Keyser Manufacturing recently announced that it had acquired CPD Racing Tools based in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Keyser Manufacturing was established in 2001, and the company's growth over that time includes the inception of Integra Shocks & Springs, Keyser’s Pro Blend Motorsports Products, OMI ATV Products and Demo Derby Masters.

Founded in 1995 by Denny and Penny Fuller, CPD Racing Tools offers specialized tools from impact extensions to tire prep stations. CPD is also a premier dealer and service location in the Midwest for Integra Shocks & Springs.

The acquisition of CPD Racing Tools is expected to allow Keyser to expand its product lines of custom fabricated tools and pit accessories.

CPD Racing Tools' headquarters and manufacturing will be relocated to Keyser's current location in Coopersville, Michigan. The website will remain the same at www.cpdracingtools.com. The new phone number is 800/472-2464, and email is cpdinfo@keysermanufacturing.com.

Denny and Penny Fuller will continue to operate their shock sales and service business as CPD Racing Shocks in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

With the tools division being acquired by Keyser Manufacturing, the acquisition will allow CPD Racing Shocks to focus solely on shock sales and service in the Midwest region, and further increase its trackside support and technical assistance. Its contact number will remain the same at 515/570-4329; the new email address is info@cpdracingshocks.com.

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) recently named Michael Gershanok as the new GTS National Series Leader. Gershanok has been with NASA since the inception of the North East Region in 2000 as its German Touring Series Leader.

Gershanok's philosophy from the beginning for the GTS series has been to preserve its core principles of being open, simple and fair. Over the last several years he has successfully steered the GTS Series in the North East Region, growing fields to a consistent 25–30 cars at each event. He has also been a NASA instructor since 2002, and a five-time North East Regional Champion in GTS.

Away from NASA events, Michael is a double-degreed dentist (MD/DDS) and runs two full time practices, one in New York City and the other in a northern suburb.

NASA’s new Technical Director of Competition Bryan Cohn stated, "Michael has proven to be a very qualified and experienced candidate, who possess a passion for the series. We are very much looking forward to having Michael contribute to the GTS Series on a national scale, and have no doubt the series is in good hands."

MAVTV, in partnership with Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., has been granted its broadcasting license by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

“The fans of motorsports are extremely excited about the upcoming launch of MAVTV in Canada,” commented Mike Garrow, General Manager of MAVTV Canada. “We look forward to now finalizing our distribution plans for airing the network on cable, satellite, IPTV and other platforms as soon as possible.”

MAVTV features exclusive automotive/motorsports programming such as The Dave Despain Show, Full Custom Garage, Stacey David’s GearZ, and Speed Sport hosted by Ralph Sheheen in partnership with National Speed Sports News and more.

MAVTV Canada will also benefit from Lucas Oil Products’ production studios that produce and promote over 300 hours of programming each year with such live events as Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, and more.

MAVTV Canada is controlled by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.

For more details, visit www.mavtv.ca.

IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRG), a marketer and promoter of sports and live entertainment experiences in the United States and Canada, announced that Lou Partenza has joined the company as its new Chief Financial Officer.
 
In his new role, Partenza will oversee the finance, accounting, budgeting and strategic planning for all of IRG's properties as well as manage the company's relationship with TPG Specialty Lending. Partenza joins IRG with more than 20 years of experience in financial operations, strategic revenue growth, and has a significant background in executive leadership within the sports industry.
 
"Lou brings a vast amount of experience to the table and will be a huge asset to IRG," stated Jason Rittenberry, IRG President and CEO. "His experience in the sports industry with a franchise and arena as well as his background with investors will bring serious experience to our company. We are thrilled to have Lou on our team."
 
Prior to joining IRG, Partenza was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Florida Panthers Hockey Club, Sunrise Sports and Entertainment and BB&T Center. He provided innovative and cost effective profit strategies and operational changes that promoted the growth of the organization. In addition, Partenza has held senior level positions with Leverage Management Consulting, Tristar Aerospace Company and more.
 
Partenza will be based in Jupiter, Florida, at the company's corporate headquarters.

The 20th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Presented by All Coast Construction will have a record purse of more than $120,000.

Taking place on Nov. 12-14, each night will be full points-paying races for the Amsoil USAC National and CRA Sprint Car Series. The winner of the 40-lap finale on Saturday will take home $25,000.

To be exact the record breaking purse is $120,510. The prestigious race, which annually matches the best racers from the Midwest based National Series and the West Coast based CRA Series, is reminiscent of baseball’s famous New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry.

“The fans love the Oval Nationals as it matches drivers who only get together once a year,” Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian said. “It is the best vs the best like an old time heavyweight championship fight. The top stars from the Midwest come out and they take on the best that the West Coast has to offer.  In addition to the big purse, they are racing for pride.”

While first place will pay $25,000.00 to win on Saturday, it will also pay $1,000 to start. The two preliminary nights, Thursday and Friday, will each pay $5,000 to win and $500 to start. Last year, when the race featured two nights of 410 sprint car racing, Rocklin, California’s Robert Ballou swept the show and won both nights thus pocketing $30,000 in main event earnings. If any driver sweeps all three nights in 2015, that driver will take home $35,000 in main event pay.

“We are pleased to offer this great purse for America’s premiere traditional sprint car race,” Kazarian offered with a smile. “We would not be able to do it without the likes of Budweiser and Mike Grosswendt. Budweiser has put a lot into making this event become what it has over the past 20-years and they have been involved in it since the first one in October of 1996.

"Mike and his company, All Coast Construction, have gotten heavily involved the past few years. He is a hardcore sprint car racing supporter and we are thankful to have him and Budweiser involved. We cannot thank Mike and Budweiser enough not only for what they have done for the Oval Nationals, but for all of sprint car racing in California.”

Short track racing is family track racing, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway is doing its part to ensure that fans and families alike are rewarded for their dedication to racing in New England. Speedway officials recently announced the launch of its new Short Track Passport, an incentive-based program that rewards fans for their support at local tracks.

With pro sports feeder organizations like the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Providence Bruins, Hartford Wolf Pack, Portland Sea Dogs and Pawtucket Red Sox spread across the region, minor league sports define the New England sports landscape. Short track racing falls under that feeder system umbrella, setting the stage for future NASCAR drivers down the road.

“We have a responsibility to care for the overall health of the racing industry, and short track racing is the lifeblood of that industry,” said Chris Lockwood, director of marketing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “Through the input of several short track promoters and racing Hall of Famers, the concept of a passport program took shape. I’m optimistic that this program will give our amazing fans a chance to watch both the future of motorsports across New England and the best drivers in the world today at the Magic Mile—all for an affordable price.”

The overall concept of the passport provides loyal fans with a discount on Saturday tickets and a return voucher for purchase of Sunday tickets at New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s thrilling NASCAR weekend. Designed to look much like a traveling international passport, the Short Track Passport contains schedule information for 11 participating short tracks across New England, including New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The other 10 tracks include:

• Bear Ridge Speedway (Bradford, Vt.)
• Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (Scarborough, Maine)
• Lee USA Speedway (Lee, N.H.)
• Monadnock Speedway (Winchester, N.H.)
• Seekonk Speedway (Seekonk, Mass.)
• Speedway 95 (Bangor, Maine)
• Speedway 51 (Groveton, N.H.)
• Thompson Speedway (Thompson, Conn.)
• Thunder Road (Barre, Vt.)
• Unity Speedway (Unity, Maine)

Fans are encouraged to have their passports stamped when they visit the various short tracks across New England. After accumulating five stamps, fans will be eligible for a 20 percent discount on Saturday NASCAR tickets at NHMS on July 18 and Sept. 26.

“New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s passport program is a gracious gift to New England short track fans,” said Andy Cusack of Beech Ridge Speedway. “The program offers value to fans and even more reason to get to both the short tracks and the big track. Beech Ridge is pleased to participate in the passport program and to support racing of all levels across this region.”

The accumulation of five stamps also makes the fan eligible to receive a voucher to return to the short track of their choice for each Sunday ticket they purchase for the July 19 New Hampshire 301 or Sept. 27 SYLVANIA 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Magic Mile. Passports must be shown at the time of purchase.

For more details on the Short Track Passport and ticket information on other events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the July New Hampshire 301 and September SYLVANIA 300, stop by the Ticket Office, visit the speedway website at www.nhms.com, or call the Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.

Following the completion and sell out of Phase I of the Exotic Car Garage project overlooking Thunderbolt Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park has announced Phase II.

Phase I consisting of 10 Exotic Car Garage units ranging in size of 500 to 1,500 square feet, sold its final unit on Monday, June 1.

“It’s great to see what our phase one garage owners are doing with their spaces. Lofts, decks, kitchenettes, lifts; if you can dream it up, it can be done,” said Lee Brahin, NJMP managing partner. “The Exotic Car Garages have been a great addition to the infrastructure at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and phase two is another example of that progress.”

Available options and upgrades included an outside deck overlooking Thunderbolt Raceway, elevated loft with staircase, powder room, shower, kitchenette, and upgrade electric source.

“I believe that it is one of the best investments I ever made. My plans include a 750 square foot loft with a bathroom, rest space, full kitchen, wraparound deck, an 18 foot long bar on the loft and an 8 foot bar at the garage, said Yiani Galanos, car garage owner. “I am also installing two lifts so I can store eight race cars and full line tool cabinets. I am also looking into the possibility of renting race cars. I am also an NJMP club member which by far one of the most exclusive and best and fun club memberships I ever join. Finally if you a real car fanatic and love racing this is your chance to live the dream.”

New Jersey Motorsports Park announced that the project’s second phase will feature 6-8 trackside units and a slightly revised footprint.

Plans call for units sized at 800 to 1,600 square feet priced at $140 per square foot, with an additional $5 per square foot for two premium end units. The total square footage of the building will be 7,000 square feet.

“We’re looking forward to getting the second phase of this development project underway,” said Brad Scott, NJMP General Manager and COO. “We plan to follow the same look and feel as the first garage building, with a few tweaks made here and there. It’s going to be another great addition to the real estate opportunities here at New Jersey Motorsports Park.”

Phase II will also include the addition of a ground-level patio that overlooks the portion of Thunderbolt Raceway affectionately known as “The Devil.” Outside decks also remain an available upgrade to each buyer.

Included with the climate controlled garage is a sprinkler system and CO2 detectors, water and flood drains, 24-hour security, asphalt driveway, landscaping, sewer and cable connections, lighting, an entrance door, and a ground-level sliding glass door that leads to the patio area.

“What’s really exciting about phase two of the Exotic Car Garages is that every unit will have a phenomenal track side viewing area,” said Lee Brahin, NJMP managing partner. “These units have also been designed to accommodate significantly larger outdoor viewing decks than in the first phase.”

Phase II deposits are being accepted beginning Monday, June 15th. All inquiries and questions related to the Exotic Car Garages project should be directed to Brad Scott at bscott@njmp.com or 856.327.7269.

Jamie Allison, who once oversaw its racing program, including NASCAR, is transitioning to a new role. He will move to Ford Marketing Sales & Service working in Global Connected Vehicle.

This past December, Dave Pericak was named director of Ford Performance, which now includes Ford Racing. At the time, Pericak said Allison would remain in the division and specialize in marketing.

After six years of working within Ford Racing, Allison was promoted to Ford’s director of North American Motorsports on January 1, 2010, which included overseeing Ford Racing.

At the time, Allison replaced Brian Wolfe, who moved to Ford Global Product Development.

V8 Supercars will race on the streets of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from next year, the Australian championship has announced.

Series chiefs have signed a four-year agreement to hold a round of the championship in the Malaysian capital.

V8 Supercars will headline the Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix event from 2016 onwards, and will run a demonstration at the inaugural running on August 7–9 this year.

The demo will feature all five manufacturers currently represented in the series, with Craig Lowndes (Holden), Scott McLaughlin (Volvo), Chaz Mostert (Ford), Will Davison (Mercedes) and Todd Kelly (Nissan) all in action.

"We are absolutely delighted to begin this partnership with the KL City Grand Prix and be the first international racing series to participate at this spectacular event," said V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton.

"Having four Championship races in Kuala Lumpur until 2019, in close reach of Australia and in a similar time zone for our fans are key ingredients."

V8 Supercars has raced in Asia once before, holding a championship round at Shanghai in 2005.

Its last event away from Australia or New Zealand was in 2013, when it raced at American Formula 1 venue Austin.

The plans for this year's KL City Grand Prix include a flagship GT race as well as the Audi R8 LMS Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Formula Masters China Series.

IndyCar is mandating the use of closure panels on the rear wheel guards for the remaining three superspeedway races. Tuesday's action is in response to three cars going airborne during preparation for the Indianapolis 500.

The panels will be required for both Chevrolet and Honda and will debut Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway. They also will be used at Auto Club Speedway in California and Pocono Raceway later this season.

IndyCar has tried various different rule changes since Ed Carpenter went airborne on qualifying day for the Indy 500. Helio Castroneves and Josef Newgarden also went airborne in separate incidents.

The closure panel, developed by both Chevrolet and Honda, will be for the front and back of their rear wheel guards. The component is being implemented to eliminate lift when an Indy car is traveling backward at a high rate of speed during an incident.

''This has been a collaborative effort with both manufacturers and they have been working on these since the Indianapolis 500 qualifications,'' said Will Phillips, IndyCar vice president of technology. ''These closure panels serve as a blocker so air cannot flow through the rear wheel guards.''

Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage praised the modification, which has been worked on for two weeks even though there were no incidents during the Indy 500.

''I think they have found an effective way to reduce and eliminate the lift that they had problems with in practice at Indianapolis,'' Gossage said. ''This is a logical approach to attacking this problem and hopefully we won't see that here at Texas at all. I think this is a step in the right direction.''

IndyCar also mandated that the rear wing angle for Texas be set between (-6) and (-10.5) degrees, which will still result in an increase in overall downforce compared to the 2014 event at Texas.

Gossage believes the rear wing settings ''will probably cause the cars to slow down just a little, and I think that is a good move as well. 'That will also make the cars more drivable. We are pleased IndyCar is working on this. We don't know what these changes will bring until the green flag drops, but IndyCar is trying and we appreciate that.''