PBS KIDS has announced a new animated series called "Skillsville," which will feature an entire episode focused on motorsports careers. The show encourages children (primarily ages four to eight) to "power up" the skills they need for future success with each episode following certain careers, including race car driver and pit crew members.

Watch race car driver Racer Rae and her pit crew work diligently to win the race in "Skillsville," created by Twin Cities PBS and now available on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish.

For more information, visit the PBS website here.

Genesis Magma Racing, the factory prototype sportscar effort from Hyundai's luxury brand, offered the first glimpse of its GMR-001 Hypercar and team identity ahead of the New York International Auto Show. The team is slated to make its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut in 2026.

Inspired by the Korean manufacturer's Magma performance lineup and designed at Genesis Design Europe, the GMR-001 features Genesis' signature two-line lighting, wrapping horizontally around the front and rear to emphasize width and aerodynamic intent. The inclusion of the design ensures visual brand consistency with Genesis' road-car range, according to the manufacturer.

Although final specifications have yet to be revealed, the GMR-001 is built on an ORECA Motorsport-made chassis and will be powered by a hybrid powertrain.

As previously announced, the team will field a two-car entry in WEC beginning in 2026, then expand into IMSA in 2027.

Cyril Abiteboul, president of Hyundai Motorsport, will serve as team principal for Genesis Magma Racing. Ahead of its WEC debut in 2026, the team will collaborate with IDEC Sport to field an LMP2 entry in the 2025 European Le Mans Series.

The team will operate out of headquarters at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

For more information, visit genesis.com.

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) has announced its 2026 Induction Class, which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the MSHFA Induction Celebration in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 9-10, 2026.

The Class of 2026 includes two-time Daytona 500 Champion and winner of 15-straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver Awards Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Stock Cars), NHRA Competition Director Steve Gibbs (Drag Racing), motorsport reporter Pete Lyons (Media), accomplished road racer John Morton (Sports Cars), 2000 MotoGP World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr. (Motorcycles), one of “The Big Three” of modern winged Sprint Car racing Sammy Swindell (Open Wheel), and the winningest driver in Unlimited Hydroplane history Dave Villwock (Powerboats).

“Once again, our voters have chosen a group of all-time motorsports greats,” said MSHFA president George Levy. “True ‘Heroes of Horsepower’ who will be admired today and inspire the champions of tomorrow. The Class of 2026 is another revered and accomplished group of racers, and we can’t wait to welcome them into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America next March.”

A pair of Class of 2026 Historic category inductees will be announced this summer and will be enshrined next March along with the seven inductees.

Each of the MSHFA’s inductees is elected by a straight vote of 200+ motorsports experts — half of them inductees themselves. Regular voters include Mario Andretti (MSHFA Class of 1990), Don Garlits (MSHFA Class of 1989), Chip Ganassi (MSHFA Class of 2016), Tom D’Eath (MSHFA Class of 2000), Scott Parker (MSHFA Class of 2009), Richard Petty (MSHFA Class of 1989), Don Prudhomme (MSHFA Class of 1991), Rusty Wallace (MSHFA Class of 2014) and other titans of the sport. 

For full biographies of each inductee, visit mshf.com.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has finalized its acquisition of two Midwestern drag strips, Milan Dragway in Milan, Michigan, and National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

Milan Dragway, located 40 miles west of Detroit and 25 miles south of Ann Arbor, has previously hosted IHRA national and pro-am events, and will see changes to its 2025 schedule, IHRA officials said.

Johnny Quick, the grudge racer from Street Outlaws and a 28-year veteran of racing at Milan Dragway, has been named the track manager.

Improvements to the track surface and pits are currently underway, and additional upgrades will extend to the grandstands, restrooms, concessions and other areas, the IHRA said.

National Trail Raceway features a quarter-mile drag strip, which had its concrete ground just last week, and upgraded bleachers to make it more comfortable for spectators. The Ohio drag strip is capable of hosting national events as well as being home to a bracket racing program, according to track officials.

For more information, visit ihra.com.

RJT Capital, an Arizona-based investment firm, has acquired sole ownership of Apex Motor Club, a private motorsports club in Maricopa, Arizona, and is investing approximately $30 million into the facility.

The investment will fund several key improvements, according to track officials, including the construction of a premium clubhouse and 48 additional private garage condominiums. Construction is set to begin later this year and already a limited number of condominiums remain available for purchase.

RJT Capital, led by John Hensler, is a Phoenix-based family office that recently financed the completion of Track 2, Apex's $20 million second circuit. These additions will further add to Apex's unique offering, track officials said.

For more information, visit apexmotorclub.com.

INDYCAR has updated its parameters for replacement drivers for the Indianapolis 500 next month.

The Indianapolis-based sanctioning body recently informed teams that a replacement driver would be eligible with the following parameters:

• A replacement driver will only be considered if the primary (entered) driver is also participating in another marquee event with the driver's principal racing series on Indianapolis 500 race day.
• The INDYCAR-approved veteran replacement driver is eligible for and passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway refresher program in the entry during the first day of Indianapolis 500 practice.
• Additional tires for the refresher program will not be allowed for the Indianapolis 500 entry. The tire allotment for each entrant is 32 sets for the event. Any tires used for the refresher program will be taken from the allotted tires to that entry.
• During the refresher program, minimal setup changes will be allowed.
• After the replacement driver completes the required phases of the refresher program, additional laps during the session will not be permitted.
• Once INDYCAR is notified that a team will use its replacement driver for the Indianapolis 500, the entry's qualified position is forfeited, and the car will start at the rear of the starting lineup and ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.
• A qualified driver, who is officially replaced by the team, may return and compete with that entry provided the replacement driver has not participated in a session other than the refresher program. The car's starting position will remain at the rear of the field with the starting lineup ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.

Although not explicitly stated, the updated rules will likely only impact one team, Arrow McLaren, which is fielding a car for NASCAR-regular Kyle Larson for the second straight year. Larson is attempting to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600, which is contested on the same day, Sunday, May 25, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Should the Indianapolis 500 be affected by weather, the updated rules would allow Arrow McLaren to have an eligible driver to replace Larson in the car.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

The 2005 Ford GT stands as a remarkable fusion of heritage and innovation, conceived to honor Ford's centennial and the legendary GT40's triumphs at Le Mans. Its development journey is a testament to rapid engineering, collaborative expertise and a deep respect for automotive history.​ 

And now, thanks to longtime PRI member Dream Giveaway, you have a chance to win a pristine Ford GT, a modern homage to the legendary GT40 that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. Beyond the allure of the car itself, the giveaway supports various veterans and children's charities, making participation both exciting and philanthropic.

The 2005 Ford GT was developed to commemorate Ford's centennial anniversary (1903-2003), drawing inspiration from the iconic GT40 Mark II.  

In 2002, Ford unveiled the GT40 Concept at the North American International Auto Show, capturing the essence of the original GT40 while infusing modern design elements. Camilo Pardo, leading Ford's "Living Legends" studio, spearheaded the design, with guidance from J Mays. The project, internally dubbed "Petunia," aimed to transition from concept to production in an ambitious 15-month timeline.  

Transforming the concept into a road-ready streetable supercar required overcoming significant challenges. The initial design faced aerodynamic instability, prompting the team to employ computational fluid dynamics to refine the car's performance. A cross-functional team from Ford's Special Vehicle Teams, along with partners like Mayflower Vehicle Systems, Roush Industries, Lear and Saleen Special Vehicles, collaborated closely to meet performance, styling and regulatory goals within the tight schedule. 

The Ford GT's production was a coordinated effort across multiple facilities:​ 

• Chassis Assembly: Mayflower Vehicle Systems in Norwalk, Ohio, constructed the aluminum space-frame chassis.  
• Body and Interior: Saleen Special Vehicles (SSV) in Troy, Michigan, handled body panel installation, painting, suspension, wheels, and most interior components. 
• Final Assembly: Ford's Wixom Assembly Plant in Michigan installed the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, Ricardo six-speed manual transmission, seats, and completed final inspections. 

Saleen's contribution was pivotal, introducing twin-screw supercharger technology that enhanced performance and durability, enabling the GT to achieve 550 horsepower.  

Produced between 2004 and 2006, the Ford GT exemplifies a successful blend of historical homage and modern engineering. Its development showcases what can be achieved through focused collaboration and a shared vision, resulting in a vehicle that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. 

Driving the Ford GT does not require a professional racing license as Ford engineers built it to deliver exhilarating performance while incorporating contemporary safety features such as antilock brakes and dual airbags. Comfort amenities not found on the original GT40 Ford vs. Ferrari race cars include power windows, cruise control, leather-trimmed seats, and a premium McIntosh audio system.  

When introduced for the 2005 model year, the Ford GT base price was an eye-opening $139,995. Only a handful of factory add-ons were available, and if all were ordered, the vehicle's sticker quickly shot up to $150,000 or more: 

• Lightweight forged aluminum wheels 
• Painted brake calipers 
• Painted racing stripes 
• McIntosh AM/FM CD player 

But those who had the foresight to sock away a Ford GT 20 years ago were rewarded by today's market values, as primo examples are commanding $400,000 or more! 

So, you missed your chance to buy one back in 2005 and you don't have a cool half-million to drop on one today. You still want one, right? 
 

We hear you and so does Dream Giveaway. 

The grand-prize Ford GT is a standout example. Who wouldn't be in awe of putting this Race Red meticulously maintained masterpiece with only 3,000 miles on the odometer in their garage? It comes equipped with every available option from its production year, including painted racing stripes, BBS lightweight forged aluminum wheels, red-painted brake calipers and the McIntosh cabin sound. Its condition reflects careful preservation in climate-controlled storage, making it a dream acquisition for collectors. ​ 

To participate, visit the Ford GT Dream Giveaway page and select your preferred donation level, keeping in mind that your donation, whether big or small, is tax deductible. 

Participation in the Ford GT Dream Giveaway directly benefits a roster of veterans and children's charities. By making a donation, entrants not only stand a chance to win this exceptional vehicle but also contribute to meaningful causes. 

Additionally, the grand-prize winner has the option to choose a cash alternative of $300,000, subject to applicable taxes.  

Don't miss this chance to own a modern classic while supporting noble causes. Enter the Ford GT Dream Giveaway today and you'll get 4X the chances to drive home a legend.​ Learn more at dreamgiveaway.com/dg/ford-gt?promo=PRI.

Sponsored Content

Calvin Lee Kennedy, a longtime safety crew member at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, has passed away following a battle with cancer. He was 45.

The following was included in a memorial about Kennedy:

Kennedy was a proud member of the Knoxville Safety Crew as well as the Knoxville Rural Fire Department. He was always ready to lend a hand and keep others safe. He had a deep dedication to helping those in need. He had a deep love for sprint car racing, and some of his happiest moments were spent at the track. Calvin loved being around nature. He was a skilled hunter and loved hunting for deer sheds. When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, he spent many hours hard at work as the owner of Bowhunters Construction.

For more information, visit the memorial site here.

The NASCAR Foundation has announced the addition of Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer at Ally Financial Inc., and Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice to its Board of Directors.

"Andrea and Chris are valuable additions to our Board of Directors. Their vast knowledge, experience and leadership within the NASCAR industry will provide welcome insight to our efforts," said Mike Helton, Chairman of the NASCAR Foundation. "We are confident their guidance will help great things happen for the Foundation and kids it serves."

As the chief marketing and public relations officer at Ally, Brimmer is responsible for leading all aspects of integrated marketing and brand transformation at the digital financial services company, driving unprecedented growth and disruptive consumer engagement. Among her many honors, Brimmer was named a winner of the 2020 Adweek Brand Genius award, is a three-time honoree on the Forbes' list of World's Most Influential CMOs, is the only three-time winner of the Financial Communications Society Marketer of the Year award and was named to the 2022 Adweek Most Powerful Women in Sports list.

Prior to joining Ally in 2006, Brimmer spent 20 years on the agency side in Detroit, where she led the Chevrolet account and launched the iconic American Revolution campaign. She holds several board positions at organizations, including eHealth, the Ad Council and the Professional Advisory Board of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University.

"It is such an honor to be named to the NASCAR Foundation's board of directors. I have long admired the work of the Foundation and its initiatives designed to support children, their families, and the communities around them," said Brimmer. "I'm looking forward to bringing Ally's Do It Right mentality into the boardroom with me and working alongside the other talented and dedicated people who put children's health and well-being front and center."

Rice, president of Kaulig Racing, has been in the sport for more than 30 years, beginning in 1989 as a gasman for the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series, now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He worked closely with Hermie Sadler, who was named Rookie of the Year in 1993, and quickly moved on to win a championship in 1995 with Hermie's brother, Elliott. Because of his accomplishments with the Sadler brothers, Rice became a well-known name in the industry. He's worked in every elite series in NASCAR with over 18 drivers.

In 2000, Rice worked at Richard Petty Motorsports, then moved to Bill Davis Racing in 2002. From 2011 to 2015, Rice worked as a Crew Chief for RAB Racing with a stable of four different drivers. In 2015, he moved to NTS as the Competition Director and Crew Chief. In addition to holding the title of General Manager, Rice served as Crew Chief for Kaulig Racing from 2016 - 2018 and led the team to one pole, one top five and 21 top-10 finishes and three consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff berths.

In 2018, Rice assumed the president role at Kaulig Racing and has continued to build a Championship-contending organization.

"Being on The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors is very special because you get to be a part of things that are bigger than racing," said Rice. "We love the competition side of what we do, but it is truly an honor to be on a decision-making team when it comes to improving the lives of children through the NASCAR community."

To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation or to make a donation, please visit NASCARfoundation.org.

A look at new products from companies that keep pits and garages efficient, accurate, and safe.

When you hear a manufacturer say, "We are always looking to develop the latest, greatest thing to help racers go faster," one might assume that's from a manufacturer of a part—a turbocharger, coilover, or aero kit—to upgrade a race car.

That quote, though, is from Aaron Van Heel of scale manufacturer Intercomp. It represents the attitude of a whole cadre of people and companies that support race team efforts in the pits and/or the garage. Their goal is to ensure the functionality of the equipment used in those pivotal moments when a heat-of-the-action repair or pre-race setup tweak can make all the difference on track.

We checked in with a number of these manufacturers to discuss new equipment they have for race teams. Plus, they offered some general thoughts about updating pit equipment to improve its efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

Weighing In

Intercomp is "a scale manufacturer by trade," Van Heel said, that builds "all of our products right here in Medina, Minnesota."

Intercomp introduced the new XBT scale system at the 2024 PRI Show, a product Van Heel believes "should be a game changer for racers." The XBT scale utilizes...

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Once you download the "PRI Magazine" mobile app or are logged into PRI Magazine/Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Critical Support" here and more PRI Show coverage in the March/April 2025 issue here.