After a strong showing at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix two weeks ago by the CRP Racing team in their Nissan GT-R with Mike Skeen behind the wheel, the team has decided it was time to make a bold statement.

With the introduction of the FIA GT3 cars in the Pirelli World Challenge, CRP Racing will now field a factory-backed Audi R8 with sponsorship from Hawk Performance.

“With the introduction of the FIA GT3 cars into the series, his (Skeen’s) performance showed that he and the CRP Racing team have the ability to run up front,” said Matt Dietrich, president of CBF and Hawk Performance. “That ability caught the attention of others as well. We are proud to announce that the CRP Racing team, sponsored by Hawk Performance, will now field a Audi R8 that is factory supported.”

“Hawk is excited that CRP Racing will be racing an Audi R8 for the remainder of the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge season,” said Dave Roberts, president of Carlisle Brake and Friction, which is the parent company of Hawk Performance. “With Nick Short managing the preparation of the car, Mike Skeen behind the wheel and the entire CRP Racing team supporting the R8 during the year, Hawk and CRP Racing will have an excellent opportunity to stand on the podium at all of this season’s races and compete for the season long driver’s championship.

“In addition, with the success the R8 had in the 2013 season and at this year’s first race at St. Petersburg, this could be the year that Audi wins the 2014 manufacturer’s championship. I can’t wait to get to Long Beach to see the Hawk Performance/CRP Racing R8 compete this weekend.”

The Iowa Speedway in Newton will receive a state tax rebate under legislation Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law on April 2.

“I can tell you it’s an experience that you need to experience for yourself,” Branstad said of visiting the racetrack. “And we’re really proud to have this really high-quality professional racing right here in Iowa.”

The Legislature agreed to waive a previous measure requiring the track be an Iowa-owned entity following NASCAR’s purchase last November of the 7/8-mile track 30 miles east of Des Moines.

Lawmakers originally agreed to rebate the 5 percent state sales tax through 2016 with an expected $12.5 million benefit when the track first opened in 2006. The racetrack has recouped $3.5 million so far and the new law ensures the remaining $9 million tax benefit through 2026. Senate File 2341, won bipartisan support in the House, 82-14, and the Senate, 36-9.

Jimmy Small, Iowa Speedway president, said the speedway is an “iconic feature and venue” in the state and looks forward to further developing the racetrack.

“NASCAR and Iowa Speedway have a vision to transform Iowa Speedway into a much more popular entertainment and racing destination as well as a much more powerful economic engine for the state,” Small said.

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds cited a recent study that found the racetrack has provided a “$50 million boost” to economic activity in the state.

Branstad noted the significance of being able to sign the bill into law in the same town where the racetrack is located. He explained he has three days to sign bills after they are passed by the Legislature and was glad he could sign it in Newton.

“I want to thank the Legislature for it’s timing to make it possible for us to do it while we’re here. I couldn’t think of a better place to do it,” he said.

Branstad signed the legislation before a Jasper County “Iowa is Working” town hall meeting with Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. Small noted the Iowa Speedway’s opening day is May 17.

Honda Performance Development will offer customer teams around the world the very latest in LMP2 closed-cockpit sports car technology next year, with the unveiling of its new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe.

The new design is a result of the continuing teamwork between California-based HPD and England’s Wirth Research. This technical pairing has already proved to be a winning combination, with success in INDYCAR, the American Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including LMP2 and LMP1 Privateer class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The ARX-04b sports car is fully compliant with the new ACO LMP2 regulations, and exceeds the latest safety standards of the new enclosed-cockpit configuration. The 2.8-liter twin-turbo, direct injection, production-based Honda HR28TT V6 powerplant now includes a regulation compliant drive-by-wire throttle system and fresh air valve system, eliminating turbo lag and providing improved reliability and performance.
 
“We are very excited for our new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe to see the light of day, combining all of our successes in international sportscar racing with the very latest regulations for closed-cockpit prototypes,” said Steve Eriksen, HPD vice president and COO. “Our production-based Honda HR28TT engine has powered all of our LMP2 sportscars since the ACO regulations set the new cost-capped direction in 2011, and since its introduction the 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 powerplant has achieved some truly great successes around the world – including multiple engine manufacturer championships, victory at the Sebring 12 Hours and the 24 Hour of Le Mans, as well as powering the first LMP2 FIA World Endurance Champion. We are confident that our latest iteration of the HR28TT engine and its associated systems will satisfy even the most discriminating drivers and power the new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe to even greater successes around the world.”

Additional features of the ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe include:

• Energy-efficient technology with low drag and high fuel efficiency.

• A cost-capped chassis, fully compliant with ACO and IMSA regulations and designed to compete and win the toughest endurance races in the world.

• “Quick Change” front and rear bodywork.

• Innovative Honda refueling safety interlock system designed to reduce the potential for pit fires resulting from leaving the pit box with fuel hoses inserted (applied to all IndyCars since 2011).

• Engine installation includes a proven turbo mounting system and top exit exhaust, meeting all ACO and IMSA noise regulations.

• Gearbox changes which can be made to cover the complete range of circuits.

• A 75-litre total capacity fuel cell, and lightweight, durable bodywork.

The ARX-04b will continue the HR28TT powerplant, developed by HPD from the production Honda “J35” series of V6 engines currently found in the Acura MDX and RLX in North America, in addition to the upcoming 2015 Acura TLX. The racing engine continues to use more than 400 production engine parts, including the engine block and heads, crankshaft, direct-injection fuel system, valve train components, drive-by-wire hardware and even the stock Honda oil filter.

As part of their after-sales support services, HPD and Wirth will provide teams with technical assistance and bulletins, as well as additional options available for purchase. Additional bespoke options include driver-in-the-loop simulator sessions, data-logging, race and performance engineering, and MuRiTyre and Apotheca software.

“Wirth Research is proud of its history of consistently creating championshipwinning prototype sports cars with and on behalf of Honda Performance Development (HPD). Using our pioneering CFD design techniques, we have created the all-new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe,” said Wirth Research President Nick Wirth. “Not only is it a stunning-looking race car, we are confident that our revolutionary all- digital design approach will ensure that HPD’s 2015 LMP2 Coupe customers will benefit from fielding the most aero-efficient, balanced and competitive LMP2 car on the 2015 grid."

Wirth Research has been at the forefront of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in high-level motorsports for almost a decade, and has played an indispensable role in the overwhelming success of ARX sports cars.

Talladega Superspeedway is excited to announce the names of the 2013 Fan Advisory Network (FAN) members.  Members will begin their term this month.

Mike Edwards, Chace Oliver, Jon Mickley, Dean Adelmund, David Ivey, Melissa Harris, Molly Jo Childs, Juana Corbin, Michael Randick, Ron Frazier, John Lovvorn Jr., Kimberly Edwards, Jamie Lay, Leslie Stoddard, Diane Lund, Jerry Robinson, Sherrie Perry, Don Adelmund, Leigh Porras, and Nathan Thomas will serve as the 2013 Fan Advisory Network for Talladega Superspeedway.

The TSS FAN was established in 2010 to gain insight on race fan interactions with the track, from the ticket buying process all the way through to the exit procedures after a race.

Members will be asked to meet during each event weekend and participate in two teleconferences during the year.  The idea is to allow race fans to share thoughts and ideas with the track, while the committee can serve as a focus group for the track when considering facility upgrades and more.

“We gladly welcome the new members of the Fan Advisory Network,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.  “The FAN is an important part of the ‘Dega team, and their involvement in helping us improve our guest experience is crucial.”

Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.  Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week.  Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Pima County has reached a lease agreement with a group that wants to build a multimillion-dollar auto racecourse next to the Pima County Fairgrounds.

The Board of Supervisors approved an agreement Tuesday with Southern Arizona Raceway LLC to build the course on 400 acres south of the fairgrounds.

The developer will be required to spend at least $15 million to build a racetrack, lighting, pit road and pit area, and meet any other requirements mandated to qualify for a French-based Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile Grade 2 license. Southern Arizona Raceway also must provide amenities such as grandstands, rest-rooms and concessions in exchange for a long-term lease with the county.

The agreement also includes the group building the Arizona International MotorSports Museum, which the company hopes will rival the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Rent will be about $137,000 a year or 2 percent of gross revenues, whichever is greater.

The raceway will feature a lighted 2.8-mile course with 14 turns.

The developer will have up to 18 months to design and begin construction, and to line up investors, county documents say. The track is expected to open no later than spring 2017.

Richard “Andy” Anderson, who will co-manage the project with Charles Quiroz, approached the county with some project partners in 2011 with plans to build a professional course next to other racing-related venues at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds already has Tucson Speedway, a paved NAS-CAR track, Southwestern International Dragway and the Musselman Honda Circuit.

Anderson said his group expects to invest $67 million within the first 10 years of operation, which the county projects will generate $264 million in revenue and create more than 150 high-paying full-time jobs.

The total economic impact of the raceway during that time is expected to be about $1.2 billion, according to county documents.

Southern Arizona Raceway is expected to host organizations and events such as IndyCar, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Racing , Superbike racing and Historic Sportscar Racing, which are projected to draw between 15,000 and 50,000 spectators.

The course will have other uses when professional drivers aren’t racing, including a racing school, which would teach everything from defensive driving to advanced high-speed courses.

Private car clubs, like those for Porsche owners, might also use the course for special events, Anderson said.

The board postponed a decision to ask Kinder Morgan for about $12 million for long-term environmental damage caused by its proposed Sierrita pipeline.

A company representative called County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry Monday evening asking to meet with county officials to discuss the 60-mile natural gas pipeline from Tucson to Sasabe, Huckelberry said.

Kinder Morgan’s president, Mark A. Kissel, also sent a 13-page letter Monday to the supervisors.

In the letter, Kissel said the company is prepared to “immediately meet with the board or its representatives to complete the negotiations in a mutually beneficial way.” However, county officials were skeptical of whether Kinder Morgan would concede to any of the county’s demands.

Kinder Morgan disagreed on how much the county projects it will cost for added law enforcement, access road maintenance and other items, calling the amounts “highly speculative” and “greatly overstated.”

Kissel said the costs should be covered by initial property tax revenue of $1.6 million the county gets per year. Taxes paid to other jurisdictions, like school districts, will boost the annual property tax for the pipeline to $3.3 million, he said.

Kissel also said the county is overlooking the environmental mitigation requirements and restrictions already placed on the project by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Huckelberry previously said the project would generate about $12.4 million in tax revenues, but most of that money would go to the state. The county would receive only $7,334, he said.

County officials hope to meet with Kinder Morgan representatives within the next month to discuss these issues.

The 50th year of Charleston Speedway stock car racing is to begin Saturday with new promoters and a new racing class.

Jim and Shirley Campbell have taken over as the promoters for the track east of Charleston off Route 16.

“I used to race but everyone told me I got old,” Jim Campbell said. “I still love the sport. This is just the next best thing.”

If weather permits, opening night is Saturday with gates to open at 4 p.m., qualifying at 6:30 and racing at 7.

Along with the Pure Stock, Straight Stock and open-wheeled Modified classes from the past, Charleston is to add B-Mods to the show.

“They look just like a modified car with smaller engines and people don't have to have to pay as much money,” Campbell said. “It's more of an entry-level class for Modifieds. It will be something different for spectators.”

The Speedway is also bringing back its Kids Club that has not been going for a couple years. This provides activities for youth including autograph nights and possibly grocery cart or bicycle rate nights.

Racing at this facility began July 24, 1964, and that date falls on a Saturday this year with plans still to be finalized for the celebration.

Two 50-lap features are also planned during the year to commemorate the anniversary.

The racing schedule and other information is available at www.charlestonspeedway.net.

Facility improvements also are to include pavement milling for entry ways intended to lessen the dust while brush has been cleared making the entire track more visible from Route 16.

“It's just been awfully wet,” Campbell said. “We've been fighting trying to get things ready. We got started later than I wanted.

“We just need dry weather and sunshine. If Mother Nature cooperates we'll be ready. I know everybody is anxious and so are we. We've had a lot of good help, people volunteering their time. And I have a wonderful wife who is letting me do this.”

Lots of activity at local short tracks around the country these days. For one, Black Rock Speedway in Dundee, New York, has been renamed Yates County Speedway by new promoter Dan Harpell. “I changed the name because I wanted to create a new atmosphere and show the public that a significant change has occurred,” Harpell told the local paper. Here are a few more interesting developments in the racing realm:

•    Billed as the only asphalt track in West Virginia, Ona Speedway is set to open its 2014 season on Saturday (April 12) under new management. But it almost didn’t happen. In fact, the track nearly scrapped the end of last year’s season after Ona’s previous administrator terminated his lease in August with five races left on the schedule. That’s when businessman and part-time driver Scott Pierson stepped in and not only wrapped up the 2013 slate, but also signed a lease through the 2014 season. The 3/8-mile oval runs 6-cylinders, 4-cylinders, Hobby Stocks, Classic V8s, Sport Modifieds and Late Models. Visit the Ona Speedway website for updates and information.

•    Speaking of new management, Dog Hollow Speedway in Pine Township, Pennsylvania, is currently undergoing a facelift ahead of its planned opening on May 2. New track promoter Dan Savino and his partner had tried to bring racing back to Ebensburg Speedway, about 80 miles away, after enforcement of a local noise ordinance last year prompted its closure. Though unsuccessful, Savino & Co. were able to take over Dog Hollow and are now sprucing the place up for a full season of racing in 2014. For all the latest information on schedules and more, check out the Dog Hollow Speedway website.

•    Charleston Speedway in central Illinois is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with new promoters and a new class of racing. Under the guidance of Jim and Shirley Campbell, the 3/8-mile semi-banked dirt oval located just off Route 16 is adding B-Mods to its regular Pure Stock, Straight Stock and open-wheeled Modified classes this season. The Speedway will undergo improvements like pavement milling for entryways and brush clearing for added visibility. And, this year will also see the return of a family-friendly Kids Club with activities including autograph nights and potentially bicycle races. As historical significance would have it, July 24 falls on a Saturday in 2014. Provided the weather holds out, expect a memorable 50-years-in-the-making celebration. Stay updated via the Charleston Speedway website.     

David Strahan has been promoted to Senior Director of Sales at Daytona International Speedway, Track President Joie Chitwood III announced.

Strahan, who joined Daytona International Speedway in August 2013, will oversee the sales department at the “World Center of Racing.” He will also continue to spearhead the “We Built Daytona” platform, which is designed specifically for partners involved in the construction of DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation project.

“With David’s leadership and expertise, he has quickly become an integral part of the team,” Chitwood said. “His promotion is well deserved and we look forwarding to his ongoing contributions.”

Prior to joining Daytona International Speedway, Strahan for the past 10 years has served as a Senior Account Manager and Account Executive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he secured, developed and executed sponsorship programs.

Strahan is a graduate of Ball State University.

GoPro Motorplex has teamed with AiM Sports to host the AiM LearnFast program, a practical data acquisition training seminar for our karters who are using AiM Sport Products on Thursday evening, April 24 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.



Presented by Roger Caddell, AiM Sport National Training Manager, the core principle of all AiM Sports LearnFast data training is to reveal that data acquisition will allow the user to determine what the vehicle is doing, when it is doing it and why it is doing it while using AiM Sports hardware and software. The seminar has been designed to be very interactive with real examples using actual racing data.



LearnFast Data Seminar Practical Karting Agenda:
The evening will begin with pizza and soft drinks at 5 p.m., followed by the LearnFast data seminar at 5:30 p.m. with detailed data analysis. Be sure to bring your own computer and data.



Discussion Topics:

-What is Data Acquisition

-Why use Data Acquisition

-How to Use Data Acquisition

-Data Hardware and Installation

-Introducing the Race Studio 2 Software

-Detailed Data Analysis

-SmartyCamHD Video



The cost for the AiM LearnFast training is only $20 per person. However, if you pre-register online by April 23, the cost is only $15. Also, the seminar registration fee can be applied to a Mychron 4, GPS Unit or SmartyCamHD purchase for 30 days after the seminar. To pre-register, go to http://shop.gopromotorplex.com/product.php?productid=17562&cat=251&page=1.

Michael Andretti and his championship winning IndyCar racing effort, Andretti Autosport, announced that industry veteran Roger Griffiths has joined the team as the new Director of Motorsport Development, and will work with all areas of Andretti racing competition including the INDYCAR ladder and Andretti Formula E, as well as Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross (VARX).

"I'm very excited to have Roger (Griffiths) join the team," said Andretti. "A man with his knowledge, talent and experience will be a huge addition for not just Andretti Autosport, but also for VARX and Andretti Formula E. We look forward to using expertise in many different areas within our team."

Griffiths, who has enjoyed a vast background in many motorsports endeavors including Formula 1, IndyCar, American Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series and Super Touring Cars, most recently served as the Technical Director for Honda Performance Development where he experienced recent success at the Indy 500 in 2012 and the 2013 Driver's Championship.

"I am very excited to be joining the Andretti Autosport Organization," said Griffiths. "I have, in past, shared a lot of victories with the team but now look forward to the opportunity to be able to contribute more directly to their future success and growth."

The UK native is an engineering graduate of Loughborough University of Technology (1991). The year following his graduation, Griffiths earned his master's degree in Automotive Product Engineering at Cranfield Institute of Technology with a specialization in Vehicle Modeling and Lap Simulation.

The Indianapolis-based team heads to the West Coast this week for the 40th annual Grand Prix of Long Beach, the second round of competition in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires. Fans can catch all the action from Long Beach live on NBC Sports Network Sunday at 4 p.m. ET, with behind the scenes footage of the Andretti Autosport team at AndrettiTV.com.