Real American Beer has agreed to a multi-year partnership to become the official beer of World Racing Group and the entitlement sponsor of the World of Outlaws Late Models series. DIRTVision will serve as the presenting sponsor.

As part of the agreement, select tracks will now carry Real American Beer and serve as the Official Beer of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Super DIRTcar Series, American Sprint Car Series and Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series. The beer brand, co-founded by wrestler Hulk Hogan, is also an official partner of WWE and Arena Football One.

The World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models ventures to 32 tracks across 16 states this season and will pay out a Series-high points fund reaching more than $1 million.

"Hulk Hogan and Real American Beer share our passion of uniting a fanbase with a product everyone can enjoy," said Brian Carter, World Racing Group CEO. "This is an exciting partnership not only for the World of Outlaws, but also the dirt racing community as we work together to enhance the race day experience for all fans and showcase what the World of Outlaws and Real American Beer have to offer to new fans. This includes their at-home experience when they're watching every race live on DIRTVision."

For more information, visit worldofoutlaws.com.

Charting the course to NASCAR stardom via short-track Late Models.

Going back a decade or so, the path to professional stock car success, especially in its three national series, has commonly gone through dirt racing. Kyle Larson is just one example of a driver who advanced to the big leagues after a winning education in midgets and sprint cars. Larson's not alone, because anybody involved in this industry will agree that open wheel cars teach a driver, appropriately, to race intensely, wheel-to-wheel with a competitor.

Which is fine, and very useful. Most short-track dirt races, however, are conducted over distances averaging 30 laps on tracks frequently less than a half-mile around. That kind of racing doesn't generally provide the lessons in tire management, discipline, and saving one's race car for the end that will be essential qualities when the race consists of 500 blinding laps around Bristol Motor Speedway. Even the dirt competitors with countless wins have to get up on a new learning curve before they're ready to take on the NASCAR touring series, or to learn about bigger tracks by competing in ARCA. For that reason, short-track late models, Pro Late Models and, especially, Super Late Models have emerged as a training ground for short-trackers of all disciplines who want to rise to bigger and better things.

The full-fendered cars now boast a national touring series with livestreamed TV coverage to introduce drivers to a wider audience. The races typically range anywhere from 50–400 laps, which means that tire management is essential. Some Super Late Model events restrict teams to a single set of tires for the whole event. This is big-time auto racing, scaled down only slightly, and it's recently become hugely popular with both competitors and fans. Tin-top race cars, particularly Super Late Models, are now the pathway to professional series in NASCAR and elsewhere.

Sanctions Across the Country

Sanctioning groups exist across the country for both Pro and Super Late Models, running from the CARS and Southern Super Series tours in the South, the SRL Southwest Tour in the desert states, PASS in New England, and the Northwest Super Late Model Series. All of them provide an entryway into serious, fendered short-track competition.

"This racing is a steppingstone," said Bob Sargent, the founder of Track Enterprises and the impresario behind the recently formed ASA STARS National Tour for Super Late Models. "The race car itself gives drivers a lot of seat time experience. And there's still a lot of strategy involved in terms of tires, suspension, shocks, and everything else they can adjust. Super Late Models or Pro Late Models give a driver a lot of experience to move up to NASCAR level."

Track Enterprises has been acquiring and expanding regional tours for Super Late Models including...

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SKF has named DJ Kimsey its new president of vehicle aftermarket for North America. In this role, Kimsey will oversee the Swedish company's North American sales, marketing, operations and product management. He will be based at the region's headquarters in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

"We're excited to welcome DJ Kimsey as our new president of vehicle aftermarket North America," said Olaf Henning, SKF general manager and head of global aftermarket. "With [more than] 20 years of experience, DJ brings invaluable expertise to our team. His leadership and familiarity within the North American aftermarket will be instrumental in strengthening and expanding our business."

"I am thrilled to join the SKF team and have already had the opportunity to learn so much about our products, customers and partners from the team," said Kimsey. "I look forward to expanding our business across North America by providing the innovative solutions SKF is known for worldwide."

Before joining SKF, Kimsey was the director of controlling--aftermarket for the MAHLE Group.

For more information, visit skf.com/us.

Formula E, the all-electric racing series, has partnered with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) to expand its "Driving Force" educational program focused on STEM learning and sustainability.

Driving Force is a multi-dimensional learning program designed to engage and inspire students aged eight to 18 on shaping the future of mobility through interactive workshops, hands-on learning experiences and digital resources, the series said.

With in-person workshops taking place across the US, Saudi Arabia and the UK, and a comprehensive online learning program, Formula E officials said, the program will impact more than 50,000 students worldwide, marking its largest expansion since its launch in June last year.

For more information, visit fiaformulae.com.

Kaeser Compressors has completed the installation of two advanced solar power systems at its United States headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The larger of the two systems will be connected directly to the power supply of Kaeser's original building, with an expected energy offset of 95%, the company said. The smaller system will be linked to the company's recent office expansion. The systems are projected to generate a combined total of 1,208,486 kWh of electricity in their first year of operation, which equates to approximately 856 metric tons of CO2 emissions. 

In addition, the solar power will support electric vehicle charging stations at the Fredericksburg facility. This aligns with Kaeser's broader commitment to promoting clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the company said. 

The environmental benefits of these solar systems are substantial. The estimated carbon reduction is equivalent to taking 185 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year or avoiding the consumption of 1,983 barrels of oil, according to the company.

For more information, visit kaeser.com.

Sure, your race car is fast—but does it look fast? Flitz offers a versatile range of car care products designed to clean, polish and protect chrome, stainless steel, plastic, fiberglass and other surfaces, and give your car a proper shine. PRI Business Members: log on to the PRI Member Portal to claim your 20% discount on purchases from Flitz.com. 

Not yet a PRI member? There's a tier for you! Learn more at performanceracing.com/membership.

PRI is not affiliated with, nor does it sell or thoroughly evaluate the products, services, and companies listed. PRI provides this information to PRI members for their evaluation and consideration and does not endorse or sponsor any company, product, or service. PRI takes no responsibility for, and makes no representation, warranty, or assurance as to the accuracy, quality, reliability, or completeness of the products or services offered.

PRI and SEMA's efforts to ensure technology-neutral government policies are enshrined in states' laws took a major step forward in West Virginia last week.

The West Virginia legislature passed PRI- and SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting the state from restricting the use, purchase or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source, i.e. electric-vehicle (EV) mandates that would ban internal-combustion engines. The "ban the ban" bill will now make its way to Governor Patrick Morrisey's desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law.

PRI and SEMA are not anti-EV; rather, they champion a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The associations will continue efforts at the federal and state levels to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, PRI's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.

An important deadline is approaching for 2025 PRI Show exhibitors. Exhibitors should secure their booth before Friday, April 25, in order to be included in priority booth space selection and appear on the initial floor plan that will be released to attendees. Submit a booth application and deposit below:

Securing your booth space is the first step toward success at the PRI Show, which presents an unrivaled opportunity for racing industry professionals to drive sales, meet new clients and increase brand awareness, December 11-13, in downtown Indianapolis,

While space applications are accepted at any time leading up to the event in December, submitting an ESRA and deposit by Monday, April 25, will guarantee exhibitors will be included in the initial booth plotting process and the first release of the PRI Show floorplan.

Exhibiting at the PRI Show offers a myriad of benefits to your brand:

• Increase Your Brand Awareness: Whether you are an established brand or looking to break into the motorsports market, exhibiting at PRI is the best investment to advance your brand goals.
• Connect With Your Customers: See existing customers and connect with them on the Show floor. Determine their business needs and use this opportunity to strengthen relationships.
• Expand Your Sales Channels: Take your products to new markets, whether through retailers, distributors or other sales channels, expanding your brand's reach domestically and internationally.
• Introduce New Products: Ensure your latest and greatest products are seen by a large audience of potential customers at the PRI Show.

To reserve a booth at the 2025 PRI Show, visit here. For more information on why to exhibit, visit performanceracing.com/trade-show/exhibit.

In a significant win for the racing community, Oregon House Bill (HB) 2738, which aimed to ban the use of leaded fuel at Portland International Raceway (PIR), and thus shut down the race track, is dead. The bill missed a critical legislative deadline and will not advance this year.

The bill was problematic from the start, relying on junk science advanced by neighborhood activists seeking to eliminate a local institution. In the end, the grassroots and lobbying efforts of PRI and SEMA generated a groundswell of opposition from motorsports enthusiasts and state lawmakers. These efforts are what delivered this significant victory at a time when race tracks nationwide are at risk of shutting down.

If enacted, HB 2738 would have significantly impacted the historic 63-year-old facility that has hosted an impressive cadre of champion drivers, including Mario and Michael Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi and Álex Palou. Major racing events at PIR, such as those by INDYCAR and NASCAR, generate more than $32 million annually for Portland's economy.

The racing industry rallied against the bill, with organizations like PRI and SEMA highlighting the minimal environmental impact of leaded fuel emissions at the track and that many racers were already transitioning to alternative fuels.

How It Happened

The bill to shut down PIR was introduced at the start of Oregon's legislative session, and the racing community's response to the proposal was swift and robust. PRI and SEMA worked closely with local stakeholders to present a united front. PRI's members, bolstered by support from the SEMA Action Network, mobilized the motorsports community, raised awareness, and advocated for the interests of racing enthusiasts and businesses.

In its testimony, PRI and SEMA strongly opposed HB 2738, highlighting several key concerns. The letter emphasized that the specialty automotive aftermarket industry generates $3.27 billion in economic impact, supports more than 14,000 jobs, and contributes significantly to Oregon's state and local tax revenues.

What's Next

While HB 2738 is dead for this year, the conversation around leaded fuel and its environmental impact is far from over. PIR has been in the crosshairs of activists for years, and the motorsports community must remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for their interests. We thank all who engaged on this effort for their unwavering support and advocacy. Their efforts have been pivotal in this ongoing battle to protect the interests of the motorsports community.

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, PRI's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Singer Vehicle Design, the California-based restorer of air-cooled Porsche 911s, and real estate investment firm CrossHarbor Capital have partnered to acquire Willow Springs International Raceway, the Kern County, California, racing facility.

The new ownership group sees public access as a key aspect of Willow Springs' success, according to a statement announcing the acquisition, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. Existing tracks, including all three road courses, will remain open to the public and undergo enhancements to improve safety.  A variety of track layouts, including karting, ATV courses and driver instruction, will continue to be available to a broad range of interests, company officials said.

In addition to being an owner, Singer will partner with CrossHarbor to create a private member's club. Membership will be open to Singer's clients as well as other like-minded enthusiasts and will enable drivers to bring their vehicles for track days and related experiences.

New ownership has already begun an in-depth evaluation of the raceway's facilities and will initially focus on track and safety improvements, including adding more asphalt and curbs and enhancing run-off areas with leveling and gravel. Future plans include upgrading its facilities, improving food and beverage offerings, and refining the track and driving experience.

Additionally, Speedway Motorsports, the North Carolina-based owner of California's Sonoma Raceway, will oversee track operations at the facility.

For more information, visit willowspringsraceway.com.