Sebastian Vettel has become the first active Formula 1 driver to sign up for this November’s Race of Champions at the former Olympic Stadium in London.

Vettel is a six-time winner of the Race of Champions Nations’ Cup, representing Team Germany alongside Michael Schumacher en route to victory each year between 2007 and 2012.

After missing the 2014 event in Barbados, Vettel will now return to the Race of Champions this winter as he goes in search of his first individual title.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the Race Of Champions, which I’ve enjoyed competing in since my Formula 1 debut in 2007,” Vettel said. It is going to be very exciting to race cars in the Stadium that hosted the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“Of course I’ll miss having Michael as my team-mate this time but I’ll try my best to bring the ROC Nations Cup trophy back to Germany and to win my first individual ROC title. That is one trophy that is still missing from my collection…”

The Race of Champions pits drivers from a number of different racing championships against each other in a multi-discipline challenge over two days as they battle for both national and individual honors.

“It’s brilliant news that Sebastian will join us at this year’s Race Of Champions at London’s former Olympic Stadium,” Race of Champions president Fredrik Johnsson said.

“When he raced at Wembley in 2007 it was still a year before his first F1 grand prix win but it was clear to everyone watching that they were in the presence of something special—not least when he beat World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm in his own rally car.

“Since then Seb has proved himself to be one of the greatest drivers of all time with four F1 world championships and counting.

“His podiums for Ferrari this year show he is still at the very top of his game and he will no doubt be as keen as ever to push to the limit in the identical machinery on offer at the Race Of Champions.”

Vettel will be joined at the former Olympic Stadium by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, rally driver Petter Solberg and ex-F1 driver David Coulthard for the Race of Champions.

According to reports, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are also in talks with the organizers over a possible entry. Given that it is just one week before the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, though, timing may prove to be a stumbling block.

Among the list of “things to do at the 2015 Knoxville Nationals” is the United Trailers Golf Classic in memory of Kevin Gobrecht. 

This annual fundraiser benefiting the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum provides a morning on the scenic Iowa countryside ahead of the action that only happens at Knoxville Raceway in mid-August.

Important details of this four-person best shot tournament include:

When: Friday, August 14, 2015
Where: Bos Landen Golf Course, Pella, Iowa.
Cost: $90 per person / $360 per foursome.
Time: 8:30 a.m. shotgun start; registration opens at 7 a.m.
Provisions: Continental breakfast and range balls are provided ahead of play; lunch is provided during or after rounds.

In addition, a sleeve of Titleist PRO V1 golf balls will be given to anyone registering before July 31.

For more information or to register, contact Doug Lockin at 800/874-4488 or via e-mail at dlockin@sprintcarhof.com.

August's World of Outlaws Late Model Series visit to Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, Ohio, has been expanded to two events, setting up an August 21–22 WoO LMS doubleheader at the 3/8-mile track.

The additional Atomic event, which replaces a recently canceled race at Stateline Speedway in Busti, N.Y., gives the national tour a three-race weekend, with Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., set to host the series on Sun., August 23. The weekend opener at Atomic on Fri., August 21 will pay $8,000 to the winner, while the event on Sat., August 22 will pay $10,000.

"With a second night at Atomic Speedway, an already big weekend for the World of Outlaws will now be even bigger," said WoO LMS Director Tim Christman. "I want to thank Brad McCown for jumping on the chance to have the series at Atomic on back-to-back nights. We also appreciate all of the other tracks that expressed interest in filling the open date."

Support division events at Atomic Speedway will feature AMRA modifieds and sport mods both nights. For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts next week will expand its “Garage Gurus” technical education network with the grand openings of regional training centers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Rancho Dominguez, California.

The company, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp., launched the Garage Gurus network in April with training centers in Skokie, Ill., Van Nuys, California, and the Bronx, N.Y.

Garage Gurus is a “Tech First” initiative designed to help repair professionals keep pace with the latest automotive technologies. Each state-of-the-art Garage Gurus training center offers more than 100 on-site, online and on-demand courses taught by the company’s team of more than 100 ASE-certified “Gurus.”

The network reaches thousands of additional repair professionals on the job through Web-connected “Gurus-On-The-Go” product technology vans.

With the four grand openings upcoming, the Garage Gurus network will expand to seven major markets with combined reach to more than 45,000 automotive repair businesses. Eight additional Garage Gurus training centers are scheduled to open later this year.

For more information, visit www.FMgaragegurus.com.

A low downforce rules package similar to that scheduled for use by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams at Kentucky Speedway recently will be run in September at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, according to Steve O'Donnell, Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer for the sanctioning body.

In addition, teams will compete with a higher drag rules package at both Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this month as well as Michigan International Speedway in August.

This weekend's Kentucky aero package features a shorter spoiler (reduced from 6 inches to 3-1/2 inches) and a splitter extension panel (radiator pan) reduction from 38 inches to 25 inches. The splitter will have 1-3/4 inches less overhang that what has previously been used this season.



Combined, the aero changes are expected to lessen the amount of downforce on the cars by approximately 1,000 pounds.



"The ideal package for us is matching the tire with lower downforce, and when we looked at the schedule, the most ideal venue for that was Darlington, so we feel like we have the lead time for Goodyear to come in and build that specific tire, so that's why we moved forward on the Darlington package," O'Donnell said.

While the Darlington setup will be similar to that slated for this weekend's Quaker State 400, there are differences. The spoiler will be 3-1/2 (instead of 3 inches) inches and the splitter will feature a 1/4-inch leading edge. There is no change in the size of the splitter extension panel (25 inches).



Although the tires used this weekend at Kentucky were not tested at the 1.5-mile track with the lower downforce platform during an April tire test, Goodyear officials were able to determine a tire for the Darlington package during a one-day test last week with drivers Tony Stewart (Stewart-Haas Racing), Matt Kenseth (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Brad Keselowski (Team Penske).



For Indy and Michigan, the aero package will feature a 9-inch spoiler and 1-inch wicker bill; a rear fascia extension panel similar to that currently used for superspeedway events; a 2-inch leading edge on the splitter; and a 43-inch splitter extension panel.

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon set the track qualifying record at Michigan last year with a lap of 206.558 mph. The high drag package scheduled for use is expected to slow speeds by nearly 10 mph.

"You'll see some significant mile‑per‑hour differences," O’Donnell said. "That'll change depending on single-car (runs) and the draft, but I think we're looking at over 200 (mph) before and kind of the 191 range that we'd be looking at now."

Gordon was asked about high-drag changes for this past weekend while at Daytona International Speedway.

"I think it is obvious to all of us that (Indy) is one of the hardest places we have to pass," the Hendrick Motorsports driver said.



"I think we are all in favor of trying a low downforce package and we want to try the opposite of that; I think Indy and Michigan are good tracks to try that out. We will just have to see what happens....



"If we can get the speeds right, then what it is going to do is create a really massive hole in the air for you to draft up to down the straightaway. Those are long straightaways at both of those tracks. The question is still what is going to happen when you are behind another car through a corner.



"The magic is there, we just have to figure out how to pull it off."



Indy is a 2.5-mile track while MIS is a 2-mile venue.

O'Donnell said additional track time would be added to the race-weekend schedule at those venues affected by the rules changes.

"There won't be earlier test dates (at the individual tracks)," he said. "It'll be built into the race weekend like Kentucky.... Michigan you can see us add an hour, hour and a half practice time. Same thing around Indy."

There are no scheduled aero changes for the upcoming race at Richmond International Raceway, the final race before the start of this year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, however Goodyear will not return with a multi-zone tread compound tire that had been used there recently.

"I think all of this shows that we remain committed to putting the best racing on in the world, and each of these, including Kentucky this weekend, I think shows everybody that we've got several components that make up a rules package each week, and they can certainly be adjusted, and we will do that if we can do something that we believe will improve the racing for the fans at each track," O'Donnell said.

The changes are not currently scheduled for use at any tracks hosting Chase races.

The 21st edition of the legendary Rock Island Grand Prix on September 5–6 will feature a new class, designed to take aim at the grassroots level racer and provide them the opportunity to get in the seat for the most prestigious street race in the country. United States chassis manufacturer Margay Racing has partnered with the Rock Island Grand Prix and MAVTV to introduce the new, spec Arrive & Drive ‘Ignite Shootout’ class that will provide competitors with equal equipment, shifting the focus from equipment advantages to driver ability. The Ignite Shootout will utilize the already successful Ignite rules platform to create a class where the driver is the determining factor in the results.

“The Rock Island Grand Prix is one of the premier events in karting. We wanted to help open the door to a broader base of participants and allow karters to experience the event first hand, in a competitive class where the emphasis is on the driver. Our spec Ignite program is ideally suited for those who want to ‘Arrive & Drive’ or compete with their own Ignite karts,” said Margay Racing owner Keith Freber. “The RIGP is not only a great race, it’s a gathering…a pillar of the great karting events, its one not to be missed and the Ignite Shootout is the perfect opportunity for those from around the country and from outside of the country to ‘fly & drive’ and compete in this labor day weekend classic.”

The Ignite Shootout will feature a full field competitors wheeling Ignite K3 spec chassis manufactured by Margay Racing. These chassis will be equipped with LO206 engines and the Bridgestone YDS tire compound. This combination is the perfect marriage between minimizing costs and maximizing competition. No former RIGP winners are permitted to compete in this category, and is reserved for racers 16-years and older.

Margay Racing will provide Arrive & Drive packages that will feature new LO206 powered Ignite K3 chassis, Bridgestone YDS tires, racing fuel, tent space, catered lunches and a shared mechanic. This package can be rented for the weekend for $995.

In addition, the MAVTV film crew will be on hand filming for a broadcast for their Motorsports Road Trip TV series. The film crews will be present on both days of competition compiling racing coverage, on-board video and driver interviews.

“Motorsports Road Trip will bring its entire production crew and the MAVTV Road Trip Bus to Rock Island,” said Aaron Carotta, better known as Adventure Aaron. “Our staff will sign autographs, hand out swag and interact with all of the racers as we tape the episode.”

For more information on the Ignite Shootout structure and rules, please visit margay.com/company/ignite-shootout.html or call 1.800.562.7429. Head over to rockislandgrandprix.com to register or to find out more about this Labor Day weekend event.

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association announced two appointments that better position the rapidly growing company for success. Roger Linton, who has served for three years as SVRA National Director for Tech and Rules Compliance is moving into the new position of National Director of Business and Race Operations. Rick Parent will replace Linton.

Both men will report to SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella.

“I am excited to welcome Rick to our growing team,” said Parella. “He has vast experience supporting our racers as competitors and that makes him superbly qualified for this important job. I am equally thrilled to give Roger the chance to grow with our company by taking on a new, equally important role.”

In the newly created position Linton will assist Parella with business development, national event management and overall SVRA operations. The SVRA’s aggressive growth plan has exceeded initial expectations, with an expanded 18-race schedule and increased sponsorship that includes widely recognized brands such as the recently announced significant investment by Jaguar.

The series last year became the first organizer of a vintage race event at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway with its Brickyard Invitational and this year took on both the West Coast speed festivals at the highly coveted venues of Sonoma Raceway and on Coronado Island off the coast of San Diego. The latter speed festival runs during the North Island Naval Air Station’s prestigious Fleet Week. Recently endorsed by Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance and Foundation Founder Bill Warner, the SVRA will, in 2016, bring its show to the upscale island the same week as the famous Concours d’ Elegance.

“We have so much going on Roger’s transition to a new role will be crucial,” Parella added.  “His knowledge of our business will enable him to provide tremendous service to our partners and to help me better manage our growth.”

Parent comes to the SVRA with a wealth of industry experience and knowledge. Most recently he prepared cars for SVRA owner/driver Pat Ryan and his son Sean of the Prisma Collection for their racing team. He worked for Prisma for 18 years, dating back to an earlier time when the organization also ran an auto museum where Parent was curator. Prior to Prisma, Parent operated his own company, Specialized Fabrication. He launched his career working for John Collins Automotive Restoration in 1980.

“Rick has the industry knowledge and the customer focus attitude to help SVRA in its push to standardize a national car compliance rules package and continue to grow our Gold Medallion Program which recognizes race cars held to the highest standards of authentic restoration,” Parella said.

Four-time World Rally champion Tommi Makinen has been confirmed as the team principal of Toyota's new WRC effort. Toyota Motor Company president and CEO Akio Toyoda, who will take on the role of team chairman, named Makinen in his new role.

Toyoda's announcement made no mention of Toyota Motorsport GmbH's Cologne base, although TMG—TMC's wholly owned motorsport subsidiary—is understood to have been sidelined in the new deal.

"I am very happy and excited to have Tommi Makinen heading up our WRC team," said Toyoda. "I first met Tommi in 2013. At that time he was my instructor, helping me improve my driving technique.

"In the end, he taught me a lot more; he showed me the appeal of rallying and the relationship between vehicle development and rallying. Tommi has abundant experience and fresh ideas for vehicle development, both of which will be valuable assets to us. With Tommi behind us, Toyota will forge ahead with our return to WRC and also our efforts to make ever-better cars."

Toyota's return to the WRC with a new Yaris was officially confirmed back in January. Toyoda explained that road car development was at the heart of decision.

"Whenever I'm behind the wheel, I always think, 'It is the road that makes the car,'" he added. "For Toyota to make ever-better cars, we have to get a feel for all the kinds of roads that are out there.

"Rallying requires us to drive on the very roads our customers use every single day, and I believe it is the perfect training activity, ultimately helping us to strengthen our products.

"As the pinnacle of rallying, WRC is the best way to experience roads all over the world—that's why Toyota is returning to the championship."

Street Outlaws, Discovery Channel's hit reality show, hot-headed and confrontational characters draw attention on and off the screen. Now, two of the stars are ready to join PDRA action for the Memphis Drags, August 20–22.

Daddy Dave and Chuck will run a best of three match race in conjunction with the second annual event at Memphis International Raceway. Chuck is widely known as the hothead of the Oklahoma City street racing scene. His ‘89 fox body Ford Mustang is outfitted with a Chevy engine, giving diehard Ford and Chevy fans plenty to argue about. His opponent, Daddy Dave, has a sponsor willing to do anything it takes to keep him on the top. This reigning “King of the Streets” is trading in his tricked-out ‘96 GMC Sonoma for an even more impressive Chevy II Nova.

While they may be buddies, when it comes time to get behind the wheel all bets are off and it’s every man for himself. These Reality TV stars should add another level of excitement to the incredible action of PDRA’s own high-speed stars.

“We’re very excited to have Chuck and Daddy Dave join us at the Memphis Drags,” stated PDRA Race Director Bob Harris. “This show has a great following. I’m sure many of our PDRA fans are Street Outlaw fans as well, and will enjoy watching these guys match race.”

The great heritage of the Grand Opening Breakfast for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show continues in 2015, as Brad Keselowski joins MAVTV's Dave Despain on stage to share his colorful racing stories.

Taking place the morning of Thursday, December 10, 2015, the Grand Opening Breakfast serves as the exciting kickoff event for PRI 2015, the world's largest gathering of racing professionals. Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion and 2010 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, follows in a long line of great racers who have made special appearances at the Grand Opening Breakfast. These include Richard Petty, Tony Stewart, John Force, Don 'Snake' Prudhomme, Tom 'Mongoose' McEwen, Al Unser, Bobby Unser, and many more over the Breakfast's 27-year history.

"This is going to be fun!" exclaimed John Kilroy, producer of PRI 2015. "Like so many people attending the PRI Trade Show, Brad grew up in a racing family. He truly worked his way up the ladder for racing, eventually getting to work for Roger Penske. He's known for his aggressive racing style, but he's at ease with the media, and I know he'll speak his mind freely in front of the racing industry crowd at the Grand Opening Breakfast."

Keselowski drives the No. 2 Miller Lite/Alliance Truck Parts/Wurth Ford in the 2015 season for Team Penske.

Brad's father, Bob Keselowski, was a 1997 race winner in the Camping World Truck Series. His uncle, Ron Keselowski, competed at the Cup Series level in the early 1970s.

On stage, Despain is featured in a talk show setting called "Good Morning, PRI." He will interview Keselowski before an industry audience of approximately 3000 racing professionals. The Grand Opening Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., with doors set to open at 7 a.m. It will be held in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center.

The PRI Trade Show takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 10–12, 2015, in Indianapolis. Approximately 1200 racing industry suppliers will occupy 3200 booths, and exhibit the latest developments in auto racing technology. Buyers travel from throughout the US and 70 countries to attend the world's premier trade show for motorsports professionals. It is open to the trade only; race fans are not permitted.

To register for the PRI Trade Show, or for more information, go to www.pri2015.com.