The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington today announced a new partnership with the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) designed to introduce students to the diverse career opportunities in major sporting events, while creating meaningful educational experiences that connect the classroom to the real world.

Through a series of career exploration and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, students will have the chance to engage with professionals across a variety of disciplines involved in bringing the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington to life. The initiative will provide students with exposure to career pathways, industry insights and firsthand experiences tied to one of the region's premier sporting events. The partnership aligns with Arlington ISD's commitment to providing innovative academic and career-focused experiences through its signature programs.

"The City of Arlington is at the heart of everything we do, and one of our goals is to make sure the community feels a sense of pride and ownership around our race," said Troy Yarborough, President, Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. "We believe major events like ours have a responsibility to create positive impact that extends beyond race weekend. Alongside Arlington ISD, we are building direct pathways for students to get real-world experience and direct access to professionals in a way we hope excites them to continue their education and consider a future career in motorsports."

As the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington heads into its second-year event, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in local students and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of leaders, creators and innovators.

"Arlington ISD is excited to officially partner with the Java House Grand Prix after the first year was such a success, said Sara Mahoney, Arlington ISD Career and Technical Education Coordinator." Last year, students across multiple career pathways, including transportation, construction, hospitality, marketing and more, engaged with experts who worked on bringing the racing world to life here in Arlington. They also got to visit the Grand Prix on the first race day. We are excited that more students will get exposure to this unique world through the official partnership and activities planned for students throughout the year."

The partnership will kick off with its first program on Tuesday, October 27: The Business of Motorsports. Students will hear directly from professionals involved in bringing the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington to life. Through a panel discussion and interactive breakout sessions, students will gain firsthand insight into careers spanning marketing, communications, partnerships, creative services and event operations. Media are invited to attend to capture b-roll and interview members of the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington team. More details will be sent soon.

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington will return to Arlington's Entertainment District March 19-21, 2027, bringing world-class racing and community-focused experiences to fans from across North Texas and beyond.

For more information, visit gparlington.com.

Racing America has announced its 2027 racing schedule, featuring an expanded calendar, new venues, returns to historic circuits and the addition of new racing series to the Racing America banner.

Once again, Racing America's schedule is loaded with some of the most celebrated and historic road courses in North America. In total, 20 race weekends will make up the 2027 calendar, including 12 races for the Trans Am Series National Championship, 15 for both International GT and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), 13 for the recently announced NA Formula Ladder and 10 races over six weekends for Trans Am Western Championship. The season will also mark Hankook Tire and Technology's first year serving as the exclusive tire supplier for Racing America's professional road racing platforms, including the Trans Am Series, International GT and the NA Formula Ladder.

In addition, 2027 will see two new series competing under the Racing America banner, as Rush joins the fold for a total of 11 events with their National and Western Championships, and Prototype America hosts eight events during Racing America weekends.

"2027 is sure to be our best year yet," said Ken Thwaits, chief operating officer of Racing America. "With the return to some of North America's most historic racing venues, an expanded presence on the West Coast, new opportunities for competitors and the addition of new series to the Racing America platform, our 2027 schedule reflects our continued commitment to growing the sport and delivering exceptional experiences for drivers, teams and fans."

The 2027 Racing America calendar will kick off at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, with a pre-season test, January 18-19, before the green flag waves for the season-opening Racing America at Sebring weekend, March 4-7, 2027.

For more information, visit racingamerica.com.

Rally U.S. organizers have confirmed Knoxville, Tennessee, as the event's host city and Nashville, Tennessee's, Lower Broadway as the setting for the ceremonial start when the World Rally Championship (WRC) returns to the United States in 2027.

Taking place from August 26-29, the gravel event will feature a route spanning more than 15 counties across Tennessee and Kentucky, with stages stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Cumberland Plateau.

Fast gravel roads, technical forest sections and dramatic elevation changes will shape the challenge for crews as the WRC makes its first visit to the United States since 1988.

Knoxville will serve as rally headquarters, with the WRC Arena based at World's Fair Park and the Knoxville Convention Center. The Arena will bring together the teams' base and a fan festival, creating a hub for spectators away from the stages.

"The United States has long been a priority for the WRC," said Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter.

"Knoxville and the roads of Tennessee and Kentucky give us a spectacular, challenging setting, and a passionate home for our teams, manufacturers and fans as we begin this new chapter in America."

The ceremonial start on Nashville's Lower Broadway will form part of an entertainment program that also includes live music, driver appearances and fan events at the WRC Arena, plus community celebrations in East Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky.

"Tennessee is in the hospitality and entertainment business, and nobody does it better," said Matt Crews, president and CEO of Rally US. "When the FIA and WRC Promoter put America back on the calendar, we set out to deliver far more than a race: an event experience, from Broadway to the Appalachian Mountains, that rivals any festival in the world and puts our state on a global stage like no other."

"The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship," FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said. "It is a nation where motor sport is part of the cultural DNA, with world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition."

For more information, visit wrcrallyus.com.

Images Courtesy of American Rally Association and Rally U.S.

Though the 2026 PRI Show, the premier trade event for the global motorsports industry taking place December 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is just weeks away, registration is still open online. Register for the 2026 PRI Show.

Savings are available for PRI Showgoers who register now with a tiered pricing structure: $55 per qualified attendee badge now through December 9, and $65 during the Show dates. The PRI Show remains a trade-only event for qualified industry professionals, and new this year, Showgoers can register for the PRI Show without a PRI membership. 

More than 1,000 exhibiting companies have already secured more than 370,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, creating a show floor packed with the latest racing technology, performance products, manufacturing equipment, simulation tools, trailers and business solutions. From grassroots racing to professional motorsports, the PRI Show remains the industry's most important marketplace for discovering new products, building relationships, and conducting business ahead of the racing season.

"The PRI Show is where the business of motorsports comes together," said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. "Every December, manufacturers, race teams, distributors, engine builders, fabricators, track operators, and industry leaders gather in one place to strengthen partnerships, discover new innovations, and create opportunities that move racing forward. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Indianapolis."

The PRI Show continues to serve as a driving force behind an industry that generates more than $69.2 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and produces more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits, according to the PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. By bringing together every segment of the racing industry under one roof, the Show helps fuel innovation, investment, and long-term business growth.

New for 2026, the PRI Motorsports Engineering Symposium will debut during the Show, bringing together race engineers, manufacturers, technical leaders, and university engineering programs for a full day of education and collaboration focused on advancing motorsports technology and performance.

The 2026 PRI Show will feature a wide range of experiences and activations, from networking opportunities such as the Grand Opening Breakfast and PRI Full Throttle Social to education programming, specialty exhibit areas, and product discovery destinations including T.O.P.S. HQ, the Trailer and Motorcoach Exhibits, PRI Paddock, Machinery Row, NextGen Connect, and more.

"The PRI Show continues to evolve alongside the racing industry," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "Whether attendees are sourcing products, learning from industry experts, exploring new technologies, or connecting with business partners, the 2026 Show is designed to deliver meaningful value at every stage of their business."

Each year, the PRI Show welcomes attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, media, sanctioning bodies, and track operators. Early registration allows attendees to receive their credentials in advance beginning in October, helping them save time and get straight to business when they arrive in Indianapolis.

To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2026 PRI Show, visit PRI2026.com/Attend.

For additional information or questions regarding registration, please contact PRI Show Manager Nicole Harless, at nicoleh@performanceracing.com. 

The Square Wave® 205 TIG Welder provides AC/DC TIG welding capabilities for aluminum, steel and stainless fabrication projects.

Sponsored by Lincoln Electric

Explore welding, plasma cutting and automation for automotive fabrication at the 2026 PRI Show, with live equipment demos plus guidance from Lincoln Electric.

At the 2026 PRI Show, December 10–12, in Indianapolis, custom car builders, fabricators and shop decision-makers can test featured Lincoln Electric welding and handheld plasma-cutting equipment in Yellow Hall, Booth 5119, in Machinery Row. Attendees can also explore metal fabrication, CNC plasma cutting, welding automation and collaborative robot welding through live, connected demonstrations.

Start With the Work, Not the Machine

Before comparing equipment, define the work it needs to perform. Start with the materials, thicknesses, processes, available power, movement between work areas and recurring setup or quality challenges.

• What materials and thicknesses does the shop encounter most often?
• Which processes are used regularly?
• Where do setup time, training demands or rework create friction?
• Is there a repeatable cutting or welding task that may warrant an automation evaluation?
  
  

The FlexCut® 45 Plasma Cutter delivers portable metal cutting performance for fabrication, repair and automotive projects.

Evaluate the Complete Experience

• Control layout: Are commonly used settings easy to locate and adjust?
• Setup: What changes when the process, material or application changes?
• Mobility: Can the equipment be positioned where the work takes place?
• Repeatability: Does the setup support a repeatable process under appropriate conditions?
• Shop fit: Will the equipment work with available space, input power and production flow?
  
  

The POWER MIG® 220 AC/DC Multi-Process Welder supports MIG, Flux-Cored, Stick and AC/DC TIG welding in a single machine for automotive fabrication and repair applications.

Bring a Real Shop Challenge to PRI

Bring project photos, material details, available input power, current process information and examples of recurring problems. The goal is to leave with better firsthand information about which capabilities fit the work and what next step makes sense.

Put the Welding and Cutting Equipment to Work

All featured welding and handheld plasma-cutting products listed below will be available for attendees to operate with guidance from Lincoln Electric specialists.

Featured Welding Equipment

• Sprinter™ 180Si Stick Welder
• Elevate™ SLi Battery-Powered Welder
• Square Wave® 205 TIG Welder
• POWER MIG® 215 MPi™ Multi-Process Welder
• POWER MIG® 262MP Multi-Process Welder
• POWER MIG® 211i MIG Welder
• POWER MIG® 220 AC/DC Multi-Process Welder
  
  

Featured Plasma-Cutting Equipment

• FlexCut® 35 Air Plasma Cutter
• FlexCut® 45 Plasma Cutter
  

Special PRI Show pricing will be available on select equipment. Stop by the booth to try the equipment and ask about available show special pricing, product options and purchasing information. Product availability, pricing and offer terms may vary.

XpertLINC™ uses integrated Physical AI to scan the part, identify the weld joint and create a weld path that adapts to real-world variation.

See Cutting and Welding Automation in Action

The Cooper® Welding Cobot helps small and mid-sized shops achieve consistent, repeatable welds, with quick reprogramming for short runs and changing part demands. For the next level of cobot welding, XpertLINC™ applies integrated Physical AI to understand the part, generate the weld path and adapt to real-world variation and fit-up, making advanced automation more accessible to operators.

The fully assembled 4' x 4' Torchmate® 4400 CNC plasma cutting table will be running live demonstrations on the show floor. Designed for small businesses and educational environments, the Torchmate® 4400 will cut components for a desktop phone holder; attendees can weld them together and take home a finished piece while supplies last.

See both systems running live and talk with Lincoln Electric team members about application requirements, special pricing and automation financing options. Program availability, eligibility and terms may vary.

The Torchmate® 4400 CNC plasma cutting table demonstrates automated part production for small businesses, fabricators and educational programs.

See the Flex Lase™ Handheld Laser Welding System

Lincoln Electric will also feature the Flex Lase™ handheld laser welding system, a 2kW solution built for high-precision welding with travel speeds up to four times faster than a typical TIG process. Its easy-to-use interface helps get new operators up to speed quickly, and its focused heat input helps reduce distortion and spatter.

Flex Lase will be on display only; there will be no live laser welding in the booth. Attendees are encouraged to stop by, see the system up close and ask a booth team member to schedule an in-person demonstration after the Show.

See the Start•All® Jump•Pack Lineup

Rounding out the booth's focus on practical automotive equipment, Lincoln Electric will feature four Start•All® Jump•Pack models designed to provide portable starting power and charge devices on the go. Attendees can compare the lineup and speak with Lincoln Electric team members about selecting the right model for their vehicle and application.

• Start•All® Jump•Pack 2500A
• Start•All® Jump•Pack 5000A
• Start•All® Jump•Pack 10000A
• Start•All® Jump•Pack 12V/24V
  

See Welding, Cutting and Automation in Action | Lincoln Electric at the 2026 PRI Show

December 10–12, 2026

Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

Yellow Hall, Booth 5119 (Machinery Row)

www.lincolnelectric.com

GRIDLIFE and World Racing League (WRL) are reviving the 25 Hours of Thunderhill as part of the newly announced GRIDLIFE Thunderhill, a new motorsports event at Thunderhill Motorsports Park in Willows, California, scheduled for April 2-4, 2027. 

The event format will serve as the opening round of the 2027 GRIDLIFE National Championship season and will mark the return of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, which last ran in 2023.

WRL, in partnership with GRIDLIFE, will revive the grassroots endurance racing event and surround it with a full GRIDLIFE competition program.

"Bringing back the 25 Hours of Thunderhill is a big deal for grassroots motorsports, and we want the whole weekend to match that," said Chris Stewart, GRIDLIFE president and co-founder. "With WRL leading the endurance race, we're building a full GRIDLIFE experience around it. We want Thunderhill Raceway Park to feel alive across the whole site, with fans and drivers coming together, and the energy carrying on long after dark. It's the kind of weekend we'd want to spend at the track ourselves, and we can't wait to share it with everyone as we kick off the 2027 season."

After a four-year absence, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill is set to return in 2027, and is scheduled to begin Saturday afternoon, run through the night and conclude 25 hours later.

"The 25 Hours of Thunderhill has always been the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and sheer determination," said RJ Till, WRL President. "After a four-year hiatus, WRL is excited to revive this legendary race alongside GRIDLIFE, introducing a new generation of drivers and fans to the world of endurance racing."

The return of the big race will be the centerpiece of a larger motorsports experience, designed to connect endurance racing competitors to GRIDLIFE drivers, enthusiasts, families and the surrounding community. 

GRIDLIFE Thunderhill will deliver the full GRIDLIFE National Championship competition experience alongside the WRL 25-hour endurance race.

The weekend will feature:

• Eibach GRIDLIFE Touring Cup (GLTC)––GRIDLIFE's wheel-to-wheel touring car racing series.
• GRIDLIFE Grand Touring (GLGT)––Grand Touring competition as part of the GRIDLIFE racing program.
• GRIDLIFE TrackBattle Time Attack––Drivers competing against the clock to record their fastest lap.
• GRIDLIFE Drift––Drift action showcasing car control, driving style, and the excitement of grassroots motorsports.
• WRL Grand Touring (GT)––WRL's Grand Touring competition as part of the WRL endurance racing program.
• WRL General Production (GP)––WRL's General Production competition as part of the WRL endurance racing program.

GRIDLIFE and WRL will simultaneously activate all these motorsports activities at Thunderhill Motorsports Park, using all race tracks and surfaces throughout the weekend.

The result will be an immersive environment where spectators can experience a broad spectrum of motorsports in one destination, from wheel-to-wheel competition to time attack, drifting and around-the-clock endurance racing.

For more information, visit grid.life, thunderhill.com or racewrl.com.

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) will debut a new race truck––the Honda Passport Baja Spec––developed to compete in the top Trophy Truck class of the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship.

Driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies, the Honda Passport Baja Spec will pack 1,300 hp and introduce advanced technologies developed through Honda's participation in global motorsport, ranging from Formula 1, IndyCar and IMSA, to Baja off-road desert racing.   

The Honda Passport Baja Spec race truck will make its global debut on October 29 at a private event in Downtown Los Angeles, hosted by Menzies Motorsports and Race Service. The Honda Passport Baja Spec will then be showcased in the HRC booth at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3-6, marking its first public appearance. It's slated to make its racing debut at the 2027 SCORE Baja 500.

Honda has a long history with Baja that predates the first official off-road race on the peninsula. In 1962, LA-based Honda dealers and desert-racing pioneers Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson Jr. rode two Honda CL72 motorcycles from Tijuana to La Paz in just 39 hours and 56 minutes. Their historic ride established a benchmark that inspired thousands of desert racers on two wheels and four, and ultimately helped lead to the creation of the official Baja 1000 race in 1967, according to Honda.

Since then, Honda has become the winningest motorcycle manufacturer in Baja history, amassing 22 overall victories and numerous class wins. On four wheels, the Honda off-road racing program has earned 17 class victories since 2015, including four Baja 1000 wins and five Baja 500 triumphs.

For more information, visit hondaracing-us.honda.com.

The Dakar Rally will temporarily relocate out of Saudi Arabia for 2027, organizers announced, citing ongoing conflict in the region.

The Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) made the decision in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) with support from FIA.

Originally scheduled for January 1-15, 2027, the rescheduled event will still take place in an alternate location and will be organized by the ASO. The new location will be announced at a later date.

The 2028 event will still take place in Saudi Arabia, which has hosted the rally since 2020.

For more information, visit dakar.com.

Exhibiting companies and industry professionals attending the 2026 PRI Show, December 10-12 in Indianapolis, are invited to connect with students pursuing careers in the motorsports industry with a table at the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event will be held on Friday, December 11, from 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EST in the Sagamore Ballroom 6 and 7 at the Indiana Convention Center.

The networking breakfast is a staple of the PRI Show Student Program, connecting automotive aftermarket leaders with the industry's future workforce. By hosting a table, industry members will be able to share their company's mission and help guide and inspire the next generation of motorsports professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and is a chance to create quality connections with students eager to jumpstart their racing careers.

Recruitment Made Easy

Participation is free, and the event simply requires one-and-a-half hours from a company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required. Register your company here. 

Questions can be directed to Joe Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at josee@sema.org.

The latest issue of PRI Magazine is out now and the November 2026 edition features exclusive coverage on the 2026 PRI Show, including a comprehensive Show Guide providing tips, tools and resources available to exhibitors, attendees and media that can help you make the most of your time in Indianapolis this December. From the Floorplan map to previews of education sessions and new Show features, like the Motorsports Engineering Symposium and NextGen Connect, the November issue is an essential tool for maximizing your PRI Show. 

But the industry coverage doesn't stop there. Also in this month's issue: a glance at the evolving race trailer market, a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations developing the future of the motorsports workforce, recent developments in suspension technology and expert opinions on the next generation of engine blocks.

Already claimed your digital subscription? Click here to read the November 2026 issue.  

Below is a step-by-step guide to claiming your free digital subscription to PRI Magazine on your phone.

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to claim your coupon voucher:

Claim your free PRI Magazine digital subscription here.

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Hit subscribe to claim your free subscription. Now, you're able to activate your account by downloading the PRI Magazine app. Tap the IOS link for Apple devices and Google Play for others.

Once you sign up, you'll have full access to a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge and insights. Get to reading! Be sure to sign up for notifications on the latest issue.

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to PRI's Customer Service Team at membership@performanceracing.com or call 949-499-5413.