Bill Simpson was presented with The Justice Brothers-Shav Glick Award at Auto Club Speedway Sunday.

Named in honor of former Los Angeles Times sports writer Shav Glick, the award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to motorsports in California.

Simpson, who was both a driver and safety innovator during his motorsports career, will be remembered for over 50 years of safety contributions in all forms of racing. Today Simpson is focused on his new company, SG Helmets, which has taken racing technology and incorporated it into football helmets used at the youth, varsity and professional levels.

“It’s an honor to be the recipient of the 2014 Shav Glick Award, joining some of my good friends from California who have won this award in the past,” Simpson said. “For more than 50 years I’ve enjoyed working to make auto racing safer for its participants around the world, designing better helmets, firesuits, restraint systems, and more, through innovative uses of technology.

“Just recently, I’ve begun to take what I’ve learned in making racing helmets and moved that technology to my new company, SG Helmets, which manufactures high-tech football helmets at the youth, varsity, and professional levels. It’s a product and company I am very proud of.”

Irwindale Event Center's President/CEO, Jim Cohan, announced that the facility's landlord has indicated that the center's operating lease would be extended through the 2015 season.
 
His below statement was made just prior to the start of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Irwindale Speedway before the second round in the 2014 K&N Pro Series West.
 
"We have some very good news to add to the festivities tonight.   Yesterday afternoon we were assured by our landlords that our present lease on this facility will be extended to include the 2015 season.  
 
"We're looking forward to a great 2014 season and beyond into 2015.  We know that all of our great fans, competitors, and loyal sponsors will be very pleased to hear this news.
 
"As the operator of a facility that means so much to so many, we want to take this opportunity to thank the management of Lindom Company and indicate how terrific they are to be working with." 

The Hotchkis Autocross series from Hotchkis Sport Suspension will be held at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, during the NMCA West Drag Racing Series on March 29-30, June 21-22, and October 25-26, 2014.

Activities include unlimited autocrossing, ride-alongs in Hotchkis demo vehicles, a manufacturers midway, and admission to the NMCA Drag Race.

The event will also offer a Media versus Manufacturers True Street Race, as well as four trophies and 10 special recognition plaques. Hotchkis factory demonstration cars will also be on hand for spectator ride-alongs.

The Hotchkis Autocross is $50 for a single day and $75 for both Saturday and Sunday. Spectator passes are available at the gate for $20 for a one day and $35 for two days, children under 12 years old are free.

Registration starts at 7:30 am, track time runs from 9 am–4 pm on Saturday and 9 am–3 pm on Sunday, and there is a one-hour lunch break at noon.

The Hotchkis Autocross is open to any vehicle that passes a simple safety inspection that checks for fluid leaks and loose parts that could become a hazard on the track. No additional safety equipment beyond the factory seat belts is required, as only one car will be on the course at any time.

Registration for these events is now open online and will also be available on track the day of the event.

Fremont (Ohio) Speedway will incorporate a new point system to crown its champions in 2014. There are also new race night procedures determining race line-ups.

“I think the new point system will create excitement throughout the entire night of racing. Rather than the points being based solely on the feature finish, now, just about every time a car or truck hits the track there will be points,” said Rich Farmer, Fremont Speedway promoter.

More detailed information on the track's new point system can be found on the Fremont Speedway website.

The new line-up procedures are as follows:
 
410 Sprints

•    1 Lap Single Car Qualifying (if you miss your qualifying position by more than 3 spots you will not start the heat any better than 7th and the feature no better than 11th
•    Heat inversion will be a 6
•    In a 3 heat format the top 5 cars will transfer from the heat and in a 4 heat format the top 4 cars will transfer from the heat.
•    Top 6 cars (based on qualifying times) will make up the 6 car dash
•    Dash inversion will be based on a dice roll (0,4, or 6)
•    Finishing order of the dash will be the starting order of the features first 3 rows.
•    Dash may be canceled due to weather, time, or track conditions.  In such case the inversion will make the feature starting line up.
•    Feature cars that did not make the inversion will be lined straight up by qualifying times.
•    B main transfer cars will be lined up straight up by times starting no better than 11th in the feature.
 
305 Sprints & Dirt Trucks

•    3 Lap Qualifying – 3-4 cars at a time during hot lap session (if you miss your hot lap session you will get no time. Hot Lap order will be by pill draw.)
•    Heat Inversion will be 6.
•    Feature line-up will be straight up by times with an inversion by a dice roll (6 or 8)
•    B-cars will be lined straight up by times.
•    B-main transfers will start behind ALL A-main Heat transfers, by the order of finish of the B-main.

Alternates will be allowed for all divisions. Alternates would race for prize money only no points will be given for alternates.

Car/driver Substitutions will not be allowed. The car and the driver as a “team” must qualify for the A-main either through their heat race or the B-main.

WISSOTA is looking for a Challenge Series Director to assume responsibilities for operation of the 2014 Blaine Brothers Challenge Series for WISSOTA Late Models.

Responsibilities of the Challenge Series Director will include the following:

• Review/update rules and procedures
• Conduct all day to day operations of Challenge Series while working with the Challenge Series committee on any rule or procedure change to series.
• Secure and fulfill sponsor obligations (banners, PA reads, tickets etc.)
• Conduct event registration nightly
• Serve as event race director nightly
• Submit points/results to WISSOTA and Speednet nightly
• Submit nightly race results to media outlets immediately after each event
• Market series leading up to each event through social media outlets
• Be responsible for any/all disciplinary issues that arise on series
• Schedule events (for 2015 and beyond)
• Secure signed contracts with scheduled promoters and develop a professional relationship with all involved (for 2015 and beyond).

The Challenge Series Director position is seasonal; however, for the right applicant, WISSOTA will consider a full time position which also includes the following year round responsibilities:

• Manage WISSOTA website and social media pages
• Assist Office Administrator during peak times
• Develop WISSOTA press releases to submit to trade media
• Attend and work at WISSOTA 100 in September
• Coordinate and work at WISSOTA Expo in November
• Assist Executive Director in sponsorship sales, fulfillment and retential
• Monitor industry trends and report to WISSOTA board of directors

Interested individuals should send letter of interest and resume
prior to April 14, 2014 to:

WISSOTA Auto Racing
PO Box 297
Dassel, MN 55325

Write “CHALLENGE SERIES DIRECTOR” on the outside of the envelope.

IndyCar has announced that it will enhance the points scoring format that will decide the Verizon IndyCar Series drivers’ and entrants’ championships.

The enhanced format, which will be implemented at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 28-30, will put a premium on the three 500-mile events. The base points structure remains unchanged, while the following are enhancements:

• Double points awarded for 500-mile events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Auto Club Speedway.

• Points for the two days of qualifications for the Indianapolis 500, including bonuses for reaching the Fast Nine Shootout.

IndyCar has also revised the format for the Verizon IndyCar Series Manufacturers’ Championship to reward durability and performance in addition to penalizing competitors when warranted during the 18-race season. Under the new format:

• Manufacturers will receive a 10-point award for each of their 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines that reach the 2500-mile change-out threshold set by IndyCar for 2014.


• The Manufacturers’ Championship format mirrors points awarded to the top five drivers and entrants in each race when running one of the four assigned engines allotted for the season.

• Bonus points will be awarded to the manufacturer that leads the most laps (2 points), leads at least one lap (1 point) and earns the Verizon P1 Award (1 point), with the exception of the Indianapolis 500. Points awarded to the top five in qualifying May 17-18 at Indianapolis.

• The 10-grid-spot penalty levied on an entry whose engine was changed before it met the mileage threshold or surpassed the mandated number of engines for the season is removed. Instead, 10 points will be deducted from the manufacturer’s total for each occurrence.

• Entrant-initiated engine change-outs will result in the loss of 10 driver and entrant points.

• An unapproved engine change-out by an entry will result in it starting from the rear of the grid in the next race.

No engine change-out grid penalties will be served during the Indianapolis 500. Penalties carried over into or earned at the Indianapolis 500 will be served at the subsequent race.

Manufacturer competition between Chevrolet and Honda returned to the series in 2012. For the 2014 season, both manufacturers will supply twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engines fueled by E85.

TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL, a premiere short-course, off-road racing series, has announced the addition of Kart and P1K (UTV) classes to its national event schedule beginning with the season opener in Primm, Nevada, April 5–6, 2014.
 
The TORC Kart class will consist of junior karts and 450 karts while the P1K class will be reserved for 1000cc UTV’s. Each class will compete for a national championship and race the same seven-event schedule as the PRO Light, PRO 2 and PRO 4 classes over the course of the 2014 season. Entries in each class must be USAC-licensed, with a $125 entry fee for the karts and a $150 entry fee for the UTVs.
 
“Both karts and UTV’s have exploded in popularity and participation,” said TORC President BJ Birtwell. “These competitors are the next generation of PRO TORC racers and we’re glad to welcome them into the TORC series to compete for a national championship in their respective classes.”
 
Rules for the new classes are available at http://torcseries.com/2014-torc-rulebook/.
 
The 2014 TORC series event schedule includes races at the following venues:
 April 5-6: Primm, NV (Primm Off-Road Raceway)

April 25-26: Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Motor Speedway)

May 17-18: St. Louis, MO (Gateway Motorsports Park)

June 28-29: Crandon, WI (Crandon International Off-Road Raceway)

July 19-20: Bark River, MI (Bark River International Raceway)

Aug 5-6: Sturgis, SD (Buffalo Chip Powersports Complex)

Aug 30-31: Crandon, WI (Crandon International Off-Road Raceway)
 
For more information on TORC: The Off-Road Championship, including NBC Sports episode premiere dates, visit www.torcseries.com.

Nelson and Marla Hoyos, owners of the Driven2Win Drag Racing School, announced that they have signed a long-term lease agreement as the new track operators of Thunder Road Raceway Park.

The race track facility is located in Gilliam, Louisiana, encompassing 180+ acres and currently has an NHRA sanctioned ¼-mile drag racing track (4050 ft. from starting line to end of shut down area), Compulink timing system, a three-story tower/race control with eight VIP/sponsor suites overlooking the starting line, lighting along the entire drag strip for exciting side-by-side night racing, grandstand seating for more than 7500 race fans, a large commercial concession building and permanent bathroom facilities.

"We are both extremely excited to get started and can't thank David Strong and Hollis Witherington, the owners of Thunder Road Raceway property, enough for this extraordinary opportunity," said Nelson Hoyos. "We look forward to growing the various programs that NHRA offers, as this racing facility has seen thousands of competitors through its doors over the years hosting NHRA sanctioned races."

For 2014, NHRA has scheduled a Divisional Race (Div. 4) for Sept. 12-14 at the facility.

"We're going to provide our customers the opportunity to enjoy our new track on a regular basis with Test & Tunes, Bracket Racing and Track Rentals at a reasonable cost," noted Nelson.

Aside from the existing drag racing facility, the remainder of the property has enough land for the future addition of a kart track, road race course and mud bog area.

Thunder Road Raceway Park will now become the new corporate headquarters for the Driven2Win Drag Racing School. The School will continue to have a presence at Palm Beach International Raceway in South Florida and will soon be announcing an expansion into other racing facilities in key markets nationwide.

"Our Driven2Win Drag Racing programs are designed to allow the novice driver/rider to experience the thrill of drag racing in a safe, fun and controlled environment and allow the experienced driver to fine tune their skills with more track time," said Marla Hoyos.

The School will also create several youth initiatives to help address two of the biggest barriers in the sport of drag racing: driver responsibility and street racing.

"Our slogan of 'Keep it off the streets and take it to the track' hits the problem right where it starts, on the streets," said Marla.

Professional driver and drag racing champion Nelson Hoyos will visit local high schools, community colleges, and vocational/technical schools with show cars, simulators, and promotional materials supporting local law enforcement agencies and promoting the Motorsports Park, educating young adults on the perils of street racing. The Park will offer affordable track time to young adults to help eliminate illegal street racing.

Members can enjoy their performance vehicles and motorcycles and practice their skills while spending time with like-minded individuals that share a passion for speed and adrenaline. Club members will also be offered in-depth comprehensive programs to help educate enthusiasts and competitors on the many facets of drag racing.

“Nelson’s experience in the sport of drag racing will allow students to learn from someone who has had success as a professional driver in the sport," said Marla.

"We are thrilled to have the Thunder Road Raceway Park property become a catalyst for Caddo Parrish tourism and recreation while supporting statewide educational and economic development programs," said Nelson.

For Sponsorship and Promotional opportunities, please call (318) 299-RACE (7223).

Safety-Kleen and its premium refined motor oil brand, EcoPower, have signed a team-wide sponsorship agreement with Roush Fenway Racing.

While EcoPower will be the official oil partner for Roush Fenway Racing, it will also be the primary sponsor for multiple races on the No. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

“We are pleased to have EcoPower on board as our official oil partner,” said team owner Jack Roush. “The partnership reflects Roush Fenway’s commitment to both sustainability and using highest quality products. EcoPower protects engines and protects the environment.

“We have had great success in our race cars with re-refined oil and we look forward to continuing that success with EcoPower, while promoting environmental responsibility throughout this season and into the future.”

“The environmental benefits of re-refined oils have been rigorously evaluated and proven,” said Curt Knapp, Safety-Kleen executive vice president, marketing and oil re-refining sales. “Fleet operators and consumers want to be absolutely confident that the oil will protect their valuable investment.  We can’t think of a stronger, more authentic endorsement for EcoPower than Jack Roush using it in his race cars to achieve peak protection and performance.”

EcoPower re-refined oil helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent. And it requires up to 85 percent less energy to produce than oil made from virgin crude, because it has already been refined.

Edelbrock is excited to kick off the year by launching a completely redesigned website. This new website features an all-new look and utilizes the newest technologies for an improved user experience.

The new Edelbrock website was developed with great user experience in mind. It features extensive product information to help everyone understand the wide range of Edelbrock performance products. Designed and programmed to embody the latest technology, the site will be compatible with today's modern browsers and mobile devices without the need for Adobe Flash. Not only does the site boast a sleek and stylish appearance, it is full of new features, larger fonts, and more user-friendly navigation to encourage greater user interaction, even on mobile and tablet devices.

"Edelbrock has been in business for over 75 years by listening and building close relationships with our consumers. Although we are old fashioned at heart we understand and recognize the importance of constantly innovating and adapting the latest in technology," states Edelbrock Web Master, Paul Tayyan.

Improved Website Features Include:
• Utilizes the latest in programming for improved download speeds
• Improved search feature for easier to read product look up
• Increase font size for improved readability on tablet and mobile devices
• Powerful part number search feature for installation instructions

For more information please visit www.edelbrock.com