The 2014 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will include stops at the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Gainesville, Fla., Indianapolis, Reading, Pa., and Las Vegas.

The program, in its third year, will feature three new stops beginning with the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 13-16 and ending with the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

Following Gainesville, the second stop on the calendar will be the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals held at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 27 – Sept. 1, and will be followed by the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania, Oct. 2-5.

The NHRA Factory Stock Showdown was designed to showcase the NHRA Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Pak and the Chevrolet COPO Camaro.

Discount Tire and Havasu 95 Speedway have announced the J.W. Mitchell Spring Classic on March 15  will benefit from an accelerated purse structure and additional incentives in the event, which includes the Honda Western Pavement Midgets and the HPD Midgets.

The Honda USAC Western Pavement Midgets make their 2014 pavement points debut on the quarter-mile paved oval located on the south edge of Lake Havasu City, home of the world famous London Bridge. The HPD Western Midgets, which opened at Blythe, Calif., last weekend, will share the doubleheader billing.

The feature midget victory will be worth $2000, which includes the $1000 increased make possible by the Pit Boss and Roy Miller bonuses. A $300 increase for second place brings that finish to a total of $900, while a $200 bonus for third brings that posting to $625 and fourth will pay $500 after the $150 boost from the sponsorships.

Tow money, to be paid in cash the night of the race, totals $200 per car for the Honda Midgets and $150 per car for the HPD Midgets.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our participants these increased prizes,” said USAC Western Coordinator Chris Kearns. “I expect increased car counts for this special tribute to J.W Mitchell and his legacy. I thank all who contributed to this enhanced event and extend best wishes for all of our Western participants.”

Havasu 95 Speedway has previously hosted a dozen USAC HPD Midget events but the March 15 program marks the inaugural appearance of the Honda USAC Western Midgets. Bryant Dawson and Chris Lamb won USAC’s last Havasu 95 appearances, taking the HPD Midget races in 2013.

Now settled into its new facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, M7 has announced a new name and a refocused business model for 2014 and beyond.

Now known as M7 Speed, the company will focus on offering speed, style and performance products for all segments of the Mini Cooper market and beyond.

“Over the past year we have experimented with partnering and co-branding with major race parts and performance suppliers nationwide to develop high quality and high performance products for the Mini Cooper brand. For 2014 M7 has decided to expand this program,” said Mark Catania, M7 Speed CEO.

“The Mini Cooper market has been mainly ignored by the mainstream American performance industry since the Mini first arrived in North America in 2002. Because M7 can offer Mini Cooper expertise, as well as direct access to the Mini marketplace, the cars and the people who are active in this unique market segment, we have been able to build excitement and new interest within the industry and our business partners.”

After Catania, a retired NASCAR engineer, purchased the company in 2013, M7 Speed shifted the majority of its manufacturing to the southeastern United States, resulting in improved product quality and stable pricing for its customers. Most M7 parts available for sale are manufactured by a major race team or performance company to exact M7 specifications. M7 Speed works with these local companies because of their technology, passion and capacity to get the job done right.

In the coming months, look for new M7 Speed branded and co-branded products to be released on a regular basis.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest unveiled the list of the 56 cars invited to take part in the 82nd Le Mans 24 Hours (June 14–15), a race in which the dominant theme is innovation. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest also presented the new logo of its blue riband event, new entries, the new regulations and new partners.
 
Henceforth, the Le Mans 24 Hours has a new visual identity thanks to the new logo designed by the Leroy Tremblot agency. An event like the Le Mans 24 Hours is based around a central dimension—its legend. And this legend has been carefully forged since 1923 thanks to four sacrosanct values: innovation, popularity, performance and variety. These four values can be found in the new logo, which also transforms the identity of the event to a brand concept.

This new sign replaces a logo that dates from 1978 and it coincides with the introduction this year of new technical regulations for the Le Mans blue riband category, the LM P1s.

The cars entered in LM P1 will use 30 percent less fuel and make a big reduction in their carbon footprint, while maintaining a level of performance equivalent to that of the cars competing in 2013, thus guaranteeing the race the same nail-biting intensity while using different technologies.

Never in the history of motorsports has a set of regulations gone so far to take into account the challenges which our society has to cope with linked to sustainable development.

In addition to Audi and Toyota, Porsche, which was totally won over by this approach, is making its comeback to the Le Mans 24 Hours 14 years after its last outright victory. Nissan has entered its ZEOD in the context of the 56th garage (place on the grid granted to a technically innovative prototype running outside the overall classification) to prepare for its return to LM P1 in 2015.

In terms of numbers the reigning title holder Audi holds sway with three of its new R18 e-tron quattros, to which two Toyota TS040s and two Porsche 919 Hybrids will provide fierce opposition.


In the LM P1-L category reserved for private teams Rebellion Racing and Lotus have entered a total of three cars.

In LM P2, 2014 will be marked by the return of Ligier, one of the great names in French motorsports, back in top-level racing joining Alpine, which has confirmed its entry. It is the first time that Ligier will return to Le Mans since 1975. This year two cars developed by Onroak Automotive will be at the start. Another comeback of note is that of Dome, and Sébastien Loeb Racing will finally take on the best endurance has to offer. The 9-time world rally champion will not be behind the steering wheel but will be present as team manager.

In LM GTE Pro the Corvette C7s and Viper GTS-Rs are determined to take their revenge on the European GTs led by the works Porsches, the current title holders, the works Ferraris entered by AF Corse, the Ram Racing 458, plus the three Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantages. A no-holds-barred battle between the manufacturers of the most beautiful GTs in the world looks on the cards.

In LM GTE, sixteen cars will be at the start including last year’s winner, the IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche.

Among the drivers in the GTE Am category making their debut will be Fabien Barthes, the 2013 French GT Champion, who has made a remarkable reconversion to motor sport. American actor Patrick Dempsey is back for the third time after coming close to victory last year.

The breakdown of the 56 cars invited to take part in scrutineering and admin. checks is as follows: 10 in LM P1 (7 in LM P1 H reserved for manufacturers, plus 3 in LM P1 L for private teams), 17 LM P2s, 12 LM GTE Pros, 16 LM GTE Ams and one for the 56th garage: in other words an exact parity of 28 between prototypes and GTs.

Ten reserves ( 5 LM Ps and 5 GTEs) have been selected to replace any withdrawals.

The Le Mans 24 Hours race is an international one par excellence and the teams will represent 12 different countries (13 if the Malaysian squad on the reserve list makes it to the grid) with drivers from 18 different nationalities.

Note that the Endurance Pyramid of which the pinnacle is the Le Mans 24 Hours has played its role to the full.

Out of the 56 cars entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours, 31 are also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, 20 in the European Le Mans Series, 7 in the Tudor United Sportscar Championship in North America and 4 in the Asian Le Mans Series (these statistics include the reserves).

This press conference also provided the opportunity to present new partners who have put their trust in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as fresh initiatives on the part of others.

• Shell has become the official supplier of fuel for the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

• Michelin, which has sponsored the broadcasting in live streaming of the conference, has launched a new trophy, the Michelin Total Performance Award aimed at speeding up innovation in both racing and in the field of mobility.

• RTL, the leading radio is now the official Le Mans 24-Hours radio.

Red Bull Global Rallycross announced the launch of a multi-year partnership with NBC Sports Group, beginning with the 2014 season. In 2014, nine Red Bull Global Rallycross events will be broadcast on NBC, with rebroadcasts taking place on the NBCSN.

“This is a great step forward for Red Bull Global Rallycross,” says series CEO, Colin Dyne. “Partnering with NBC will allow us to bring our events to millions of our existing fans, and welcome new fans as well. We look forward to delivering unparalleled, high-octane race action.”

The 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross broadcast schedule is as follows:

• Top Gear Festival Barbados: Saturday, May 24 (tape delay), 1-2PM ET, NBC
• X Games Austin: Saturday, June 7 (live), ESPN
• Washington, DC: Sunday, June 22 (live), 2-3PM ET, NBC
• New York, NY: Sunday, July 20 (live), 2-3PM ET, NBC
• Charlotte, NC: Saturday, July 26 (live), 2:00-3:00PM ET, NBC
• Detroit, MI: Sunday, August 3 (live), 2-3:30PM ET, NBC
• Daytona, FL: Saturday, August 23 (live), 3:30-4:30PM ET, NBC
• Los Angeles, CA: Saturday, September 20 (live), 5-6PM ET, NBC
• Seattle, WA: Sunday, September 28 (tape delay), 2:30-3:30PM ET, NBC
• Las Vegas, NV: Sunday, November 16 (tape delay), 2-3PM ET, NBC

Red Bull Global Rallycross is also grateful for its founding relationship with ESPN. The series looks forward to participating in this year’s X Games Austin, which will be broadcast on ESPN.

Anderson Speedway, a USAC staple for participants for the past half century, has joined the fold for 2014 as part of the Honda USAC Pavement Midget Series, which released its preliminary schedule.

Additional events are in the negotiation stage and will be announced when firm.

Anderson joins Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Kalamazoo (Michigan) Motor Speedway and Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway hosting pavement midget races this season, while negotiations are ongoing with the re-organized Indianapolis Speedrome and other Midwestern facilities regarding schedule additions.

“We are pleased to welcome Anderson to the calendar,” said series coordinator Eric Rankine. “A.J. Foyt’s victory in the 1960 debut at the quarter-mile oval began a long tradition of open-wheel racing at the historic track and we look forward to returning there in September.”

The September 6 Anderson race is among five already finalized for 2014. The annual Night Before the 500 classic currently kicks off the slate May 24, followed by a July 24 race at LOR. The Kalamazoo race is scheduled August 16 and the Columbus race, currently the finale, is September 13.

Honda USAC Pavement Midget Schedule:


May 24 – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis – Clermont, Ind.

July 24 – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis –  Clermont, Ind.

Aug. 16 – Kalamazoo Motor Speedway – Kalamazoo, Mich.

Sept. 6 – Anderson Speedway – Anderson, Ind.

Sept. 13 – Columbus Motor Speedway – Columbus, Ohio

NASCAR announced several personnel moves within its Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) department, including the hiring of Tom Bryant, a 20-year US Army veteran, to a new position of Director, Touring and Weekly Communications.
 
Bryant is a recently retired Lt. Colonel, who completed his service after a decorated career in the Infantry and Special Operations. He most recently served as director of public relations for the US Special Operations Command in Kabul, Afghanistan.
 
“Tom brings a wealth of communications experience under a variety of different environments to NASCAR,” said Brett Jewkes, NASCAR chief communications officer. “He grew up around short tracks and has a life-long passion for racing. As we increase our focus on the grassroots racing programs that are so instrumental to developing the next generation of drivers and fans, securing a leader for this position was our top offseason priority. Given NASCAR’s long-standing commitment to the US military, we’re proud to add Tom to our team.”
 
Bryant, an Alabama native, officially begins March 3 and will be based out of the Daytona Beach, Florida, office. He will report to David Higdon, managing director, integrated marketing communications, and work closely with George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of touring and weekly series, as well as a number of other NASCAR executives whose business units directly are impacted by the touring and weekly series.
 
Prior to his most recent service in Afghanistan, Bryant held the following positions with the US Army:
· 2010-2012 – Director of Public Relations, US Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
· 2008-2010 – Director of American Forces Network South, Vicenza, Italy
· 2006-2008 – Chief of Media Relations and Public Information, US Military Academy, West Point, New York
· 2004-2006 – Director of Public Relations, 101st Airborne, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky
· Prior to 2004 – Infantry Officer, US Army
 
In addition, NASCAR announced the hiring of Adé Herbert as coordinator, Fan and Media Engagement Center. A graduate of Fordham University in New York who served in the US Navy from 1993-97, Herbert participated in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program and worked with Rev Racing for three years on its marketing and public relations initiatives. Herbert will be based in NASCAR’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office.
 
NASCAR also made several Integrated Marketing Communications promotions heading into the 2014 season:
• Kurt Culbert has been promoted to senior director, stakeholder communications
• Jayme Avrit has been promoted to senior manager, stakeholder communications
• Matt Nordby has been promoted to senior manager, broadcast and entertainment communications
• Alex Moore has been promoted to senior coordinator, content communications
 
NASCAR’s 2014 season begins Saturday with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Sprint Unlimited annual non-points event at Daytona International Speedway. Sunday will feature Coors Light Pole qualifying for the Daytona 500, also at the “World Center of Racing,” along with the kickoff of the touring series season featuring the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East opener at New Smyrna (Florida) Speedway.

For more information on the NASCAR touring and weekly series, visit NASCARHomeTracks.com.

Bobby Knox, owner of Montgomery Motor Speedway, has named Stan Narrison as the new General Manager/Promoter of the historic half-mile asphalt oval located west of Montgomery, Alabama.

“It has been a long process, and we feel we have selected the best candidate for the job,” stated Knox. “Mr. Narrison brings a wealth of experience to MMS, including the past 7 years as Executive Director of the USCS (United Sprint Car Series), promoting sprint cars on both dirt and asphalt, Outlaw open wheel modifieds and 600 Mini Sprints in 8 states across the southeast, and 7 years of service at Lanier National Speedway a 3/8-mile asphalt oval facility in Braselton, Georgia, as both the GM/Promoter.”

“I am very excited for this opportunity at one of the most exciting short tracks in America,” commented Narrison. “I can’t thank Mr. Knox enough for selecting me from all the viable candidates to this position to promote this historic speedway. I know we are a little behind in preparing for the 2014 season but we will execute our plan and work to get the facility up to speed and be ready to race come March 29th. I am looking forward to meeting the Drivers, Sponsors, Employees and Fans of Montgomery Motor Speedway and bringing my passion and love for short track racing to this historic speedway.”

Narrison will be responsible for all day-to-day operations at the speedway and will be in the track office full-time starting February 10th to prepare for the 61st season of racing at the half-mile.

You can reach Narrison by email at ssharkman88@yahoo.com or by phone at (678) 910-7726.

For more information about Montgomery Motor Speedway, please visit the track’s website at www.MontgomeryMotorSpeedway.com

Gary Sinise, actor, humanitarian and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, will wave the green flag as the Honorary Starter at Daytona Int’l Speedway for the 56th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race scheduled for Feb. 23.

“Gary Sinise is not only a respected and accomplished actor, but a compassionate advocate for our servicemen and women and does a tremendous amount of work for the American troops,” Daytona Int’l Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We are excited to have him kick off The Great American Race’ by waving the green flag for the Daytona 500.”

“It’s an honor to be selected as Honorary Starter at this year’s Daytona 500 on behalf of the Gary Sinise Foundation. The race is a celebrated tradition and an important occasion to raise awareness and support for the men and women who serve our country,” said Sinise.

In addition to Sinise’s participation as honorary starter, a special Daytona 500 ticket package supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation is available for $90 and includes:

• A Daytona 500 backstretch ticket
• A $10 donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation
• Access to a 15-minute fan forum with Gary Sinise prior to the Daytona 500

To purchase the special Daytona 500 ticket package, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/gary.

Acting for more than 30 years, Sinise has had many memorable roles in movies such as Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Ransom and Truman as well as the television police drama CSI: NY. He has earned a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Academy Award nomination.

SCORE International’s Roger Norman announced that CBS Sports Network will televise the entire five-race 2014 SCORE World Desert Championship series. Each one-hour telecast will air the month following each event, starting with this month’s season-opening 28th Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race.

Round 1 of the five-race 2014 SCORE World Desert Championship series will be held in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, Feb. 27-March 2. In 2014, two SCORE races will be held in the United States and three in Mexico.
  
This deal provides the most expansive television coverage package in the 41-year history of SCORE, the world’s foremost desert racing organization. The regular telecast time slot for the SCORE events will be Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET. Further, a sixth show will cover the 2014 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 qualifying event, held Nov. 4-7 in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show automotive industry trade show in Las Vegas.

“One of our primary goals when we acquired SCORE International was to develop a viable television package as quickly as possible,” said Norman, SCORE CEO and President. “We welcome the challenge of developing our product for tremendous added exposure in new markets and are excited to have CBS Sports Network help introduce the world’s best desert racers to a national audience."

The 2014 SCORE World Desert Championship series will open its season by visiting Mexico for the first of three annual SCORE Baja races. The race itself will be held along the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.