Challenge. For more information, visit globaltimeattack.com or gplb.com.
Australian F1 Race Canceled for 2021
Formula 1 officials have announced the Australian Grand Prix will not take place in 2021. The race, which was scheduled for November 19–21, at Albert Park in Melbourne, was set to be round 21 of 23. The 2021 schedule can be found on the Formula 1 website.
Houston Raceway Park to End 35-Year Legacy After 2022 NHRA National Event; NHRA Looks to Add New Track in 2023
NHRA and Houston Raceway Park have teamed up to announce the final NHRA SpringNationals as the historic track will close following the 2022 event. As NHRA looks to the future, the leadership team continues its conversations with Tulsa Raceway Park and other venues not currently on the circuit to fill the spot of the Houston event in future NHRA seasons. The final running of 35th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil will be held April 22–24 at Houston Raceway Park.
Permatexis sponsoring the StarCom Racing Team and driver Quin Houffas they look for a top finish at the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 event of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series.
Permatex to Challenge “The Magic Mile” with NASCAR Racing Team at Foxwoods Resort Casino 301
Permatex is sponsoring the StarCom Racing Team and driver Quin Houff as they look for a top finish at the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 event of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. The race is scheduled to take place at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, July 18. The Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 will serve as a momentous race in the track’s history, as it marks the 50th time that NASCAR has hosted a premier Cup Series event at the track dubbed “The Magic Mile.” The checkered flag for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 drops at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on July 18, and will broadcast on NBCSN and PRN Radio.
Lyn St. James
Lyn St. James to Be Honored With Argetsinger Award
Lyn St. James will be honored with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports during a ceremony on September 11. A pioneer for women in motorsports, St. James is equally recognized for her numerous firsts and records for speed as she is for her many contributions off the track. As a result, a committee of auto-racing professionals selected her as the seventh honoree and recipient of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award presented by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC).
The Award honors a person in motorsports recognized for having advanced and improved the sport in roles that may include driver, team owner, sponsor, race promoter, journalist or sponsor sanctioning official. It memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, often referred to as the father of American road racing. Established in 2014, previous award recipients include Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Jim France, Lesa France Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, and Bobby Rahal.
After a hiatus in 2020, the Argetsinger Award returns to a new location at the Jack Daniel’s Club at Watkins Glen International during the Hillard US Vintage Grand Prix weekend. Fans may secure tickets to the award ceremony here.
Holley NMRA World Finals Names Whipple Supercharger as Title Sponsor
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals has announced Whipple Superchargers as the title sponsor of the all-Ford motorsport event—the NMRA World Finals and Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival—which runs September 30–October 3, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The event will feature a wide range of categories, including championship heads-up and index eliminators, QA1 True Street, Mickey Thompson Street Car Challenge Presented by Whipple Superchargers, TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout, and Bracket Showdown Finale. Running concurrently on an oval track will be the Vaughn Gittin Jr. Fun-Haver Pro Drift Exhibition, Pro-Am Drifting, autocross competition, and Bigfoot jumping cars. A manufacturers’ midway, used parts swap meet, and the UPR Products Car Show is also planned. For more information, visit www.nmradigital.com/ky.
Dai Yoshihara piloted theEvasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3
Performance at the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak
International Hill Climb presented by Gran Turismo.
Turn 14 Distribution-Sponsored Tesla Model 3 Performance Completes 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Turn 14 Distribution sponsored the Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Performance driven by Dai Yoshihara, which completed the 99th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) presented by Gran Turismo. In addition to its sponsorship support, Turn 14 Distribution deployed its 53-ft. motorsports trailer activation to serve as the pit area for the Model 3 Performance and host VIP hospitality. The partnership demonstrated the company’s support for electric-powered vehicles as a substantial element to the performance industry’s future. The Tesla Model 3 Performance laid down the fastest practice time in the mountain course’s middle section and qualified second in the Exhibition class, only behind another Tesla. Although an unforeseen issue occurred on race day, Yoshihara still piloted the Model 3 Performance to the top of the mountain to finish out the race. Turn 14 Distribution’s motorsports trailer allowed the entire team to have adequate space to prepare the car, capture the experience, and take time to recover throughout the demanding hours the race requires.
Trackhouse Racing to Acquire Chip Ganassi Racing NASCAR Operation
The NASCAR Cup Series operation by Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has been purchased by Nashville-based Trackhouse Entertainment Group founded by Justin Marks and co-owned by Grammy-winning musician Armando Pérez, also known as Pitbull. The transfer of all of CGR’s NASCAR assets to Trackhouse Racing will be completed immediately following the final NASCAR Cup Series race on November 7. As a result, Trackhouse Racing will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2022. Daniel Suárez, the current driver of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro, will continue with the organization. The second driver will be named at a later date. CGR will continue to run its programs in the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA and Extreme E out of its Indianapolis racing facility.
Permatex has partnered with their Formula DRIFT team
driver Dylan Hughes.
Permatex Teams with Dylan Hughes to Challenge the Motorcycle 200-MPH Barrier and 2021 Formula DRIFT
Permatex has partnered with their Formula DRIFT team driver Dylan Hughes to take speed to the next level. In an exclusive online video series, Permatex will document Dylan’s journey as he challenges the 200-mph barrier at the 2021 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, set for August 28–September 2, 2021. The series, entitled “Permatex Flat Out 200,” will chronicle the entire effort, from initial bike design and build to the official runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the Permatex YouTube channel. Fans can visit the Permatex website to watch Hughes’ entire journey and attempt. Permatex will also sponsor Hughes and the #129 BMW in three events during the 2021 Formula DRIFT season.
GMS Racing to Compete in Cup Series in 2022
GMS Racing has announced the team is preparing its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the upcoming 2022 season. Since its formation in 2014, GMS has won 61 races across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. GMS also took home the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, and the ARCA East championship in 2019 and 2020.
NASCAR, iRacing.com Announce New Partnership Agreement
NASCAR and iRacing.com have announced a new partnership agreement that will grant the Massachusetts-based developer of PC-based racing simulations as the “official simulation partner of NASCAR.” The deal will serve to elevate a decade-plus licensing relationship to official partner status, as the two organizations work to promote the various eNASCAR series, which live on the iRacing platform. The pair are also collaborating on initiatives designed to have far-reaching implications on the future of NASCAR—including the design of new and proposed NASCAR race tracks, collaboration and technical support on the NASCAR NextGen race car project, the creation of sim racing-oriented content for NASCAR Digital Media channels, and the use of iRacing as a training tool for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity class. For more information, visit nascar.com, enascar.com and iracing.com.
Compiled by SEMA Editors
Steve Torrence pedaled to a 4.001-second pass at 260.06 mph in his
11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster to beat veteran Doug Kalitta in
the final round.
S. Torrence, Hight and Hartford Earn Wins at Rain-Delayed MOPAR Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil
Three-time defending Top Fuel world champ Steve Torrence finally conquered Houston Raceway Park, racing to the victory on Monday at the 34th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park. Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) also won in their respective categories at the fifth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Eliminations were postponed to Monday due to inclement weather on Sunday.
Torrence pedaled to a 4.001-second pass at 260.06 mph in his 11,000hp Capco Contractors dragster to beat veteran Doug Kalitta in the final round, earning this third win this season and extending his points lead.
In their 70th career meeting in eliminations and ninth time in the final round, it was Hight who got the best of Ron Capps in a matchup of Funny Car heavyweights, with Hight going a 3.916 at 327.19 in his 11,000hp AAA Texas Chevrolet Camaro SS.
In the Pro Stock final, Hartford picked up his first victory of the year in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 7.660 at 145.11. Final-round opponent Deric Kramer had even more trouble, shaking the tires almost immediately to help hand the victory to Hartford.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action June 11-13, with the TascaParts.com NHRA New England Nationals presented by Bandero Premium Tequila at New England Dragway.
Mooresville, North Carolina, Provides $100k in Support of Motorsports
Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will launch a technical assistance program called ReVamp to help local motorsports teams and component manufacturers diversify to serve new markets. The program was made possible through partnership and funding from the Town of Mooresville and Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at North Carolina State University. The ReVamp program will support companies with matching funds up to $10,000 per company for technical support assistance. The Town of Mooresville has provided $100,000 to Iredell EDC to support the ReVamp program, which was launched in response to the changes resulting from the impact of both NASCAR’s Next-Gen car and the impact of COVID-19 on the racing industry.
The initiative is modeled on a program previously deployed by IES to help Department of Defense contractors diversify. Two local companies—Roush Yates Engines and MSI Defense— participated.
ReVamp is one of three programs developed by Iredell EDC to respond to the changes happening in the motorsports industry, including ReGen, a series of “lunch and learns” webinars to provide local manufacturers basic tools for diversification and to invite them to the “deeper dive” of ReVamp. Stream 2021, hosted earlier this year, brought together Charlotte region manufacturers to facilitate supplier and procurement opportunities for companies. For more information, visit iredelledc.com/revamp. To register for the webinar, click here.
NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival Returns to Beech Bend Raceway in 2021
The Holley NMRA Ford Nationals will once again complete its season with the NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival the weekend of September 30–October 3, 2021. The NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival combines NMRA championship drag racing, QA1 True Street, and the UPR Products Car Show together, and includes celebrity drifting and special appearances, Grand Champion competition, autocross, burnout contests, and more. NMRA kicks off its season with the Spring Break Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park the weekend of March 4–7. The tour heads north to Atlanta Dragway (Commerce, Georgia), April 8–11, for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals. The new home of the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing is World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison, Illinois) as the team challenge continues May 13–16. The NMRA Ford Nationals makes its return to Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk, Ohio) the weekend of June 10–13. US 131 Motorsports Park is once again on the schedule with the NMRA/NMCA Power Festival, July 22–25. Racers and fans have two months to prepare for the finale at Beech Bend Raceway September 30–October 3, with the NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival.
Baja Brothers Racing took the Savvy Off-Road, Falken Tire Jeep Gladiator to victory at the Baja 500.
Baja Brothers Racing Finishes First in Class at Baja 500
Baja Brothers Racing took the Savvy Off-Road, Falken Tire Jeep Gladiator to victory at the Baja 500, September 22–27. Gladiator Race #720F crossed the finish line first in class just after 3:20 a.m., after almost 19 hours of racing. For complete results, visit the SCORE website.
2021 NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Event Schedule
The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals returns to action in 2021 with six national events held at legendary motorsport facilities. The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals is home to thousands of vintage and modern vehicles participating across championship drag racing, street-legal competition, and car show arenas. NMCA kicks off the year once again at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The tour then moves north of Atlanta for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals in April. There’s big action in May at the Gateway to the West when the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing takes place at World Wide Technology Raceway. Following a brief mid-season break is the NMRA/NMCA Power Festival at US 131 Motorsports Park, which becomes a regular tour stop after last year’s wildly successful event. Summit Motorsports Park is back on the schedule in 2021 hosting the NMCA All-American Nationals. The season concludes once again at Lucas Oil Raceway just outside of Indianapolis with the NMCA World Street Finals.
July 22-25, 2021
Inaugural NMRA/NMCA Power Festival
US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Michigan
August 26-29 2021
20th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio
September 23-26, 2021
20th Annual NMCA World Street Finals
Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis
Compiled by SEMA Editors
John Force wrapped up a spectacular weekend at zMAX Dragway
with a run of 3.916 seconds at 328.78 mph in his 11,000-hp
PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS in the final round.
J. Force, S. Torrence, Glenn, and Johnson Grab Wins at NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway
Sixteen-time world champ John Force added another win to his legendary Funny Car career on Sunday, clinching his 152nd victory at the 11th annual NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock), and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the fourth race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Force wrapped up a spectacular weekend at zMAX Dragway with a run of 3.916 seconds at 328.78 mph in his 11,000-hp PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Chevrolet Camaro SS in the final round. Force, who was also the No. 1 qualifier, went as quick as 3.897 at 330.31 on Sunday.
Torrence continued his four-wide dominance, winning for the sixth time in the last seven Top Fuel four-wide events, furthering the points lead for the reigning three-time world champ. Torrence went 3.716 at 329.10 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round.
The Pro Stock final quad featured four young drivers going for their first career victory, and it was Glenn who came out on top, going 6.540 at 210.80 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. In his first final round appearance in just his fourth career start, Glenn gave KB Racing its fourth win in as many races to open the 2021 season. Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson set a track-record 6.729 at 198.03 in the final round on his Mac Rak Suzuki.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 21-23 with the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil.
IndyCar Removes Canada From 2021 Schedule
Due to ongoing COVID-19 health and safety restrictions in Ontario, Canada, organizers for the Honda Indy Toronto and the NTT IndyCar Series have jointly announced that this year’s event set for July 9–11, will no longer be a part of the 2021 schedule. IndyCar is considering various scenarios for the remainder of the 2021 calendar as it relates to the recent cancellation. The current mid-summer portion of the schedule will resume Sunday, August 8, for the inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville, with live coverage on NBCSN.
Formula 1 Adds Second Austria Race to Replace Turkey in 2021
Formula 1 has provided an update on the 2021 race calendar, with new COVID-19 travel restrictions meaning it’s no longer possible to race in Turkey on June 11–13. That weekend will now remain free, with the French Grand Prix moving a week earlier than originally planned to June 18–20, and the second race in Austria—the Styrian Grand Prix—added to the calendar on June 25–27. That creates a new France-Styria-Austria triple header, with the Austrian Grand Prix staying in its original July 2–4 slot. All tickets to the French Grand Prix are valid for an earlier date. The changes mean there continue to be 23 races planned for the 2021 season.
Eddie Gossage will step down as president of The Great American
Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race.
Texas Motor Speedway President to Step Down After All-Star Race
After more than three decades with Speedway Motorsports, including the last 25 years at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), Eddie Gossage will step down as president of The Great American Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race. Gossage joined Speedway Motorsports in 1989 as the vice president of public relations at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he worked under the guidance of Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman Bruton Smith and then Charlotte Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler. Smith named Gossage general manager of Texas Motor Speedway in 1995 and added the title of TMS president in 2004. Now 62, Gossage is one of the longest-tenured employees at Speedway Motorsports.
Details Announced for 2022 Dakar in Saudi Arabia
Details have been released about the 44th edition of the Dakar Rally, which will run on January 2–14, 2022, during its third visit to Saudi Arabia. The rally will start in Ha’il and finish in Jeddah, after a rest day in Riyadh. The 2022 edition will mark the starting point for plans to host a field of cars powered by alternative energies or electric power by 2030. The new T1-E category, which launches in 2022 and will be dedicated for prototype vehicles engaged in carbon emission research, aligns with this plan. Related, the popularity of vintage vehicles in the “Dakar Classic” regularity race has encouraged many enthusiasts of ’80s and ’90s 4x4s to have a go in the adventure, and officials say the field could double in size at the start in Ha’il. Registration opens May 17. For more information, visit here or dakar.com.
100% has signed Ken Block as its latest visionary.
100% Signs Ken Block as Its Newest Visionary
100% has signed Ken Block as its latest visionary, joining a roster of athletes representing the brand. As an entrepreneur, in 1994 Block founded DC Shoes and in 2010, the clothing and media company Hoonigan. As a car driver, the Gymkhana franchise has racked up close to 700 million views to complement his decorated career as a rally car racer.
NHRA and Auto Club Raceway have announced July 30–August 1 as the rescheduled date of the 61st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, which traditionally kicks off the NHRA season, was postponed due to state health guidelines in California. NHRA and the track have worked closely with state and local officials to find a new date for the event and are confident that the new date will allow more fans to attend the famed race.
Related, NHRA and Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, have come to the decision to cancel the 2021 Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. Though Washington State recently announced a lessening of its COVID-19 restrictions, there is still uncertainty about what rules could impact the event.
The Winternationals will take the original slotted date of the Northwest Nationals and now conclude the annual NHRA Western Swing, a three-race series from Denver to Sonoma and finally to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California.
2021 Indy 500 to Be Contested With Fans
February 25, 2021
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) will host the 105th running of the Indy 500 with limited fans in the grandstands, according to published reports. The decision comes after the 104th event, which typically occurs the Sunday before Memorial Day, was postponed to August in 2020. Officials also ran the event without fans in attendance due to safety and health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several details—including the number of fans permitted, ticket purchases and guidelines, such as social distancing and mask mandates, will be announced at a later date. Organizers will work with state and local health officials and are expected to provide an update in the spring. For more information, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
PPG again will be the primary sponsor of Austin Cindric’s No. 22 Ford
Mustang in four NXS races.
PPG Announces Team Penske Primary Sponsorship, Race Schedule for 2021
PPG has announced that it is continuing its long-standing support of Team Penske by serving as a primary sponsor for numerous races throughout the 2021 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and the NTT INDYCAR Series. The sponsorship marks PPG and Team Penske’s 37th year of working together, making it one of the longest-tenured partnerships in all of motorsports. PPG again will be the primary sponsor of Austin Cindric’s No. 22 Ford Mustang in four NXS races, while Scott McLaughlin will drive the No. 3 PPG Dallara/Chevrolet for 10 INDYCAR SERIES events during the season. McLaughlin’s newly designed vehicle is light, yet speedy. It weighs 1,650 lbs., including driver weight, and features a 2.2L twin-turbo V6 engine capable of producing a top speed of 240 mph. Topping it all off is a splashy new color scheme, especially befitting a PPG-sponsored car.
Mike Skeen will pilot an all-new Howe Racing
Enterprises Camaro in the TA2 class.
Turn 14 Distribution Continues Partnership With LIQUI MOLY and Stevens-Miller Racing for 2021 Trans Am Series
Turn 14 Distribution has again partnered with LIQUI MOLY and Stevens-Miller Racing to support driver Mike Skeen as he defends his TA2 Championship title in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. Skeen will pilot an all-new Howe Racing Enterprises Camaro in the TA2 class. The class features purpose-built racing machines assembled and tuned with performance in mind. The racecars are constructed on a cost-effective platform with engines restricted to less than 500 hp. The TransAm Series presented by Pirelli will begin its 54th season on February 19, at Sebring International Raceway, where the series originally debuted in 1966.
Historic Motor Sports Association Returns to Laguna Seca for the First Race in a Year
Once again, racing will be held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, starting March 13–14, for the season opener. As state and local regulations on races and public events evolve, the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) will make event announcements. So far, the HMSA Spring Club event is the first of two events already confirmed for the 2021 season. HMSA will host its annual event, the Sommet de Legendes at the Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, July 9–11, but HMSA members will also have a chance to participate in an exhibition racing class during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which was moved to September. The 2021 schedule of events for the sanctioning body that requires period-correct race cars can be found at www.hmsausa.com.
VP Racing Fuels’ Madditive Named Official Performance Additive of IMSA
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the VP Madditive product line has been named the Official Performance Additive of IMSA. With Madditive signage at select races and participation at car corrals, VP Racing Fuels will be even more prominent at IMSA events.
Corrigan Oil Speedway Announces New Series For Outlaw Super Late Models
Corrigan Oil Speedway officials have announced a new track series, the Northside Towing.net Big 8 Series for Outlaw Super Late Models presented by Auto Value Parts stores. The series will feature the Shaheen Chevrolet Outlaw Super Late Models in an eight-race championship season, with each 50-lap race paying a minimum of $2,000-to-win and $300-to-start. The short track, located in Mason, Michigan, has featured Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stock, 4 Cylinder, Bandoleros, and Figure-8 racing since 1956. For more information, visit www.corriganoilspeedway.com.
CompetitionPlus.com to Provide Pro Winter Warmup Free Livestream
CompetitionPlus.com in conjunction with Drag Racer TV, will host a free live stream of the PRO Winter Warmup, March 5-7, at Palm Beach International Raceway. In addition to the live stream, CompetitionPlus.com will post daily updates in the Event Notebook section presented by GuardLab.com.
For more than 21 years, CompetitionPlus.com has been the go-to independent voice and broadcaster for drag racing, and coverage of the PRO Winter Warmup continues its longstanding tradition of bringing drag racing coverage to race fans around the world.
Fans interested in watching full-day coverage can subscribe to the CompetitionPlusTV’s YouTube page to be notified and watch all of the action. There are no fees or sign-up steps other than having a YouTube account. Visit www.youtube.com/CompetitionPlusTV and click on the subscribe button.
ABB FIA Formula E
Formula E and the FIA have announced that the 2019–2020 season will be suspended until future developments deem it safe to return
For the latest information, visit www.fiaformulae.com.
In conjunction with NASCAR, all ARCA Menards Series race events—including the ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West—are postponed through May 3. For the latest information, visit www.arcaracing.com.
CARS Tour
The CARS Tour Old North State Nationals has been canceled. For the latest information, visit www.carsracingtour.com.
Easter Jeep Safari
For the first time in 53 years, the Easter Jeep Safari is being canceled. . For more information, visit www.rr4w.com.
FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
The seventh round of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 2019–2020 season has been postponed.
For the latest information, visit www.fiawec.com.
Formula 1
Following the cancellation of the season For the latest information, visit www.formula1.com.
FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3
Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has been postponed, For the latest information on Formula 2, Formula 3 and related FIA series, visit www.fia.com.
IMS Museum
the IMS Museum is closed to the public at this time. For the latest information, visit www.indyracingmuseum.org.
NASCAR is currently postponing all race events
For the latest information, visit www.nascar.com.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will be closed to the general admission public
For the latest information, visit www.nascarhall.com.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
NASCAR and South Boston Speedway officials announced that the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener has been postponed
For the latest information, visit hometracks.nascar.com.
NHRA Postpones Season for at Least 30 Days
NHRA is suspending drag racing
Visit LVMS.com for information if you have purchased tickets for the postponed event.
NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals
ProMedia Events and Publishing, the parent company of the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, in association with Atlanta Dragway’s parent company NHRA, have decided to postpone the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals
contact the NMRA or NMCA via email at nmra@promediapub.com or nmca@promediapub.com or call 714-444-2426.
SCORE International Off-Road Racing
SCORE International has elected to postpone future events.
For the latest information, visit www.score-international.com.
PPG Renews Sponsorship With Team Penske
NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Announces Red Line Oil as Title Sponsor
Hot Shot’s Secret Boasts Clean Sweep at ODSS
Speedway Motorsports to Acquire Dover Motorsports
Tim Wilkerson powered to a run of 3.927 seconds at 331.36
NMRA Releases 2022 Ford Nationals Event Schedule
NASCAR Announces Hall Of Fame Class of 2021
Calistoga Speedway Announces HOF Class of 2021
Kyle Petty Charity Ride Announces Mini Ride for Fall
November 18-20, 2022