* Vertical Angles: Vertical integration is smart. It’s not foolproof, but when it works it’s a thing of beauty. Simply put, vertical integration is the practice of one company owning all (or most) aspects of its supply chain. So a company that manufactures race cars also owns the companies that produce the parts and the companies that sell the finished product. Same ownership up and down the chain.

One of the early pioneers of this strategy was 19^th century steel magnate Andrew Carnegie (worked out pretty well for him). And today it’s practiced to some degree by a number of highly successful firms including Apple, Netflix, and Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba. It’s also the foundation upon which motorsports network MAVTV, in concert with its parent company Lucas Oil Products, is based.

“Our philosophy here at Lucas has always been to be as vertically integrated as possible, and as self-sufficient as possible,” Bob Patison, president of MAVTV and EVP/general counsel at Lucas Oil, told us in this month’s Industry Insights, which can be found on page 42. The column is absolutely worth reading, as Patison explains how Lucas Oil Production Studios came to be (“We didn’t want to have our destiny controlled by third parties.”), how MAVTV serves as a powerful platform for team Lucas partners and the company’s product line, and much more.

Coincidentally, as this issue was going to press we received word that Lucas Oil had just struck a deal with Anthem Media Group to bring MAVTV to Canada. It’s an “exciting opportunity,” Patison said of MAVTV Canada, which will be based out of Anthem Studios in Toronto. For more details, visit www.mavtv.ca.

* Off The Streets: Hardly a day goes by that you don’t come across news of an illegal street race causing some degree of mayhem on America’s roadways. And while the spectacle of these incidents—big crowds, fast cars, etc.—often draws mainstream media spotlights, the problem persists long after local news reporters pack up and move on to the next story. And so we’d like to applaud the efforts of motorsports professionals—like Nelson and Marla Hoyos of Thunder Road Raceway in Gilliam, Louisiana—who are spearheading efforts to move racing off the streets and onto the track.

In fact, Nelson recently wrote a nice piece for the PRI Blog, “Street Racing vs. Race Track,” outlining some of the programs they’ve created to convert street racers into legitimate racers. “Education is needed to communicate to this ever-growing population of new racers,” he explains, “and if more race tracks reach out to community leaders and local law enforcement, together they could curb the problems related to illegal street racing and help save lives in their communities.” Under one such program, first-time speeders may be diverted by police to one of Thunder Road’s Friday night race sessions as an alternative to costly fines.

Cultivating a new generation of drivers while working to squeeze illegal racing—sounds like a win-win.

* Catching Up With The Captain: One of the true titans of motorsports will be fitted with yet another accolade next month when Roger Penske is enshrined in the Automotive Hall of Fame. Penske, whose record 15 owner wins in the Indianapolis 500 will be awfully tough to top, is set for induction July 23 in a ceremony at Detroit’s Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

The Captain also made headlines recently when he floated the idea of opening an auto racing museum in downtown Motor City. “That’s on the radar,” he told the Detroit Free Press, adding that a decision on the museum would likely come “in the next couple months.” Interestingly, it wouldn’t even be his first foray into the field: the Penske Racing Museum, which operates out of an auto dealership mall in Phoenix, Arizona, showcases the 1979 Indy 500-winning Penske PC-6 driven by Rick Mears, the 1987 500 winner March 86C piloted by Al Unser Sr., and several other historic vehicles.

If this latest venture goes through, Mr. Penske may want to consider a new nickname: The Curator.          

AFCO Racing, an Indiana-based specialty manufacturer of automotive racing and high-performance suspension, brakes, cooling, and exhaust products, announced that it has hired Jerry Link as a Sales Engineer.

Link brings nearly 28 years of experience developing high-end shocks for the auto racing and motorcycle markets. In his new role, Link will develop new products for the circle track and drag racing markets and oversee quality for the AFCO and PRO Shocks brands.
 
“We’re very excited to have Jerry join our team in Indiana. Jerry is one of the racing industry’s most respected shock tuners,” said Jeff Scales, president of A-FAB, LLC. “In addition, he has tremendous expertise in chassis tuning for many types of race cars. His attention to detail is well known throughout the country.  Jerry’s level of customer services matches ours, which makes him a great fit for the AFCO team.”
 
“I am very excited to be joining an industry leader and a company of this caliber,” said Link. “The AFCO and PRO Shocks brands have been producing winning racing shocks for over 30 years and I am looking forward to helping both brands develop new products and stay on the cutting edge of technology.”

Motovicity Distribution, an automotive performance aftermarket distributor, is expanding its operations with the recent purchase of a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to exclusively importing automotive aftermarket brands.

The new facility houses a team dedicated to brands, in which Motovicity has an exclusive agreement with the manufacturer to be the sole North American importer. The seven-person staff is also responsible for the final assembly of Tokico products, one of the iconic brands Motovicity’s importing division handles.

By leveraging its distribution, sales and marketing, and technical expertise, Motovicity has been able to secure contracts with major brands of foreign origin, such as HKS, Tokico, Kelford, and Quaife. The added support needed for these brands to provide final assembly, technical support, warranty claims, and US marketing efforts has created the opportunity for Motovicity to add this new facility.

“Ten years ago it was my dream to separate and move this division into its own location, as the requirements for this division’s day to day operations are uniquely different than our core business model,” said Motovicity VP of Sales & Marketing, Brian Lounsberry. “Operating from a separate location with a dedicated staff creates a strong foundation for our importing division, and that is a very exciting milestone for this team,” he continued.

In addition to their new facility, HKS and Tokico offer wholesale programs to qualifying distributors and major retailers. A more detailed list of support services offered by Motovicity’s importing department is available by contacting the department’s General Manager, Brian Patrias, at Brian.Patrias@motovicity.com.

The IHRA Nitro Jam President’s Cup Nationals presented by Sunoco is a little over a week away and the latest buzz is about the Crower Pro Mod class. Maryland International Raceway is a hotbed for Pro Mod racing, and the turnout is expected to exceed expectations during the Nitro Jam event June 19-20.

At last count, 12 Crower Pro Mods entries are scheduled to race on the quarter-mile drag strip next weekend. Former IHRA national event winner Billy Harper is among the entries and will make his first appearance at an IHRA sanctioned event since San Antonio in 2008. In addition, Bill Lutz returns to competition after missing the Summer Nationals at Cordova International Raceway due to surgery.

The Crower Pro Mod class is a one of the most unique classes in Nitro Jam competition. Spectators have the opportunity to watch racers compete with turbo, nitrous and supercharged race cars all in one class. Teams competing in this class have virtually every freedom to make their car as fast and competitive as it can possibly be.

Next weekend’s President’s Cup Nationals presented by Sunoco will mark the fourth race of the 2015 IHRA Nitro Jam season for the Crower Pro Mod class. There have been no repeat winners since the class was reinstated at the April Bradenton event. Ruben Tetsoshvili is the current leader in the point’s battle and has an eight point lead over Isaias Rojas.

Besides the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the month of May brought the opening of the Foyt Wine Vault and the Speedway Redevelopment Commission’s announcement of four more Main Street developments in the works in Speedway, Indiana, that will be completed in time for next year’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

A new brewery grand opening this month will mark another milestone in a four-year revitalization effort that has brought $86 million in infrastructure improvements, development and construction to Speedway.

These renovations have attracted new businesses to the area, including the Dallara IndyCar Factory and such racing teams as A.J. Foyt Racing, CFH Racing and Juncos Racing. In addition, A.J. Foyt recently opened a wine bar on May 21, and Sarah Fisher and Andy O’Gara are opening an indoor karting facility and restaurant next spring.

“When you’re working to make things happen, you know it’s big, but you don’t know the totality until you reflect,” said Scott Harris, Speedway Redevelopment Commission executive director.

Main Street development has been on the fast track since its first $10 million renovation project was completed in 2011—featuring new bike paths, spacious sidewalks, street signs, manhole covers and bike racks. The new Main Street serves as the centerpiece of SRC’s redevelopment efforts and is part of a $500 million investment to breathe new life into acres of multi-use property that will be primed for commercial, residential and research and development projects.

Here are some surprising facts about the revival of Main Street: 14 new businesses have opened—six more are opening within the next year; and approximately 180 new jobs have been created—with an additional 225 to be established by next spring. All told, $32 million has been invested in infrastructure, $3 million in property acquisition and abatement, and $51.7 million in previous and committed construction.

Setting the pace has been the Dallara IndyCar Factory, which was the first post-renovation business to settle on Main Street in 2011. Next came Lino’s Coffee, CFH Racing and Community Westview Health Pavilion in 2012, Yogulatte, Peace through Yoga, DooDadz Resale Hut, Three Sisters and a Trunk and Barbecue and Bourbon in 2013, and Rolling in the Dough in 2014. This year, the Speedway Arts Centre renovated and relocated to 1340 Main, the Foyt Wine Vault opened May 21 at 1190 Main, and Daredevil Brewing Co is set to open June 17 at 1151 Main.  Additional openings in 2015 include OMR Automotive, Big Woods Speedway, Speedway Indoor Karting and 1911 Grill, and Juncos Racing.

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds a rich part of my history and future,” said A.J. Foyt. “I remember what Main Street looked like when I first came to Indy, and the commission has managed to modernize it but retain the area’s history, too. We’re happy to be part of Speedway’s redevelopment.”

Infrastructure improvements have helped to attract new business. Allison Way is a north-south corridor that connects Gilman Street to 10th Street east of Main, streamlining access. And the realignment of 10th Street and completion of the Main Street roundabout, connecting the intersection of 16th Street and Crawfordsville Road to Main Street, has eased traffic flow and encouraged business growth by opening the downtown district to the IMS track and surrounding areas.

“I think the roundabout has helped us a bunch,” said Marcia Huff, co-owner of Barbecue and Bourbon. “It has exposed us—before, people didn’t even know Speedway had a Main Street.”

VP Racing Fuels announced a new support program targeted at racers across the entire spectrum of motorsports in the US. The “VP Racing Fuels Elite Program” helps celebrate the company’s 40th Anniversary this year while recognizing the thousands of racers past and present whose loyal support helped VP achieve its industry-leading position today, according to Chris Wall, VP’s Chief Marketing Officer.
 
In addition to a Racer Support Kit including VP apparel and other materials, eligible racers initially will receive 40 percent off the purchase of any VP Racing Lubricant product as well as free shipping. Similar deep discounts on other VP product lines will be made available to registered racers on a periodic basis.
 
“We’re excited to launch this program in support of the many racers who have come to rely on VP Racing Fuels for maximum power and performance,” said Wall. “It requires hard work to succeed on the track and we look forward to recognizing and supporting racers who have moved to the front of the pack through their dedication and persistence.”
 
To register for the program, racers may visit VPRacingFuels.com/Elite to submit their race resume. Racers who compete in a series sponsored by VP Racing Fuels may be eligible for “Fast Track” approval as indicated on the application form.
 
VP Racing Lubricants, a new product line recently introduced by VP, includes a family of fully synthetic racing oils as well as an engine break-in oil. “These lubricants provide exceptional performance at a very cost-effective price,” said Steve Burns, VP’s Director of R&D. “Tested in the lab, on the dyno and at the track, racers will find them to be best-in-class at an economical price point.  And they can be confident each of our lubricants incorporates the same leading technology and passion for performance that we bring to our world-leading race fuels.”
 
VP Racing Oils are for racing use only and include 10w40, 5w30 and 15w50 blends engineered specifically for racing or high performance, closed course applications and are incompatible with catalytic converters found in most street cars. VP Racing Break-In Engine Oil (10w40) is formulated to provide ultimate protection for cams and valvetrain during the initial break-in phase by allowing a newly machined engine to properly finish seating and mating of machined parts.

DBB Acquisition LLC announced that it has completed the acquisition of Dura-Bond Bearing Company, a division of privately held Melling Engine Parts. Dura-Bond is a manufacturer of cam bearings, bushings, valve seats and hardware for engine and transmission rebuilding since 1947. The company is based in Carson City, Nevada, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.


Two managers—Charles J Barnett, President, and Robert McBroom, COO—have partnered with The Brynavon Group, Inc. to acquire the company.  Brynavon is a private investment firm that specializes in partnering with management teams that want to acquire the company for which they work. Bynavon previously owned Dura-Bond for 14 years prior to being acquired by Melling.


"The Melling family made a decision to focus our resources into the Melling branded aftermarket product lines and OE pump operations. We are thrilled that the opportunity for management to participate in the ownership of Dura-Bond surfaced. We wish the entire DB team nothing but success," said Mark Melling, CEO.


"This transaction continues the strategic focus in our core products within the engine and transmission rebuilding marketplace for the last 68 years as an independent entity. The Dura-Bond name has strong brand recognition. We look to continue to acquire additional product lines to grow our business," said Charles Barnett, President - Owner.

Thanking him for his years of service and support, The AAM Group presented Ralph Accinno with a custom painting at a special dedication held during its recent Annual Membership Meeting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s Board of Directors and served as a tireless advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.

AAM President Tim Odom commented, “We could not let Ralph leave AAM without a 'thank you.' Among our members, Ralph was our most vocal supporter, and his endorsements always made a difference to AAM. He gave AAM meetings a unique character by way of his optimism, encouragement, infectious humor and even his occasional antics, which kept us on our toes.  Fiercely loyal, Ralph set aside his own needs when the needs of the group or others were greater. I consider Ralph a personal friend, and I want to thank him personally for all he has done to mentor me in my role at AAM.”

Automotive Accessories Marketing USA, Inc., (The AAM Group) is a large distribution group in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) marketplace. Now in its 28th year, the corporation was founded by eight high-performance warehouse distributors that sought to achieve cooperative scaled purchasing and marketing advantages. The AAM Group now counts 20 member-companies operating 33 distribution centers throughout North America.

PRW Industries Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance engine components for hot rods and race cars, welcomes Jim Trent to join the PRW team as its new National Sales Manager.

Trent is a 20-plus-year veteran of the aftermarket in performance, traditional hard parts, tools and equipment. He has sold to and worked with most all of the outlets within the SEMA, PWA, PRI and APAA type accounts and has worked with several manufacturer rep organizations throughout the years.

In addition, Trent is no stranger to manufacturing as he was involved not only with aftermarket products but also serviced allied accounts in the medical industry as well as commercial and industrial markets. He also has experience with product development, pricing, cataloging and other marketing responsibilities.

With his wide array of experience, Trent has a love and passion for the automotive industry and the people involved in it.

A north-side Colorado Springs, Colorado, retail center will soon house Overdrive Raceway, a two-story, indoor electric go-kart complex that has been proposed for Polaris Pointe, southeast of Interstate 25 and Northgate Boulevard.

The 68,000-square-foot building will feature race tracks on each of its floors, making it the first two-level, indoor electric go-kart operation in the country, said Overdrive Raceway owner Jim Mundle of Castle Rock.

The complex, which will employ about two dozen people, will include concession areas, seating, video games, offices and a corporate conference room, according to plans submitted to the city's Land Use Review Division.

Mundle said he expects to break ground within 60 days and open by November. The project's cost is about $5 million, he said.

Each track will accommodate up to 12 racers at a time, who will drive Italian-made electric karts through a course at top speeds of 50 mph for adults and 25 mph for kids, Mundle said.