MAHLE Clevite, Inc. has hired The Marx Group as the company's marketing agency of record for its new tool and equipment division. The Marx Group will assist the MAHLE Tool and Equipment division with marketing communications and public relations efforts.

“We are excited to partner with The Marx Group to help us develop and communicate messaging related to our new division specializing in products for the tool and equipment aftermarket," said Max Dull, division manager. "Their vast knowledge of the aftermarket in working with top brands will help us in supporting our outreach to technicians and beyond.“

The new division of the MAHLE Aftermarket is anchored by RTI, a company MAHLE acquired on January 1, 2013. RTI specializes in the development and distribution of automotive maintenance equipment, including air conditioning service, fluid exchange and nitrogen tire inflation systems.

Based in San Rafael, California, with creative and account teams in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Nashville and Southern California, The Marx Group offers strategic business consulting, as well as full-service marketing communications and public relations programs.

For more information about MAHLE Clevite Inc. visit www.mahle-aftermarket.com. For more information about The Marx Group, phone 415-453-0844 or visit www.themarxgrp.com.

Marcy Scott, the promotion and marketing director at Atlanta Motor Speedway who also worked with several drivers during a long career in NASCAR, died Friday after battling breast cancer. She was 42.

AMS President Ed Clark said Scott died at her parents' home in the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn, where she had been undergoing hospice care.

Scott joined the speedway in 2005 after working for several teams and sponsors, her list of drivers including Matt Kenseth, Ricky Craven and Jeff Green.

"We will all miss her charisma, her penchant for detail and her way of making any task fun and enjoyable," Clark said in a statement. "To people throughout the NASCAR and the Atlanta media communities, she was a great friend and a consummate professional."

Scott was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and underwent extensive treatment, including a dozen surgeries. She revealed on her blog that the disease had returned in her brain after she fell ill in late May while walking around the Jefferson Memorial during a vacation in Washington, D.C.

Scott underwent surgery a couple of weeks later to remove a dime-sized tumor on the right side of her brain, but never fully recovered.

"I've been meaning to write the final chapter about completing my journey, losing weight, getting healthier and getting my life back," she said on her blog. "Well I guess there was a reason I never wrote the final chapter as it looks as if this book (is) not closed."

In a June entry, Scott wrote of what she had learned during her fight with cancer.

"Planning is great, but waiting on things makes no sense to me now," she said. "Live each day with complete utter joy and let go of petty annoyances and disagreements is a great mantra. Let that be my gift to you—to love with every fiber of your being to all walks of life. Look for the good in people. It will astound you."

Around NASCAR, her death was mourned.

"Sad to hear Marcy Scott lost her battle with cancer," driver Kasey Kahne tweeted. "She was always the nicest lady. Always had a smile. Thoughts and prayers."

Hendrick Motorsports said on Twitter, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Marcy Scott and (Atlanta Motor Speedway). She will be missed."

After learning Scott's cancer had returned, driver Joey Logano set up a fund to raise money for her care and treatment.

"Very sad to hear about Marcy Scott losing her battle with cancer," Logano tweeted Friday. "Was such a great part of our sport."

Survivors include her parents, Buck and Charlotte Scott, and her brother, Stewart Scott.

The funeral will be held Monday at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain.

Exhibitors seeking to expand internationally and buyers interested in shopping the globe for the hottest new innovations in racing technology will be excited to learn that the world's largest racing trade show continues to attract more buyers and more exhibitors from around the world.
 
The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show is recognized as the single best place on earth to conduct business internationally in auto racing. And as racers do everything they can to seek a competitive advantage, national borders no longer serve as barriers in purchasing the type of winning technology on display at the PRI Trade Show.
 
"Globalization of the racing marketplace has been a powerful trend in recent years," said Francisque Savinien, Director of Global Sales & Marketing for PRI, whose marketing team has worked to promote PRI at major international shows, events and races around the world in 2013.
 
"Racing business people from across the globe now flock to the PRI Trade Show," he added. "We are registering attendees on a daily basis from countries as far as Saudi Arabia, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Australia, as well as a large contingent coming from Europe and, of course, Latin America."
 
He also noted that PRI Magazine is now distributed in 110 countries.
 
The PRI Trade Show truly brings the dynamic, worldwide racing marketplace to Indianapolis! For more information, visit www.pri2013.com, and follow PRI on Twitter at @prishow.

Hall of Fame engine builder Ed “The Old Master” Pink is embarking on a new chapter in his storied career, collaborating with long-time friend and associate Bob Brandt to launch Ed Pink’s Garage in Newbury Park, California. The facility will be devoted to doing special projects that range from building and installing unique engines in street rods and muscle cars to performing R&D work.

Pink said, “I want to make it clear that we’re not going into the racing engine business. I sold my business (Ed Pink Racing Engines) to Tom Malloy over five years ago, and it continues to stand on its own with Frank Honsowetz, who was my GM for many years, at the helm. Many of EPRE’s employees have been there 20-30 years and are excellent technicians. And because of this, I will count on EPRE to be a valuable resource for precision machine work and testing on all applicable projects we have at Ed Pink’s Garage.”

Brandt, of course, is best known for his 17-year tenure as Crew Chief for drag racing legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme. During this time Prudhomme won numerous NHRA championships and compiled an amazing won/lost record. Brandt was recognized as Car Craft Magazine’s All-Star Crew Chief for seven consecutive years. Later, he played a key role in the racing operations of Gary Ormsby, Bruce Sarver, Larry Minor, Joe Gibbs and Don Schumacher. The man knows how to spin a wrench! The Lakewood, Ohio native eventually grew tired of the racing grind and hung up said wrench. However, as you might suspect, Bob got bored with retirement and along came Pink with an offer he couldn’t refuse.

In describing their operation, Pink—who was tagged with the sobriquet “The Old Master” some 50 years ago—said, “We’ve got a nice shop that’s nestled in an industrial complex and surrounded by a number of car collectors. Some of the first projects we have going include recreating the flathead engine that was in the ’36 Ford I used to race at the dry lakes, build a 427 SOHC ‘cammer’ Ford with some unique twists, and restore an Indian motorcycle.”

Ed went on to say, “Our goal is to connect with those enthusiasts who want something special and value the knowledge and experience Bob and I bring to the party. We will also be doing consulting work and help customers develop highly effective engine combinations.” Pink’s credentials includes preparing engines that won major titles in such diversified venues as drag racing, off-road, the Indy 500, USAC Midgets and Silver Crown sprint cars, endurance sports car racing and more. To connect with Pink go to: www.EdPinksGarage.com or call 805-499-4091

Chris Sperry was named as the Director of Partnership Sales for Talladega Superspeedway. Sperry will lead the track’s Sales and Marketing team starting today, November 1.
 
Sperry, a graduate of Clemson University (1994) and Georgia State University College of Law (1999), brings 10-plus years of business and marketing skills to NASCAR’s Most Competitive track. During this time, Sperry has served as the Sponsorship and Event Marketing Manager for Maserati North America, Vice President of Sales for Road Atlanta, and Senior Manager of Business Development for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
 
“I am very excited to be a part of the Talladega family,” said Sperry. “I look forward to working with our existing partners and growing our brand in the marketplace.  We have a great team in place, two great events and an experience that is unmatched in NASCAR. After all, this is Talladega.”
 
As the new Director of Partnership Sales, Sperry will be planning and directing business development efforts for Talladega Speedway, as well as developing plans and programs to support the speedway’s sales and revenue objectives. Sperry will now be the primary contact with ISC’s Partnership Sales and Marketing department.
 
“We are thrilled to have Chris join the Talladega team, with a track record of exceptional success and growth throughout his career,” said Grant Lynch, Talladega Superspeedway Chairman. “He brings with him many years of experience and a strong skill set in the field of sponsorship marketing and will definitely be an asset for us moving forward into the 2014 season.”
 

Dallara Automobili has been selected to develop and manufacture the next generation chassis for Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires.

The chassis will make its debut for the 2015 season, with an updated current Dallara car being used for the 14-race 2014 season.

Dallara, manufacturer of the current IndyCar Series chassis, exceeded expectations in its presentation and commitment, according to Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions that holds the license to operate the series.

Andersen, a former Indy Lights team owner, placed emphasis on the cost of the new car and spares. The goal was to present a car that is contemporary in design and technically advanced, able to reach 200 mph, and meet safety and reliability requirements. Key points of the deal include a reduction in the pricing of a new chassis for teams competing in 2014 and all teams placing orders by March 15. Additionally, Dallara will offer an annual "January Sale" during which teams stocking up on spares will receive even lower pricing.

The manufacturer also is offering to spread costs over a three-year period to defer initial ownership expenditures.

"The new Dallara IL-15 Indy Lights race car will offer great style, current technologies and, of course, Dallara's well-earned reputation for building safe, reliable race cars," Andersen said. "We are pleased with the final pricing structure and the various discounts provided by Dallara, and believe our teams and drivers will get excellent value and a terrific race car."

Dallara also will provide a $25,000 award to the Indy Lights champion.

"Dallara is a proven chassis manufacturer with an equally impressive winning record," said Tony Cotman, president of NZR Consulting who was head of the committee to select a chassis manufacturer. "They dominate the world market for many reasons, particularly with a strong record in safety and reliability.  

"I fully support Dan's decision and look forward to moving ahead with the next phases of the project, particularly details surrounding a new engine. As Indy Lights continues to evolve under the guidance of Andersen Promotions, I'm sure this is the first of many exciting announcements over the coming weeks."

The chassis will be developed and manufactured at Dallara's facility in Speedway, Indiana. Prototype testing will commence in August. Renderings of the new chassis will be available in the coming weeks.

"Based on our worldwide experience with single-seater race cars and with IndyCar in particular, we are confident and committed to providing the Indy Lights drivers with a safe race car as the appropriate training foundation for their future IndyCar competition," said Gian Paolo Dallara, founder of Dallara Automobili. "Following the same strategy which we have set in place for the IndyCar, a great part of the components of the Indy Lights cars will be manufactured in Indiana by Dallara and by many local suppliers.

"We commit to supporting Dan Andersen and his organization in reaffirming the validity of the Indy Lights concept."

Larry Pacey CEO of National Performance Warehouse, Chase Knight, former racer and Crane Cams drive train expert and several others were recognized for their racing achievements and support of Miami Hollywood Speedway Park. The awards were presented by Jerry Gwynn, father of Top Fuel Campion Darrell Gwynn. Jerry is also an NHRA World Champion.    

Pacey was prominent on the AHRA, IHRA and NHRA racing scene during the 70’s and 80’s. He traveled coast to coast and participated in many national events and also held the national record in all 3 Racing Associations.

Pacey’s enthusiasm for racing led him to expand his carb rebuilding and auto parts distributorship into racing, performance parts and truck accessories under the well-known National Performance Warehouse Companies banner.  National Performance (NPW) today includes; Southern Performance, Speed Warehouse, Karbelt, Motor Warehouse and CMA.  NPW has 10 locations in the US and Canada that service thousands of jobber locations.

Coming in February 22–23, 2014, is the 7th Annual Race & Performance Expo at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Thousands of high performance products will be on display from 200 vendors occupying 300 booths.

This is a chance for racing professionals—retailers, engien builders, race car builders, fabricators, race track owners, sanctioning body personnel and more—to network and create business opportunities.

The Car Builder's Showcase will feature over 20 car builder's hot rods, street rods, muscle cars and trucks on display from complete restorations to complete customizing.

Educational racing seminars offer information about how to go faster, improve engine dynamics and much more.

In addition, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will hold one of their competitions at this event.

For further information, visit http://www.raceperformanceexpo.com/

The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, housed at the famed Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala, Florida) announced the 2014 inductees to the Hall of Fame. 2014 marks the 24th year of honoring those who contributed significantly to the sport in their careers. The prestigious induction ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Florida, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites on Thursday, March 13, 2014, preceding the NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals. Popular former NHRA Announcer Bob Frey will again serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

The six members of the inductee class for 2014 will include the sport’s most prolific Pro Stock winner and six-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, a two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion, a racer/turned master sheet metal craftsman, a popular top fuel racer and US Nationals champion, a highly popular Funny Car driver and AHRA Funny Car Champion, a passionate benefactor of drag racing, and one of motorsports’ most popular and prolific artists.

The Class of 2014:

John Abbott (Denver, Colorado) -- Abbott was a highly popular top fuel driver from the early 1960s into the 1980s who successfully transitioned the somewhat difficult conversion from the front engine Top Fuel cars to the rear engine cars.  The highlight of his career was marked by winning the NHRA’s (National Hot Rod Association) most prestigious event, the U.S. Nationals.

Al Bergler (Shelby Township, Michigan) -- Al Bergler has been a hot rodder at heart throughout his adult life, racing cars and shaping sheet metal to create some of the most memorable appearing race cars in the sport.  His Competition Coupe, the beautiful yellow “More Aggravation,” is the only race car to win the Detroit Autorama’s Riddler Award in its 49 year history.

Frank Hawley (Newberry, Florida) -- Hawley, the Canadian Top Fuel and Funny Car star, took the famed Farkonas, Coil & Minik “Chi-Town Hustler” fuel Funny Car team to back-to-back NHRA Funny Car World Championships in 1982 and 1983.  Hawley was later tabbed by Jerry and Darryl Gywnn to replace Darryl in the cockpit after his accident in the family’s Top Fuel car.  He currently operates the Frank Hawley School of Drag Racing which has trained thousands of racers.

Tom Hoover (Maple Grove, Minnesota) -- Tom Hoover and the “Showtime” Funny Cars were highly popular with fans.  Tom was the driver element of the Hoover family racing operation, with his father George (“Pa”) doing the tuning, and Ruth (“Ma”) always present to do what needed to be done.  Across a 30-plus year career, Tom (and his parents) captured five NHRA Funny Car wins, and the AHRA (American Hot Rod Association) World Championship in 1976.

Warren Johnson (Buford, Georgia)  -- Warren Johnson acquired the nickname of “The Professor” over his career in the NHRA and IHRA Pro Stock class.  A dogged, determined and crafty practioner of the art of engine building, chassis and clutch tuning, Johnson’s 97 Pro Stock wins and six NHRA World Championships, and two IHRA (International Hot Rod Association)  Mountain Motor World Championships made him the most successful Pro Stock racer in the sport’s history.

Forrest Lucas (Corona, California) - Lucas, through his Lucas Oil Products company, has become one of motorsports’ greatest modern day supporters.  He has utilized motorsports marketing, and particularly drag racing, to build brand awareness of his company’s extensive line of lubricants.  He is at the drag strip as frequently as his busy schedule allows, supporting his wife Charlotte’s Super Comp class dragster and son Morgan’s two car Top Fuel team.
 
The Founders Award
Kenny Youngblood (Las Vegas, Nevada) – Kenny Youngblood’s career as the drag racing and hot rodding’s leading artist has been fueled by an undying passion for hot rods and race cars -- from designing custom cars and hot rods, developing color schemes for street cars and race cars, racing and owing race cars, to race car paintings.  Youngblood’s selection as the 2014 Founder’s Award honoree is based upon the feeling of Harry Hibler and Don Garlits that his contributions to the art of the race car and the custom car has made a highly significant, and lasting, impact.

Sponsors for the 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony dinner are:  Presenting sponsor -- Lucas Oil Products, Inc. (Corona, Calif.), Summit Racing Products (Tallmadge, Oh.) -- Commemorative Rings, Commercial Power Cleaners (Jerry & Pat Baltes, Richmond, Va.) -- Commemorative trophies, Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC service, parts and customer-care group (Auburn Hills, Mich.) sponsoring the Commemorative dinner glasses.  Additional sponsor opportunities remain available.

A cocktail reception starts at 6:00 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern). The event will be filmed for later broadcast by Masters Entertainment of Bristol, Tennessee.

The honorees are selected by a committee of veteran drag racing and performance industry figures. The selection committee consists of: Steve Gibbs (Retired Vice President, NHRA), Harry Hibler (President, UNI-Marketing, LLC), Ted Jones (Masters Entertainment, Retired President, IHRA) and Greg Sharp (Curator, NHRA Motorsports Museum).

Corporate table sponsorship programs are available. A table sponsorship costs $1000, which includes seating for ten with logo on the table, a banquet program listing, and inclusion in 2015 promotional brochures, a pair of free passes to the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum plus logo placement on the banquet DVD credits. Table sponsors will receive a DVD of the evening’s event, and additionally, each sponsor will be recognized from the stage during for the televised portion of the event. Individual seating tickets will be available at $100 each.

The presenters will be named in the future.

Beginning this year and throughout the 2014 racing season, SpiderWeb will also be a regular fixture on the road with the United States Modified Touring Series.

Officials from the USMTS announced that SpiderWeb has partnered with America’s favorite dirt modified series to be the Official Storage Solution of the USMTS.

As part of the new partnership, SpiderWeb will make a substantial contribution to the year-end points fund for the USMTS as well as the driver loyalty program for the 2014 racing season.

“We are extremely proud to announce this new partnership with SpiderWeb,” said USMTS president Todd Staley. “They have come on board in a big way to support the teams that support the series. We’re confident that the drivers and fans of the USMTS will find their products to be as high-quality and versatile as we have.”

SpiderWeb offers state-of-the-art storage solutions that can solve all of the storage needs of USMTS racers and enthusiasts, and drivers to spend more time on the track. SpiderWeb anticipates attending all 2014 USMTS events to promote the wide variety of SpiderWeb products and the SpiderWeb brand.

“SpiderWeb Modular Storage was excited when USMTS approached them with a sponsorship opportunity,” said SpiderWeb CEO Kevin Harberts. “SpiderWeb recognizes the fan power that USMTS has by being the fastest-growing and most popular open-wheel dirt modified touring series in the world and knows the products that SpiderWeb offers will be beneficial to racers and fans alike.

“We were looking to reach the best of the best racers and knew that a relationship with USMTS was the way to achieve that.”

Based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, SpiderWeb Modular Storage Solutions was developed by Kryton Engineered Metals, which has 30-plus years of component fabrication experience and a focus on quality, innovation and value.