NASCAR unveiled modifications to the qualifying format taking place at superspeedways across all three national series. The updated format will take effect at Talladega Superspeedway’s May 1–3 spring weekend event featuring the GEICO 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Winn-Dixie 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series.
 
Qualifying for the GEICO 500 and Winn-Dixie 300 will consist of the following:

• Two rounds of qualifying, with the top-12 posted lap speeds advancing to the second round

• Race vehicles taking one, timed lap in each round of qualifying

• Each race vehicle will be released in a predetermined timed interval as determined by NASCAR, with the sanctioning body reserving the right to have more than one vehicle engaging in qualifying runs at the same time

• Qualifying order for the first round will be determined by a random draw; final round qualifying order is determined by slowest to fastest speeds from the first round

• A 10-minute break will occur between the first qualifying round and the final round

• Upon completion of the first qualifying round, the field will be set with positions 13 and beyond determined from first round qualifying speed

• The 12 fastest vehicles from the first round will have their speeds reset for the final round with starting positions 1-12 determined by the fastest laps in the final round

•  NASCAR will impound race vehicles following each qualifying lap; vehicles advancing to the final round will be allowed to adjust tape and utilize a cool-down unit during the 10-minute break only
 
Qualifying will air live on FOX at Noon CST. Both the Winn Dixie 300 and GEICO 500 races will air live on FOX on May 2 (2 p.m. CST) and May 3 (Noon CST), respectively. Fans can save $10 off pricing on single-day GEICO 500 tickets until this Friday, April 3.
 
“We are set for another incredible weekend at Talladega,” said track Chairman Grant Lynch. “For more than 25 years, we have had different body style configurations of the cars and different sized restrictor plates but one thing has remained constant: The competition on the race track has been as good as anywhere in the world. That is why we continue to hold the records for number of lead changes (88) and most drivers to ever lead laps (29).
 
“We anticipate once again when they cut ‘em loose on May 2 for the Winn-Dixie 300 and May 3 for the GEICO 500, we will see the same type of racing that the drivers can only provide at one place in the world - and that is Talladega Superspeedway.”
 
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will utilize the new format for the first time when the series returns to Talladega Superspeedway for the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola, along with the Sprint Cup Series’ Alabama 500, October 23-25. The new format will also be used during the July events at Daytona International Speedway.

WC Vision President and CEO Scott Bove announced that the Pirelli World Challenge Championships series will be joined by the European-based Blancpain GT Series for the 2016 season opener at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
 
This global premiere of North America's top production car-based sprint racing championships and the SRO Motorsports-owned International Blancpain tour will take place at the state-of-the-art 3.427-mile, 20-turn circuit on March 4-6, 2016.
 
This action-packed event will mark the first time that the two premiere production car-based sports car series will compete on the same weekend giving the fans in attendance and viewers at home world-class racing never seen on the same event weekend. In addition, this partnership invites the Pirelli World Challenge Championships to compete at a Blancpain GT Series event weekend in Italy in 2016, marking the first time the PWC series will compete outside North America in its 26-year history.
 
"The Pirelli World Challenge and Blancpain GT Series share similar desires to expand their product outside their existing markets," said Bove. "Pirelli is the common denominator being the Official Tire for both series. PWC has developed a strong worldwide presence with international drivers, teams and manufacturers competing in our series. It's now time to take our brand of racing to the global stage as a true World Challenge."
 
"For 2015, the top three GT drivers in the PWC GT Championships will be invited to participate in the Blancpain GT Series finale at Baku. And then for 2016, we open our season again at Circuit of the Americas with the Blancpain GT Series. Towards the end of 2016, our GT class will be competing at one SRO Blancpain Sprint race either at Misano or Vallelunga."
 
"Getting an American circuit on the Blancpain GT Series' calendar has always been one of my pet projects," said Stephane Ratel, CEO and Founder SRO Motorsports Group. "The best way to do that is to work together with people who know the ins and outs of racing in the United States. The organizers of the Pirelli World Challenge and the people at SRO Motorsports Group share the same philosophy on GT racing: it should be competitive, spectacular and entertaining for the fans. It is no use for each of us to do our own thing in our own corner, when sharing our knowledge could produce far better results."
 
Both North American and international sports car series exclusively utilize Pirelli tires. Pirelli & C. SpA, established in 1922, is a multinational company based in Milan, Italy and is present in over 160 countries. Pirelli has 19 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers. Pirelli has been involved in motorsports since 1907 and is currently the exclusive tire supplier for the Formula One Championship.
 
"We couldn't be happier to see this relationship come together," said Rafael Navarro, Vice President, Communications, Media Relations and Motorsports, Pirelli Tire North America. "Pirelli has a very close relationship with both SRO and WC Vision and the P Zero tire is the official tire for both series. From a technical development and worldwide marketing standpoint, the cooperation between the two series makes perfect sense, and Pirelli is excited be involved as a major partner."
 
Competition in the Pirelli World Challenge and the Blancpain GT Series is some of the most exciting and dramatic in all of motorsports with over 20 manufacturers battling door-to-door in multi-class action at some of the world's most famous and legendary racing facilities.
 
The global doubleheader at COTA on March 4-6, 2016 will bring a global sports car presence to one site that will promise to supply non-stop action for the racing enthusiasts and worldwide television viewing audience.

IRG Sports + Entertainment and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) have announced that U.S. 13 Dragway, located in Delmar, Delaware, has signed a sanctioning agreement to join the IHRA as a member track.
 
Constructed in 1963, U.S. 13 Dragway is one of the country’s longest-running tracks. U.S. 13 Dragway was constructed by the Cathell family, sole owner-operators of the facility throughout its 52-year history. U.S. 13 Dragway currently is managed by the founders’ son, Charles Cathell. The historic quarter-mile drag strip near the Delaware-Maryland border is part of a 155-acre motorsports complex that also is home to a dirt oval track and go-kart racing facility.
 
“We are pleased to welcome the Cathells and the revered U.S. 13 Dragway to our growing IHRA family,” said IHRA President Scott Gardner. “U.S. 13 Dragway is one of the most respected tracks in the country and we are impressed by their efforts to maintain a friendly atmosphere toward racers and fans alike.”
 
“We decided to join IHRA because we perceive it as being easier to work with new customers—racers—coming in,” said Cathell. “My parents built the track in 1963 and since its inception there have been growing pains. But we do not own another business. Our only income comes from the drag strip, speedway and go-kart facility. This is not a hobby for us. The family, staff racers and fans are excited for this new partnership with the IHRA.”
 
While the track was born during drag racing’s golden age, Cathell says its biggest moment in its 52-year history was the U.S. 13 Dragway 50th anniversary celebration.
 
“It was a real tribute to my parents,” said Cathell. “It was the largest crowd we’ve ever had. This family-owned-and-operated business is proud to acknowledge that over the 52 years we have witnessed more than three generations of fans and racers coming out to support the facility.”
 
For more information on U.S. 13 Dragway, please call (302) 846-3911 visit www.delawareracing.com.

TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL, the nation’s premiere short-course, off-road racing series, announced VP Racing Fuels as its Official Fuel for the 2015 season. TORC competitors will be powered by VP’s high-performance racing fuels beginning with the April 24–25 season opener at Texas Motor Speedway near Dallas.
 
“After a successful inaugural season last year, we’re excited to extend our partnership with TORC and work with BJ Birtwell to continue executing his vision and growing the series,” said Chris Wall, VP’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The TORC series provides a unique opportunity to build awareness for VP Racing Fuels and our growing roster of consumer products, as well as the VP-branded gas stations that are part of our retail branding initiative."

As the Official Fuel of TORC, VP will provide trackside fuel service at each event, which will include an online pre-order procedure to provide for convenient delivery of specific fuels to teams at the track. VP will gain extensive brand visibility through media exposure including television, radio, print, digital and social media as well as track signage at TORC events.
 
“TORC is thrilled to continue its partnership with VP Racing Fuels,” said TORC Series President, BJ Birtwell. “They power championship winning race vehicles all over the world in virtually every kind of motorsport. We’re looking forward to working with them to drive awareness and consideration for their products, gas stations and convenience stores.”
 
The full 2015 TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL season schedule is as follows:
 
April 24-25:       Dallas, TX (Texas Motor Speedway)

May 16-17:        St Louis, MO (Gateway Motorsports Park)

June 18-19:       Chicago, IL (Chicagoland Raceway / Route 66)

June 27-28:       Crandon, WI (Crandon Int’l Raceway)

July 10-11:        Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track)

Aug 4-5:            Sturgis, SD (Buffalo Chip Motorsports Complex)

Aug 15-16:        Bark River, MI (Bark River International Raceway)

Sept 5-6:           Crandon, WI (Crandon Int’l Raceway)

Steve Oseth was named Vice President and General Manager of SCCA Pro Racing, assigned with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the for-profit subsidiary of the Sports Car Club of America.

Oseth will manage the staff and Pro Racing activities from the Topeka office, including the sanctioning of the Pirelli World Challenge, Trans Am Championship and Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires.

Oseth comes to SCCA Pro Racing from AWRS International, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he owned the Nashville-area franchise of the automotive wheel sales and repair company. Prior to that, Oseth was the Founding President of Castle Concrete Corp., managing a company of more than 80 employees.

He is a three-time SCCA Club Racing National Champion, winning the Runoffs three times—in 2003, 2006 and 2007, all in the Formula Vee class. Oseth is currently one of the Series Tech Coordinators for the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned F2000 and F1600 Championship Series.

“We’re looking forward to having Steve’s experience and knowledge, both of motorsports and the business world, in house at SCCA Pro Racing,” Robert Clarke, SCCA Pro Racing President, said. “Steve will manage both our in-house and event staff, and work closely with each of the series that we currently sanction to give them all the support that we can provide.”

Oseth will begin in the new role immediately, and will soon relocate to Topeka from his Nashville-area home.

“I am excited about this appointment and the challenges it presents,” Oseth said. “I have been a member of SCCA for 36 years and now having the opportunity to work with the people and organization that has been such an important part of my life is really extraordinary.”

The Trans Am Race Company has released a full slate of additional broadcast dates on CBS Sports Network for the 2015 Trans Am Championship, with eight races at five locations over the course of the year.

In addition to the originally planned six-event broadcast, Trans Am’s TA2 class will receive three independent broadcasts and races at the Road Atlanta, Lime Rock Park and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course events.

“We’ve seen remarkable growth in TA2 yet again this year,” said John Clagett, president of the Trans Am Race Company. “When you pair that with the growth of the Series overall, it can make for some extremely full racetracks. It’s the opinion of TARC that we take advantage of this growth and give TA2 a chance to shine on its own, allowing Trans Am to hold multiple races over the course of the weekend. It’s better racing for our drivers and more action for the fans. In turn, we have the opportunity to give TA2 their own broadcast at those locations as well, giving fans at home a double dose of Trans Am as well.”

The trend of independent class races is one that Trans Am expects to see continued as the Series continues to grow into the future.

“Our opener at Sebring saw 74 cars entered,” said Clagett. “Round 2 at Homestead-Miami has 70 so far. We’re working towards the potential of a full Trans Am weekend, with multiple races for multiple classes— it provides more value for our drivers, promoters, partners and fans. As opportunities present themselves, we’ll continue to address them, but the future of Trans Am is looking brighter and brighter every day.”

The eight-event broadcast schedule on CBS Sports Network includes only the broadcast’s one-hour premier at this time, each event will have at least one replay to be announced at a later date.

Trans Am Championship Television Schedule & Details:

1) SATURDAY MAY 23, 12 p.m.

FOAMETIX 100-ROAD ATLANTA, Georgia

Round 3 of the 2015 season in the Trans Am Championship, featuring TA and TA3 classes

2) SATURDAY, MAY 30, 12 p.m.

FOAMETIX MUSCLE CAR CHALLENGE-ROAD ATLANTA, Georgia

Round 3, 2015 Season, Trans Am Championship, TA2, featuring Mustang, Camaro, Challenger

3) SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 12 p.m.

NEXT DIMENSION 100-LIME ROCK, Connecticut

Leg 1 of the 3-Dimensional Services Triple Shot Showdown

Round 4, 2015 season, Trans Am Championship featuring TA and TA3 classes

4) SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 12 p.m.

3-DIMENSIONAL SERVICES MUSCLE CAR CHALLENGE-LIME ROCK, Connecticut

Leg 1 of the 3-Dimensional Services Triple Shot Showdown

Round 4, 2015 season, Trans Am Championship, TA2,featuring Mustang, Camaro, Challenger

5) SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 12 p.m.

NEXT DIMENSION 100-MID OHIO SPORTS COURSE, Ohio

Leg 2 of the 3-Dimensional Services Triple Shot Showdown

Round 7, 2015 season, Trans Am Championship featuring TA, TA3 classes

6) SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 10 a.m.

FIRST ENERGY MUSCLE CAR CHALLENGE-MID OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE, Ohio

Leg 2 of the 3-Dimensional Services Triple Shot Showdown

Round 7, 2015 season, Trans Am Championship, TA2, featuring Mustang, Camaro, Challenger

7) SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 10 a.m.

NEXT DIMENSION 100-ROAD AMERICA, Wisconsin

Leg 3 of the 3-Dimensional Services Triple Shot Showdown

Round 8, 2015 season, Trans Am Championship featuring TA, TA2, TA3 classes

8) SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 1 p.m.

FOAMETIX 100-DAYTONA INT’L SPEEDWAY, Florida

2015 Championship Round 12, Trans Am Championships on the line in TA, TA2, TA3 classes

Elisabeth Flannagan, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, and Elizabeth Wildenberg, of Menasha, Wisconsin, were named as the two winners of the Wendi Allen Scholarship for the 2015 Solo season.

The two drivers were nominated by the general membership, with the award presented by a committee of well-respected female SCCA autocrossers.

In its second year awarded, the scholarship provides financial support to offset travel costs to National Solo events. In addition, the Club will waive entry fees to National events for these two drivers and work with the Solo community, and its commercial partners, to seek out other forms of support for the winners. This includes, but it not limited to, driver training, mentoring, product support and logistical assistance.

The award is given to two female soloists who not only display a high level of driving talent, but also a deep involvement in the Solo Community.

Flannagan, who works as a therapist for children in foster care, said she has been able to get some good behind-the-wheel experience near her home. Additionally, she will be using the scholarship funds to make sure she is at the Tire Rack National Championships, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“I haven’t been able to stop smiling since I was notified that I won,” Flannagan said. “It’s the biggest honor I have ever received in my life. To be recognized by these women is truly amazing.

“The Philadelphia region is the best place to be an autocrosser. There are so many opportunities happening throughout the summer months. In fact, I knew that the ProSolo event at MetLife Stadium was going to fill up fast. So just after the event opened, I had to run out to my car in the middle of a ballet class just to make sure I got entered.”

Wildenberg, a student in the occupational therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, was equally happy to have the opportunity to compete in an expanded role with the help of the scholarship funds.

“It feels amazing to be recognized like this,” Wildenberg said. “When I was first told about it, I honestly thought it many have been someone playing a joke on me.

“By winning this scholarship, I can attend a lot more events this season than I would have been able to do otherwise. I have already made plans to go to Wilmington (Ohio) for the ProSolo event, in addition to the mid-season visit to Lincoln (Nebraska) for the Championship Tour and ProSolo events. This will also be my first time going to Nationals. To say the least, I am really excited.”

The selection committee is made up of several influential female Solo National Champions. The committee includes Denise Cashmore, Tara Johns, Beth McClure-Strelnieks, Shelly Monfort and Patty Tunnell.

“Both of these women are dedicated members to their local regions,” Johns, the chairperson for the selection committee, said. “They also show promise and dedication to becoming extraordinary competitors. We are hopeful that both ladies will benefit from the scholarship and use this opportunity to thrive in our sport. We look forward to seeing them both compete on a national level this year.”

“We appreciate all of the nominations we received this year,” Howard Duncan, Senior Director of Rally/Solo, said. “It made the Selection Committee’s job challenging, but they chose two great recipients. We look forward to working with them during the 2015 Tire Rack National Solo season, and beyond.”

The scholarship was developed as a wish of Wendi Allen, a Solo National Champion in her own right, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. In November of 2014, Allen lost her battle to the disease, while the scholarship in her name endures as a legacy of promoting female achievement in the male-dominated arena of motorsports.

Memphis International Raceway (MIR) announced the addition of Tony Lofton and Jessica Howe as the facility's new sales team.
 
"There are a lot of exciting things going on here at Memphis International Raceway and Tony and Jessica are a big part of that equation," said MIR VP and GM Pam Kendrick. "They are going to be our boots on the ground in the Mid-South business community.
 
"I'm confident they will strengthen the partnerships we have and show new partners the many advantages of a relationship with this track."
 
Lofton takes over as MIR's Director of Corporate Partnerships. He is a native Memphian who graduated from Ridgeway High and attended Memphis State University before moving to Philadelphia.
 
While in Philadelphia, Lofton earned 20 years of sales experience and spent 10 years in the automotive industry. He also has experience managing a Sprint Car team.  
 
"I'm honored to be a part of the MIR family, especially the rebirth of the Dirt Track," Lofton said. "I'm looking forward to working with new and existing corporate partners who share our passion for burning rubber, high horsepower and flying dirt. The future is bright for Memphis and Mid-South racing and I'm happy to be in the middle of it."
 
Howe joins MIR as a sales representative who will focus on local business partnerships. She is also a native Memphian who graduated from Houston High and attended Southwest Tennessee Community College.
 
Howe brings seven years of experience in the automotive industry to MIR including experience with Advance Muffler & Auto's Director of Marketing and Advertising where she was the creator, ambassador and promotional manager for Advance Muffler's 2015 calendar. She also works in several capacities at Minglewood Hall in Midtown.  
 
"I'm beyond ecstatic on becoming a part of the MIR team," Howe said. "I'm looking forward to see what the future holds. I've got a lot of creative plans to bring the excitement and passion of racing to businesses across the Memphis area."
 
Both Lofton and Howe start immediately.

The WELD-sponsored Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center Team recorded the fastest time at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge program regional event, held March 20-22 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth. The team of five high school students from Choctaw, Oklahoma, competed against the clock in a total engine rebuild and took first place with a time of 22 minutes. The event was held in conjunction with the Goodguys Lone Star Nationals.

As a result of the team’s strong showing they have qualified for the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual Championship. Qualifying teams will face off at one of the two top industry trade shows—SEMA in Las Vegas, Nevada, or PRI in Indianapolis, Indiana. The top two teams from the SEMA Show in November will take on the top two teams from PRI in December in the finale to crown the 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. To qualify for the dual championship, teams must complete a total engine rebuild in less than 35 minutes.

“We congratulate the students from Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center and their instructor, Jim LaFevers, for the success they have achieved so far in the competition,” said Norm Young, president CEO of WELD. “We are excited to support programs like this that encourage the youth of tomorrow to join the automotive industry.”

WELD will assist the team from Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center with travel expenses to the event.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow is a nationwide high school engine building competition that challenges youth to pursue an automotive career. WELD has been a sponsor of the organization since 2013. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

Television viewership on ESPN/ESPN2 and event attendance for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continue to increase in 2015 after a year-over-year increase in 2014.

Television viewership for the season-opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals, the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals was up 30 percent overall for Sunday’s eliminations shows and 50 percent for Saturday’s qualifying shows.

The trend continues to build on positive television viewership numbers that the NHRA Mello Yello Series saw in 2014. Bolstered by three live shows, Sunday’s eliminations shows in 2014 were up by 9 percent over the previous year.

In what should provide another sizeable boost to those viewership numbers, five Sunday eliminations programs will air live in 2015, with three on ESPN and two on ESPN2. The first live eliminations show will be this weekend’s Four-Wide NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. Other live eliminations shows are set for Houston, Bristol, Norwalk and Chicago.

“We’re thrilled with our viewership gains in 2014 and the strong television performance we’re seeing for the start of the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello season,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “With compelling action on the track and the addition of more live programming scheduled for this season we look forward to that trend continuing.”

In addition, ESPN2 will air a live qualifying show from the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas on April 11, which also will include live coverage of the K&N Horsepower Challenge, a bonus race for qualified Pro Stock teams.

Attendance at NHRA Mello Yello Series events continues to rise as well. Following a three-year trend that started in 2012, attendance is continuing to experience growth in 2015, as each of the first three races produced attendance increases.