NASCAR announced it has promoted five leaders in its Daytona Beach, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, offices to Vice President, in recognition of their various achievements and leadership roles in key business units.
 
The five promoted include: David Higdon, Integrated Marketing Communications (Daytona Beach); Cory Posocco, NASCAR Events Group (Daytona Beach); Chad Seigler, Team Marketing Services (Charlotte); Colin Smith, NASCAR Digital Media (Charlotte); and Tshneka Tate, Legal (Charlotte).
 
“We have developed a very strong and deep leadership team that has provided expertise and strong results during a period of unique challenge and opportunity for our industry,” said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and chief executive officer. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated success in driving key initiatives across NASCAR and now become part of an overall leadership group that has us well positioned for the future.”
 
David Higdon, Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communications – Since joining NASCAR in 2011, Higdon has overseen several divisions within IMC and led numerous marketing communications campaigns and public affairs initiatives for the company and industry. He has also played a lead role in crisis communications and provided senior communications counsel and leadership during the creation of IMSA, which unified sports car racing in America, and through its inaugural season in 2014.
 
Cory Posocco, Vice President, NASCAR Events Group – After beginning his career as Stafford Speedway’s marketing / public relations director and special events coordinator, Posocco joined NASCAR in 2000. Since then he has steadily taken on greater roles in orchestrating special events, including NASCAR’s annual Sprint Cup Series Awards show, Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and countless other events at every level of NASCAR racing.
 
Chad Seigler, Vice President, Team Marketing Services – As a senior leader who helped create the Industry Services function at NASCAR, Seigler currently oversees Team Marketing Services which helps drive sponsorship sales for race teams at all three national series levels and ensures the deployment of broad NASCAR resources to support various team initiatives. He joined NASCAR in 2007 after two years at Nextel and five seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
 
Colin Smith, Vice President, NASCAR Digital Media – Joining NASCAR in 2012 after 14 years in various roles focused on college sports at RAYCOM, Smith has overseen the dramatic growth of NASCAR’s digital platform including NASCAR.com and a suite of touted mobile applications. He plays a key role driving integration of the digital portfolio with NASCAR’s broadcast partners, various NASCAR departments and the broader industry, as well as content distribution through various channels.
 
Tshneka Tate, Vice President, Senior Assistant General Counsel – A member of NASCAR’s legal team since 2000, Tate has risen to become senior in-house counsel with oversight of all legal issues for NASCAR Media Group, NASCAR Productions and NASCAR Digital Media. Recently, she played a key role in new rights agreements with FOX, NBC, IMG and was lead counsel on the transition of digital rights from Turner Sports back to NASCAR in 2012. Before joining NASCAR, Tate worked in the Maryland Attorney General’s office.

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) unveiled during the recent PRI Trade Show a new prototype series, called the NASA Prototype series (NP), that will debut in fall 2015. 

The NP series is a collaborative effort between NASA, Élan Technologies, and Toyo Tires that will feature an all-new affordable prototype racing car called the NP01. The goal of the NP series is to give rise to an affordable prototype class.
 
NASA partnered with Élan Technologies to design and construct the NP01. Élan will build each NP01to order and ship them either as an easily assembled kit or completed vehicle per the customer’s request. With an introductory complete kit price of just $59,995, the affordable new prototype will feature a closed cockpit design for increased driver protection. The NP01 weighs just 1550 pounds and boasts an estimated top speed of 155 mph. The NP01 will be powered by a sealed 185-horsepower, two-liter Mazda power plant mated to a six-speed sequential transmission.
 
Each NP01 will be equipped with a set of Toyo Proxes RR tires.  These symmetric 2-groove DOT competition tires come off the shelf in race-ready condition with a 4/32nds depth tread and wear inspection holes—no shaving is required.
 
“The NP Series will feature a brand new spec prototype chassis designed specifically around the goals that make NASA competition so attractive to competitors – easy access to local racing with the chance to compete for a season ending class championship,” said Ryan Flaherty, NASA National Chairman. “The NP Series will offer something unique in all of motorsports: the opportunity to race a prototype style vehicle designed from the ground up to be fast, fun, safe, and most importantly affordable. This new series is exclusive to NASA. Drivers will be able to compete at over 150 NASA sanctioned events nationwide. The series will visit many of the country’s greatest racing venues with the opportunity to run for a NASA Championship crown at either Virginia International Raceway or Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The NP01 will feature an innovative rules package focused on performance, affordability, cost containment, and driving ability.”
 
“Toyo Tires and NASA have enjoyed a long and successful partnership, and we are excited to work closely with the talented team at Élan Technologies on this new endeavor,” said Marc Sanzenbacher, senior manager, Competition Performance Products Division, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “The Toyo Proxes RR has proven to be in a league of its own when it comes to balancing the ultimate in performance with consistent lap times and a long life.  These are all factors that make it the natural choice for affordable road racing such as this new spec series.”
 
“The power-to-weight-ratio will make quick work of any straightaway before approaching the corner where drivers will appreciate the downforce produced by the front splitter, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing,” said Mark Sanderson of Élan Technologies. "The NP01 will run on spec Toyo Proxes RR competition tires to further equal the field and accentuate driver ability as well as help to keep costs in check.”
 
The NP01 is specifically designed around the idea that it must be fast, safe, reliable and easy to maintain. Élan Technologies utilized a component design approach for the bodywork that consists of fenders, engine cover and front hood sections as individual pieces. If one of the pieces is damaged, for example a small fender, it is easier and more cost effective to replace it than an entire front nose piece. Much of the hardware on the car has been standardized to simplify maintenance as well. This translates into cost savings that all competitors will really appreciate.
 
John Doonan, Director of Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations, weighed in: “NASA has outdone itself again. Through innovation and a clear vision to provide the grassroots community with competitive, safe, and affordable racing, NASA’s Prototype series will be a place for many to test their mettle. We are humbled by and proud of NASA’s decision to power these race cars with Mazda engines as reliability and performance are at the core of our technology.”

“I’m very excited about this new NP Series” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA Director of Business Development. “It is truly unique and innovative in the world of motorsports. Most racing drivers only dream of piloting a professionally built prototype and this new series will provide everyone that opportunity at a truly affordable price point. I would even go as far as to say that this vehicle will likely be the cheapest to purchase and operate factory prepared purpose built race car on the planet. I can’t wait to see what the NASA membership thinks of this new offering. Working with Élan Technologies on this project has been a privilege. They have established themselves in the motorsports community as one of the premier chassis manufacturers. The level of professionalism and experience they bring really solidifies this program ensuring competitors will be provided a very high quality race car they can compete in for years to come.”

Millers Oils, Ltd. and its North American distributor, Performance Racing Oils, announce their 2015 ALL Racer Sponsorship Program, whereby any US-based racer competing in an event run by a sanctioning body that publishes results is eligible.  

Sponsored racers will receive 50 percent off all racing and select road use products.  

Go to www.performanceracingoils.com/racer for details.

Diana Brennan, who has been a member of the Sonoma Raceway Media Relations department since 1999, has been promoted to Vice President of Media and Community Relations.
 
In her new position, Brennan will continue her management role in the department, overseeing all media events and communications, as well as the facility's community initiatives and the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.
 
“Diana has grown to become one of the top professionals in our industry,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “Her contributions extend well beyond directing our media and community relations department. Her vision, perspective and work ethic have allowed her to assume a leadership position among the raceway staff and management team.”
 
Brennan, 35, has worked full-time in the media relations department at Sonoma Raceway since 2001, most recently as Senior Director of Media and Community Relations. Brennan was first hired as an intern in 1999.
 
During her tenure, Brennan has played an integral role in elevating Sonoma Raceway’s visibility at both the local and national levels. She has developed new and creative media initiatives, as well as some of the raceway’s most successful community events.
 
Brennan graduated from the University of the Pacific in 2001 with a degree in Communication. She is a native of San Ramon in the East Bay and currently resides in Benicia.
 

The Precision Turbo & Engine (PTE) 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Mod driven by Don Walsh, Jr. is working with Brisk USA to test their Brisk Silver Racing spark plugs.

Team owner and PTE President Harry Hruska is pleased with the car’s performance since testing with the Brisk Silver Racing spark plugs. “In racing you have to embrace the latest technology and pursue new products on the market. We’re excited about working with Brisk USA going into the 2015 season to help put the PTE Pro Mod in the winner’s circle,” he said.

Brisk USA manufactures specialty performance and racing spark plugs. They are designed and constructed to be advantageous in a particular application, and provide a competitive edge.

Martin Uhlir, Director of Operations for Brisk USA, said that silver spark plugs are the answer for racers looking to increase performance. “Silver is a metal with the most free electrons, and the best conductor of heat and electricity. Silver conducts 177% more heat and 267% more electricity than iridium. Silver center electrode helps generate a very powerful spark.”

The 2014 PTE Pro Mod Camaro debuted at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and grabbed the number one qualifying position. The Larry Jeffers built Camaro also won the “Best Engineered Car” of the race.

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a good track recently for the turbo-boosted Pro Mod. At the NHRA Toyota Nationals Walsh drove the car to the number one qualifying position and made it to the final round. Most recently at the PCSA Super Street Nationals, Walsh was once again top qualifier of the weekend.

Race Tech editor William Kimberley was named as the winner of the Market Engineering Award for Automotive Technology Journalism at the Guild of Motoring Writers' awards ceremony.
 
Held at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, the Guild awards are the top accolades in the industry. The Market Engineering Award recognizes engineering excellence in technical writing. In particular, the judges were looking for the ability to write articles which are valued by specialists in the subject, yet are also interesting and easily accessible to non-experts.
 
Previously a recipient of the Jet Media Excellent Award for technical writing (1996) and the Special Delphi award for Technical Publishing (1999), Kimberley has been editing Race Tech since 2006. He runs the magazine alongside his wife and publisher Soheila Kimberley.
 
"It's a real honor to receive this award," he commented. "At Race Tech, we strive to produce top quality technical journalism and this is a great endorsement from the industry."

Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Holley Performance Products announced that the Kentucky-based high-performance manufacturer has extended and increased its support of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as an "Official Company" sponsor for an extended term beginning in 2015.
 
"We are extremely pleased and appreciative of the long-term relationship we have had, and will continue to have, with Holley," said Mark Gundrum, ARCA's Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Partnerships. "Holley has been an ARCA supporter since the 1990s, and the ability to extend the relationship with new technology is both exciting and rewarding. We couldn't be more pleased about our ongoing partnership with Holley."
 
ARCA, Holley and Ilmor Engineering announced in August that Holley was chosen as the supplier for the Electronic Fuel Injection systems for the ARCA Ilmor 396, including the EFI throttle body, electronic control unit, and fuel system. Holley carburetors also remain a part of the ARCA Performance Partners Program as a contingency product and the company will offer a cash awards program for teams utilizing carburetion.
 
In addition to the Holley fuel delivery program, the company's Hooker Headers and Earl's Plumbing divisions are joining the ARCA Performance Partners Program as part of the Holley "Official Company" sponsorship. Hooker Headers has been named the exclusive header for the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package and will be posting per race and year-end contingency awards for teams running the mandated Hooker Headers. Earl's Performance Plumbing returns to the series as a participating manufacturer and contingent use of product sponsor. Earl's will post per race and year-end contingency awards for teams running Earl's plumbing products.
 
"We are excited to extend our partnership with ARCA to include our Earl's plumbing and Hooker Header brands," said Bill Tichenor, Holley's Director of Marketing. "It is a great place to showcase our latest technologies and we're proud to be involved with a racing organization that's working hard to give racers a great place to race."

Three days of enthusiastic buyers packing the aisles and shopping the latest technology from more than 1150 exhibiting companies came to a close on Saturday as the 27th Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show registered record numbers during its latest run at the Indiana Convention Center.

After returning to Indianapolis a year ago, the Show clearly has settled into its home in the Hoosier State.

“It’s been a great Show,” said John Kilroy, PRI Trade Show producer. “The PRI Show is often a reflection of the state of the racing industry. From what we saw this week, the state of the industry has some real strength and momentum to it, and we’re happy to see that.”

Full booths and attendees eager to buy gave exhibitors similar optimism for the coming year.

“The show has been tremendous,” said Scott Highland from longtime exhibitor CV Products. “This is the best show we’ve seen in years, we’re very happy here. I see a lot of optimism - the racing industry is improving, and we’re thinking there’s going to be a lot more people involved in the sport in 2015. People are placing orders and committing right now; there’s definitely going to be some race engines built in 2015.”   

Those thoughts were echoed by exhibitors throughout the Show.

“Thursday and Friday we had an excellent crowd, and everything’s still going on Saturday, so it looks like it’s going to be a very promising show for us,” relayed Rob Remesi of Jesel. “A lot of engine builders have been by and a lot of new customers, as well as returning customers that we get a chance to see face-to-face. We’ve got very serious buyers here. 2014 was a strong year, and if everything goes like the indications that we’ve seen here at the show, 2015 is going to be an excellent year for us.”

In fact, attendance remained strong right until the end of the Show's final day.

“This Saturday more than others has been very busy,” said Penske Racing Shocks’ Ed Lendacki. “This is similar to what we saw on Friday. All the buyers here are serious, that’s why they’re at PRI.”

Those crowds were built upon an unprecedented slate of exhibitors displaying aisles upon aisles of the racing industry's latest and most innovative products.

“The show’s gone very well - a lot of foot traffic and a lot of interest in the cars,” said Jason Martin of EMI, whose Eagle chassis was driven to the POWRi Midget title by Zach Daum in 2014. “Indiana is a hot spot for sprint cars and midgets, and that’s our business, so we’re happy to be here. It’s always very exciting to see the new customers here at PRI.  

"This is where everybody brings the hottest commodity," he added. "We thrive on bringing our newest stuff to PRI. We’re very innovative, so we love to have everyone looking at what we’ve brought out.”

Ron Coleman of Comp Cams aptly summed up the three-day event: “The PRI Show is the premier show for performance in racing. If you do engine machining or engine building or you’re at the leading edge of technology, you’re here and you’re showing off.”

In addition to three days of crowded exhibit aisles, the Show's Race Industry Week hosted more than 30 conferences, seminars and special events, including the 2014 National Championships of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, the Race Track Business Conference and the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC).

Preparations already are underway for the 2015 PRI Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, December 10-12.

“We’re going to look for ways to tune it up and possibly add some other layers of excitement to the Show to make it better," Kilroy added. "Not necessarily bigger – that’s not our goal, just to make it the best possible racing trade show for the industry."

Of all the feel-good events taking place at the PRI Trade Show, none tops the Sunnen Engine Charity Sweepstakes, whose entire proceeds go to Victory Junction, a race-themed camp for children with serious medical conditions and chronic illnesses based in North Carolina and founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son, Adam.

Call it the big engine that could, a big-block Chevrolet drag race motor specially built for this worthwhile cause by the go-to guys at Reher-Morrison Racing Engines. For the past two years, raffle tickets purchased by PRI attendees and industry members have raised in excess of $50,000

Drawing the winning ticket from the thousands purchased was Nick Schemerhorn, an Indiana native with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who has been to Victory Junction four times and can’t say enough good things about the camp and the racing companies who support it through the Sweepstakes. “I think it’s great that people put their time and consideration into doing this,” said the young race fan who enjoys driving his go-kart and checking out the new products at PRI.

As for the ticket he pulled out of the hopper this year, it belonged to Richard Ageton, a drag racer from Tucson, Arizona, who hopes to put it in his own race car. “What a nice Christmas gift!” he said when Sunnen’s Wolfgang Bouwhuis broke the big news.

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge upped the ante on excitement this year by creating a dual championship format that pitted the two top teams determined at the SEMA Show against the top two finishers here at the PRI Trade Show.

Wrapping up three days of intense competition on the Show floor, the final four went head-to-head on Saturday afternoon to determine the National Championship.

One of the most popular events at PRI the past two years, the Engine Challenge drew an even bigger crowd than usual as the Derale-, Autometer-, Nitrous Express- and Moroso-sponsored teams faced off in the final. When the dust settled, Burton Center for Arts and Technology from Virginia (Team Nitrous Express) came out in the top spot, with an astonishing 18 minute, 6 second average time, and a new single-round national record of 16 minutes, 22 seconds.

“It’s amazing,” said co-founder Rodney Bingham. “Our first year, the winning average was 43 minutes, so who knows how low it will go from here?”

Created by Jim Bingham and son Rodney, the nonprofit organization was established as a way to help high school and trade school students develop an interest and ultimately pursue careers in the automotive field. HROT started out with just five teams in 2008, and is now up to 110, including some 770 dedicated young men and women from across the country.

Teams work and compete year-round under the tutelage of adult coaches, and train countless hours in order to gain both speed and accuracy in tearing down and then rebuilding a race engine. Scores are based on an average of three builds.

Just 30 seconds behind this year's winner was Georgia’s Forsyth Central High School, sponsored by Derale. Third and fourth positions were rounded out by Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center (Team Autometer) and Georgia’s Thomas County Central High School (Team Moroso).

There are no losers in this contest, however, as all placing competitors receive scholarship money to help them attend the technical school of their choice. Members of the top two teams received a bonus from McLeod Racing this year: a NASCAR Ride Along Experience. In the case of Team Nitrous Express, the kids will actually get to drive.

As for the new dual championship format, it’s a keeper, according to Bingham. “It worked out great,” he said. “The energy and enthusiasm when we got it pared down to the two SEMA versus the two PRI teams was electric. People were just hooting and hollering and just absolutely loved it.”