The X-DRL has named Kook’s Custom Headers the “Official Header of the X-DRL” for the 2013 season, revealing a new sponsorship and a strong partnership for the upcoming year.

“We wanted to be involved with the X-DRL in 2013 and this seemed like a great opportunity. We are thrilled to be the Official Headers of the X-DRL and everything about the 2013 season looks great,” Kook’s Custom Headers Director of Sales and Marketing Chris Clark said. “The X-DRL is going to be on Velocity (television) and there’s a lot of exciting things happening. We’re happy about it, and the X-DRL will be a great place to brand the Kook’s name.”

The 2013 X-DRL season begins April 6-7 with the X-DRL Spring Nationals at Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park, and includes stops at nine of the most prestigious tracks in the nation. As the “Official Header of the X-DRL,” Kook’s Custom Headers will have a noticeable presence at each X-DRL event, including the season-ending X-treme World Finals at zMAX Dragway, which also serves at the home track for Kook’s.

With a television deal and live web broadcasts already in place for the 2013 X-DRL season, Kook’s also jumped at the chance to work with the eighth-mile sanctioning body.

The 2013 racing season stands to be a big one for Kook’s, which was established in 1962 and has worked with a number of top drivers, including Billy Glidden.

Its new ultra high-performance “green” catalytic converter debuts this season, and Kooks is the only company that offers an ultra high-performance catalytic converter for late-model domestic cars that is 49 states EPA legal.

“This is the catalytic converter for all people. It’s an awesome product and something we’re real proud of,” Clark said.

Kook’s will also release a number of new headers in 2013 as well as several upgrades to its successful and popular product line. In fact, Kook’s offers a proven header for every late-model car built.

For more information on Kook’s Custom Headers, visit www.kookscustomheaders.com or contact 866/586-KOOK (5005).

The new United SportsCar Racing platform was revealed Thursday (March 14) at Sebring International Raceway, resulting from the merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón.

United SportsCar Racing will debut in 2014 with the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

“The new name says it all,” said GRAND-AM President and CEO Ed Bennett. “In only six months since we announced the merger, GRAND-AM and the ALMS have taken huge strides to become one organization that will redefine sports car racing in North America. United SportsCar Racing reflects the fundamental spirit of how we are working together toward a common goal.”

The announcement culminates a four-month project that involved New York-based SME Branding, one of the nation’s leading agencies with a client list that includes the NFL, NHL, UFC, the New York Yankees, Kentucky Derby, Madison Square Garden and NASCAR.

SME conducted stakeholder research as well as fan input to develop the series’ name, logo and brand identity. The selection of United SportsCar Racing was derived from a submission by Cocoa, Fla.’s Louis Satterlee in GRAND-AM’s “Name The Future” fan contest. The logo, with its race helmet-like imagery, was developed to be an icon with a modern feel, representing a part of motorsports that is immediately recognizable.

Bennett, ALMS President and CEO Scott Atherton and SME Senior Partner Ed O’Hara collectively introduced United SportsCar Racing today in the Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center’s Le Mans Ballroom, adjacent to the famed Sebring’s Hairpin turn.

“When it came to the branding of our newly merged entities, we felt we had one chance to get it right – and now we believe we have done just that,” Atherton said.
 
“We began the branding process by listening to everyone—manufacturers, corporate partners, drivers, teams, tracks—and of course, the fans. The input was invaluable and helped lead us to today’s milestone announcement.”
 
O’Hara said the goal of the new name and logo is “to be modern, aspirational, authentic, unique and obviously, exciting. We want fans and the sports car industry to feel like they ‘own’ this new brand.
 
“We also want them to feel like that ownership is a long-term proposition. This new brand is made to order for the future, without a doubt.”
 
Also announced was the retaining of the storied International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) as the sanctioning body for United SportsCar Racing, with an updated version of the iconic IMSA logo unveiled.

IMSA, co-founded in 1969 by John Bishop and the late Bill France Sr., also will sanction the new organization’s various ancillary series, including the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, Ferrari Challenge, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama Series, the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda Series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin and the newly announced Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.
 
In addition, the new competition class names for 2014 were announced:

·        The lead Prototype (P) class, combining GRAND-AM’s Daytona Prototypes plus the ALMS’ P2 and DeltaWing cars;
·        Prototype Challenge (PC), retained from the current ALMS class structure;
·        GT Le Mans (GTLM), consisting of the ALMS’ current GT class;
·        GT Daytona (GTD), consisting of GRAND-AM’s current GT class and the ALMS’ current GTC class;
·        GX, coming over from the current GRAND-AM structure.

As part of the latest developments, regarding the GRAND-AM/ALMS merger, the holding company for GRAND-AM, IMSA/ALMS, Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway and Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center was changed from International Sports Car Auto Racing, LLC (ISCAR) to Grand American Holdings, LLC.

United SportsCar Racing also launched a microsite, www.unitedsportscar.com, where fans can enter to win two tickets to the 2014 Rolex 24 At Daytona as well as official merchandise.

The running of the 21st Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com had already received a huge boost for 2013 with the addition of the Midwest Sheet Metal Show-Me Challenge Non-Qualifiers Race and an increase of $10,000 to the A-Main purse.

And it just got bigger.

Lucas Oil Speedway officials have announced the addition of a full Lucas Oil MLRA show on Thursday night to kick off the Memorial Day weekend event in lieu of the traditional open practice session.

"We are always trying to come up with ways to make the Show-Me 100 even better and more exciting," commented MLRA Series Director and Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager, Dan Robinson. "The idea of actually racing on Thursday night has always intrigued us, and we felt like the time was right to add the show."

The race will be sanctioned by the Lucas Oil MLRA, with the 30-lap Main Event paying $5,000 to win and $500 to start. The tire rule for the race will be the same as the Show-Me 100, providing a valuable chance for the Late Model Drivers to dial in their set-ups prior to Friday's Show-Me 100 qualifying.

It will be a full points race for Lucas Oil MLRA competitors. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be given two provisionals as well.

The USRA Modifieds will also compete on Thursday. The Modified race will be for USRA Points only, as no track points will be awarded. The Modified main event will pay $500 to win on Thursday night.

The Friday and Saturday portions of the event remain unchanged, as a limited number of two-day Reserved Seat Tickets are still available. All tickets for Thursday's show will be General Admission only.
 
For ticket pricing and complete event details, visit LucasOilSpeedway.com or call the Lucas Oil Speedway Box Office at (417) 282-5984.
 
The Lucas Oil MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Iowa.  
 
For all the latest news and information on the Lucas Oil MLRA, visit MLRARacing.com or call the series office at 417/282 5984.  

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced nine new appointments within its aftermarket staff.

The company recently named Spencer Sala to the position of district sales manager and Nicholas Carbini to the position of technical and training specialist.
 


NGK Spark Plugs also announced the promotions of Kristy Adams to catalog administrator, Carrie Gajewski to customer service supervisor, Andrew Hauenstein to product specialist, and Mike Wall to product coordinator. In addition, the company announced the transfers of Steven Burgett to market development manager, Sarah Vistakos to administrative assistant/aftermarket, and Aja Williams to customer service representative.
 


Kristy Adams previously worked as the customer service representative for NTK Cutting Tools. In her new role, Adams will coordinate the development of catalogs while collecting, analyzing and verifying technical data pertaining to NGK products. Adams will report to Mark Sprague, corporate marketing manager.
 


In his new market development manager role, Steve Burgett, a 12-year veteran of NGK’s aftermarket, will continue to oversee customer service. In addition, he will be responsible for market research, which includes identifying new opportunities and providing research projects that will support future business decisions. Burgett also will report to Sprague.
 


Nicholas Carbini comes to NGK with an automotive technical background. In his role, Carbini will act as an intermediary between engineers and consumers by providing technical education and customer assistance, technical writing, as well as developing and providing nationwide technical presentations within the U.S. automotive aftermarket marketplace. Carbini will report directly to Kris Zdral, technical services supervisor.
 


Carrie Gajewski previously held the position of customer service representative, and has been with NGK for five years. Her new position will be to oversee customer service representatives, utilizing knowledge-base and case-management tools for planning, to ensure efficient and effective operations for NGK Spark Plugs. Gajewski will report to Steven Burgett, market development manager.
 


Andrew Hauenstein has been with NGK for two years. Hauenstein was previously NGK’s Technical and Training Specialist. Hauenstein will now assume the position of product specialist, where he will work on all aspects of product lifecycle management. He will track and manage product information, research of application, and support the development of category management tools. Hauenstein will report to Mark Sprague as well.
 


Spencer Sala was recently hired to manage sales growth and development around the Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvanian district. Sala comes to NGK with a background in sales, most recently with Kawasaki. Sala will report to Pete Daley, Eastern Zone sales manager.
 


Sarah Vistakos has been promoted to administrative assistant/aftermarket. Vistakos has been with NGK for more than a year, during which time she held a position in customer service. In her new role, she will assist the NGK sales force in support of customers. Vistakos will report to Michael Schwab, senior vice president of aftermarket sales and marketing.
 


Mike Wall has been with NGK for over a year. He previously held the position of catalog administrator. In his new position, Wall will assist the product team in planning, organizing and controlling assigned product lines from developmental stages through product life cycles to meet marketing, sales, and corporate growth and objectives. Wall will continue to report to Mark Sprague.
 


Aja Williams has been with NGK for a year-and-a-half. Williams previously held the position of general assistant, and will now assume the role of customer service representative, wherein she will interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve account-related questions. Williams will report to Carrie Gajewski, customer service supervisor.

NHRA has announced a multiyear renewal with Buffalo Turbine, a leading manufacturer of track blowers, to extend its sponsorship as the preferred track blower of NHRA.

As a preferred sponsor, Buffalo Turbine can leverage the NHRA brand in its advertising and promotional campaigns in support of the preferred-status program, including point-of-sale materials. The company also will participate in a sweepstakes promotion.

Other benefits afforded Buffalo Turbine include targeted advertising within NHRA’s member-track website and public-address announcements and bannering rights at NHRA divisional events around the country. 

The relationship between NHRA and Buffalo Turbine began in 2010.

Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Menards have announced that the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer will continue their marketing presence within the 2013 ARCA Racing Series.

Menards has agreed to extend their presenting sponsorship role in ARCA, including an official company sponsorship, and will sponsor the Menards 200 ARCA Racing Series event at Toledo Speedway for a fifth consecutive year.

“Menards motorsports sponsorship program in ARCA is pretty complex, but in its simplest terms, it is a business-to-business relationship between a retailer and its vendors,” said Mark Gundrum, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Partnerships for ARCA. “The end result is increased product sales for the vendors, business for Menards, and a promotional program for both.”

The Menards 200 will once again highlight an “All-ARCA” weekend at Toledo Speedway in May. ARCA Racing Series Practice and Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will take place on Saturday, May 18, along with racing by the ARCA Truck Series.

The Menards 200 will start at 2 p.m. on May 19, and is scheduled for live broadcast on SPEED, part of Fox Sports Media Group.

Race fans will have the opportunity to “Save Big Money” on tickets to several events again in 2013, as Menards Stores will sell advance tickets for each at substantial discounts, including the annual stop in Toledo.

For more information, visit www.arcaracing.com.

Racing and motorsports industry legends Jack Chrisman, Harvey Firestone, Masten Gregory, Brad Lackey, Bud Moore, Robert E. Petersen and Alex Zanardi will be this year's Silver Anniversary inductees into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America at the organization's 25th Annual Induction Ceremony that will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit.

The Silver Anniversary celebration will also see chassis constructor and technology innovator Bob Riley receive the Hall's Bob Russo Motorsports Heritage Award for his numerous contributions to racing.

The eight honorees combined account for countless race wins and numerous North American and World Championships in IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, AMA, motocross and sports car racing and victories in such legendary races as the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

One of drag racing's early stars, Chrisman first came to prominence when he toured the country in 1961 in a twin-engine Chevy-powered dragster and captured his first NHRA championship. He later became a Funny Car pioneer in the mid1960s and was successful in his retirement as a manufacturer and builder.

The founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Firestone knew the value of motorsports in promoting his product. It's a legacy that continues today after beginning in 1909 when Barney Oldfield first raced on Firestones in a 300 mile race held at the just-built Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Known as the Kansas City Flash, Gregory started racing in 1952 in SCCA and later became the first American born driver to regularly compete in the international Formula 1 arena, scoring a podium finish in his very first F1 start. In 1965, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a North American Racing Team (NART) Ferrari 275LM, the first overall win for an American entry in the French classic.

Lackey was one of America's top motocross racers in the 1970s and 1980s. He won the AMA 500cc National Motocross championship in 1972 and a decade later became the first American to win the 500cc World Motocross Championship.

A 19-year-old hero of D-Day on Utah Beach, Moore started only five races as a driver before he moved to the garage where he ultimately became one of NASCAR's foremost team owners scoring two Cup championships with Hall of Famer Joe Weatherly as driver. His Cougar and Mustang Trans-Am road racing teams were the epitome of the factory-backed efforts of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Founder of Petersen Publishing Co., Petersen began publishing Hot Rod Magazine in 1948, and that publication soon became the bible for automotive enthusiasts. His multi-million dollar firm produced such titles as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Sport Truck, Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider and a host of other non-automotive titles. Petersen and his magazines staunchly supported all forms of motor sports.

Like a lot of successful open-wheel racers, Zanardi got his start in karting and then competed in Italian Formula 3 on a full-time basis. He drove in Formula 1 before moving to the Target/Chip Ganassi CART IndyCar team in 1996, capturing rookie of the year honors and back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998. More recently, Zanardi has made headlines as an elite Paralympic athlete in handbike cycling, winning a pair of gold medals and a silver while representing his native Italy in the 2012 London Paralympics.

Riley has amassed an amazing record as a race and championship-winning constructor in automotive oval and road racing. In addition to his own successful Champ Cars, Riley built the winning car A.J. Foyt drove to his fourth and final Indianapolis 500 victory in 1977. His Riley Technologies company also has numerous Rolex 24 At Daytona victories, including every overall title since 2005.

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.

Jim Browning, President of Jim Browning & Co., Designers LLC, has announced the formation of a new brand—Ultimate Headers.

Browning, a longtime automotive performance aftermarket executive best known as the founder and former President of Corsa Performance Exhaust, says that Ultimate Headers will manufacture and market premium level tubular exhaust systems, most commonly referred to as headers. 

The company’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Berea, Ohio.

“The company’s mission is to provide a product to the automotive market which combines the finest quality materials and workmanship, and delivering utility and esthetic appearance to the user," he said.

“Our mission was to design and manufacture headers where we would optimize materials with technologies such as Finite Element Analysis, while delivering a style which we refer to as ‘muscular elegance’.”

The Ultimate Headers line has a unique, signature appearance, and is manufactured from 321 grade Stainless Steel. All header products are computer designed for specific applications and fabricated to place the tubes in a compact space envelope, required in today’s automotive applications.

The company has submitted several patent applications to cover proprietary aspects of product design and manufacture.

The company will begin to ship product in early April. The initial product offering is designed for installing late-model General Motors LS-series engines in older cars and trucks, a popular trend in the automotive enthusiast market.
 
Ultimate Headers will be sold through leading engine and car builders, exhaust installers and performance automotive installers.

For additional information, call 440/234-9600.

Dan Qualls has been named the North American Sales Manager for King Engine Bearings.

He will remain on the West Coast, where he will be concentrating on the US and Canadian engine bearing markets.

His updated contact information—office: 973/857-0705 ext. 353; toll-free: 800/772-3670 ext. 353; cell: 480/226-6775; email: dqualls@kingbearings.com.

Based in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, King Engine Bearings is known for its extensive line of high performance engine bearings for circle track, drag racing, monster trucks, tractor pulls, off-road and off-shore racing applications.

For more information on King Engine Bearings, visit www.kingbearings.com.

IndyCar has announced the formation of an advisory Competition Committee, creating a formalized communication platform with various industry stakeholders on competition- and technical-related matters.

The committee will consist of a minimum of seven members that will meet regularly throughout the year to evaluate competition-related matters, including rules, technical specifications and safety initiatives.

The committee will make recommendations to the sanctioning body, with final decisions made by IndyCar management.

“We believe it’s important to create a forum for drivers, team owners and manufacturers to have organized and structured input to the series as we look to make important decisions that directly impact on-track competition,” IndyCar CEO Jeff Belskus said.

“The creation of this committee builds a formalized process to vet proposed initiatives with safety and competition always top-of- mind. Once we receive a recommendation from the Competition Committee, the series will evaluate it from a commercial and business standpoint in order to make a final decision.”

For the 2013 racing season, the IndyCar Competition Committee will consist of:

•    Two (2) IndyCar management representatives appointed by the IndyCar CEO. One will be designated the committee chairman.

•    Two (2) active IZOD IndyCar Series team representatives appointed by the team member group.

•    Two (2) active IZOD IndyCar Series driver representatives appointed by the drivers group.

•    Four (4) active IZOD IndyCar Series manufacturer members, one representing each engine, tire and chassis manufacturer.  Each manufacturer will appoint its designated representative.

•    One (1) at-large member appointed by the IndyCar CEO.

Additionally, the committee chairman can invite other key stakeholders such as promoters, racetrack officials and broadcast partners to attend the meetings to provide insight and input on initiatives.

IndyCar will determine the initiatives sent to the committee for review. To make recommendations to the sanctioning body, each committee member will have one vote. Once a majority vote is achieved, the committee chairman will submit the recommendation to the IndyCar CEO for review.

The IndyCar CEO will then notify the committee of the sanctioning body’s final decision.