Pirelli World Challenge announced a new Porsche GT-Cup class with competition slated to begin for the 2015 season. The class will integrate the introduction of Porsche 991 Cup Cars.
 
Running as part of the overall Pirelli World Challenge GT class, the new Porsche GT-Cup class will run within the GT Class races and have a separate victory circle presentation alongside that of the GT/GT-A class winners.
 
"The series is pleased to announce a class that will allow competitors to pilot the new GT3 Cup car," said Scott Bove, President and CEO, WC Vision/Pirelli World Challenge. "The cars will compete under Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Rules, "as delivered" by Porsche Motorsport North America with no modification allowed. We anticipate 10-15 entries and look forward to the exciting competition within the Pirelli World Challenge GT class in 2015."
 
A Pirelli tire test for the new class will be planned for the end of 2014.

zMAX Dragway officials announced The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: "PBY"), an automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, will be the title sponsor when the NHRA's best return to the Bellagio of drag strips to kick off the six-race playoffs, Sept. 12-14, at the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Pep Boys is fresh off its grand re-opening weekend, Aug. 22-24, of the Carolina area stores featuring an all new automotive service and retail experience, complete with upgraded interior aesthetics and amenities on par with many high-end dealerships, including charging stations and free high-speed Wi-Fi access.

The business partnership, constructed by Optimum Sports, is the first between Pep Boys and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"There are a lot of reasons this is a great partnership and we're proud to bring Pep Boys on board for one of our most action-packed events of the season," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Customers of Pep Boys and guests of Charlotte Motor Speedway are serious automotive enthusiasts, and know exactly where to go for the parts to fix up their own vehicles, or when they want to see the fastest accelerating machines on the planet at the premier drag racing facility on the circuit."

Fans can enjoy all of the weekend action with a three-day pass to the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, with packages starting at just $99. Children 13 and younger will receive free general admission with a paid adult all weekend.

Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals qualifying opens on Friday, Sept. 12, with pro sessions scheduled at 3:15 p.m. EDT and 5:45 p.m. EDT. The final two qualifying sessions scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2:30 p.m. EDT and 5:45 p.m. EDT. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 14.

To purchase tickets, call zMAX Dragway at 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.zMAXdragway.com. For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

People are as valuable a component to the annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show as the hardcore racing parts everyone comes to see. Nowhere is the people factor more apparent than in the many events of what’s come to be known as Race Industry Week. With so much of the racing industry all in one place at one time, virtually everyone traveling to Indianapolis this December with questions will get answers.

More than 35 conferences, seminars and social gatherings will be held in and around the Indiana Convention Center the week of the PRI Trade Show. The exhibit aisles open on Thursday, December 11, 2014, and the Show continues through Saturday, December 13; events are scheduled as early as Monday, December 8.

Over 1100 companies will display the latest advances in racing technology at the PRI Trade Show—the largest gathering of motorsports professionals in the world.

“Whether it’s tackling technical challenges or challenges in the business of racing, the spectrum of events at the PRI Trade Show make Race Industry Week hugely productive for motorsports professionals,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “The quality of people all in one place all at one time provides extraordinary networking opportunities, and the chance to share ideas and strategies with others in the same profession.”

Motorsports professionals can register online at www.pri2014.com/attendeereg.

Special events include the following:

• Advanced Engineering Technology Conference: Attended by hundreds of race engine builders each year, this is the oldest and most respected conference in the world centered on race engines.

• Hot Rodders of Tomorrow: A big hit at the 2013 PRI Trade Show, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge returns in 2014! You’ll enjoy watching the next generation of racing industry stars as they battle to disassemble and reassemble engines in timed competition for the national championship.

• Applied Vehicle Dynamics Seminar: Presented by esteemed race engineer Claude Rouelle from OptimumG, this seminar is designed to push participants beyond experience and intuition and begin to ask "why," "how" and "how much" certain factors affect the performance of a vehicle.

• ICMS Annual Congress: This prestigious motorsports safety organization—the International Council of Motorsport Sciences—meets annually during the PRI Trade Show to promote, conduct and correlate research associated with the human aspect of motor racing, and to disseminate information and technology related to performance and safety in motorsports.

• Race Track Business Conference 2014: Now in its third year, this annual conference is designed to create dialog and interaction among motorsports professionals by incorporating track operators, sanctioning body executives, track designers, attorneys, financiers and more. Cary Agajanian is the featured luncheon speaker.

• Day At The Speedway: If you have never been to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you’re in luck! PRI will make it easy for you with an all-inclusive ticket price of $60, which includes a track tour, museum admission and lunch.

• MPMC Education Day: With the theme, “New Racing Products In The Fast Lane,” this special afternoon session of seminars provides valuable face-to-face training of the latest new racing products from nine top racing parts manufacturers.

• Grand Opening Breakfast: Enjoy a hot, tasty breakfast with your industry friends, and a live, on-stage interview by MAVTV motorsports journalist Dave Despain with drag racing legends Don ‘Snake’ Prudhomme and Tom ‘Mongoose’ McEwen.

• PRI Happy Hour: Mix and mingle with your industry friends in a special setting inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Enjoy hot appetizers, cold beverages and live music.

• PRI Management Seminars: Gain proven, practical strategies through exclusive seminars on motorsports marketing, small business management, race engine business operations, opportunities in the vintage racing market, and much more.

• Exhibitor-Sponsored Seminars: Throughout the PRI Trade Show, exhibitors will conduct their own seminars, providing a wealth of technical education opportunities.

• Engine Charity Sweepstakes: An annual fundraiser for the Victory Junction camp for children with serious illnesses, the Sunnen Engine Charity Sweepstakes offers a chance to win a race engine built by Reher-Morrison worth $25,000.

For more information, visit www.pri2014.com or call 949/499-5413.

The need for speed may be at the heart of race fans but the American Red Cross is asking for those to respond to the need to bleed by donating blood at the fourth annual 'Laps for Life' blood drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The 'Laps for Life' blood drive begins with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on the Avenue of Flags by the speedway's ticket office and includes a moment of silence at 9:32 a.m. The event, which began three years ago as a way to remember 9/11 victims, their families and all of those impacted by the tragic events of that day, will be held in the Champions Pavilion in the infield of Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"It truly is amazing to see the dedication that donors exhibit for the 'Laps for Life' blood drive," said Sharon Pitt, CEO for the Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. "We have donors who have attended each year, scheduling their donation time around this drive. The Red Cross continues to have an urgent need for blood and platelet donations so we hope to see that tradition continue as well as welcome new donors to give blood and honor those affected by 9/11 and our first responders."

Children will have the opportunity to slide down an inflatable slide and play interactive games at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Van. Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot, also will make an appearance.

All presenting donors will receive an opportunity to drive their own car around Charlotte Motor Speedway where they will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking for three paced laps. Donors also receive two tickets to Bojangles' Pole Night on Oct. 9, a free commemorative T-shirt and refreshments. Pre-registered donors who make an appointment and are present for their scheduled appointment also receive two tickets to the NASCAR Nationwide Series 300 Miles of Courage on Oct. 10.

"We are thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross again for the 'Laps for Life' blood drive to honor the brave men and women who were the first to respond on Sept. 11," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We hope the gifts of speed we are providing to participants will only encourage more people to register to give the gift of life."

Appointments are encouraged for this drive. Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code Laps for Life when scheduling. 

Tony Stewart will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart Haas Racing confirmed late Thursday afternoon that Stewart will return to the seat of the No. 14 Chevrolet SS for Saturday’s Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart has been absent from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since being involved in an accident at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park on Aug. 9 that resulted in the death of 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. Local authorities are still investigating the incident and have not indicated when the investigation will be complete.

NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell said in a statement that the sanctioning body has no problem with Stewart’s return to the series.
“Tony Stewart has received all necessary clearances required to return to all racing activities, and therefore is eligible to compete this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” O’Donnell said. “NASCAR has remained in constant contact with his race team, and we will stay very close to this situation as Stewart returns to competition.”

Stewart skipped the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Int’l the following day, with Regan Smith filling the seat of the No. 14 Chevrolet SS. Jeff Burton has driven Stewart’s car the last two weekends at Michigan Int’l Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Stewart will address the media Friday at 1 p.m. EST in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s infield media center.

The Verizon IndyCar Series will have some Louisiana flavor in 2015.

The series announced the addition of NOLA Motorsports Park and the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana to the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule in 2015. The event will be held April 10-12 and organized by Andretti Sports Marketing on a newly-configured 13-turn, 2.67-mile permanent road course layout.

The Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana will feature a three-day festival combining Louisiana’s culture—including live musical acts, entertainment and local cuisine—with the excitement of a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

“We’re delighted about the opportunity to showcase the Verizon IndyCar Series at NOLA Motorsports Park and to IndyCar fans in the greater New Orleans area,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“The commitment from track owner Laney Chouest and his associates, combined with the support we received from the state of Louisiana, was the catalyst in making this come to fruition. New Orleans has a history of hosting successful major sporting events and we’re thrilled to be able to add the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana to the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.”

Earlier this year, the state of Louisiana committed $4.5 million to make enhancements to the racetrack in support of the event. This investment, combined with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park, helped facilitate required track and facility improvements necessary to host a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

“The State of Louisiana understands the economic and cultural potential of this annual event,” said NOLA Motorsports Park owner Laney Chouest. “Track operations are currently underway to transform NOLA Motorsports Park into a Verizon IndyCar Series circuit, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, grandstands and viewing platforms racing fans need for a truly enjoyable experience.”

Improvements to NOLA Motorsports Park are already underway and include a reconfigured course layout, which was designed in collaboration with IndyCar officials and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, including James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal.

“I’m really excited about going to NOLA next year,” Hinchcliffe said. “Having seen the track and the changes they are going to make, I think it’ll be great to drive. Great for fans, too, because you can see most of the track from the stands, which is rare on road courses. But maybe even more than that just going to that city is going to be a blast. They sure know how to throw a party and I know that they are going to roll out the red carpet for IndyCar and really make it an event.”

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more.

It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and against each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.
 
The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision.

Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts like those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow is bringing about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.
 
During the ten events held in 2014, over 29 teams completed their rebuild in under 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show. With the exponential growth of the program, this year Hot Rodders of Tomorrow has expanded their reach in a dual championship format.

Seventeen teams will compete in a semi-final championship during the SEMA Show (November 4–7, 2014) and another seventeen teams will compete in a semi-final championship at PRI Show (December 11–13, 2014). The top 2 teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting on Friday, December 12 at 5 p.m., and will compete another 2 times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Champion!

The National Women’s History Museum and its Los Angeles Regional Council will host a private brunch on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles—Women Making History—to honor the achievements of three notable women including Lesa France Kennedy, ISC CEO and NASCAR Board Member.

The event will honor female philanthropists and activists who contribute to women’s history while creating awareness to advance NWHM’s mission and build a world-class museum in Washington, D.C.

This year’s honorees also include accomplished actress and philanthropist Sophia Bush, and producer, director, and Academy Award-winning writer Callie Khouri.

“We are delighted to join with our LA Council to honor these three remarkable women,” said Joan Wages, NWHM President and CEO.

Past recipients include Maya Angelou, Fran Drescher, Annie Leibovitz, Jennifer Seibel Newsom, Dolores Huerta, Marissa Mayer and Rita Moreno.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this special recognition,” said Lesa France Kennedy, ISC CEO and NASCAR Board Member. “The National Women’s History Museum is making great strides in educating our nation and I am excited to help preserve women’s history for the next generation.”

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association has added NOLA Motorsports Park to its 2015 event schedule.

The race, titled Mardi Gras in November, will take place on the weekend of Nov. 6-9, 2015 and will be the final event of the SVRA season. The 10-turn, 2.75-mile long, multi-purpose race course is located in Avondale, LA, minutes from New Orleans famed French Quarter. The action packed weekend of racing will include two sprint races for each of SVRA’s 11 race groups, two endurance races and a 100-mile feature race for the popular Trans Am Race Series.

Special invited guests from the Texas based Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing (CVAR) will make this a must see event for race fans from the Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi area.

“The NOLA Motorsports Park facility has been on our radar for the past two years,” said organization President and CEO Tony Parella. “Its proximity to the French Quarter and the November date will offer our competitors a great end-of-season experience. Partnering with the Trans Am Race Series and having CVAR members as our special guests will provide the icing on the cake for what is certain to be a highlight of our 2015 schedule.”

Lada has released images of its 2015 Vesta World Touring Car Championship challenger ahead of its scheduled launch at this week's Moscow Motorshow.

The Vesta will replace the Granta TC1 car campaigned by Rob Huff, James Thompson and Mikhail Kozlovskiy this season.

The concept has been unveiled in the unfamiliar livery of Rosneft, rather than regular sponsor Lukoil's colours. Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's largest oil producers, have a long-term collaboration on several joint ventures.

It is understood particular attention in the Vesta WTCC's design phase will concern weight, after the outgoing Granta struggled to reach the WTCC minimum weight limit earlier this season.

The Granta TC1 car, which will see just one year of service, suffered a compressed development phase compared to rivals from Honda and Citroen.

A redesigned of its front sub-frame, suspension geometry and a weight reduction program over the WTCC's summer break contributed to a much improved performance in the most recent WTCC round in Argentina.

Rob Huff claimed the manufacturer's maiden podium in race two, having earlier become the first Lada driver to lead laps in the championship's history.

The Vesta road car will replace the Lada Priora and is scheduled to go in production next year.