The NHRA has announced a new program, "Drag A Friend To The Strip," offered exclusively for NHRA member tracks across the country. The initiative implemented by NHRA Field Marketing will inspire current racers, fans and supporters of the NHRA to bring friends to share the speed at NHRA Member Tracks events.

The Drag A Friend To The Strip program will be supplemented through the use of a custom logo, collateral material, as well National Dragster ads, banner ads and social media content the tracks can utilize.

"The sport of NHRA drag racing is one that has to be seen, heard and felt up close and the Drag A Friend To The Strip program will bring new fans to NHRA events," said Eric Lotz, director of field marketing and contingency program. "This will be another tool for our member tracks to utilize to promote their widely popular events."

The NHRA member track program offers the participating facilities and their racers a variety of NHRA sanctioned opportunities. These programs include the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally each track has the opportunity to host NHRA's specialty events, including the National Dragster Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge.

Luken Communications, LLC announces an affiliation agreement between Luken’s latest network offering, Rev’n, and KFLA – Los Angeles (DMA 2).  KFLA, a long-time affiliate of Luken’s Retro TV, will launch Rev’n on July 1, 2015. Los Angeles area viewers will be able to find Rev’n over-the-air on channel 8.6, in addition to Retro TV on 8.3.
 
Roy William Mayhugh, owner of KFLA said, “I’m pleased to further KFLA’s relationship with Luken Communications. Rev’n is certainly unique among its competitors and I think our viewers will respond to the distinctive programming Rev’n offers.”
 
Tim Krass, Luken’s Vice President of Affiliate Sales - West, added, “Roy Mayhugh has proven to be an exceptional partner and our team is thrilled to build upon our existing relationship. As a Los Angeles resident, I’m especially thrilled to see how my local market embraces Rev’n’s one-of-a-kind programming.”
 
Rev’n officially launched on December 1, 2014 with an initial reach of 26 affiliates in 24 markets estimated to have more than 37 million homes. Rev'n, a network geared towards the automotive performance enthusiast, is dedicated to all things revving including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. With automotive content such as Two Guys Garage, Bidding Wars, Truck U and My Classic Car, Rev'n is a hit with fans and advertisers alike.

Come race day, not only will fans recognize the name within the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 race title, but they will also understand the reason why Jeff Kyle is being honored as an American hero.

Thursday in his home state, during a special reveal event at the Texas Rangers game, Kyle was announced as the winner of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky’s annual “Your Hero’s Name Here” program, which awards naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to a deserving hero. As the program winner, Kyle’s name will be incorporated into the official race title, the Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard.

Kyle, of Lorena, Texas, was deployed multiple times to Iraq and Africa while serving in the military for eight years. During his time with the 3rd Marine Division, Kyle received the Navy Achievement Medal for leading the first Marine detachment to transport a nuclear submarine through hostile waters.

After leaving the military, Sergeant Kyle has dedicated his life to helping his fellow servicemen and women through his tireless efforts to bring awareness to veterans’ needs. Kyle advocates for veterans across the nation and provides support through his involvement with a handful of organizations.

A board member of the Guardian For Heroes Foundation, Kyle oversees the stewardship of the charity, which provides free, in-home fitness equipment, health club memberships, personal training, life coaching and support for the disabled. He also plays a large role with American Valor, the foundation that runs the memorial benefit to honor his brother, CPO and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. In addition, Kyle is one of the founders of Texas Elite Tactical Academy and trains individuals about firearms safety through his passion to educate those in a safe environment.

“Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m deserving of this recognition,” said Kyle of being named the winner of the 2015 “Your Hero’s Name Here” program. “My true service to this country didn’t begin until I got out of the military and I’m proud to be in the position I am.”

Thursday at Globe Life Park in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, over 29,000 fans witnessed the announcement of Kyle as the 2015 “Your Hero’s Name Here” winner as the official race logo incorporating his name was unveiled during the pregame festivities. As Kyle made his way to the mound to throw the honorary first pitch, the logo was displayed across every screen within the stadium.

After the monumental moment, Kyle was greeted off the field by his closest family and friends who surprised him in celebration of the honor, alongside representatives from Crown Royal and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kyle’s wife and parents were in attendance, as well as Kyle’s personal hero and nominator for the program, 2014 “Your Hero’s Name Here” race namesake and Green Beret John Wayne Walding.

“Jeff has made his sacrifice time and time again, whether he’s serving his country overseas, locally or nationally,” Walding said. “After everything he has done living his life for others, having something that is just for him will be really special.”

This will mark the ninth time the Crown Royal brand has awarded NASCAR race naming rights to an adult fan. After receiving hundreds of entries during the nomination period, five heroes were chosen as finalists and adult fans had the opportunity to cast their votes for the person they felt was most deserving of the honor. In addition to Kyle, program finalists included: Benjamin Parker, retired Army Staff Sergeant from Cincinnati, Ohio; Hector Manley, community leader from Bonita Springs, Florida; Brendan Marrocco, retired Army Sergeant from Staten Island, New York; and Margy Bons, founder of the Military Assistance Mission from Phoenix, Arizona.

“Jeff Kyle’s dedication to helping veterans in Texas and across the country is a testament to his selfless nature,” said Matt Pechman, Brand Director for Crown Royal Canadian Whisky. “The race on July 26 will mark a special event for Kyle as he’ll experience his first NASCAR race in an incredibly unique way—as the namesake!”

Andretti Autosport has set up a new division to develop its Formula E powertrain for next season.

Andretti Technologies will focus primarily on the electric series, where powertrain development is being opened up for the second season. The Andretti group is one of eight manufacturers that have been approved to produce powertrains for 2015–2016.

"As a racer, the automotive and motorsport industries as a whole have always been of great interest and a passion of mine," said team boss Michael Andretti. "Having the opportunity to build on my racing background and provide an outlet for developing dynamic and sustainable clean-energy solutions not only exciting, but something I'm very proud of."

Andretti's cars will run a new livery for Formula E's London finale this weekend, running the colors of its main technical partner TE Connectivity, which also backed Simona de Silvestro at the Indianapolis 500 this year. De Silvestro is also driving for Andretti in London this weekend.

In addition to Formula E, the new company will also lead "various innovation and advanced engineering projects for the family of Andretti race teams."

Michael Andretti's outfit also competes in IndyCar, Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and Global Rallycross.

Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
 
Then again, sometimes they’re not.
 
In just about any business, the ability to keep up with changing times is a critical aspect of long-term sustainability, profitability, and overall prosperity.
 
Relative to the short track racing industry, change (including both challenges and opportunities) is everywhere in the 21st century: rising gas prices/travel costs; increased use of online social networking; increased track overhead costs; increased competitor costs; and more televised racing events on traditional dirt race nights (Friday–Saturday).
 
The result is that general attendance at many short tracks is struggling. And, we can add to that the fact that competitors’ purses haven’t always risen to the level required for them to stay “on track,” thereby negatively affecting car counts.
 
In all of this, there isn’t one clear-cut panacea, no easy, quick fix.
 
Instead, the best plan of attack may just involve a combination of solutions. Hopefully this entry can serve as a jumping off point for further discussion.
 
First, let’s agree that we’re all in this together. The “circle of life,” as it relates to short track racing, is a pretty simple, symbiotic relationship: Racers need race tracks as a place to race, and they need race fans to buy tickets to help pay their purses. Fans need racers—and a decent venue—to entertain them. And the race track needs racers to provide that entertainment for the fans, so they will in turn buy tickets.
 
So what’s a viable plan of attack?
 
For this article, I’d like to cover one of these three topic areas: We’ve got to get the fans back. There are so many factors contributing to a general lack of growth in the fan base, so let’s start by addressing a few of the key items:
 
* Know your audience. For example, many of the fans filling grandstands consist of families. Shows that drag on, combined with families, do not make for long-term fan retention. Kids generally seem to “spin out” at around 10:30 p.m., and if parents don’t get to see what they paid for (the featured division), the chances of them returning in the future are reduced.
 
Solution? Adjust your program when the need arises. This is a huge issue, and many tracks simply won’t take in consideration the families in the grandstands. And they end up hearing about it the next day on social media (usually Facebook) and racing forums. Yet, by making simple adjustments to the running order, they can fix the problem and help keep fans coming back.
 
The same applies to fans that travel long distances to your venue. By allowing them to see the featured division at a decent time, you’re enabling them to get back on the road—and they’ll remember it the next time your track has a special event (as opposed to how late they got home the last time).
 
*Effective and consistent communication. Take full advantage of the benefits of online social networks (including Facebook and racing forums) and build up your email blast list.
 
It does take time to perform these tasks, and your base of fans and race teams will expect timely and complete event information. Plus, you must also make sure that each communication contains a call-to-action, pumping up your next event.
 
But it’s well worth the investment, as attention to some basic promotional strategies will almost certainly grow your fan base and show lasting positive effects.
 
* Accept the fact that you have competition. This is more of an acknowledgement than anything else: There are several entertainment options competing for race fans’ attention—some are new, some are not. This makes the task of selling your entertainment option more important.
 
Simply put, using the “flip on the light switch” approach for track promotion is no guarantee of success in this new era. You must operate as though you are competing with several other outlets for your customers’ attention, because, well, you are.
 
Again, these are just some of the areas that directly relate to track attendance, or lack thereof. At the same time, these problems, or challenges, aren’t necessarily terminal for the future of short track racing.
 
But now is the time to affect change.
 
Construct your own plan of attack by first accepting, then addressing some of these hot button issues at your speedway. It will help strengthen the overall health of the sport, which impacts each and every one of us that cares about it, whether you’re a racer, fan or track employee.
 
Keep an eye out for my next entry, which will cover the “other side of the fence,” which is the race teams.
 
 
Darin Short operates his Texas-based business, Darin Short Sports Marketing, and manages promotional duties for several race tracks, including LoneStar Speedway in Kilgore, Texas, and Red River Speedway in Wichita Falls, Texas, as well as special events at Texas Motor Speedway's dirt track in Fort Worth.

The IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s continues to be the biggest and best event in dirt track racing.

So does the need to pre-register and make arrangements for pit parking if you’re planning to be part of the 33rd annual event September 7–12 at Boone Speedway.

“We highly recommend that drivers do both as soon as possible,” IMCA President Brett Root emphasized. “Car numbers are assigned on a first come, first served basis and drivers will save money by pre-registering.

“Pit area parking is probably the biggest issue we get into this far ahead of Super Nationals,” he continued. “We are working on a schedule for when haulers will be allowed in the pits. That’s especially important for drivers coming from out of state and we’ll announce it fairly soon.”

Registration and pit stall application forms are posted on both the www.imca.com and www.raceboone.com websites; a form for reserving camping spots will be added to the track site.

Drivers from a dozen states have already pre-registered for IMCA Centennial Season Super Nationals.

“Logistically, everything about Super Nationals is quite a task. The more organized drivers are, the easier it is for us to be organized,” Root said. “Almost every square inch of the speedway grounds are allocated for something and we can’t make spur of the moment changes without having a ripple effect.”

Weather will continue to be the wild card, he noted. Rain and resulting wet ground conditions pared the number of spots in the pit area and for fan parking.

“There’s nothing we can do about the weather,” said Root, “but we can do our best to run timely race programs each night and be accommodating to the drivers, fans and Boone community.”

Pre-tech starts Sunday, September 6, for Hobby Stocks and Northern SportMods. While the permanent tech facilities were the most visible improvement at last year’s Super Nationals, new bleacher seating adjacent to the hot pit area will be front and center this September.

“Additional seating, especially for Saturday, has been mentioned in driver surveys we take after Super Nationals every year,” noted Root. “We have to prioritize what improvements we make and outside seating was at the top of the list this year.”

No changes will be made in the schedule for the week.

A complete program for IMCA Late Models following the Deery Brothers Summer Series tops the Labor Day, Monday, September 7 card. Sport Compacts run their entire show on Tuesday, September 8.

The Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational is Friday, Sept. 11. Races of champions and main events for Hobby Stocks, SportMods, Stock Cars and Modifieds are Saturday, September 12.

Weekly racing bonuses have been renewed, so the Modified champion has the potential to earn as much as $7000.

Other maximum potential payouts are $4500 for the Late Models, $3500 for the Stock Cars, $2250 for the Northern SportMods, $1850 for the Hobby Stocks and $500 for the Sport Compacts.

“The format for the week is the most efficient one we’ve come up with,” said Root. “We started at 2 p.m. and got the race programs completed in good time last year, which is something I know everyone appreciated.”

Mazak Corporation encourages those involved in the metalworking industry to attend its DISCOVER 2015 technology and education event, taking place October 27–29 and November 3–5 in Florence, Kentucky. Here, the machine tool builder plans to spotlight new technologies and trends that may change how part manufacturers operate, including unconventional ways to drive operational efficiency via additive manufacturing, CNC technology and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concept.
 
Additive manufacturing is creating a shift in the way engineers and designers think about product development, and Mazak is leading the way with its additive-capable INTEGREX i-400AM. The HYBRID Multi-Tasking machine will make its North American debut at DISCOVER 2015, and attendees will experience how it uniquely integrates laser cladding with advanced full 5-axis milling and turning capabilities.
   
Mazak recently started outfitting its Multi-Tasking machines with the new MAZATROL SmoothX CNC, which offers fast processing times. The CNC will be featured on several of the machine tools at the event so attendees can see how it significantly shortens machining cycle times, especially in fine increment programs for simultaneous 5-axis operations and free-form die-mold machining.   

With reshoring on the rise, domestic manufacturers must find new ways to deliver products faster and of higher quality than ever before to remain globally competitive. Such pressures have given rise to IIoT where “smart” components (data storage, controls and software), automation and advanced connectivity between machines and external data sources work hand-in-hand to significantly improve manufacturing productivity, reduce operating costs and much more.

Mazak, an early adopter of IIoT, will give tours of its revamped North American Manufacturing Plant that incorporates what the company refers to as the iSMART Factory concept.

The iSMART concept involves the use of advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring. The MTConnect open communications protocol works with process support software and provides connectivity and the capability to monitor then harvest data from all the different production floor machines, cells, devices and processes.

In addition to getting a first-hand look at IIoT—which is expected to be a significant driver of manufacturing productivity and growth over the next decade—attendees will leave the event with a greater understanding of how shared intelligence and access to real-time information can optimize their processes in ways never thought possible.

Overall, more than 30 of the latest Mazak machine tools will perform real-world cutting demonstrations throughout the event. Applications experts will be on standby during the demonstrations to discuss total manufacturing solutions as well as part-processing improvements with attendees. The company will also offer a series of seminars that will teach attendees the latest metalworking tools, trends and techniques for improved productivity and profitability.

Additional DISCOVER 2015 details, including registration information, are available at www.MazakUSA.com/DISCOVER2015.

Though Mooresville’s for-profit technical institute bears the name NASCAR, only about 20 percent of its graduates go on to work in racing. Most head to careers as auto technicians at car dealerships.

Because of a new partnership forged between the school’s parent company, Universal Technical Institute, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, students at the Mooresville campus will now be able to take part in specialized training from all three of America’s major auto manufacturers.

“It gives students confidence that major manufacturers are investing in our program,” NASCAR Technical Institute President Jennifer Bergeron said.

Kim McWaters, CEO of Universal Technical Institute, was in Mooresville on Tuesday to discuss implementation of the new partnership.

“This campus is one that we’re most proud of,” McWaters said. “It sets high standards.”

The Mooresville campus will be used as the launchpad for the new partnership, which is expected to expand to other campuses over time.

McWaters said she expects the partnership will ultimately increase student enrollment across the company—and boost investor confidence. The company’s stock is down 66 percent from five years ago.

About 1000 students attend the Mooresville campus. McWaters said the new program could add up to 200 more students.

While students attend school, the vast majority work part time in Mooresville to help them pay tuition that can total more than $30,000 for the two-year program.

“It’s expensive to teach people what they need to know to work on machines like this,” McWaters said.

School spokesman John Dodson said the local manufacturing industries are “starved” for workers who have the skills the school’s graduates have.

On Tuesday, the school hosted recruiters from 12 different Ford dealerships. Dodson called this common and praised the school’s 90 percent placement rate.

“If you come here and apply yourself, you’ll leave with a job,” Dodson said.

MTI Racing announced they had purchased Razor, the dry-sump pump manufacturer of Phoenix, Arizona.

Created originally in Ontario, Canada, by the aerospace corporation Windsor Gear, the Razor trading name and designs are now owned by MTI Racing, who has moved the operation, which includes finished product, raw materials, and all equipment including testing apparatus to Dawsonville, Georgia.

Production of its multi-stage dry-sump oil pumps for oval track, drag and road racing as well as sprint and midget applications will resume before the end of June.

Beyond this, a new series of cast aluminum oil pans for LS1 engines is planned for 2016 followed by a new two-stage pump design for the Corvette that connects directly to the differential to cool both it and the transmission.

Four Knoxville Raceway dignitaries will be inducted into the Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Saturday, June 27, at noon in Dyer-Hudson Hall.

The afternoon banquet and luncheon is a reunion for all Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame members and their families. Tickets are free for Hall of Fame members and available to the public for a cost of $15.

The inductions will mark the 37th year that the track has honored those who have made “Knoxville” a world-wide name. The inductions will be a part of this weekend’s festivities including “Nostalgia at Knoxville” on Friday night, June 26, and Saturday’s Mid-Season Championships presented by Farm Bureau, and the FVP National Sprint League $5000-to-win main event.

The Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame will welcome:

• Brent Antill (Huxley, Iowa) began racing at Knoxville Raceway in 1990 in the 360 class and finished fourth in points his rookie season in his family-owned No. 59 with his father, Boyd. In 1991, Brent moved up to the 410 class and in 1992 had his highest points finish of third. He also drove for Bruce Clark and Hall of Fame car owners Jordan Brothers, Dwayne Robuck, Bob Trostle, and Marty Johnson. Antill spent six winters in Australia, driving for Ken Veal and Harry Delemont and picked up one win ‘Down Under’ and one top five finish at the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.

He started the 360 Nationals A Main twice, finishing in the top five both starts, and also started the 2004 Knoxville Nationals championship A Main driving for the Jordan Brothers fishing 19th. Brent competed for 18 seasons at Knoxville and built his own engines nearly every year. He accumulated three wins in the 360’s and nine wins in the 410 class.

• John McCoy (Knoxville, Iowa) began his career as a driver at Knoxville Raceway in 1978 and competed through the 1987 season. He was a crew member for Mike Brooks through 1990. In 1992 McCoy stepped into the role of track official as Technical Director and then later was promoted to Competition Director in 1999 replacing Earl Wagner.

In 2012 John, was promoted to the position of race director after the retirement of Ralph Capitani, a position he still holds today. John has been influential in the sport of sprint car racing on a National scale, tirelessly pushing for improvements in safety of the cars, controlling costs for team owners, and making the facility safer. In all McCoy has accumulated 37 years of service at Knoxville.

• Dennis Moore Jr. (Grinnell, Iowa) started racing in 1991 in the 410 class where he competed for 12 seasons finishing in the top 10 in points six times with his best finish of third in 1999. He accumulated a total of three wins in the 410 class and three more in the 360’s. Dennis moved to California to race full-time for three seasons from 2003-2005.

After a crash in California during the 2005 season Dennis went through several surgeries to repair his left shoulder that ultimately shortened his career. He returned to Iowa and competed full-time in the 360 class for three seasons from 2009-2011 finishing in the top ten all three seasons. He won the 360 Knoxville Nationals twice in 1999 and 2003 and he also captured the 410 feature on the same night in 1999 making him one of only four drivers to complete a 360-410 sweep on the same night at Knoxville.

• Mark Wilson (Des Moines, Iowa) started competing at Knoxville in 1988 in the 360 class and finished in the top five in points for three consecutive seasons from 1989-1991, including a runner-up finish in 1990. Mark finished third in the inaugural 360 Knoxville Nationals in 1991. In total Wilson won four 360 features at Knoxville, several more at the Iowa State Fair Speedway, and won the sprint car portion of the IMCA Super Nationals in 1991.

Tragically Mark lost his life in a crash at Knoxville Raceway on April 14, 2001 at the age of 30. Mark Wilson started out as the young grandson of Hall of Fame car builder Bob Trostle, but he made his own identity as an accomplished sprint car driver.