The Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors has announced the point structure to be used for the 2013 U.S. Majors Tour Conference Championships, the National Points Championship and Divisional Points Championships.

The point standings will be used for all 28 SCCA National Championship Runoffs-eligible classes.

The 2013 point structure eliminates the bonus points previously used for the National point championship, and weights the Majors races more heavily than in the past for each Championship.

All 28 Runoffs-eligible classes will crown a Majors champion in each of the four Conferences, as well as a single overall National point champion in each class.

Races held during the Majors weekends that will be a part of the 2013 schedule will award points to the top 20 finishers in each class. Race winners will earn 22 points, followed by 19 and 17 for podium finishes. Beginning with 16 for fourth place, points will decrease by one for each of the remaining top-20 finishers, with 19th and 20th each receiving one point.

Points for the non-Majors National races will remain on the traditional point scale for the top nine, with no bonus points.

The races scored toward each of the four geographic Conference Championships on the U.S. Majors Tour will be based on the number of actual races held in each conference, with a driver getting a number of “drops” in his or her Conference.

While most, but not all, Majors events will be doubleheader weekends, a Conference that hosts 11 or 12 races will count the top eight finishes toward the Championship. A Conference that hosts nine or 10 races will score the best seven finishes, and if a Conference held only eight races, the top six would score toward the Conference Championship.

Outside of the new point structure and the elimination of the bonus points, the National Point Championship will be tallied in the same way as 2012, with a driver able to count his or her best seven races regardless of Division or Conference affiliation.

Similarly, the Divisional Championships will count both non-Majors Nationals and Majors races, with the only change being the revised point structure for Majors events.

The qualification path to the 50th National Championship Runoffs will be announced during the PRI show in Orlando, Florida, in December, following a discussion and vote at the SCCA Board of Directors meeting.

The complete U.S. Majors Tour schedule will also be announced in the coming weeks.

Additional information on the U.S. Majors Tour is available at www.sccamajors.com.

TNT Supercars was recently purchased from Smiley's Racing Products by Art Zunker and Dillon Bontrager, with the goal to re-establish the TNT brand as one of the premier suppliers of race cars and components in the business.

This week, TNT announced the acquisition of Joe Monden Race Cars to ensure that TNT’s reputation for quality, design and fabrication will continue well into the future.

TNT has relocated to a 5000-square-foot facility in Forney, Texas, where the final assembly of the cars will take place along with the stocking and sales of hundreds of high performance parts.

Joe Monden Race Cars will be also relocating to Forney within a separate 6000-square-foot shop dedicated to the fabrication and production of the cars.

The team focus will be a continued effort to stay ahead of the evolving demands of the Sportsman racers. With Joe Monden in house, TNT will be able to provide customers with a more timely and efficient manufacturing and assembly process.

Additionally, TNT has reached an agreement with Tommy Phillips to be a Consultant and Sales Advisor.

Tommy will also be carrying a full line of parts in his trailer to continue to support customers and fellow racers at the track.



Monden, with input from Phillips and Bontrager, will design and fabricate the latest version of the TNT Supercars’ newly designed 4-link swing arm style dragsters along with his own Joe Monden Race Cars brand car.

TNT will also service their customers and all racers (regardless of the brand of their chassis) with a complete line of performance parts and related equipment.

For more information, contact TNT Supercars at 972/552-3045 or by email at TNT_Supercars@att.net.

Performance Power Racing reset the record for the fastest standing mile (car) this week at 283.232 mph.



Johnny Bohmer, owner of Performance Power Racing (USA), broke the record at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a 2006 Ford GT to set the record.



The standing mile is an event in which a vehicle, from a dead stop, accelerates completely through the one mile mark. 



The West Palm Beach, Florida-based Research and Development Company worked directly with Pratt and Whitney on a new high specific strength, high temperature tolerant, Aluminum Alloy named Pandalloy.

Parts were specifically designed and manufactured out of Pandalloy for the Ford GT used in the attempt.

The run was measured by Tag Heuer timing equipment and verified by officials from the International Mile Racing Association, who recognized the run as a new IMRA world record. 



Johnny's crew included Matt Lundy (lead design tech), Jeff McEachran, Frank Richert, George Brown and Matt Lilly. 



Sponsors of the car included Big Stuff, Eye Candy Performance Car Care, Magna Fuel, Moran Racing Engines, Snow Performance, NLR Power and Control, Pandalloy Extreme Performance Aluminum, Performance Power Materials, Precision Turbo & Engine, and Serious Autosport.

During the Annual Appreciation Day/Cookout at Nickels Performance, Gary "Gearman" Justice was recently presented with the Industry Appreciation Award for his 25-plus years of service in the performance automotive aftermarket. Justice has been a great friend and mentor to countless racers, jobbers and WDs during his career at Richmond Gear, and more recently at Motive Gear. 

The Winning the eRace Digital Marketing Conference For Racing Businesses that will be held on Wednesday during Race Industry Week 2012 is an enormous opportunity for racing entrepreneurs.

At no charge, you can spend a day listening to speakers from such premier companies in the digital world as Google, Constant Contact and eBay Motors. Plus, racing industry folks from such companies as Pro Line Racing Engines and Red Line Synthetic Oil will tell you all about their success stories and strategies in the online realm.

We can personally recommend spending time listening to Kris Fulton, of Trinet Internet Solutions, who will discuss best practices for advertising on the Internet. Trinet, with offices in Irvine, California, and Alexandria, Virginia, is PRI’s provider of a host of Internet services. In fact, Kris personally came to the PRI offices at our request to instruct us on best practices for Internet advertising.

We embarked on a big adventure with Trinet as our partners last year, as we worked to add a daily news page to the PRI website. PRI’s goal was to provide the racing industry with a daily news portal that would be oriented to the business side of motorsports, versus news of who won last weekend’s races.

PRI had the content. We just needed a smooth and easy way to upload the information, and a graphical presentation that was both exciting and orderly. In addition, we wanted to be able to offer advertising space on a web page that would be generating thousands of page views per day among our niche audience.

PRI had its own style of design, but it’s a long journey to getting a functional web page that can handle all the demands we asked of it.

We established a real working relationship with Trinet for this project. The Trinet team listened to us, and got to work figuring out how to implement our vision. And there’s always the real world parameter of budget, too.

Today, we can report the PRI news page has been a big success. We have a Content Management System (CMS) that makes it quick and convenient to upload content at will. The ‘front page’ of the PRI website continues to grow every month in page views.

Most importantly, we’re proud of the look of the page, and the presentation of the news and the advertisements. It’s a terrific representation of what people in the racing industry have come to expect of PRI from their experience with the magazine and all of our promotional material.

When Kris came to our offices to educate us on best practices for advertising on the Internet, she had the entire sales team and myself taking notes.

We’re excited to be able to present the insights of someone like Kris at the Winning the eRace conference. We’ve enjoyed a rewarding working partnership with Kris and the Trinet team, and can vouch that it will be well worth your time. She’ll definitely take your digital advertising program up a couple of notches, and help that part of the marketing budget perform better for your racing company.

There is no charge to attend the Winning the eRace Digital Marketing Conference for Racing Businesses. It will be held Wednesday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in meeting rooms S 230 E, F & G of the Orange County Convention Center.

We just ask that you reserve your seat by emailing gabrielao@performanceracing.com.

The 2012 SEMA Scholarship Engine Program has a unique twist to it. Instead of bidders vying for a pre-packaged engine—as was the case in last year’s program—the buyer will have an opportunity to have a say-so in how the engine is built.



A Dart SHP block and SHP aluminum cylinder heads are a given, as is a Holley Stealth Ram EFI system. The buyer, however, gets to choose among many variables for the small block Chevy’s ultimate combination, including the displacement (which can vary from 321 to 401 cubic inches), the compression ratio (9:1 all the way to 12.5:1), and the camshaft type (roller or flat tappet) and profile specifications.



To arrive at these decisions, the winning bidder will meet with Ed Pink Racing Engines personnel at the PRI Show in Orlando and choose from the available options. The winning bid also includes a trip to PRI, with funding for airfare, lodging and transportation.



The SEMA/Ed Pink Scholarship Engine will be on display at the SEMA Show, where bidding kicks off on November 1, 2012, and closes on November 11, 2012. To learn more about the engine or to get involved in the bidding, go to www.SEMA.org/auctions.

As the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is a recognized 501(c) charity, the purchase price may be tax deductible (check with your tax preparer).



Twenty SEMA-member manufacturers are participating in the 2012 project. They include: ARP, ATI, Champion, Clevite, Comp Cams, Dart, Edelbrock, FAST, Fel-Pro, Hedman, Holley, Joe Gibbs Driven, Mahle, Manley, March, Milodon, Moroso, Powermaster, Scat and Total Seal.



Over the years, the SMSF has provided nearly two million dollars in scholarship assistance to young people pursuing a career in the automotive industry. Scholarships are awarded for trade school, 2-year college and university programs. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program for employees of SEMA member companies to help repay student loans.

Information on the 2013 program and applications are available at www.SEMA.org/scholarships.

With a little over two months until the launch of the new NASCAR.com, NASCAR Digital MediaSM has announced four key editorial hires for the platform’s new content development team.
 
The new content personnel added to NASCAR Digital Media are Kenny Bruce, reporter, content; Holly Cain, reporter; David Caraviello, video reporter/writer and Alan Cavanna, video reporter/host.
 
In addition to the rich, unique content being produced internally by the NASCAR.com staff, fan editorial will play a key role on the digital platform as NASCAR looks to provide a deeper level of online engagement. Also announced today, fans will have the opportunity to upload their own photos, video and relevant content to help provide a more interactive experience for all NASCAR.com visitors.
 
NASCAR’s new digital platform, including a revamped NASCAR.com, will launch on Jan. 3, 2013. The new NASCAR.com will provide a multi-dimensional, immersive digital experience that complements NASCAR races and other key events. The site will serve the fans relevant content and encourage engagement through personalization and customization, providing visitors with a quality user experience.
 
Kenny Bruce comes to NASCAR after serving as assistant managing editor/writer at NASCAR Scene, SceneDaily.com and NASCAR Illustrated since 2001. Bruce is a three-time National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year and former president of the NMPA. He also was the 2012 Henry T. McLemore Award recipient, presented by the International Motorsports Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in journalism. Bruce has 30 years of experience in motorsports journalism and is on the voting panel for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
 
Holly Cain, who has most recently been a contributing writer for Turner Sports’ NASCAR.com, transitions to NASCAR Digital Media and will expand her current role as a reporter for NASCAR.com. Cain has been on the motorsports beat since 1990 and reported for the Tampa Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, AOL.com and FOXSports.com before joining NASCAR.com in August of 2012. Cain’s outstanding writing career has garnered her multiple accolades including the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) and Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards.


David Caraviello also transitions to NASCAR Digital Media from Turner Sports after five years at NASCAR.com as a senior writer. Prior to joining NASCAR.com, Caraviello served as a staff writer for three South Carolina newspapers for 15 years, including The Post and Courier in Charleston, The Herald-Journal in Spartanburg and The Aiken Standard. He is a two-time winner of the Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
 
Bruce, Cain and Caraviello will be the primary writers for NASCAR.com, traveling to race events with a focus on NASCAR’s three national series. They will also serve as experts for web-based shows and at-track video reports.
 
Alan Cavanna most recently served as a WSOC-TV (ABC) Charlotte reporter since 2008 following four combined years as a reporter at ABC affiliates in Joplin, Mo., and Evansville, Ind. In January, Cavanna won the 2012 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism for his work in the broadcast space. In his new role, Cavanna will primarily host web-based shows from the track and in the studio, but will also be charged with at-track video reporting and writing for NASCAR.com.
 
Stu Hothem, who assumed the role of director of content for NASCAR Digital Media in June, will manage the editorial team for NASCAR.com. Zack Albert, manager of content, will oversee the newsroom as well as serve as a reporter at-track and for other NASCAR events. Albert was previously a member of NASCAR’s Integrated Marketing Communications team after 11 years as a reporter, editor and online producer for USA Today.
 
Kate Davis, director of digital video production, will work in conjunction with Hothem's editorial team to create and develop original video content for NASCAR.com. Davis joined NASCAR Digital Media after overseeing the NASCAR Productions news department for five years. Matt Roper, senior manager of digital video production, will assist in the day-to-day operations of the digital video team. Before joining NASCAR Digital Media, Roper was employed by Turner Sports for 12 years including five years as a multimedia producer for NASCAR.com.

Competitors looking to participate in GRAND-AM’s newest race category will have 10 new models from nine manufacturers to choose from, based on the list of cars eligible for the new GX class in the Rolex Sports Car Series.

Earlier this year, GRAND-AM announced the new class to allow for cars and technologies currently not involved in the Rolex Series, that will debut in the 2013 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Eligible cars already announced for the class were the Lotus Evora GX, Porsche Cayman, and Mazda with the Skyactiv-D turbo diesel in a model to be determined.

GRAND-AM has expanded that list to 13 models from 12 different manufacturers, adding the Audi TT, BMW 1 Series, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus (four door), Hyundai Genesis, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, Nissan 370Z or Altima, and Volkswagen EOS.

GX will join the Daytona Prototype and GT classes at all Rolex Series races. Rules are being developed to allow for the exploration of a wide variety of alternative technologies and alternative fuels. This could include turbocharged engines; fuels other than gasoline, such as clean diesels; and hybrid powertrains.

The class will be developed with performance levels that complement the current DP and GT classes. No changes to GT performance levels are expected.

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show (www.hotrodshow.com) and The Petersen Automotive Museum have announced that Dave McClelland, the legendary "Voice of the NHRA," will receive the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, March 15, at the Grand Opening Breakfast for the 2013 Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show.

McClelland got his start in radio and television, studying at Iowa State University and working for a number of stations, including NBC affiliates. He announced his first drag race in 1959 and went on to announce NHRA events for 44 years.

Over the years he hosted NHRA coverage on TV for ESPN, ESPN2 and The Nashville Network. He was also the host of "Hot Rod TV," "The Hemmings Road Show" and "The Classics Road Show." McClelland has also served as the master of ceremonies at NHRA, SEMA and other industry events.
 
The Grand Opening Breakfast, which is hosted by Barry Meguiar, president and CEO of Meguiar's Inc., will take place the morning of March 15 in the convention center's Sagamore Ballroom.
 
McClelland is the twelfth recipient of The Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented annually to pioneers in the hot rod and restoration industry. The award has also been presented to Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Vic Edelbrock, Andy Granatelli, The Ford Family, Alex Xydias, “Speedy” Bill Smith, Jack Roush, Jack Chisenhall and Ed "Isky" Iskenderian.
 
The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show takes place March 14–16, 2013, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

For more information on the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, visit www.hotrodshow.com.

Feld Motor Sports has announced a 2013 Nitro Jam schedule that includes two new markets and a return to some of the top motorsports facilities in North America.

Highlighting the 2013 schedule is a return to the Sunshine State with a trip to Bradenton Motorsports Park in the spring and the addition of Memphis International Raceway in Memphis, Tennessee, the 20th most populous city in the country, to the Nitro Jam lineup in the fall.

The 2013 Nitro Jam schedule will also include stops in Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania, Alberta, Ontario and Michigan during a season that begins in March and runs through October.

The Nitro Jam lineup will continue to feature a unique assortment of nitro-powered machines in addition to jets, wheelstanders and many more thrilling motorsports acts unique to each market. Nitro Jam will also retain its “race only” format with two rounds of racing and a different winner crowned each night.

In addition to a thrilling professional show, the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL and other sportsman racing will be featured at most all Nitro Jam events on the schedule. More details regarding professional and sportsman classes will be announced soon.

Check back with www.nitrojam.com for a full lineup of professional and sportsman classes and exciting extras at all 2013 Nitro Jam events.