At the same building where NASCAR recognizes the accomplishments of its greatest drivers, the sanctioning body introduced a group of young drivers it hopes will take the sport into the future. At the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, 12 drivers were introduced as members of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class.

Included in this year’s class are Cole Custer, 17, the youngest driver to win a race in NASCAR’s national series; Rico Abreu, 23, winner of the 2015 Chili Bowl and the 2014 USAC national champion; and K&N Pro Series West driver Nicole Behar, 17, the highest-finishing female in the 61-year history of the series.

“The NASCAR Next initiative spotlights the future of NASCAR, a collection of promising young talent who have shown the potential to one day reach the highest level of our sport,” NASCAR Senior Vice President for Industry Services Jill Gregory said in a release.

“Alumni—and current members—of the NASCAR Next program are achieving success at the national series level, and we are confident that this class will build upon that foundation of excellence for many seasons to come,” Gregory added.

Through five years there have been 28 drivers in the Next program, including Chip Ganassi’s Sprint Cup driver Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, who will replace Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon in the No. 24 in 2016.

The 2015-16 NASCAR Next class:

•   Rico Abreu (23, Rutherford, Calif., Twitter: @Rico_Abreu) – A 2014 USAC national champion and winner of the 2015 Chili Bowl, he has two top-10 finishes in three K&N Pro Series East starts, his first season racing in stock cars.

•   Nicole Behar (17, Otis Orchards, Wash., @NicoleBehar33) – Tied the series record for highest finish by a female driver in just her fifth K&N West start with her second-place mark at Irwindale Event Center, and has top-10 finishes in four of six West starts.

•  Kyle Benjamin (17, Easley, S.C., @kylebenjamin71) – This Roush Fenway Racing developmental driver earned his first K&N Pro Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway, and is the youngest race winner in ARCA history.

•  James Bickford (17, Napa, Calif., @Bickford_James) – The 2014 K&N West Sunoco Rookie of the Year earned his first win at State Line Speedway last season and finished fifth in the season championship.

•  William Byron (17, Charlotte, N.C., @WilliamByron) – With a win at Greenville Pickens Speedway and three top 10 finishes, he sits atop the K&N Pro East season championship standings.

•  Cole Custer (17, Ladera Ranch, Calif., @colecuster00) – He holds the records for youngest pole award and race winner in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR’s touring series, and led late in the Truck race at Martinsville Speedway earlier this season.

•  Ruben Garcia Jr. (19, Mexico City, Mex., @rubengarcia4) – The runner up in last season’s NASCAR Mexico Series season championship, he had one win and 10 top-10 finishes there while also competing in three NASCAR XFINITY Series races.

•  Austin Hill (21, Winston, Ga., @_AustinHill) – Had three consecutive K&N East wins in the final two races in 2014 and the 2015 season opener at New Smyrna Speedway, where he captured his first pole award and led every lap.

•  Jesse Little (18, Sherrill’s Ford, N.C., @jesselittle97) – Had a win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in 2014 to finish fourth in the season standings.  Won the pole at Bristol Motor Speedway in his 2015 K&N East debut.

•  Dylan Lupton (21, Wilton, Calif., @LuptonDylan) – Was the 2014 K&N West championship runner up with a win at Kern County Speedway and registered 14 top-10 finishes; made his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut at Phoenix International Raceway in March.

•  John Hunter Nemechek (17, Mooresville, N.C., @JHNemechek) – Earned six top-10 finishes in 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts in 2014, and won the prestigious Snowball Derby Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway in December.

• Dalton Sargeant (17, Boca Raton, Fla., @DaltonSargeant) – Has a win at Kern County Raceway Park in the West this season,  and four top-five finishes in five combined East and West races.

Jim Stannard’s newest role at IMCA is one he’s already familiar with.

Stannard has been named vice president of operations for the Vinton, Iowa-based sanctioning organization.

He’ll continue most of the duties from his previous director of track relations post while taking over oth­ers for former Vice President of Operations Brett Root.

“Jim’s responsibilities will largely be similar to those he has now,” explained Root, who became company president in January. “As director of track relations, he’s worked with all our promot­ers. Because of his long career in the racing industry, many of our drivers know him as well.

“He’ll continue to travel and make track visits while I handle more of the day-to-day management from the home office,” Root concluded.

After stints as director of IMCA’s Sprint Car division and director of the Mountain Region, Stannard was named IMCA director of marketing in 1994.

He was vice president of marketing and corporate communications, then worked for Speedway Motors and JR Motorsports before returning to IMCA in March of 2011.

“There isn’t a better sanctioning body in the world. It’s been a privilege for me to work at IMCA,” Stannard said. “We’ve already achieved a record number of sanctions this season and I believe our future is even brighter.”

Respected racing journalist Dave Despain of MAVTV will return to PRI 2015 as host of “Good Morning, PRI,” the live talk show that is the memorable centerpiece of the Trade Show's annual Grand Opening Breakfast.

The Grand Opening Breakfast serves as the big kick-off event for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. Approximately 3000 motorsports professionals attend the Breakfast each year. Special guests to join Despain on stage in recent years have included Don "Snake" Prudhomme, Tom "Mongoose" McEwen, Richard Petty and John Force.

"With Dave Despain at the helm, the Grand Opening Breakfast has become one of the best places on Earth to hear colorful racing stories from some of the greatest figures in the history of the sport of auto racing," said John Kilroy, PRI Show producer. "We have a lot of fun that morning. Plus, Dave has the interviewing skills to draw out some very insightful stories from these great racers."

The Grand Opening Breakfast will be held Thursday morning, December 10, 2015, in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center. Doors will open at 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. event. There is no charge for admission. It is open only to attendees and exhibitors of the PRI Trade Show with credentials. A hot breakfast is served as well.

Despain's special guest for PRI 2015 will be announced at a later date.

The Dave Despain Show on MAVTV is an in-depth series where Despain sits down with legends, current superstars, and the rising young guns in racing. Each 30-minute episode is dedicated to one influential person in motorsports. The one-on-one interview format allows Despain to delve into the background and history of the stars seated in the guest chair. With his vast knowledge of all things motorsports, Despain's approach to interviewing allows his guests to tell stories and memories from their lives and careers.

PRI 2015 will be held December 10–12, 2015, in the Indiana Convention Center. Approximately 1200 companies exhibit in what is the world’s largest gathering of motorsports professionals, with attendance from throughout the US and 70 countries. Attendee registration and housing opens on May 11. For more information, go to www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

Road America fans will now be able to experience all of the thrills and on-track excitement from several popular areas around the 640-acre facility thanks to four new networked high-definition (HD) LED video display boards.

Currently, one video board is in place in the widely popular Turn 5, and the additional video boards will be permanently placed in Turn 1, Turn 3, Turns 7 and 8 and Turn 12.  For thousands watching from the stands and around the revered race track, the video display boards will deliver incredible views of the on-track action and unique content to keep fans engaged during events.

“We are constantly reinvesting funds to improve the fan experience,” said Road America President and General Manager, George Bruggenthies. “From our terraced seating in several locations around the facility, to our new video boards and even improved access and viewing areas along Turns 11 and 12, it is our intent to bring fans closer to the action.

“At Road America, we like to say ‘come for the experience and stay for the race’ and with all of these new improvements and technology we are confident that everyone will appreciate what we have done and what we intend to do in the future to make Road America a favorite place to be for generations.”

In addition to the new video boards, the four-mile race track was resurfaced in several areas to improve the experience for participants. New pavement was added to Turns 5, 6, 8 and 14—there were no changes to the width of the racing surface.

“We take great pride in not only improving the facility for fans, but for competitors as well,” Bruggenthies added. “We have many club events, schools, vehicle tests and private events at Road America and the integrity of the racing surface is just as important as our amenities, concessions, programs and many entertainment offerings.

“This new resurfacing project wasn’t immediately necessary but we wanted to make the improvements now to keep up with the demands that our 4-mile roadcourse endures throughout the season and we guarantee the track will be ready for our first event.”

Road America’s first event is quickly approaching, as legendary racing vehicles from around the world will compete at the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Spring Vintage Weekend. Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17.

Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders and Radiac Abrasives, Inc. announced that Goodson has been named as the exclusive distributor of Radiac’s line of Automotive Aftermarket Abrasives, effective June 1, 2015.

Ross Blumenthal, Radiac Vice President of Sales & Marketing explained, “Having a company like Goodson that is so service oriented take over the automotive abrasive line is key to our long-term commitment to this market.” Blumenthal added that Radiac will continue to concentrate on the OE and Industrial markets as “Goodson earns most of the available shop supply business. With their knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and abrasives, this unique partnership will be of benefit to both companies.”

Dave Monyhan, Goodson Sales Manager, echoed Blumenthal’s excitement about the opportunity to offer quality Radiac Abrasives to the automotive aftermarket. Monyhan added, “Our job at Goodson is focused on providing the best quality shop supplies, tooling and abrasives to our valued customers.”

A Radiac Abrasives specific catalog is being produced and will be mailed in early June 2015. All products will also be available online at www.goodson.com.

The Stand 21 Safety Foundation held its fourth annual seminar at the Toyota Grand Prix at Long Beach weekend, attracting an audience of close to a hundred from many widely diverse types of motor racing.
Attendees came from the world of sports cars, Indy cars, drag racing, off-road racing, land speed-record setting, drifting, time attack, midget racing and motorcycles, in the role of professional drivers, sportsman drivers, auto manufacturers, motorsports reps and sanctioning body personnel, all there to learn about better protection at the track.

"Racing is a passion shared by all the different racers in this room, and the safety principles are the same," said the Foundation's president, Yves Morizot. "All of these racers want to enjoy their passion on the weekend, and return home safe to their families on Sunday night."

Keynote speaker NHRA Top Fuel Champion Larry Dixon began the free, half-day session, putting motorsports safety improvements made through the years into perspective, by comparing two very similar crashes he endured in 2000 and earlier this year. In both cases Larry's Top Fuel nitro-powered dragster broke in half in front of the cockpit, sending him flying over 30 feet into the air on over 400 feet distance.

In the first incident, in Memphis, Tennessee he ended in the hospital with a broken leg and multiple other injuries, while in the latter at Gainesville, Fla., he walked away. He credits the use of the HANS device, improved helmet design, better roll-cage padding, panels lining the cockpit and use of seven-point seatbelts in making the difference between then and now.

Dr. Ed Potkanowicz informed the audience about the dangers of heat stress, while explaining the importance of keeping hydrated, handing out reference cards to check personal hydration levels by simply using urine color.

Reflecting the diverse audience profile, other speakers covered safety practices in different types of racing, and how their safety challenges can be unique. Andrew Weyman, president of the Porsche Owners Club, described POC's three levels of car prep for different levels of track activity. Joe Powell, while describing emergency response at drag races at the local level, advised participants to be aware of the limited safety resources at many small tracks. Martin Christensen, desert racing innovator, described safe emergency helmet removal when medical teams aren't close by, with use of the Lid Lifter device. And Hector Cademartori talked about the high standards of car safety and driver safety equipment mandated by the organizer of the La Carrera Panamericana road race, so important given its many remote stages.

The two major standards-setting organizations in the US for racing equipment, the SFI Foundation and the Snell Memorial Foundation, each had representatives who talked about work they are doing to make racing safer. Mike Hurst of SFI cautioned about the wearing of synthetic garments under a driving suit. Basically, nylon/polyester materials can melt to the skin without being on fire themselves, even thru a thick driving suit. Ed Becker, the head of Snell, advised that the new SA2015 and previous SA2010 helmet specs are similar, and that a helmet meeting either one offers state of the art protection for most applications.

Dr. Jacques Dallaire of Prime Performance demonstrated, with audience participation exercises, how the mind can only focus on one thing at a time, whether driving on the track or on the street.

Drop-in guests included Jim Michaelian, President of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association, with his message of continued support for the Foundation's seminar held annually at his legendary event, and IndyCar veteran Oriol Servia, who took to the stage to tell of his own harrowing track experiences.

Post-event feedback from attendees indicated that they walked away with at least one new idea to apply to their own well-being at the track, which was the mission of the seminar.

A major objective of the International Council of Motorsport Sciences Annual Congress is to disseminate scientific, medical and educational information related to human performance and safety parameters in all forms of Motor Sport. The ICMS has the expertise (Body of Knowledge) and the PRI Trade Show presents the premier venue (Race Industry Week 2015) to host this most valuable research-based conference.

A preview of the Wednesday and Thursday, December 9–10, curriculum includes: concussion and injury rehabilitation, track medical center needs in manpower and equipment, circuit debris and catch fence updates, the medical and legal aspects of driving, motorsports event human resources from multiple perspectives, physiological and mental analysis in racing, governance of motorsports by international sanctioning organizations and emerging technologies in motorsports.

There will be more presentations added in the near future as speakers are announced, including such experts as Professor Hugh Scully, Doctors Rob Seal, Steve Olvey, Terry Trammell, Geoff Billows, Mike Olinger, and many others known around the world for their knowledge and experience.

This year, the ICMS is adding a new segment to the Annual Congress by presenting the latest medical and scientific information developed for practical applications by the race industry. The Race Track Safety Program held on Friday, December 11, will feature the most experienced practitioners delivering the latest in safety education to the personnel responsible for providing on-track safety initiatives.

The new Race Track Safety Program curriculum will consist of educational sessions including: proper selection of firefighting equipment and extinguishing agents, the mechanics of safety team response, personal protection equipment to use at the track and drag racing safety programs and crew training. These topics will be presented by the most informed professionals in the field, including Dr. Tressa Naik, Rodney and Ela Johnson, Mike Yates, Carson Wilkinson and others.

In addition, practical training sessions will provide hands-on applications in various topics such as: hydraulic cutting of chassis roll cages, proper helmet and head restraint removal techniques, spinal immobilizations during driver extrication procedures and elite safety team response demonstrations. All of these applications involve multiple racing machines (sprint car, dragster, stock car, formula car, etc.) and station rotations.

The ICMS Annual Congress is an accredited continuing education conference located at the Indiana Convention Center during the PRI Trade Show. There is a fee to attend. Additional event information and registration instructions can be found on the ICMS website at www.TheICMS.org.

Chevrolet has introduced its speedway aero kit to be used on high-speed ovals in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series—including features developed exclusively for running the Indianapolis 500.

The speedway configuration, which was developed in conjunction with the road course configuration, emphasizes the low-drag attributes that enable Chevrolet race cars to achieve speeds of more than 230 mph at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famous 2.5-mile oval.

“With the speedway configuration, the emphasis is on reducing aerodynamic drag, for greater speed, while maintaining sufficient downforce,” said Chris Berube, Chevrolet IndyCar program manager. “Innovative designs were used to develop the right combination of downforce and drag, along with engine performance.”

Highlights of the new design include:

Front wing
• Unique mainplane surface contour serves two purposes, the inboard section directs air to the radiator inlets to enhance engine cooling while the outboard section creates airflow around the front tire to minimize drag.

Engine cover and side pods
• The engine cover and side pods are shared with the road course configuration, but are optimized in their speedway configuration by adding close out panels to their trailing edges to reduce drag.
• Louvers in the side pods provide cooling benefits and clean airflow to the rear of the car, delivering higher levels of diffuser and rear wing efficiency.
• The wheel wedge configuration is fully adjustable, providing various levels of downforce and efficiency to meet changing track conditions.

Rear bumper pods
• The rear bumper pods and wheel wedges were designed as an integrated solution to reduce vehicle drag.

Rear wing
• A high-efficiency upper rear wing, unique for the Indy 500, features low-mass rear wing pillars and a low-mass rear mainplane.

Chevrolet race teams will compete with the road course aero kit on May 9 for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, on Indy’s infield road course, before converting their cars to the speedway aero kit for the Indianapolis 500 on May 24.

The Hall of Fame Museum announced two days of special activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 19-20 in anticipation and celebration of the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500. To make reservations for any event, call 317-492-6779.

Highlights of the two days include:

• Rides in the cars that paced the races! 

For a fee, one can take two laps around the track at speeds up to 70 miles per hour as the passenger in a Corvette pace car ($100) or a Camaro pace car ($120, with up to two friends or family). These will be offered from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on May 19 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20. Reservations are recommended.


• Donald Davidson Presents

IMS historian Donald Davidson will make two presentations, one at 8 a.m. ($40) and one at 2 p.m. ($25). The first focuses on "Jimmy Clark: Lotus and the Legend" and the afternoon presentation is on "The Racing Cars of Dan Gurney - An All American Exhibition." Cars relevant to both discussions will be on display. Reservations are recommended. The fees for both presentations include general Museum admission.


• Autograph session with fan favorites

For an hour starting at 11 a.m., a few of our favorite Indianapolis 500 drivers will be at the Museum to sign whatever you bring 'em! Confirmed participants to date include: Johnny Parsons, Mel Kenyon, Bob Harkey, Bill Puterbaugh, and Eldon Rasmussen. Participation is $12 for adults, $8 for youth (6 to 15), and is free for children 5 and under, and includes general Museum admission. No reservations required or taken.


• Insights from the insiders

Free Museum tours led by experienced Museum and Speedway staff, many of whom worked in the auto racing industry before joining the Museum staff. Topics include: the link between early racing and passenger car developments, racing from the business perspective, behind the scenes on the road to victory, and photography and capturing the essence of racing at the Speedway.  The half-hour tours will be offered three times during the day, from 9:45-11 a.m., 12:15-2 p.m. and 3:45-5:30 p.m. No reservations required or taken.


• Track lap and Bricks

Not high speed, but high content and a not-to-be-missed stop on the Yard of Bricks This is a 25-minute narrated bus tour of the track and a stop for photos at the start/finish line. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for youth, and children 5 and under are free.

For more information on how to participate, go to www.imshalloffamemuseum.org.

Leavine Family Racing announced its inaugural session of CAMP 95, a summer camp program designed to provide high school students with a behind-the-scenes look at the NASCAR racing industry. The camp will provide students with a chance to explore the many different careers available in racing, from engineering and building race cars to marketing and sponsorship roles.
 
“An important part of our Leavine Family Racing team is focusing on the racing community and our local community,” said Bob Leavine, team owner. “I am thrilled to give back to the community by using the organization as a way to provide these students with a look at some different career opportunities available to them.”
 
CAMP 95 is designed to help the team foster valuable connections with the younger generation of race fans. Leavine Family Racing looks to provide students with career advice and guidance during a period of time where they are expected to make life-changing decisions. With an inside look at the race team, Leavine Family Racing hopes the campers participating will recognize career options that they may not have previously thought of.
 
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to show these students how many different roles there are in NASCAR in a hands-on environment like CAMP 95,” said Wally Rogers, crew chief. “I hope that by explaining how I got started in the industry I can somehow make an impact on how they look at their future careers.”
 
The one-day camp will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at the race team’s headquarters in Concord, N.C. The day will include a shop tour with crew chief, Wally Rogers, who will explain the team’s start in NASCAR and the competition side of racing. Students will also gain insight into the engineering and technology side of the sport, as well as marketing and sponsorship roles found at every race team.
 
Several key members of the NASCAR industry will also visit the campers. These speakers will share their experiences on how they got started in NASCAR and provide advice to the students as they begin to plan their careers.
 
Students interested in CAMP 95 can find applications at http://www.lfr95.com/camp95. Applications are due by May 25, and only 30 campers will be selected to participate. These campers will be notified of their acceptance via email by June 1. Any questions applicants may have can be emailed to info@LFR95.com.