The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) has announced Shriners Hospitals for Children as its Official Charity.

As a family-oriented organization, the PDRA believes that the partnership with Shriners Hospitals is fitting and hopes to bring greater awareness to the their mission. The PDRA will incorporate Shriners Hospitals into activities at each of their 10 events in 2015 to increase awareness and provide fundraising opportunities. 


PDRA will provide “Shriners Hospitals for Children, Official Charity of PDRA” decals for use on competition cars. Select PDRA drivers and Miss PDRA will also have the opportunity to visit Shriners Hospitals in coordinating cities along the PDRA tour. 

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate at its 22 locations in the US, Canada and Mexico. Shriners Hospitals manages all aspects of treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation and psychological support, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.


“This is my second opportunity to work with Shriners Hospitals on a national level,” stated PDRA Senior Vice President of Marketing, Mike Congdon. “I got to know Shriners Hospitals when I worked with NASCAR driver David Ragan as his Business Manager. The work they do with children and their families is truly inspiring and life changing. I believe our family-oriented drivers and teams will be a great tool to build awareness and bring more smiles to more faces of children at Shriners Hospitals. I’m happy that we were able to put this program together and honored to work with Shriners Hospitals once again.” 



Members of the fraternity, Shriners International and patients from local Shriners Hospitals will have the opportunity to attend PDRA events, interact with drivers and watch 200+ MPH race cars, all while raising awareness for Shriners Hospitals.

The PDRA plans to host VIP giveaways at 2015 events to raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children and showcase the importance of the relationship. The PDRA will participate in Shriners Hospitals for Children events such as Walk for LOVE and the East-West Shrine Game.

Jim Bingham, who founded Winner’s Circle Speed and Custom Inc. and co-founded the nonprofit Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, has been named as one of three new inductees into the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Joining Bingham are Joel Ayres and Dennis Gage, and all three will be recognized as part of the festivities during the SEMA Installation Gala on July 24, 2015, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California. They represent an accomplished group of professionals who have shaped and inspired the $33 billion automotive specialty-equipment market.

Bingham began his career in 1968 at Lang Auto Parts. After just two years, Bingham started Winner’s Circle Speed and Custom, and the company has grown to include three retail store locations, wholesale distribution under the name 1st Performance Warehouse, and two major trade events.

In addition to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, Bingham has held roles as a board member for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and is an original owner of Route 66 Raceway.

In 2009, Bingham was honored with the SEMA Chairman’s Award for his role with the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, a program that attracts the important youth demographic to the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He helped grow Hot Rodders of Tomorrow’s Engine Challenge in 2008 with 35 students from five high schools, to include more than 110 teams with 770 students competing in 2014.

Ayres' contributions to the industry are evident through his involvement with the truck industry and the role he played in merging the Truck Cap Industry Association (now known as the Light Truck & Accessory Alliance, LTAA) with SEMA. He also helped found SEMA Cares nearly 10 years ago. The nonprofit group unites the SEMA industry’s fundraising efforts and provides businesses with an easy way to give to those in need.

Gage, who purchased his first ’59 T-Bird at age 15, helped develop the Pringles potato chip at Procter & Gamble before joining Bristol-Myers Squibb. In the mid-1990s, the pilot for My Classic Car hosted by Dennis Gage premiered, and the program is now in its 20th season, having reached nearly 90 million households. He has served on several SEMA committees and groups, including three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors and the Select Committee of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO).

For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

Friday Night Lights at the Runoffs presented by Mazda highlights the 2015 event schedule for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by Garmin VIRB at Daytona International Speedway, where each of the 28 classes will race alone for the first time since 2008.

The event begins with four days of qualifying and concludes with 10 races on Friday and nine each on Saturday and Sunday, September 21-27.

The Spec Miata class will crown a National Champion under the lights on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., with the 3.56-mile road course at the “World Center of Racing” lit to the same level as the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Tuesday’s qualifying session will also be under the lights as a preview for Friday’s race.

The nighttime race also allows enough room in the schedule to fit each class in individually.

Official qualifying sessions will be held from Monday through Thursday, with each class getting two 30-minute morning sessions and two 25-minute afternoon sessions throughout the week. The best time through the week will set the grids for the weekend’s 14-lap, 49.84-mile races, with each race winner crowned National Champion.

The SCCA Runoffs Presented by Garmin VIRB has crowned Club Racing National Champions since 1964. Through 28 separate races over three days, the 2015 edition will crown champions in a winner-take-all, single race format.

Preceding the event, the Central Florida Region SCCA will host test days from September 17–20. Unlike recent Runoffs events, parking, registration, and pre-event tech inspections will be good from test days through the length of the event. Test day registration will be available as an option when registering for the Runoffs.

The entirety of the 2015 SCCA Runoffs races, including Friday Night Lights at the Runoffs presented by Mazda, will be broadcast live on SpeedcastTV.com.

Runoffs registration opens July 22nd on SCCA.com. Additional information about the event, including the parking and garage reservation process, as well as promotional event activities, will be available soon.

The full schedule and supplemental regulations are posted at SCCA.com/Runoffs.

John Force Racing, Inc. CEO John Force announced that Ashley Force Hood would assume the role of Vice President of John Force Racing, Inc. Previously Force Hood held the position of President of John Force Entertainment Inc., but that company will now fall under the John Force Racing, Inc. umbrella. The consolidation of corporations was a streamlining and cost cutting measure by John Force.

Force Hood’s day to day role will continue to revolve around entertainment production and commercial development but she will also be more involved in the racing side of the business as time progresses. The two-time U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion continues to stay active with a current Funny Car license and would be available to step back into the driver’s seat but for now the active mother of two is content to be an advisor and confidante for her two racing sisters, Brittany and Courtney.

“There will be no noticeable change as far as how we are doing business. Ashley will continue to build and manage the entertainment area of the John Force Racing company. It just made more sense to have one company since most of the entertainment business revolved around racing projects for our sponsors or for our own use. She is coming to more races as Jacob and Noah get older and we have a fire suit and helmet in the haulers for her if we needed it,” said John Force, 16-time Funny Car champion and company founder.

John Force and JFR President Robert Hight will continue to drive the business development and race operations business for John Force Racing, Inc., which recently won its category best 238th Funny Car title at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals and also secured a five year extension with the Automobile Club of Southern California. Progress continues to be made on the impending announcement of a major sponsor for John Force Racing’s lone Top Fuel dragster driven by Brittany Force.

“We took a big hit a year and half ago on the sponsor side but Robert and I have been working around the clock seven days a week for over a year to rebuild our sponsor deals. We brought on Peak Antifreeze, Lucas Oil and Chevrolet and we continue to develop our relationships with Auto Club, Mac Tools, and Traxxas. We are working with JMI to bring in some more new business but everyone is looking for sponsors so it takes some time. Having the entertainment business working more closely with the racing business will only make us stronger in the future,” added Force.

Showing continued appreciation for grass roots motorsports across the United States, K&N Filters has expanded its 2015 Team Lucas involvement to encompass multiple racing series this year.
 
For 2015, K&N Filters has been named "Official Sponsor of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series" and "Official Filter of the Lucas Oil Modified Series." Furthermore, K&N Filters has stepped up to provide sponsorship to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. Overall, K&N Filters will have a presence at several hundred racing events this year.
 
Ryan Fellman, K&N Filters Team and Driver Support Manager, noted that the company has continually partnered with Team Lucas for several years because Lucas Oil events provide the air and oil filter manufacturer the perfect venue to support competitors while showcasing the company's superior product line to on-site spectators and the millions of dedicated race fans watching on television.
 
"K&N Filters and Team Lucas have had an extensive relationship for many years," Fellman said. "Competitors using high-performance Lucas Oils need the high-performance air and oil filters engineered by K&N Filters. Spectators that walk through any Lucas Oil racing paddock will quickly notice how many top-notch competitors have K&N Filters affixed to their performance vehicles. We believe that speaks volumes when it comes to the quality of our products."
 
Bob Patison, Lucas Oil Executive Vice-President, said, "Be it dirt, asphalt or water; K&N Filters has lent support to Lucas Oil racing efforts from the very start. It is safe to say that K&N Filters has played a major role in the success of multiple Lucas Oil racing series, and have been equally influential in the success of many racers around the world for a very long time."

The FASTRAK Racing Series announced VP Racing Fuels will continue as Official Fuel of the FASTRAK Racing Series, including both the FASTRAK weekly series and touring series throughout the United States. The agreement designates VP as the preferred fuel for FASTRAK competitors and provides substantial VP brand exposure at race venues and across FASTRAK’s digital and social media platforms.


“VP Racing Fuels was the very first sponsor of FASTRAK," said Stan Lester, Founder and CEO of  FASTRAK. "Their continued support has allowed us to work together and VP now has what I personally think is the best fuel in crate racing today. It's nice to know I can recommend a product to one of our teams and feel comfortable that it will always perform well and consistent. I sincerely thank VP for their continued support and look forward to seeing our relationship continue for many years to come."
 
"We're pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with FASTRAK, the leading series in the crate late model segment," said Jim Kelly, VP’s Eastern Regional Manager-Race Fuel Sales. "Since the inception of crate racing, racers have turned to VP fuels for superior power and consistency with VP’s CHP blend dominating the segment for the last five years. Now with the recent introduction of new CHP+, racers accustomed to using oxygenated fuels will see even bigger power gains to optimize their performance. Just as CHP did when first introduced, we anticipate CHP+ will become the fuel of choice for crate late model racers for years to come.  For racers who like the standard 110-type fuels, our non-oxygenated C9 makes more power than the 110s and typically sells for about the same price.   
 
“With its legions of loyal racing fans, FASTRAK also will provide great exposure for VP’s growing roster of consumer products including ethanol-free VP Small Engine Fuel for 2- and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment and VP Madditive performance chemicals for gas and diesel engines,” Kelly added. “Fans will also learn more about the VP-branded gas stations and convenience stores that are sprouting across the U.S., most of which will be serving up not only VP’s consumer products but off-road race fuel blends in 5-gallon pails.”
 

TW Metals’ Government Business Unit (GBU) has been awarded a “Metals Prime Vendor” contract from Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support to provide a range of products including pipe and tube, bar and rods, wire, sheet, plate, extrusions angles, valves and fittings. 


The contract is for a five-year base period, and the projected revenue could exceed $20 million annually (maximum of $40 million). This award is a new contract for TW Metals.

Pat Able, General Manager, Government Business Unit (GBU) at TW Metals, said, “We are honored and pleased to be awarded the Southeast contract.  We are looking forward to serving and supporting the customers throughout the region.” 


The customers include military activities, other federal agencies, contractors performing under DoD contracts; including the Maintenance, Repair, Operations (MRO) contractors(s), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) contractor(s), Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) contractor(s), state Governments, Local Governments, and any other prime vendor/virtual prime vendor performing under a DoD contract with in the Southeast Region.  The Southeast Region is defined as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Dynabrade, Inc., an industrial abrasive power tool manufacturer, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the assets of National Detroit, Inc., located in Rockford, Illinois, a manufacturer of pneumatic abrasive power tools. Terms were not disclosed. Production operations will be relocated to Dynabrade’s Clarence, New York, headquarters.

Dynabrade President Ned Librock stated, “This acquisition is a natural fit for Dynabrade. National Detroit is a first-class company that shares our tradition and dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to our mutual customers. This acquisition reflects Dynabrade’s continued growth and momentum in the abrasive power tool industry as well our confidence in our overall brand strength in global markets.

“Dynabrade’s acquisition of National Detroit is significant because of its strategic importance for product line and distributor network expansion. Dynabrade’s strength in the marketplace combined with its existing customer base and industry contacts provide a strong foundation for significant revenue growth in the years ahead. We become an even stronger company.”

National Detroit’s product line includes random orbital and gear-driven sanders, buffers, polishers, grinders and related accessories serving customers in automotive, industrial, marine, solid surface and woodworking markets for 76 years.

For 46 years, Dynabrade has earned a reputation and position of continued leadership in the innovative design and manufacturing of unique portable abrasive power tools for grinding, deburring, filing, sanding. The company supplies high-quality tools to customers through a worldwide network of professional distributors.

Members of the Watkins Glen International team and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship driver Colin Braun traveled to the State capital this week to meet with legislators and open a New York State Motorsports Exhibit in the Empire State Plaza.



In a related move, both houses of the Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo acted on a joint Legislative Resolution to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as “Motorsports Appreciation Week” across The Empire State.



State Senator Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, sponsors of the bill, and co-sponsor Assemblyman Chris Friend, were joined by WGI representatives and Braun to help celebrate the contributions of motorsports to New York’s economy and culture.

During a legislative session, “The Glen” was highlighted for being home to the state’s largest sporting event, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in August, which attracts fans from all 50 states and 16 different countries.

As part of the exhibit in the Empire State Plaza’s indoor concourse, a 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry, 1999 NASCAR Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards Chevrolet Silverado (driven to victory at Watkins Glen International by Ron Fellows), Porsche Cayman, and a Utica-Rome Speedway Modified car will be on display until Thursday, April 30th.

“Motorsports Appreciation Week is a great example of the support that Watkins Glen International receives from New York State and Governor Andrew Cuomo,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “The exhibit housed in Empire State Plaza provides us with the opportunity to showcase The Glen, our events, and what attracts so many visitors to the Finger Lakes Region each year.” 



In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “We appreciate this opportunity to join our legislative colleagues to pay tribute to one of the world’s iconic sporting venues. Across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, we all take great pride in the fact that ‘The Glen’ has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International has long stood as a mainstay of our regional culture and economy. It’s one of New York State’s premier destinations, a backbone of our leading tourism industry, and a driving force for countless charitable, community service and economic development initiatives. Very simply, we’re fortunate to call Watkins Glen International one of our own.”

The half-mile Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, Minnesota, will host the OneMain Financial WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series for the first time in track and series history on Wednesday, June 17.

The OneMain Financial WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series will now include a three-night swing that kicks off in Fairmont on Wednesday night, then travel to Redwood Speedway in Redwood Falls, MN, on Thursday night and to Rapids Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa, on Friday night, making a fan- and driver-friendly, three-night tour.

Fairmont Raceway will celebrate its 50th year anniversary in 2015 and the WISSOTA Late Models will be a great attraction to the facility. The most recent Late Model event at Fairmont Raceway was in August 2004, when Menomonie, Wisconsin’s Jimmy Mars won a World Dirt Racing League event at the Southwestern Minnesota speed plant.

Fairmont’s season will kick off on May 1 and will run through September 3. For more information on the track, please log on to www.fairmontraceway.com.