NASCAR announced that it has restructured its manufacturer points system for 2014, simplifying it for fans, competition and the industry, while amplifying the already passionate rivalries between each auto maker.
 
The new points system—which applies to all three national series—mirrors the owner championship points structure. Points will be awarded to the single highest finisher for each car manufacturer in each championship event according to the finishing position awarded for each race. Specifically, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, points will be awarded as follows (43-1, plus bonus points). Points will be awarded in a similar manner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (43-4, plus bonus points) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (43-8, plus bonus points).
 
Three additional bonus points will be awarded to the manufacturer that wins the race. The single highest finisher for each manufacturer will receive one additional bonus point for leading a lap, and one additional bonus point for leading the most laps.
 
Example: In a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, if a Toyota finishes in each of the top three positions and the winning Toyota leads the most laps, and a Chevrolet finishes in fourth position without leading a lap, Toyota will receive 48 points and Chevrolet will receive 40 points.
 
“We have always focused on intensifying the natural rivalries between our manufacturers – both on the race track and in the showroom,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition and racing development. “We believe aligning the points system with the owner points will create better understanding for the entire industry, and bolster interest and excitement with our fan base, which has shown intense manufacturer loyalty throughout the sport’s history.”
 
At the end of the season, if two or more manufacturers have the same number of points, the manufacturers’ championship will be awarded to the manufacturer with the greatest number of first-place finishes. If there is a tie in victories, the greatest number of second-place finishes, third-place finishes, etc. will break the tie. If a tie still remains, the manufacturer having the earliest win of the current season will prevail.
 

Officials from the CARS X-1R Pro Cup Series are proud to announce that American Racer will become the new official tire of the traveling series beginning in 2014. The change comes on the heels of former tire supplier, Goodyear, making the decision to eliminate its production of tires for the series in the future.

"Since the offseason began we've spent time testing several new tire manufacturers to find a suitable replacement, and we are happy to have chosen the American Racer tire. It's a good, fast tire that performed very well in testing in both overall grip and durability," stated series Owner/President Jack McNelly. "Everyone at American Racer has been great to work with and they have shown they are committed to supporting our series going forward."

Scott Junod, Director of Racing for American Racer, echoed McNelly's statement about the new arrangement.

"Jack (McNelly) told us what he needed and expected in a tire for the Pro Cup Series and we went to work to make it happen. The result was a good quality tire that the competitors will enjoy racing on and the fans in the stands will also, especially when they see the quality of racing it produces," explained Junod. "Overall we are just thrilled to be supplying tires for the Pro Cup Series, with its history and bright future, it couldn't be a more perfect fit for us going forward."

Motul USA announces the appointment of Ron Aparicio as its Director of Sales and Marketing. A veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry, he previously served as Director of Sales for Walker Products Inc. During his 10-year service with Walker, he was responsible for aftermarket sales and the management of outside sales reps. In addition, he oversaw all aftermarket sales channels and buying groups.
 
“It is an honor to be associated with the Motul brand which is known throughout the world for its development of the finest lubricants and related products for both automotive and motorcycle applications,” said Ron Aparicio, director of sales and marketing, Motul USA. “I look forward to further expanding the Motul brand in North America.”
 
“We are excited in welcoming Ron to our organization. His proven leadership in sales, and his deep involvement in the industry will help guide us with our expansion in the USA,” said Dave Wolman, President, Motul USA.
 
Ron Aparicio received his MAAP (Master of the Automotive Aftermarket) degree from the University of the Aftermarket in 2013, a program of Northwood University. The University of the Aftermarket is the nation's only automotive marketing and management program offered at the university level in the United States. Previously, he attended California State University-Chico.
 
Aparicio can be reached via direct email at raparicio@motul.com, or by telephone at 909-625-1292, extension 206.

Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) announced that the Lima, Ohio-based institute of higher learning has extended its contract as the official and exclusive educational university of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The one-year agreement means the partnership between ARCA and UNOH is extended for the 12th year.

“UNOH is very proud to extend our agreement for the 12th year of our relationship,” said Steve Farmer, Vice President of Corporate Development for UNOH. “We have seen the program grow over the last decade to become the premier student internship in the world of stock car racing.”

UNOH and ARCA have a unique, long-term relationship that ultimately gives students from UNOH a chance to participate in real-world situations as crew members on an ARCA Racing Series team. More than 30 students annually participate in the university’s ARCA Race Club, a student-internship program that puts students on ARCA teams for a full 20-race season.

“Many of the young men and women that have gone through the ARCA program and working with the teams have gone on to fulfill their dreams and aspirations of working in the highest levels of the sport,” Farmer said.

The University of Northwestern Ohio is an entrepreneurial, not-for-profit institution of higher learning, preparing students for careers and productive citizenship that encompass the business, professional, corporate, and technological communities by providing quality education and training in response to the needs and aspirations of our constituents.

Founded in 1920, UNOH is a co-educational institution authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents to grant master’s degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and associate degrees.
In addition to internships and on-the-job training, the partnership between ARCA and UNOH also includes scholarships and other types of training. For example, UNOH has hosted a team of ARCA officials in the past, helping them prepare for duties like technical inspections at the diverse race tracks the series visits. Back in the classroom setting on the UNOH campus – located about 60 miles from ARCA’s home offices – students practice pit stops and receive more in-depth training in the automotive technology field.

“I can’t say enough about the program with ARCA,” said UNOH Automotive Division Head Steven Klausing, an instructor at the college. “We’ve had several students go on to careers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series.”

In addition, UNOH will continue to offer $10,000 in scholarship funding to eligible ARCA members, or their immediate family members. The offer is open to new students. More information can be found at http://www.unoh.edu.

“The ARCA/UNOH partnership is one of the most gratifying of any I’m involved in,” said Mark Gundrum, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Partnerships for ARCA. “The program helps the students, it helps the teams, and it helps individuals who seek to continue their education through the scholarship. It’s a great program!”

UNOH has been an official company with ARCA since 2003.

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

As part of the ProMedia Competition Department's continuing efforts to enhance safety at its NMCA, NMCA WEST and NMRA events, an Electrimotion Shutdown Transmitter will be in use at all 2014 events across the country. The installation of the Electrimotion safety device is highly recommended for all Pro Mod competitors in the upcoming season. The device, when used in conjunction with the Electrimotion Safety Box, will automatically shut off fuel and ignition as well as deploy the parachutes once the vehicle has passed the finish line (if the driver has not done so already). The system activates when the car passes the wall-mounted transmitter just past the finish line.

"As part of our ProPledge initiative to our competitors and fans, we felt it was important to invest and implement the transmitter at our races and recommend the safety device for Pro Mod racers," said Rollie Miller, ProMedia National Event Director. "Our tech department will have the system installed at every event beginning with the NMRA race in Bradenton, Florida on March 6-9."

These are the same safety devices required by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for Pro Mod competitors. Complete product information and listings can be found at Electrimotion, the company that manufactures these safety devices. Please visit the website at www.electrimotion.com, contact Dave Lehay at 740-362-0251 or send an email to dave@electrimotion.com.
 
The ProPledge initiative is a dynamic commitment to the NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST racers and fans designed to improve their experience at all ProMedia-produced motorsports events. ProPledge is integrated into the fabric of the company, improving upon the already strong reputation of NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST.  The program includes more racer appreciation events, safety programs, and additional support for all racers, fans, and sponsors. ProMedia is a family that shares a passion for performance with our racers, fans and sponsors. ProPledge is a way of life at all ProMedia events.

Officials with the National Dirt Racing League have announced the addition of the NDRL Northeast Late Model Series and the NDRL Modifieds Series to the NDRL family of series’ beginning this upcoming 2014 season.

The NDRL Northeast Late Model Series and NDRL Modifieds Series will join the second year NDRL Kings of Dirt National Series along with the NDRL’s McKean County Raceway under the National Dirt Racing League banner.

“We want to build a pair of new regional series’ for both Late Models and Modifieds,” NDRL’s Jason Shank said. “We have high expectations for both of the NDRL Northeast Series and NDRL Modifieds Series. We feel there is room in the northeast and mid-Atlantic region for a solid mid-major late model series, but it’s going to take some time to build a relevant regional series that promoters, drivers, and fans can support.”

“We would eventually like to see the NDRL Northeast Series to be comparable to the old STARS series or MACS (Mid-Atlantic Championship Series),” said NDRL Owner John Kennedy. “Our plan is to build into something like that within the next few years.”

The NDRL Northeast Late Models as well as the NDRL Modifieds will kick off their inaugural season on March 29, 2014 at Mercer Raceway Park and the annual Chiller Thriller.

The NDRL team has been hard at work trying to put together a formidable schedule for racers and fans and have been in negotiations with tracks like America’s Raceway Park, Eriez Speedway, Hagerstown Speedway, Little Valley Speedway, McKean County Raceway, Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex, Sharon Speedway, Woodhull Speedway and many others. NDRL officials will have a schedule completed in the near future.

The NDRL Northeast and NDRL Modifieds Series’ will follow in the footsteps of the NDRL Kings of Dirt National Tour with their very own Royal Rewards program. The NDRL’s Royal Rewards program will award travel money and other perks to drivers who are in the top-ten in series points. NDRL Northeast Late Model Series drivers within the top-ten will receive a minimum of $300 to show-up to an NDRL Northeast event and will be guaranteed at least $500 to start an event.

“The way it works is actually pretty simple,” Shank said. “If we have a $3,000 to win event and it’s $300 to start, a NDRL Northeast driver will receive the $300 plus $200 to start the event to get them to their guaranteed $500. We’ll say that the 10th finishing position pays $525, if that driver finishes 10th, he will receive $525, if that driver finishes from 11th to 24th, he will receive $500.

“In other words, if the driver races his way into a higher payout than $500, the driver will receive that payout, but regardless of where they finish, they are guaranteed at least $500.”

The same system will be in place for the NDRL Modifieds Series with the driver being guaranteed at least $200 each event.

Rockingham Dragway will host the first all new PDRA (Professional Drag Racers Association) event, Friday–Saturday, April 4–5, 2014. The afore mentioned NDRA Series has been morphed into this new PDRA Drag Racing Series.

Classes to be campaigned during this inaugural event include Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme Pro Stock, Pro Boost, Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Junior Dragsters.

A new organization has been formed to provide racers, fans and manufacturers involved with professional-level outlaw doorslammer drag racing a promising future in 2014 and beyond.

The Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA), founded by well-known racers Jason and Mitchell Scruggs, Gene Hector, Roger Henson and Tommy Franklin, aspires to create a solid foundation for eighth-mile Pro Mod-style drag racing and offer their racing brethren a stable, safe and competitive venue for the quickest and fastest doorslammers on the planet.

“Our goal is to give outlaw doorslammer racers, as well as all the fans, track operators and sponsors who have supported this kind of racing over the years, an organization they can be proud of,” said longtime racer Jason Scruggs. “The PDRA is racer owned and racer operated, and while we understand that there will be a building process, we’re looking forward to a strong series in 2014.”

The 2014 PDRA series tour will feature eight races:

April 4-5 : Rockingham Dragway (Rockingham, NC)
May 9-10 : South Georgia Motorsports Park (Valdosta, GA)
May 23-24 : Memphis International Raceway (Millington, TN)
June 27-28 : U.S. 131 Motorsports Park (Martin, Michigan)
July 25-26 : Virginia Motorsports Park (Richmond, VA)
Aug. 15-16 : Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park (Tulsa, OK)
September 5-6 : Rockingham Dragway (Rockingham, NC)
October 10-11 : Virginia Motorsports Park (Richmond, VA)

At each stop on the 2014 PDRA series tour there will be eight eliminator categories contested, including Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme Pro Stock, Pro Boost, Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Junior Dragster.

Longtime racers Bob Harris and Rick Moore, both of North Carolina, have been called upon for PDRA’s day-to-day operations and will spearhead the upstart organization’s forward progress.

“There are still a few details to work out, but we are thrilled at the support that has already been shown by racers, track operators and potential sponsors behind the scenes,” says Harris. “I’ve been a racer for over 30 years, involved with Pro Mod for the last 5-6 years with a son who races, and I’ve seen this type of racing really grow. Truthfully, it’s very important that we preserve it, and I think the sport needs an organization like PDRA.

“I’m looking forward to working with Rick, who I’ve worked closely with before, and – bottom line – we’re going to make this deal better than anything that’s out there currently. We’ve got all the tools to do so, and we’re committed to making PDRA the premiere eighth-mile drag racing association in the world.”

Rules, purse structure and various other items will be announced in the coming days and weeks, as well as the creation of an official PDRA website or call Bob Harris (919-880-4962) or Rick Moore (336-382-9516) for more information.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRG) announce an all-new series set to debut in 2014, Sonic Rush Tour, built on a foundation of family-friendly, thrill-driven motorsports entertainment.

The 2014 Sonic Rush Tour, presented by AMSOIL, will visit 13 cities in nine states with its unique brand of heart-stopping entertainment. Among the highlights of next year’s debut season is a stop at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas on September 27, a trip to Tulsa Raceway Park on November 1, a pair of shows at Edinburg Raceway on April 5 and November 15, and events at the IRG family of tracks including Memphis International Raceway (August 2), Palm Beach International Raceway (October 4), and Southwestern International Raceway (October 18).

Other stops on the Sonic Rush Tour in 2014 include Immokalee Regional Raceway (March 15), Kanawha Valley Motorsports Park (June 21), Union County Dragway (June 28), Galot Motorsports Park (July 12), Carolina Dragway (August 16) and San Antonio Raceway (November 29).

At the heart of the Sonic Rush Tour is a dedication to providing fans with a race track experience unlike anything they have ever seen before. With non-stop entertainment designed to test the senses, the Sonic Rush Tour is exactly what its name suggests—a rush of sights, sounds and smells that is unlike anything else in the industry.

"The Sonic Rush Tour is designed to give motorsports fans a show they won’t find anywhere else in the sport. Jam-packed with a variety of jets, wheelstanders and thrill acts from around the world, the Sonic Rush Tour will build on the foundation set by the former Thunder Jam series with an enhanced show, an expanded lineup and a larger reach in markets throughout the U.S.," noted Jason Rittenberry, CFE, President and Chief Executive Officer of IRG.

Among the machines that will populate the lineup of the Sonic Rush Tour in 2014 will be the brand new X-Treme Shockwave, a 30,000 horsepower jet-powered semi-truck with enough force blasting from its massive jet engine to topple a building. Other jet acts will include the uniquely designed Queen of Diamonds jet dragster, piloted by the world famous Jill Canuso, and the world’s only jet-powered Funny Cars.

Other acts will include the world-renowned Chevy Rebellion wheelstander driven by Richard Hutchins, the Candyland stagecoach wheelstander driven by wild man Ed Jones, and the complete collection of Mike West's unique contraptions including the car-eating Megasaurus and a wild set of jet-powered vehicles including a golf cart, a smart car and even a flame-throwing recliner.

“This is an exciting time to be a motorsports fan. We live in an era where anything is possible in the name of great family entertainment, as brave daredevils around the world strap jets to anything with wheels and continue to seek out ways to push the limits of man and machine,” said Jim Marchyshyn, Vice President of the IHRA's Sonic Rush Tour presented by AMSOIL. “As part of that rich tradition of motorsports-driven entertainment, we are thrilled to debut the Sonic Rush Tour in 2014 to fans throughout the United States. This unique series will present fans with three hours of non-stop entertainment featuring some of the wildest and most exciting machines ever built. Nothing is out of the question in the name of entertainment and we plan to celebrate that innovation and dedication to the entertainment of thousands by bringing the world’s most exciting exhibition vehicles to a city near you.”

For more information on the 2014 Sonic Rush Tour schedule, a newly designed website at www.SonicRushTour.com will debut in the coming weeks.

2014 Sonic Rush Tour Schedule

March 15 | Immokalee Regional Raceway (Immokalee, FL)
April 5 | Edinburg Raceway (Edinburg, TX)
June 21 | Kanawha Valley Motorsports Park (Southside, WV)
June 28 | Union County Dragway (Union, SC)
July 12 | Galot Motorsports Park (Benson, NC)
August 2 | Memphis International Raceway (Millington, TN)
August 16 | Carolina Dragway (Aiken, SC)
September 27 | Heartland Park (Topeka, KS)
October 4 | Palm Beach International Raceway (Jupiter, FL)
October 18 | Southwestern International Raceway (Tucson, AZ)
November 1 | Tulsa Raceway Park (Tulsa, OK)
November 15 | Edinburg Raceway (Edinburg, TX)
November 29 | San Antonio Raceway (Marion, TX)

Daryn Pittman continues to garner praise for his remarkable 2013 championship-winning World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series performance.

On Saturday night at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, Pittman was honored by the Eastern Motorsport Press Association as the Al Holbert National Driver of the Year.

Pittman drove the Kasey Kahne Racing Great Clips-sponsored car to his first World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series crown, leading wire-to-wire and holding off Donny Schatz in the closest championship finish in series history. It was also the first World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series title for Kasey Kahne Racing.

Pittman joins a list of previous winners dating back to 1973 that includes drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Mario Andretti, Tony Stewart, Dario Franchitti, Jeff Gordon, John Force and last year’s winner Brad Keselowski.

“It truly is an honor to be associated with so many of the drivers who have won this award before me,” said Pittman, a native of Owasso, Okla. “I was just very thankful to be back on the road with the World of Outlaws and for us to be as strong from the beginning all the way to the end was truly just an amazing season with a great team behind me at Kasey Kahne Racing.”

Pittman is only the second World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series driver to earn the award, joining 2007 winner Donny Schatz.

“Besides the fact that he joins Mario Andretti and a host of other superstars from the past, Daryn Pittman had a terrific year,” said EMPA President Ron Hedger. “The guys he beat in the voting were John Force and Scott Dixon, two of the greatest racers in their divisions. Pittman had a year that certainly deserved this award.”

Pittman will begin his quest for a second consecutive championship next month when the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series kicks off the season during the Feb. 11-22 DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.

The Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series has announced that American Racer will continue as the official and exclusive series tire for 2014.
 
Must See Racing president Jim Hanks said, “From the day back in March 2011 that MSR selected American Racer, their management team, engineers and our series distributor, Wayne Bishop of Michigan American Racer LLC has delivered on every commitment and promise enabling MSR to not only meet, but exceed, our three original objectives of safety, obtaining a level and competitive playing field for our competitors, and significantly reducing tire costs for our teams.”
 
Tires are one of the most important components in racing, creating a difficult and complex dynamic for competitors and officials alike. As the overall costs of racing continue to rise, the challenging economy has made it imperative for officials to step forward with solid and meaningful programs to reduce competitor expenses.
 
“I really appreciate and respect American Racer’s continued and ongoing commitment to product quality and competitive price point. Performance has been the foundation of our relationship. The quality of our first class race teams, their spectacular competition and the MSR performance record on the American Racer tire objectively speaks for itself,” concluded Hanks.
 
MSR is pleased to announce the 2014 American Racer tire pricing will remain the same as in 2013.
 
Specific details regarding tire distribution, approved compounds, pricing, etc. can be found by visiting www.mustseeracing.com.