In a rather unusual marriage of sponsor and racing, Kentucky's Office of Highway Safety will be the title sponsor for Kentucky Speedway's June 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 is the middle event of a tripleheader weekend at the 1.5-mile track including the 225-mile Camping World Truck Series race on June 26 and the Sprint Cup Series' 400-mile headliner on June 28.

Wednesday's announcement continues a partnership between the speedway and the department's HERO program intended to promote the use of designated drivers.

Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger says "it's good to know that peoples' lives are being saved with this program."

The race is named for Elliott, a Navy Ensign and U.S. Naval Academy graduate who was killed in a head-on collision with a drunken driver in July 2000 while traveling home to New Jersey from Annapolis, Md. Elliott's family established the national HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers.

The Pirelli World Challenge Long Beach race from last weekend is set to broadcast on teh NBC Sports Network this Easter Sunday, April 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Tune in to catch the Roar of the Shore Presented by Kia, racing on the streets of Long Beach, California.

This broadcast is also set to re-air on Friday, April 25, at 1:30 a.m.

All times listed are eastern.

Arguably the greatest all-around racing driver of his time and a true icon of the motor racing world, Sir Stirling Moss will be the honored guest at the Picnic in the Park at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion on Saturday, August 16. Historian Murray Smith will conduct the always engaging noontime session in the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca marketplace where fans may bring their lunch, listen to stories and ask questions. The Saturday-only picnic is a popular activity that allows fans to engage with a driving legend.

Moss has a special connection with Maserati, which is officially celebrating its centennial and is the featured marque of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, that dates back to 1954. Driving what Moss considered his “first proper Formula 1 car,” the Maserati 250F, he competed the entire season in the 250F against Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to win the championship that year.

“Sir Stirling has made an indelible impression on the world of motorsports and we are thrilled to welcome his return to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion,” said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “On a personal note, he has long been my hero and we look forward to celebrating not only the 60th anniversary of his drive in the Maserati 250F, but also the opportunity to observe Sir Stirling’s 85th birthday that follows in September.”

With a racing career that spanned from 1948 to 1962, Moss entered 527 races and finished 375 times. But most impressive was his win percentage, a remarkable 56.53 percent (212 victories).

Moss has been a regular guest at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and last competed in 2010 in his then newly acquired 1961 Porsche RS 61 Spyder.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is one of the cornerstones of the renowned Monterey Classic Car Week and is the largest event held annually in the scenic coastal community. Visitors worldwide descend on the community to enjoy the historic cars in action, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the myriad of supporting activities that comprise the motoring week.

Advance general admission tickets to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion are on sale beginning at $50 (Friday) and a three-day ticket at $130, which includes a complimentary souvenir magazine. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Hospitality packages begin at $200 per person.

NASCAR announced today that Marcus Jadotte, vice president of public affairs and multicultural development, will be leaving the organization. Jadotte will serve as a consultant as NASCAR continues to evolve its diversity and multicultural development initiatives throughout the organization. Additionally, NASCAR will expand its existing relationship with Teneo Strategy, a strategic advisory firm which has worked with NASCAR since 2013, to support its public affairs activities.
 
“During his nine years at NASCAR, Marcus has made a truly meaningful impact on our business,” said NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France. “Thanks in large part to Marcus’ passion and leadership, we have become a leader in diversity and inclusion among the sports industry, and we will continue to deepen our commitment in the years ahead. We are grateful for his years of dedicated service to NASCAR.”
 
“The NASCAR ecosystem reaches nearly every facet of the American economy, so it was particularly gratifying to have worked with leading NASCAR stakeholders and to have contributed to the sport’s development over the last nine years,” Jadotte said. “I am especially grateful for the professional support and friendship I have received from Brian France and NASCAR President Mike Helton during my tenure.”
 
Among his accomplishments since joining NASCAR in March 2005, Jadotte led the development of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) and NASCAR Pit Crew Development programs. These initiatives focus on developing the skills of promising female, Asian, Latino and African-American drivers and crew members in NASCAR. Jadotte has effectively overseen NASCAR’s relationship with Rev Racing, which operates teams in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for the NASCAR D4D program, resulting in an increase in minority participation and on-track success.
 
NASCAR D4D will continue under the leadership of Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president, racing operations (to whom Jadotte reported). The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program and annual NASCAR Diversity Awards also are among a number of diversity and inclusion programs started by Jadotte that will continue at NASCAR.

Chicagoland Speedway announced Lucas Oil as the title sponsor of its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race this September. The Lucas Oil 225 will hit the track for a night race on Friday, Sept. 12, as part of a triple-header weekend to kick off the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Chicagoland Speedway.

“As a longtime supporter of motorsports, Lucas Oil is excited about the opportunity to be a part of one of NASCAR’s premier race weekends in a market like Chicago,” said Bob Pattison, Executive Vice President of Lucas Oil Products. “For the past 25 years, we have put a premium on delivering performance products for racers and customers and we intend to continue that this September with our partnership at Chicagoland Speedway.”

The Lucas Oil 225 falls on the same day as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying and also marks Family Fun Night at the track with post-race fireworks.  Tickets for the Lucas Oil 225 start at just $25 and fans receive $25 off any youth seat with the purchase of an adult admission.

“In addition to establishing itself as an industry leader, Lucas Oil has a long-standing relationship with ISC and within the sport of NASCAR, including partnerships with several of our sister tracks,” said Scott Paddock, President of Chicagoland Speedway. “We’re looking forward to building on that relationship in the Chicago market and delivering a thrilling Lucas Oil night race to kick off NASCAR’s playoffs.”

In recent years Lucas Oil has produced a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. “Lucas Oil has made good racing oil for a very long time that really works,” Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas said.  “We are very excited to be the title sponsor for the Lucas Oil 225 in September and look forward to presenting thrilling NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing for the enjoyment of the Chicagoland fans.”

For the fourth consecutive year, Chicagoland Speedway will host the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup this September – the first of ten ‘playoff’ style NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in pursuit of the 2014 championship. The Lucas Oil 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will kick off the weekend on Friday, Sept. 12, along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast 300 powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series returns with the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup concluding the weekend on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com, by calling 888-629-RACE, through the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app,  or by visiting the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Two NHRA Member Tracks, one brand new and the other a longtime staple, have committed themselves to the NHRA Member Track network.

Douglas Motorsports Park, an eighth-mile facility located in Nicholls, Ga. has become a NHRA Member Track, while Pacemakers Dragway Park, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, one of the oldest NHRA member tracks in the country, has extended its NHRA track membership.

Open since the late 1970s, Douglas Motorsports Park is eligible to offer drag racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League 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.

“The newest addition to the list of NHRA Member Tracks gives our racers five quality locations in Georgia to begin their quest for a Summit Racing Series World Championship,” said Rich Schaefer, director of NHRA’s southeast division. “We’re glad to see tracks getting creative and selling a fun, family experience again."

“This brings instant recognition and credibility to southeast Georgia`s drag racing community,” said Tim Pafford, track manager of Douglas Motorsports Park. “We look forward to a record-setting year of NHRA championship drag racing with the vision of creating new racers and new race fans.  We’ll work with local businesses, too, to offer affordable family entertainment with a competitive atmosphere.”

Pacemakers Dragway Park, under the leadership of new operator Rod Zolman, extended the NHRA track membership of the facility, whichoriginally opened in 1956 by the Pacemakers Rod and Custom Club.  Today the facility boasts an all concrete racing surface and concrete guard walls with racing from April to November.

Following a couple of pre-season test and tune events, the track will officially kick off its Summit Racing Series and track point competition on Saturday, May 3.  Racers can qualify at the track to be on one of the teams sent to the Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals, the NHRA Division Jr. Championships and the Summit Racing Series North Central Division Finals events.

The track won the Summit Racing Series North Central Division Team Championship in 1986.
The track will be hosting the National DRAGSTER Challenge, Summit Racing King of the Track, and Summit Racing Jr. Dragster Challenge as part of its special events during the season.

Pacemakers Dragway Park is located one mile southwest of Mount Vernon, Ohio, on State Route 3 and 36.  For additional information see their new website www.pacemakersdragwaypark.com.

After 12 years as Northern Region Membership Development Manager for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), Grahame McCraw has announced that he is retiring from the industry in August this year, and he will pass the baton to former Robert Bosch Australia Queensland/Northern Territory Sales Manager Mark Walker.
 
McCraw has had a long and distinguished career in the automotive industry. He became the first AAAA employee to operate remotely from the Melbourne national office.

“Grahame’s understanding of the aftermarket, its products, supply chain and challenges, together with his genuine concern to further the case for our members, made him a great ambassador for the aftermarket industry,” said AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity.
 
“Grahame proved that a regional role was highly valued by members – and he recruited over 900 companies into membership. He also worked assiduously as an advocate for our 4 Wheel Drive Council members. In addition to his skill and experience, Grahame’s down to earth manner and sense of humor will be greatly missed. We wish him health and happiness for a long retirement.
 
“In taking on the Northern Region Membership Development Manager role, Mark Walker brings 15 years experience with a number of AAAA member companies to the task. He has worked in sales and management roles with top brands including Fulcrum Suspension, National Parts, Autopro, GUD Automotive and Bosch.
 
“Mark will report to National Membership Development Manager Robert Johnson. In the lead up to Grahame’s retirement in August, Mark will gradually take on the additional responsibilities of the role, including convening the 4WD Industry Council and maintaining our proactive relationships with Government officials and regulators in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and ACT.
 
“Mark will work from his Brisbane office commencing in April and we look forward to his contribution,” said Charity.
 

NASCAR announced today the broadcast schedule for the remainder of the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tours Championship events on FOX Sports 1.

The schedule includes 28 events for NASCAR’s touring series including previously aired races from Bristol Motor Speedway, Greenville Pickens Speedway, and Irwindale Speedway.

“The NASCAR K&N Pro Series features the next generation of top-level NASCAR stars competing alongside accomplished veterans and FOX Sports’ coverage of the series provides a great platform to showcase these drivers,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “The select NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour events are always exciting shows and shouldn’t be missed.”

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West schedules are highlighted by the two combination events at Iowa Speedway in Newton, and both season finales – Dover (Del.) Int’l Speedway in September for the K&N East and a November date at Phoenix Int’l Raceway in Avondale, Ariz., for the K&N West, both companion events to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Also of note is the K&N East return to New York’s Watkins Glen Int’l for the first time since 2009.

The popular annual Whelen Modified/Southern Modified Tour date in August at Bristol Motor Speedway is on the slate. Additionally, both the July and September Whelen Modified Tour dates at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon are scheduled to air, as is an October trip to Thompson (Conn.) Speedway Motorsports Park for the tour’s final race of the season.

SERIES – EVENT DATE – AIR DATE (ET) – TRACK

K&N East – Fri., April 25 – Fri., May 2 @ 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Int’ernational Raceway

K&N West – Sat., May 3 – Fri., May 19 @ 1:30 p.m. – Stockton 99 Speedway

K&N East/West – Sat., May 17 – Sat., May 24 @ 8:30 a.m. – Iowa Speedway

K&N East – Sat., May 31 – Sat., June 7 @ 10:30 a.m. – Bowman Gray Stadium

K&N East – Sat., June 21 – Fri., June 27 @ Noon – Langley Speedway

K&N West – Sat., June 21 – Fri., July 4 @ 2 p.m. – Sonoma Raceway

K&N East – Fri., July 11 – Sun., July 20 @ Noon – New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Whelen Modified Tour – Sat., July 12 – Fri., July 18 @ Noon – New Hampshire Motor Speedway

K&N West – Sat., July 12 – Fri., July 25 @ 4 p.m. – StateLine Speedway

K&N East – Sat., July 19 – Sun., July 27 @ 10 a.m. – Columbus Motor Speedway

K&N West – Sat., July 26 – Sun., Aug. 3 @ 10 a.m. – Colorado National Speedway

K&N East/West – Fri., Aug. 1 – Fri., Aug. 8 @ 11 a.m. – Iowa Speedway

K&N East – Fri., Aug. 8 – Sun., Aug. 17 @ 10 a.m. – Watkins Glen Int’l

K&N West – Sat., Aug. 16 – Fri., Aug. 22 @ 10 a.m. – Evergreen Speedway

Whelen Modified/Southern Modified Tour – Wed., Aug. 20 – Sun., Aug. 31 @ Noon – Bristol Motor Speedway

K&N West – Sat., Aug. 30 – Fri., Sept. 5 @ 9:30 a.m. – Kern County Raceway Park

Whelen Modified Tour – Sat., Sept. 20 – Sat., Sept. 27 @ 10 a.m. – New Hampshire Motor Speedway

K&N East – Fri., Sept. 26 – Sat., Oct. 4 @ 10 a.m. – Dover Int’l Speedway

K&N West – Sat., Oct. 11 – Fri., Oct. 17 @ 1:30 p.m. – All American Speedway

Whelen Modified Tour – Sun., Oct. 19 – Sat., Nov. 1 @ 10 a.m. – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

K&N West – Thurs., Nov. 6 – Sat., Nov. 16 @ Noon – Phoenix Int’l Raceway

Honda Performance Development together with Wirth Research today announced the joint appointment of David Dupont to the position of International Sportscar Sales Manager across the two businesses.

The new position reinforces the companies’ commitment to the global endurance racing market, highlighted by the new HPD ARX-04b coupe which is set to debut in 2015.

Dupont joined Bicester-based Wirth Research in November 2012, bringing with him a wealth of motorsport business development experience. His previous roles include Sales Director at Performance Friction, Business Development Director at Hewland Engineering and Aftersales Project Manager at Prodrive, where he worked for 20 years.

“We’re delighted to welcome David in this joint initiative, which further strengthens our customer support infrastructure,” said Steve Eriksen, HPD vice president and COO. "The design and technology under development will be applied to our stunning new sports car being brought to the market and David is now in the enviable position of presenting this creation to endurance teams around the world. I look forward to seeing our cutting-edge designs racing to victory.”

Nick Wirth President of Wirth Research, said: “David brings a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from a career which has encompassed the motorsport spectrum to this exciting new project that will see our car designs competing from 2015 onwards in all the major sports car championships around the globe.”

“The combining of this new appointment and my existing role as Head of Business Development at Wirth Research reflects the strength and importance of the close technical collaboration between HPD and Wirth internationally,” Dupont said. “This is an exciting new chapter for the companies, which already boast countless joint wins and numerous international championships. I’m looking forward to building on these successes to ensure our continued leadership in this market sector.”

Hot rod owners will pay tribute to a Southern California legend on Sunday, May 18, 2014, when the 6th Annual Phil Braybrooks Memorial Car Show returns to J & M Speed Center in Riverside.

The event, which brings hundreds of classic cars and 1200 spectators to the family owned and operated speed shop at 3230 Motor Circle, honors Mr. Braybrooks’ extraordinary contributions to the classic car and drag racing scene dating back to the late 1950s.

Mr. Braybrooks served in the Air Force during the Korean War, then went to work at Lockheed Aircraft following his tour of duty. But automobiles remained his calling, and Mr. Braybrooks ultimately saved up enough to open his own business selling mufflers.

What began as “Phil’s Muffler Shop” eventually transformed into J & M Speed Center, and for decades thereafter, Mr. Braybrooks served as one of the Inland Empire's foremost authorities on street and strip performance parts and accessories while offering a host of other services. He retired in 2007.

J & M Speed Center has held the car show every year since Mr. Braybrooks’ passing in 2008. It has helped to carry on his legacy while raising funds to support the Southern California Hospice Foundation and Companion Hospice, which provided exceptional care to Mr. Braybrooks before his death.

As in years past, the 2014 car show will feature music, food, games, raffles and specials at J & M Speed Center. For more information, including times and pre-registration details, visit www.jmspeedcenter.com or call 951-688-7110.

AT A GLANCE
What: 6th Annual Phil Braybrooks Memorial Car Show
Where: J & M Speed Center, 3230 Motor Circle, Riverside, CA 92504
When: Sunday, May 18, 2014
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 for cars pre-registered; $20 for cars day of the event; FREE for spectators  
Contact: 951-688-7110