The three biggest business days in motorsports are calling! The world's largest gathering of racing professionals will roar back to downtown Indianapolis from December 10-12, and housing for the highly anticipated 2026 PRI Show is open.

DOWNTOWN ROOMS ARE FILLING QUICKLY, so book your accommodations as soon as possible through Visit Indy, the official housing provider for the PRI Show.

Booking through the official PRI hotel block will also unlock exclusive discounted rates and offer a seamless, stress-free booking experience with guaranteed savings, prime hotel locations and added perks—all designed to make your trip easier and more affordable.

Secure your rate today and make the most of your PRI stay!

Book Here

Have Questions or Need Help?

Contact the Visit Indy Housing team:
📧 prihousing@visitindy.com
📞 317-262-8191 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. EDT)
 

PRI Show Hotel Spotlight: Aloft Indianapolis Downtown

When planning your stay for the PRI Show, look no further than the Aloft Indianapolis Downtown, Indy's new social hub nestled at the heart of the city. This hotel has been thoughtfully designed to create an environment where comfort meets innovation. As you step through its doors, you'll be welcomed into a world filled with style, modern amenities and a lively social scene. Whether you're unwinding at the WXYZ Bar with a refreshing drink, engaging in a friendly game of pool at the Re:mix Lounge, or grabbing a quick bite at RE:FUEL, Aloft is the perfect backdrop for your PRI Show experience.

Located conveniently close to Indianapolis's top attractions, Aloft puts you in a prime position to explore everything this dynamic city has to offer. From the artistic flair of Massachusetts Avenue to the excitement of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium housing the PRI Show, you're just moments away from the action. Plus, with Indianapolis being recognized as one of the most underrated food cities in America, you'll have plenty of culinary delights to discover during your stay. After a full day of fun and exploration, retreat to your tech-savvy hotel room featuring contemporary decor, airy nine-foot ceilings, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and restful night.

Don't miss out on the unparalleled experience at Aloft Indianapolis Downtown to enhance your PRI Show visit. Take advantage of the special hotel block rates by booking through the official PRI Show and Visit Indy hotel block for the best rates here. 

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has appointed Marcin Budkowski as its new team principal.

Budkowski joins the team with more than two decades of F1 experience and will help lead the team's continued operational growth and long-term competitive development. His appointment follows a planned leadership transition as the organization evolves from its initial build phase into the next stage of racing performance, team representatives said.

"Marcin's appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team," said Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team. "From the beginning, our goal has not been simply to participate in Formula 1, but to build a next-generation team capable of competing at the very front. As we enter this new era for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Marcin brings exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will strengthen our organization and help us develop the winning mindset, tools and processes required for long-term success."

"We're grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up," Towriss continued. "His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well."

Budkowski's F1 experience spans engineering, regulatory and executive leadership. His career has included senior roles with Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA and Renault/Alpine, where he helped lead the team's transition into the Alpine era while serving as executive director and board member. Throughout his career, the 49-year-old Polish/French engineer has worked across multiple championship-winning organizations, overseeing engineering, technical, sporting and operational functions while helping shape the future direction of F1 through team and regulatory leadership.

For more information, visit cadillacf1team.com.

INDYCAR has announced the return of a supercharged set of races to kick off the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season as part of “Phase One” of next year’s overall schedule. The spring event lineup includes another adrenaline-fueled launch with three straight weekends at:

• Streets of St. Petersburg, Sunday, March 7
• Phoenix Raceway, Saturday, March 13
• Streets of Arlington, Sunday, March 21

INDYCAR announced the dates and locations for the first eight races of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season as Phase One of the schedule unveiling.

For the third consecutive season, all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races will be broadcast on FOX, with three additional appearances scheduled during the two days of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and coverage of Miller Lite Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is once again the only premier motorsport series in North America with all races broadcast on network television.

During the current NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, viewership is up 16% from the previous season, creating the highest viewership of the championship since 2008.

“It has been another remarkable year of growth through our powerful partnership with FOX Sports, and we look forward to focusing on even greater opportunities through the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We are pleased to confirm Phase One of next year’s championship alongside another accelerated start with races in St. Petersburg, Phoenix and Arlington. 2026 has been proof of concept that our sport is fueled by an expanding presence across marquee events and destinations, and we look forward to carrying that momentum into 2027.”

2027 will mark the second consecutive year – and just the fifth time in the 118-year history of the INDYCAR SERIES – that a season begins on three consecutive weekends.

The Sunday, March 7 race on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, will be the 17th time the championship will open in the Sunshine City. Following the season debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns for another joint showcase weekend with NASCAR in partnership with FOX Sports at Phoenix Raceway. The Saturday, March 13 race will be the 66th time the INDYCAR SERIES has raced on the historic 1-mile desert oval. The 2026 race featured 565 on-track passes – the most on record for the INDYCAR SERIES at Phoenix Raceway.

A week later, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to the 14-turn, 2.73-mile Streets of Arlington circuit for the second Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. The tentpole event unites three championship organizations: INDYCAR, the Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, the official events partner of the Texas Rangers. The sold-out inaugural race featured the season’s fastest trap speed on a street circuit at 192.298 mph by Kyle Kirkwood before being won by the Andretti Global driver.

“The start to this year’s 2026 season was action-packed, and it’s gratifying to know the stage is set for a return to that frantic pace in 2027,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “St. Pete has become an ideal host to begin our season, and the reaction to the series’ return to historic Phoenix Raceway made our partnership with NASCAR and FOX all the more special. To finish that stretch with a marquee event on the Streets of Arlington will be a fitting way to lead into another heated season-long battle for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.”

The spring portion of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule continues Sunday, April 4 on the series’ first natural terrain road course of the season and a return to the “Augusta National” of racetracks at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the 17th INDYCAR weekend at the picturesque, dynamic and physically demanding track.

Two weeks later, the season returns to the palm tree-lined Streets of Long Beach for the iconic Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 18. The legendary event set a modern-day record with over 200,000 in attendance in 2026. The 2027 edition will extend the longest-running street circuit event on the calendar, as this will be the 43rd time the INDYCAR SERIES has raced on the sunny Southern California streets.

Another thrilling Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway follows the Streets of Long Beach and begins on the challenging road course for the Sonsio Grand Prix, Saturday, May 15. It is the 13th time the 2.439-mile circuit has set the stage for the month’s remaining events.

Attention then turns toward the famed 2.5-mile oval the following week, leading to PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend on Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23. A week later, the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is set for Sunday, May 30. The 2026 edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” featured a race-record 70 lead changes and the closest finish in race history when Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian edged David Malukas of Team Penske by just .0233 of a second.

The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule continues with the traditional post-May visit to the Streets of Detroit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday, June 6. The 2026 race, won by Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, featured the most on-track passes on a street circuit this season.

Get more details on the INDYCAR website here.

Parts Authority––the Lake Success, New York-based distributor of automotive replacement parts, tools and equipment––has acquired NPW Companies (National Auto Parts Warehouse), the family-owned distributor of traditional, engine and performance parts headquartered in Miami.

The acquisition adds NPW's 46 locations to the Parts Authority network, bringing the combined company to nearly 325 locations and expanding Parts Authority's geographic footprint into five new states.

NPW's catalog includes more than one million part numbers from more than 700 brands, including performance and motorsports companies such as Autometer, B&M, BBK Performance, COMP Cams, Edelbrock, Holley, Moroso and Proform.

Founded by Larry Pacey in 1969, NPW has built its business on customer relationships, extensive inventory and service. NPW's leadership and team members will join Parts Authority as part of the transaction.

Current NPW President and CEO Chris Pacey will continue as president of NPW/EPW while taking on a senior role within Parts Authority.

"This is an exciting milestone for NPW, our team, and our customers," Pacey said. "I am even more excited that our family will remain part of this journey, contributing to the continued growth and success of both companies as they move forward together."

Clark Hale, CEO of Parts Authority, said NPW's locations complement the company's existing footprint and will allow the company to position more inventory closer to customers.

"The Paceys built a remarkable family business, and we intend to honor that legacy," Hale said. "Just as important, the NPW team is at the heart of this acquisition, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Parts Authority family."

For more information, visit partsauthority.com/ and npwcompanies.com.

Paddock registration for the September 28-October 5, 2026, Mission Foods SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America opens August 19.

Competitors racing at the Runoffs will need somewhere to park their competition vehicle while at Road America, and paddock registration opens at noon CT on August 19.

Last year, racer and SCCA Board of Directors member Mark Weber, who also serves as paddock chief at the Runoffs, offered advice on the roll-in process.

"The track will organize rigs into prep shops and privateers, then we'll take it from there," Weber said. He noted that three checkpoints will help direct competitors into position with minimal disruption to those already at the facility. A forklift will also be available to help move trailers in and out of spots.

In addition, the SCCA has announced additional important deadlines, including:

• September 1 at 11:59 p.m. CT: Early entry deadline for the Runoffs – learn all you need to know about registration here!
• September 2 at 12 a.m. CT: Runoffs entry fee increases from $1,185 to $1,685
• September 17: Last day for a full refund (after this date, there will be a $200 cancellation fee)

For complete information about the 2026 Mission Foods SCCA National Championship Runoffs, visit the official Runoffs homepage at scca.com/runoffs.

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) has returned for the sixth-consecutive year this week at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (WRLS) in Salinas, California, as the official sanctioning body of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion vintage and historic motorsports event.

As it has for the last five years, the HSR team traveled back to Monterey to officiate the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb.

"The HSR team plays an important role in delivering the standard of excellence we expect at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion," says Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. "Their expertise in scrutineering and race operations, along with their ability to manage the complexities of an evolving event schedule, is invaluable. Their professionalism helps us deliver safe, competitive racing while creating an exceptional experience for our participants and fans. Just as importantly, they understand what makes historic racing special and bring that understanding to every aspect of the event."

This year's edition of the blockbuster event, taking place this week, August 12-15, will be the first in an extended new agreement between WRLS and HSR officials announced last November that will see HSR continue as the official sanctioning body of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Monterey Pre-Reunion through at least 2028. Since signing on as sanctioning body for the event, HSR has provided support for race event operations, full technical scrutineering, entry vetting and review, competition officiating and additional operational and on-track areas.

For more information, visit hsrrace.com.

British engineering firm JCB has set a new world land speed record of 406.320 mph for hydrogen-powered vehicles with its hydrogen-fueled JCB Hydromax.

The car recorded an average speed of 400.623 mph in its first run across the Bonneville Salt Flats, and 412.135 mph on its second run, giving an average of 406.320 mph--the fastest a hydrogen internal combustion car has ever travelled.

Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the twin-engined, 32-ft. car completed the two runs required under FIA rules––one in each direction within an hour––beating the previous FIA-officiated hydrogen internal combustion benchmark of 185.5 mph set by the BMW H2R in 2004. The record is subject to official ratification by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport.

In doing so, JCB Hydromax surpassed the 350.092 mph world diesel land speed record set by JCB Dieselmax––also driven by Green, on the same salt, in August 2006.

The speed also exceeds the 303 mph hydrogen fuel cell mark––making JCB Hydromax the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle of any kind in history.

The record––set in the Category A, Group XIV, Class 7 FIA World Flying Record Start Land Speed Record––was set using two of JCB's own production-based hydrogen digger engines, producing a combined 1,600 hp and manufactured at the company's engine factory in Foston, Derbyshire, United Kingdom. They are the same engines now powering JCB machines and equipment rolling off production lines in the UK as part of the company's $135 million hydrogen program.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford has led JCB's hydrogen engine project and came up with the idea of a hydrogen world land speed record bid early last year. "Twenty years ago we came to Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showed what British engineering could do with diesel power. Today we have done it again––this time with engines powered by hydrogen," Bamford said. "This record was set by production-based engines, the same engines powering JCB diggers right now. That is the point of JCB Hydromax: it shows hydrogen works, and it works today at the highest level with zero emissions."

"Bonneville is the spiritual home of the world land speed record, and JCB Hydromax has just written itself into that history," said Green. The car was terrific––stable, strong and fast. Setting a world land speed record with hydrogen power, twenty years after Dieselmax, is a huge privilege. This record is a huge achievement by a world-class team and superb technology."

 "This is a truly historic milestone for motorsport, showcasing how innovation, performance, speed, and sustainability can go hand in hand," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "Motorsport has always been a catalyst for technological progress, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility."

Wing Commander Andy Green is the fastest man on earth at 763.035 mph, the only person to break the sound barrier on land, and was the driver of JCB Dieselmax when it set the FIA world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph at Bonneville in August 2006. That record still stands.

Prior to the record-setting run, the JCB Hydromax broke through the 368.347 mph barrier as part of the Southern California Timing Association's (SCTA) Bonneville Speed Week, setting a new SCTA record in the Blown Gas Streamliner class (AA/BGS, 500-plus cubic inches) of 368.347 mph, a major milestone in the car's development program.

Image courtesy of JCB

Formula E, Disney+ and ESPN have reached a multi-year agreement that will make Disney+ the global streaming home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship across 144 territories, including the United States, where it will stream alongside ESPN+ beginning with the 2026/27 season.

Majority-owned by Liberty Global, Formula E will leverage Disney's global streaming ecosystem to reach millions of new households while complementing its established portfolio of free-to-air and linear broadcast partners around the world, ensuring fans continue to enjoy broad access across key markets, according to the series.

Launching alongside the GEN4 era, the collaboration will introduce Formula E to millions of new fans through Disney+ while preserving the broad accessibility that has underpinned the series' success to date, Formula E representatives said.

Subscribers on Disney+ across 144 territories, including the U.S., will receive comprehensive live coverage of every Formula E race weekend, including every practice session, qualifying session and race.

Beyond the live action, fans will have access to dedicated preview and review shows, race highlights, in-depth analysis, exclusive behind-the-scenes programming and full race replays on demand immediately following each event.

This expanded streaming offering will sit alongside Formula E's existing broadcast partnerships, the series said.

"This is a landmark moment for Formula E and reflects the incredible momentum behind our championship. Disney's unrivalled global reach and storytelling will introduce Formula E to millions of new fans while bringing them closer than ever to the drama, innovation and excitement of electric racing," said Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO. "As we enter the GEN4 era, this provides an exceptional platform to accelerate our global growth and continue building one of the world's most exciting sports properties. We're also excited by the opportunity to explore additional ways for Formula E and Disney to work together beyond live race coverage, creating even more innovative and engaging experiences for fans in the years ahead."

For more information, visit fiaformulae.com.

Image courtesy of Formula E

The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod will be moving to Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, for 2027, event organizer and Drag Illustrated founder Wes Buck announced.

"The World Series of Pro Mod has always been about creating something that feels bigger than just another drag race, and moving it to Texas Motorplex gives us an opportunity to take that vision to another level," said Buck. "This is one of the most iconic facilities in drag racing, and the people behind Texas Motorplex understand what it takes to build an event that racers want to be part of and fans want to experience. Christie and her team have been incredible to work with, and we're excited about what we can build together. March 5-7, 2027, are going to be dates Pro Mod racers and fans need to have circled."

"The World Series of Pro Mod belongs in Texas, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome it to the historic Texas Motorplex," said Christie Meyer Johnson, co-owner and general manager, Texas Motorplex. "It's an honor that Wes chose to partner with us, and we're ready to roll up our sleeves and help grow this event into something even bigger than anyone imagined. We love building experiences that racers and fans remember, and this is another opportunity to do just that. Adding the World Series of Pro Mod to our already packed spring schedule is a huge win for Texas motorsports, and we can't wait to show everyone what this partnership can become. We're not just hosting an event, we're committed to helping take it to the next level."

The World Series of Pro Mod brings together many top Pro Mod competitors for a chip-draw shootout and a full weekend of racing, autograph sessions, music, food and more. The Texas Motorplex move is expected to further elevate the event, according to organizers, with Drag Illustrated and the Texas Motorplex working together to create an experience that extends beyond the racing surface.

"The goal is to make the World Series of Pro Mod something that people talk about long after the last car has left the property," said Buck. "Texas Motorplex has the history, the facility and the team to help us do that. We're just getting started."

Additional details regarding the 2027 World Series of Pro Mod, including racer information, event format, ticketing, schedules and other announcements, will be released in the coming months.

Visit worldseriesofpromod.com and dragillustrated.com for more information.

Summit Motorsports Park owner Bill Bader Jr. has announced that the Norwalk, Ohio, track has pledged to host a "World Finals" event for IHRA bracket racers amid uncertainty around future events on the sanctioning body's schedule.

The event, which will only proceed if the IHRA World Finals—scheduled for November 5-7 at Darana Motorsports Park in Dunn, North Carolina—are canceled, will feature a $150,000 guaranteed purse thanks to backing from five industry companies.

Read the full statement from Bader Jr. below:

In a major win for grassroots drag racing, a $150,000 Guaranteed Purse has been officially secured for qualifying drivers at the upcoming World Finals, scheduled for October 22–24, 2026, at Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk, Ohio).

When uncertainty surrounding the event arose, the racing community stepped up. Five industry-leading companies have committed to fully underwrite the $150,000 purse, ensuring that sportsman racers who work all season to qualify get the payout, prestige and championship stage they deserve.

The participating founding sponsors underwriting the $150,000.00 Guaranteed Purse include:

• Summit Racing Equipment
• BluePrint Engines
• PJH TrackBite
• Fuel Factory
• One additional company to be named

"Sportsman racing is the backbone of this entire sport. When times get tough, real partners step up to support the racers who keep the staging lanes full," said Bader Jr. "We promised a purse and an event that everyone could be proud of, and thanks to these incredible sponsors, that promise is realized."

Please keep in mind this is an alternative should the IHRA decide not to produce a World Finals.

I’m excited to report that the Team Finals events are beginning to take shape with tracks stepping up to lead their respective regions. Expect more details next week.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our sport!

For more information, visit summitmotorsportspark.com.

Images courtesy of Summit Motorsports Park | Facebook