The Mazerati Trofeo World Series will kick off its 2015 season in France on April 26 at Paul Ricard—a weekend that will also see the official test session run.

Round two will be contested at Spielberg, Austria, on May 24, and will see the circuit make its first Trofeo appearance. On June 28 comes another new track: Road America in the US. The Trofeo then makes a return to VIR–Danville, Va.

On October 25 the focus will shift to Asia, as the championship touches down in Suzuka, Japan, for the first time ever.

The program will begin with the Maserati Racing Academy on March 21-22 in Vallelunga (Italy) where new drivers will have the opportunity to train under professional instructors and drivers. Two separate classes based on the drivers’ ability are planned: beginners for those with no experience of competition and experienced for those with track know-how.

At the end of the course, participants will have the chance to take the test that allows entry into the Trofeo World Series (FIA Internazionale C).

There will be a competitive edge to the Racing Academy with the two top drivers awarded the chance to race, free of charge, at the season’s opening round (April 25-26 at Paul Ricard). The two winners will share the drive of a Maserati and will enjoy the support of an instructor during the entire weekend.

The main change this season will be to the race format, with adjustments made to level the playing field and add excitement. The three-race weekend, employed in 2013 and 2014, will switch to two 42’ races with no pit stop.

The sixth Maserati Trofeo World Series will begin in March. Another new feature will be the running of a 40’ pre-qualifying stint alongside the 60’ free practice session. The fastest ten competitors in pre-qualifying will drive in the 20’ Superpole (another change for 2015). The other drivers will fight it out for grid spots 13 and below in a separate 20’ workout; those who finish 11th and 12th in pre-qualifying will take part in Superpole to decide the grid order for Race 1.

The starting grid for Race 2 will be determined by inverting the finishing order of the first race with the other positions decided by the qualifying lap times. To wrap things up, a handicap will be added to the top three race finishers (50kg for the winner; 30kg for the second-placed driver and 10kg for the driver in third).

In 2015, the titles up for grabs will be the Overall Trofeo, the Single Driver Cup, Twin Drivers Cup, Trofeo Over-50, Pole Position Award and the Trofeo Under-30. Whoever takes the Trofeo Under-30 will be awarded a bonus that can be used during the 2016 Maserati sporting year.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo itself will be unchanged following the modifications ahead of the 2014 season.

Kansas City, Missouri-based WELD has committed over $125,000 in prize money for its 2015 NHRA contingency sponsorship program.

This year the company has added contingency sponsorship for the Top Fuel Dragster and Fuel Funny Car categories in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

In addition, WELD continues its contingency sponsorship of the Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster categories.

Competitors who use WELD wheels and display the brand’s decal on their race cars are eligible for contingency payouts in these NHRA classes.

WELD offers high-quality race wheels for dirt, oval and drag racing. Its wheels are engineered, produced, and tested at WELD’s facilities in Kansas City using only aircraft grade aluminum alloys and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

For more information, visit www.WELDwheels.com.

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has announced Shawn Meze as its new Spec E30 National Director. Meze has been the Spec E30 Series Director for the Southern California region since 2011, and will continue in that role. He replaces the Spec E30 series founder, Carter Hunt, as National Director.

Meze has been a member of NASA since 2005, and in that time has won the SoCal TTE Champion and placed 2nd in PTE at the NASA Championships in 2006. He currently competes in the Western Endurance Racing Championship.

In addition, Meze has been the assistant Time Trial, Performance Touring and Super Touring director for SoCal, in addition to being race director at four different NASA Championship Events.

For more information, visit www.nasaproracing.com.

The Schmidt family—Al, his wife Joelle and their son Greg—relies largely on their reputation, rather than a substantial advertising budget, to promote Paradigm Automotive & Performance of Brainerd, Minnesota. Friends telling friends creates repeat business, they believe.

They do, however, use social media to stay in touch with those customers and to promote sales. “We run specials on Facebook that we can target to specific people,” said Greg Schmidt, who manages the store’s social media campaigns.

By buying sponsored ads based on keywords, “we can advertise to men, women, certain age groups,” he said, explaining features that can be highly selective, such as targeting specific niches of road racers or drag racers, that significantly increase the cost-effectiveness of any marketing effort.

Paradigm Automotive & Performance also uses Facebook and Instagram to generate greater interest in the store, but Greg is quick to note that each is used differently and reaches a different audience. “I can throw up a picture faster on Instagram than I can on Facebook,” he said, “and I use it to show more personal stuff so customers can see what we’re doing.”

The focus on Facebook is less immediate and with a broader perspective on the sport. “Customers can follow us and see what’s going on in drag racing throughout Minnesota,” said Greg.

That also helps customers keep track of where the Schmidts will be on any given weekend. “If our customers know we will be in Fargo on a weekend, then they know they won’t have to haul their fuel tanks to the track,” said Al, offering an example of how the Facebook postings boost trackside business.

The Schmidts also have taken on the responsibility of promoting a local car show in Brainerd that they believe will be a valuable marketing project for Paradigm Automotive & Performance. “The guy who had been in charge of the show was a customer of ours,” explained Al.

After first asking for sponsorship help, he realized that organizing the show was more work than he thought. Schmidt jumped at the chance to take over the show, which in the past has filled downtown Brainerd with more than 100 cars.

“It brings in older guys with muscle cars, younger guys, and gets all the car clubs together,” he said. “It will get our name out there in front of our demographics,” which includes both street rodders and racers. It should increase business at a time when the economy is hitting a higher gear, Schmidt believes.

“Customers are now willing to spend more money on toys,” he observed. “They are not just sitting on their money.” As an example, he cites one of his recent restoration projects, an original 1964 Mustang. “A customer’s wife fell in love with it, so he bought it for her while he spent money on his own race car,” recalled Schmidt.

Running a car show will also add to Schmidt’s workload, as he recalled sleeping on a cot in the shop while putting in 18-hour days to get Paradigm Automotive & Performance off the ground. But as far as Schmidt is concerned, the show is just another opportunity to make friends. “I’m here on a lot of weekends anyway,” he said, adding that he gives customers his personal cell phone number and encourages them to use it.

“I don’t go on vacation,” Schmidt admitted. “When I’m at the race track, that’s when I’m on vacation.” And like anybody on vacation, he spends much of the time mingling with friends and trying to make new ones.
 
Read the entire Retailer Profile of Paradigm Automotive & Performance in February’s issue of Performance Racing Industry magazine online.

The start of the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours will be given on Saturday, June 13. Fifty-six cars will take part in the blue riband event on the FIA World Endurance calendar, the third round of the championship, divided up into four categories: 14 LM P1s (Le Mans Prototype 1) 20 LM P2s (Le Mans prototype 2), 9 LM GTE Pros and 13 LM GTE Ams.



In LM P1 the big news is the return of Nissan with three of its spectacular GTR-LM NISMOs. The car was presented last Sunday in the United States. Thus, the Renault-Nissan tandem will take on Audi, Porsche and Toyota in the battle for outright victory. It will be a German-Japanese duel with two German manufacturers up against two from the land of the rising sun, each one using a different technology, proof of the validity of the regulations introduced by the ACO in 2014. Completing the LM P1 field are three privately-entered cars from Rebellion Racing (2) and TeamByKolles. A total of six manufacturers will go head to head in LM P1.



Eight different makes of chassis will go at it hammer and tongs in LM P2 making up a field of 20 cars, once again the biggest in the race. Jota Sport, which will be back with an up-dated version of the winning car in 2014 (now called the Gibson 015S-Nissan), will have a tough job on its hands to repeat last year’s feat as it will be up against newcomers like the HPD ARX-O4bs and the Oreca 05s. Ligier, which made its Le Mans comeback in 2014, will be the best-represented make in the category with five cars.



Once again thrilling scraps will take place in LM GTE Pro and GTE Am. In GTE Pro Corvette, victorious in last month’s Daytona Rolex 24 Hours, is hoping to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, as the Italian make won the GTE Pro category in last year’s 24 Hours. Aston Martin and Porsche harbour the same ambitions.



In GTE Am Aston Martin will be out to achieve a repeat of its 2014 victory, but to do so the English make will have to fend off top teams like AF Corse, JMW Motorsport and SMP Racing. Back for the fourth time is American actor, Patrick Dempsey, at the wheel of a Porsche entered by the Dempsey Proton Racing team for the third year on the bounce.



Thus, the field for the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours breaks down into 34 prototypes and 22 GTs made by 17 different makes from the biggest car groups in the world, ranging from the competition versions of the most beautiful GT cars on the market to the best builders of racing chassis.



The 31 teams entered represent 13 different nationalities and the highest numbers of cars come from Germany (11), Great Britain and the United States (9), Japan (6) and Russia, Italy and France (5) respectively further proof of the incredible appeal of the race.



The list of reserves comprises seven teams combining LM Ps and LM GTEs, which will be allowed to race in the order on the list should there be any withdrawals.



During this press conference the Automobile Club de l’Ouest also unveiled a couple of vital communications tools, the 2015 Le Mans 24-Hours poster and the advertisement which will be used in the buildup to the 83rd event on June 13–14.



Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Once again the field for the Le Mans 24 Hours consists of fifty-six top-quality cars. We’re delighted to welcome a new manufacturer with the arrival of Nissan, which is proof of the immense appeal of our event for the major motor car manufacturers. Viewing things from a wider perspective, the fact that we have teams from thirteen different nationalities again shows the international appeal of our race. We’re very proud that the major countries in the motor industry and car culture in general provide the highest number of representatives, and it confirms yet again the link between our race, the car industry and the everyday motorist’s car of tomorrow.”



Vincent Beaumesnil, Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s Sport Manager: “Every year the selection committee for the Le Mans 24 Hours is finding it increasingly difficult to establish the list of entries. Things are really looking up in the prototype categories with more top-level teams arriving. In GTE Pro the quality of the manufacturers entered guarantees yet another incredibly closely-fought race, and in GTE Am the overall high level of preparation and involvement is very impressive. From a technical and sporting point of view we’re expecting to see a level never before achieved: it’s going to be a great race.”

El Paso Motorplex is joining the NHRA Member Track Network. Built in 2008, El Paso Motorplex will become a member of the NHRA South Central Division. The track is located on the western edge of the South Central Division borders of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. The facility will host several new and exciting NHRA programs for 2015 and beyond.

“The El Paso Motorplex racers are the big winners by the track switching to the NHRA Member Track family,” said Trey Capps, NHRA South Central Division director. “With the extensive list of programs offered to the NHRA Member Tracks, it only adds more prestige to the events for the racers.”

As an NHRA-sanctioned track, the facility will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally, the track has the opportunity to host NHRA’s specialty events, including the National DRAGSTER Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge. 

“El Paso Motorplex is proud to become one of NHRA’s newest tracks,” said Jay Byrum, El Paso Motorplex general manager. “We believe the NHRA will help expand racing for the racer and spectators in El Paso and the Southwest.”

El Paso Motorplex is an all-concrete quarter-mile drag racing facility. With scheduled eighth-mile and quarter-mile events there is something for every fan and racer. In addition to having a quarter-mile of concrete for drag racing events, El Paso Motorplex also is home to the area’s best Sand Drags Drag Racing facility. With a seating capacity of more than 2500 for spectators, there is not a bad seat in the house. The facility boasts a new restroom and full service concessions stand building as well. El Paso Motorplex is one of the most fan and family friendly venues in the Southwest.

The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, will serve as the host site for the second round of the 2015 Honda .25 Midget Pavement National Championship. The event in Austin will make up the first step in the “Texas Two Step.” .25 Midgets will be in action again the following weekend in San Antonio at the Lone Star Grand Prix.
 
The River City club of Austin, working with local sponsors to secure this great venue, have announced that participants will compete on a temporary course similar to the one constructed each year in Indianapolis for the “Battle at the Brickyard.”
 
“We are extremely excited about this opportunity for our Honda .25 Midgets to showcase their talents at this world-class state-of-the art facility,” says USAC’s Kyle McCain. “It provides a spectacular setting for what promises to be a memorable event.”
 
Participant load-in is set to be at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. RV hookups will also be available onsite as well as 24/7 security.
 
Additional details regarding this event will be posted in the coming weeks and will be available online at www.austinquartermidgets.com and www.usacracing.com.
 

IMCA will administer all six of the current divisions running at Minnesota race tracks Princeton Speedway in Princeton and North Central Speedway in Brainerd this season.

IMCA will tabulate points and pay out point funds, and all classes will use IMCA procedures at regular weekly programs.

“We want all of the racers at these two historic Minnesota tracks to know that they will be competing with a national sanctioning body behind them in the upcoming season,” said IMCA President Brett Root.

“We are excited about working with owner Cliff Sasker and general managers K.T. Torbart and Mary Beth Cripe in 2015,” Root added. “They have shown that they are committed to the racers and fans in the region and we are honored to play a role in their long term plans.”

Princeton runs on Fridays and North Central on Saturdays.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announced that Sunoco Race Fuels has signed a new three year agreement as the "Official Fuel" of the LOLMDS, beginning in 2015. Sunoco has been the fuel of choice for the LOLMDS champion the past three years with Martinsville, Indiana, driver Don O'Neal (2014) and Newport, Tennessee, driver Jimmy Owens (2012, 2013), both winning the series championship using Sunoco.  

"We are extremely honored to have Sunoco Race Fuels as an 'Official' partner with the LOLMDS. The Sunoco brand has been an icon in our sport for many years and to be associated with their world class company and everyone that works there is a real privilege," stated Ritchie Lewis, Director, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
 
As the "Official Fuel" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Sunoco Race Fuels will provide additional cash bonuses for racers using Sunoco exclusively under the Sunoco Race for Gas program. Sunoco will also pay out cash awards under the Sunoco Road to Wheatland Loyalty program for drivers that followed the series in 2014. Sunoco will also post a cash bonus to a driver that wins the Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 using Sunoco Race Fuels.
 
In addition to the several Sunoco sponsored programs, Sunoco will again be the title sponsor of the $50,000 to win Sunoco North/South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky. This LOLMDS crown jewel event will take place on August 7–8 and has been a mainstay on the series schedule for the past four years with Sunoco as the title sponsor. This mega event has become one of the "must attend" events of the year for both racers and fans alike.
 
"We are very pleased to continue our relationship with the premier national touring dirt late model series in the country, not only as the 'Official Fuel' of the Series, but as the sponsor of several programs, including the crown jewel Sunoco North/South 100, held in Kentucky every year. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series continues to grow and provides great professionally run events for both racers and promoters alike. Everyone at Lucas Oil has been a pleasure to work with, from the staff, the drivers and all the tracks we support," stated Terry Thompson, National Sales Manger for Sunoco Race Fuels.
 

The city of Moscow will host round nine of the inaugural season of FIA Formula E Championship on June 6.

FIA President Jean Todt, together with Executive Director of the Russian Automobile Federation Sergey Ivanov, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag and the Chairman of FEH Russia Valentin Buhtoyarov, announced the event during a press conference held Tuesday morning at the Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel.

The Moscow ePrix will take place on a 13-turn street circuit adjacent to the Kremlin. It will be round nine of the new series, with the season finale remaining as the London ePrix on June 27, 2015.

“Russia’s presence in motorsport dates back to the beginning of the 20th Century but the growth rate which we’ve seen in the last few years is incredible,” said Todt. “After the debut of WTCC two years ago and of Formula One last year, the launch of another FIA Championship in the country is an important milestone in this growth path. Formula E represents a new form of racing and entertainment as it’s aimed to attract and engage not only motorsport fans but also a new audience and in particular the younger generations. It fits perfectly in the FIA’s traditional role as a leading promoter of innovation, technology and performance in the automotive sector. I am sure that Moscow will enjoy the event.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming Moscow onto the 2014/2015 Formula E calendar as our 10th host city,” said Agag. “Russian people have always welcomed with passion and enthusiasm international events and we are sure it will be the same with the Moscow ePrix. Russia’s automotive market is steadily growing, as is its electric vehicle industry and I am confident that Formula E will help to promote the concept of sustainable mobility in this country. As with our previous races, we have no doubt the Moscow ePrix is going to be a fantastic spectacle for teams, drivers and fans.”

As a result of the new Moscow race, the date for the eighth round of the series—the Berlin ePrix—has been moved forward by one week and will now take place on May 23.