The International Department of Performance Racing Industry in late May organized two events in Europe to present business opportunities at the PRI Trade Show for European buyers and manufacturers.

The first was organized in Paris at the Groupe BPCE, and led by Francisque Savinien and Arianna Maugeri from PRI, as well as Ubifrance and Pramex International.

Three French companies that are very active in the US market also shared their experiences in front of 30 racing business people.

The second gathering was produced in the UK at the MIA headquarters in Worwickshire, where a crowd of about 50 people had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the US market, and the benefits of the PRI Show moving back to Indianapolis in 2013.

"For PRI it was a great opportunity to expand and reinforce our connections in the European market, and to present the new potential that the PRI Trade Show, with its Indy location, can bring to their business," said Savinien, PRI's director of global sales & marketing.

For more on the PRI trade Show, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

To The Victors... This year marks a major milestone for Edelbrock, as the iconic company celebrates its 75th anniversary with special events and promotions throughout 2013.

Among them is a Mustang Giveaway, wherein one lucky winner will receive a 2013 edition of the pony car featuring Edelbrock and Ford Racing Performance upgrades.

The prize package also includes a round trip for two, with VIP accommodations, to the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Once there, the beneficiaries will be treated like royalty as special guests of Vic Edelbrock, and take delivery of their new car.

“Our first R&D test vehicle was a 1932 Ford Roadster, so it only makes sense that we give away a Ford to celebrate our 75th year in business,” Edelbrock explained.

Entries are being accepted now through October 7, 2013, at www.edelbrock.com or www.powerblocktv.com/ww/.

The company also recently hosted a 75th Anniversary Edelbrock Headquarters Shop Tour at its facilities in Torrance, California. Scores of enthusiasts and industry members—including PRI’s own Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Reed Morales—caught an inside look into Edelbrock’s R&D, manufacturing operations and more.

Here’s wishing our good friends, located just up the 405 Freeway, continued success for many more decades to come.

They’ll Always Have Perris. Congratulations to PRW, which recently relocated its corporate offices and warehouse distribution operations to a newly purchased facility in Perris, California.

According to the company, their digs were designed from the ground up to maximize storage space and optimize the picking and shipping process. The facility further houses PRW’s Sales, Management and Support teams, an employee break room, conference rooms, and a larger Engineering and Product Development department.

To support their expanded operations, PRW has also designed and implemented a new computerized inventory management system.

The company can now be reached at 1722 Illinois Avenue, Perris, CA 92571; Phone: 951/436-7900; Fax: 951/928-8555; Email: info@PRWnetwork.com.

Aerodynamic configurations for IZOD IndyCar Series cars will be introduced and utilized for all races on the 2015 schedule and include separate specifications for superspeedway and road/street/short ovals.

That's the big news in a competition strategy timeline of technical innovation and safety enhancement outlined by IndyCar president of competition and operations Derrick Walker before the recent Race 2 of the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans. The timeline runs through the 2021 season.

Areas open for potential development by IndyCar-approved aero configuration manufacturers include sidepods, engine cover and front and rear wing end plates. Mainplane inclusion in aero configurations is dependent on a chassis underwing development project to address lift potential undertaken by the IndyCar Competition Committee, Dallara and engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda will be determined at a later date.

“This is the first step in making the incremental changes to our cars toward further enhancing speed, innovation and safety,” Walker said. "As we continue to look at all methods of advancing safety and competition, our initial task it to prepare our current chassis for the further increases of speed we hope to see with the addition of new aero configurations in 2015.

Introduction of aero "kits" would be a "lose drag, go faster pill," according to Walker, aiding in surpassing the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race four-lap qualification speed record in 2016 (the 100th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing") set by Arie Luyendyk in 1996 (236.986 mph average). Ed Carpenter earned the Verizon P1 Award on May 18 with a four-lap average of 228.762 mph for the 97th Indianapolis 500.

Utilization of aerodynamic pieces is contingent on manufacturers' agreement to the rules, which will be available in the next few weeks, and buy in from team owners.

Walker also noted that the timeline includes team development beginning in 2017, which would "get back to more of a variation in our competition." It would be controlled, Walker said, "because all the teams want to see us monitor the show, make sure there's no cheating going on, no bending of the rules. We need to keep the competition fair for everybody."

Extending the life of the current chassis, which was introduced in 2012, with a facelift of body styling and safety enhancements is an option later this decade given the current global economic conditions.

Initiatives outlined as part of the IZOD IndyCar Series long-term strategy include:

• 2013 – IndyCar, Dallara and engine manufacturers explore redefining the underbody in preparation for the addition of aero configuration kits in 2015.


• 2014 – Engine upgrades as part of the current homologation process; downforce adjustments to enhance racing, overtaking as well as safety at various racetrack configurations, as needed.


• 2015 – Aero configuration components introduced for the full IZOD IndyCar Series season in conjunction with enhancements to the underbody.


• 2016 – Opportunity for tire development, if needed with Firestone, as well as engine power enhancements as required.


• 2017 – Possible aero configuration kits and engine upgrades. Potential for areas on car to be opened for team development.


• 2018 – Competition enhancements made based on performance of 2017 package.


• 2019 – Review of current body and engine specification for potential upgrades and/or changes.


• 2020 – Competition enhancements made based on performance of 2019 package.


• 2021 – Possible aero configuration upgrade.

The TRAXXAS TORC Series, presented by Amsoil, has announced plans for the 2013 launch of a new series for developing the next generation of off-road racing stars.

The new youth oriented series will allow competitors beginning at age 8 to race the storied tracks of Crandon and Bark River in front of thousands of fans on TORC race weekends with the introduction of the all-spec TRAXXAS TORC Short Course Kart.

With a race-ready price of $8300, the new spec Short Course Kart is available now for racers aged 8-13 years old (based on birth year of calendar year).

Powered by the Briggs & Stratton World Formula 11.5 HP powerplant, and race-quality parts from Five Star, Walker Evans, Wilwood, the new all-spec Kart is race-ready with exception of drivers' own safety gear.

For 2013, a five-race slate launching at Bark River Raceway on June 15 is planned. The new Short Course Kart class will be on the race calendar with TORC at Crandon, Chicago, Red Bud and finishing the season at the fall Labor Day Crandon World Championship weekend.

Officials from the American Drag Racing League have announced that Top Sportsman pioneer Ronnie “The King” Davis has been named Director of Sportsman Racing for the eighth-mile drag racing league.

Davis, who will work directly with ADRL Director of Competition Bubba Corzine, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ADRL’s ever-growing Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes.

Davis also competes in the ADRL’s Top Sportsman class, and has already secured several additional contingency sponsors for the ADRL’s Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes that will be announced in the coming weeks.

The first major change for Top Sportsman and Top Dragster competitors, which will take effect starting at the ADRL Simply Phones US Drags VI June 8-9 at Virginia Motorsports Park, will be that the qualified fields will be reduced to 16 cars from 32. There will also be a combo gamblers race for all non-qualifiers in the Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes at all remaining 2013 ADRL Tour presented by Speedtech events.

ADRL Top Sportsman and Top Dragster competitors who have any questions are encouraged to reach Davis via email at ronnie@adrl.us or by calling the ADRL offices toll free at 855/660-2375.

As my father would exclaim when something big happened around our house, “Man, oh, man!” Those were my words when we completed the initial floor plan plotting process for the 2013 PRI Trade Show. The big response by racing companies to the return of the PRI Trade Show to Indianapolis, and the consolidation of two shows into one, has been huge. Throughout the Indiana Convention Center, attendees of this year’s Show will experience an extraordinary array of exhibits by hardcore racing parts manufacturers that hasn’t been seen in years. When we fire up the interactive online floor plan, we experience a virtual tour of the floor plan and it’s a speed feast throughout the Convention Center. From small specialist racing companies to the biggest brand names in hardcore racing, the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis will be an amazing showcase of racing technology today for all forms of auto racing. The PRI team has even gone through the list of exhibitors to remove a dozen companies not deemed hardcore racing. Picture 1100 racing companies bringing their latest hardcore racing product lines and the expertise on how to utilize these trick new parts. The return of the PRI Trade Show to Indianapolis this year is truly shaping up to be a ‘can’t miss’ event.

Click here to check out the new floor plan for the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis. It's something to see!

The high volume of hotel rooms already booked for Indianapolis is another measure of the building anticipation for this year’s PRI Trade Show. PRI’s Travel & Housing Manager Michelle Gallegos reports that hotel rooms booked for Indianapolis is running at double the pace PRI experienced last year. At press time, we were actually zooming in on the total hotel rooms we book for all of last year...with over six months to go. Man, oh, man. We’re estimating a gathering of 40,000 motorsports professionals. A lot of business is going to get done. And we’ll have some fun, too, especially in the post-Show hours when the racing industry takes over downtown Indianapolis on Show nights.

Michelle has worked with the Indianapolis hotels to secure great rates at downtown Indy hotel, all conveniently located within walking distance. Stay where the action is...downtown! We worked out complimentary in-room WiFi with each Show hotel. There are no booking fees, and no deposit is required.

Click here to reserve your hotel room today.

Click here to register online.

Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)–SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC and Senior Vice President–Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC, has been named Honorary Chairman for the 25th Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Ceremony at the Fillmore Detroit on August 21, 2013.

As Honorary Chairman, Gilles will deliver the evening’s keynote address at the black-tie ceremony prior to the induction of the Silver Anniversary class into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

This year’s class includes Jack Chrisman, Harvey Firestone, Masten Gregory, Brad Lackey, Bud Moore, Robert E. Petersen and Alex Zanardi.

Bob Riley, chassis constructor and technology innovator, will receive the prestigious Bob Russo Motorsports Heritage Award during the ceremonies for his numerous contributions to racing.

Gilles is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Since joining the former Chrysler Corporation in 1992 as a designer, Gilles has put his extensive academic background in industrial design and business administration to use, holding various positions within the company, including:

Gilles also serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN) in addition to playing a leading role with The Chrysler Global Diversity Council.

In addition, he serves on the boards of The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and McLaren Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan.

Tickets for the induction ceremony can be purchased by calling 248/349-RACE (7223) or by visiting the Hall of Fame’s website: www.mshf.com.

Featuring exhibits by 1100 racing companies occupying 3300 booths, the complete Floor Plan for the 2013 PRI Trade Show is officially live.

Click here to view the floor plan for the 26th Annual PRI Trade Show, which takes place December 12-14, 2013, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.  

"This extraordinary array of exhibitors, that hasn't been experienced in years all in one place all at one time, is the most powerful magnet for buyer attendance that the PRI Trade Show can have," said PRI Trade Show Producer John Kilroy. "It's going to be an incredible showcase of the latest advances in racing technology—a 'must attend' event for racing professionals everywhere."

Known as the 'Annual Epicenter of New Racing Technology,' the PRI Trade Show will bring 40,000 racing professionals to the worldwide hub of motorsports, Indianapolis, in 2013. Attendees from all 50 states and more than 70 countries representing all forms of motorsport—stock car, sprint car, dirt late model, open wheel, drag racing, off-road, karting and more—will come for the "Three Biggest Business Days in Racing."

In addition, over 35 conferences, seminars and networking opportunities will once again help comprise Race Industry Week, which encompasses the days leading up to and including the PRI Show. Co-locating events this year include the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS) Annual Congress, the Race Track Business Conference, and more.

The 2013 PRI Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis following an historic eight-year run in Orlando, Florida, carries the added benefit of a much-ballyhooed consolidation with the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) in late 2012. SEMA, the parent company of PRI, announced in November that it had purchased the four-year-old, Indianapolis-based IMIS.

The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show was last held in Indianapolis in 2004. 

For additional information, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.   

  

Memphis International Raceway is ready to open its new and improved High Performance Road Course.
 
The 1.77 mile closed course underwent a major renovation and improvement project that was completed in time to host Porsche Club of America’s Driver’s Ed at the start of June. The Road Course has had no major renovations since it was originally built in 1986.

“It was time,” said Pam Kendrick, Vice President and General Manager of MIR. “Since the facility reopened in late 2011 we have made numerous improvements such as additions of grandstands, facility and equipment upgrades and refurbishing the paved oval, but were not in a position to make the improvements we wanted on the road course until now.

This significant investment in MIR's Road Course allowed operators to resurface the entire course from the shutdown area of the drag strip to the re-enty onto the drag strip—just at 1.5 miles. 

MIR consists of the ¾ mile, paved Tri-Oval, the historic Dragstrip and the High Performance Road Course. 

MIR’s road course hosts various acclaimed driving schools including National Auto Sports Association, BMW Car Club, Porsche Club of America.

For more information, visit www.racemir.com.

Hastings Manufacturing Company, a nearly 100-year-old global manufacturer of piston rings based in Hastings, Michigan, has been acquired by RFE Investment Partners, together with management.

RFE Investment Partners is a private equity firm based in New Canaan, Connecticut, with over 30 years of experience investing in growth companies with strong management teams operating in the manufacturing and service sectors.

RFE is actively investing its eighth fund, and currently manages more than $450 million in committed capital.
 
“We are very excited to partner with RFE Investment Partners and continue to grow the business,” commented Bob Kollar, President and CEO. “RFE has a strong track record of acquiring businesses and successfully taking them through their next phase of growth.”
 
Hastings Manufacturing Company designs, processes and manufactures piston rings globally for the worldwide engine manufacturing and remanufacturing industries. The company holds TS16949 and ISO14001 registrations, and is an approved piston ring supplier to Aftermarket Specialists and OEMs worldwide.
 
For more information, visit www.hastingsmfg.com.