Bristol Motor Speedway to Host Major League Baseball Game in 2025

Submitted by ajh on Fri, 08/09/2024 - 15:43
Bristol Speedway Classic


Bristol Motor Speedway will host a Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds in 2025.

The facility will build a baseball diamond across the track and infield of the northeastern Tennessee speedway, which touts a capacity of approximately 146,000.

Scheduled for August 2, 2025, the "Speedway Classic '25" will be the first MLB game in Tennessee and is one of several non-racing events held at the concrete short track, including concerts and a college football game.

For more information, visit bristolmotorspeedway.com.

August 2024

Alex Garcia Joins Skip Barber Driver Development Program

Submitted by ajh on Fri, 08/09/2024 - 15:19
Alex Garcia Skip Barber


Skip Barber Racing School has named Alex Garcia as the latest addition to its driver development program. 

Garcia currently competes in the Toyota GR Cup North America and TC America. He also recently made his debut in the Skip Barber Race Series at VIRginia International Raceway to add formula racing experience to his portfolio.

In 2025, Garcia will continue his racing development in GT4 America, getting behind the wheel of Skip Barber Racing's Aston Martin Vantage GT4, while continuing in Toyota GR Cup North America.

Skip Barber Racing School provides resources to competitors in its driver development program, including access to advanced simulators, comprehensive testing opportunities and personalized coaching.

For more information, visit skipbarber.com.

August 2024

Thermo-Tec Automotive Launches New Catalog Products, Informative Guides

Submitted by laurap on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 15:35
Thermo-Tec logo


Thermo-Tec Automotive, the Greenwich, Ohio-based high-performance heat and sound insulation product provider, has released its new and improved product catalog. The new catalog is more than just a product listing; it's a comprehensive resource that includes guides like: 

  • What is Basalt? A detailed explanation of Basalt, a volcanic rock used in some of its high-performance products. Learn about its properties, benefits and why it's an excellent choice for heat insulation. 
  • Why Use Exhaust Wrap? An informative guide on the benefits of using exhaust wrap, including improved performance, reduced under-hood temperatures, and protection for components. 
  • Measuring Your Turbo. Instructions on how to accurately measure your turbo to ensure you select the correct turbo cover for optimal performance and protection. 
  • Which Product Should I Use? A visual guide showcasing where Thermo-Tec's various products are best utilized. This handy chart makes it easy to match the right product to your specific needs. 
  • Multi-Use Products. A section dedicated to Thermo-Tec's versatile products and their multiple applications, helping you and customers get the most out of an investment. 


"We are thrilled to offer this new catalog to our customers," said Randy Pugh, marketing coordinator at Thermo-Tec Automotive. "Our goal is to provide not only top-quality products but also valuable information that helps our customers make informed decisions and get the best performance from their vehicles. This catalog is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and customer service." 

The catalog is available now and can be downloaded from the Thermo-Tec website or requested in print by contacting Thermo-Tec Automotive. For more information, visit thermotec.com. 

 Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

August 2024

Parnelli Jones Headlines 2025 NMPA Hall of Fame Class

Submitted by ajh on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 15:20
National Motorsports Press Association


The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) has elected Indianapolis 500 and Baja 1,000 winner and Trans-Am champion Parnelli Jones, NASCAR championship crew chief Tim Brewer, NHRA championship-winning owner Don Schumacher, and Lyn St. James, first women to win Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, into its Hall of Fame.

Jones received the most votes, appearing on 91.78% of ballots cast. Schumacher garnered 72.60% of the vote, while Brewer and St. James each received 71.23% approval. To be elected to the NMPA Hall of Fame, a nominee must receive more than 65% of the votes cast by members.

The inductees will be honored at the annual NMPA Hall of Fame ceremony in early 2025. Details will be announced at a later date. The NMPA Hall of Fame, which highlights all inductees and other award honorees, is located on the grounds of Darlington Raceway.

For more information, including a biography of each of the 2025 inductees, visit nmpaonline.com.

August 2024

TRD's David Wilson to Retire; Tyler Gibbs Promoted

Submitted by ajh on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 13:59
David Wilson TRD


David Wilson, group vice president and president of TRD, USA (Toyota Racing Development), has announced his retirement effective December 16, 2024.

Highlights among his 35-year career at the subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, include helping Toyota, Lexus and Gazoo Racing North America (GRNA) drivers and teams to victories in the Baja 500 and 1000, 12 Hours of Sebring, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, the Chili Bowl, the NHRA US Nationals and more. 

General Manager Tyler Gibbs will assume the role as president of TRD. He will be responsible for all TRD operations and activities in North America, including overseeing the organization's headquarters and engine operations in Costa Mesa, California, the GR Garage and Toyota Performance Center (TPC) in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the chassis and team support operation in Salisbury, North Carolina.  

For more information, visit toyota.com/racing.

August 2024

UNLTD Off-Road Racing Releases 2025 Championship Series Schedule

Submitted by ajh on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 13:53
Mint 400


Unlimited Off-Road Racing (UNLTD) has released the official schedule for its 2025 season.

The four-event season will kick off with the Parker 400 in Parker, Arizona, in January, followed by the 57th Annual Mint 400 in March. The Reno 600, a single-loop race, joins the calendar in late spring before the season concludes in October with the California 300 in Barstow.

The full UNLTD Off-Road Racing Championship Series 2025 Schedule:
 

UNLTD 2025 Schedule


"We are incredibly excited about the 2025 season," said Matt Martelli, CEO of UNLTD Off-Road Racing. "With the addition of the Reno 600 and the return of our staple events, we are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for both our competitors and fans. Each race offers a unique challenge, and we can't wait to see the off-road racing community come together to celebrate the sport we love."

For more information, visit unlimitedoffroadracing.com.

August 2024

Spire Motorsports Adds New Crew Chiefs for 2025

Submitted by ajh on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 13:45
Spire Motorsports Logo


Rodney Childers, a 40-time NASCAR Cup Series race-winning crew chief, and Travis Peterson, currently crew chief for Michael McDowell at Front Row Motorsports, will join the Spire Motorsports Cup Series team in 2025.

Ryan Sparks, crew chief for the team's No. 7 team, will transition to the role of competition director at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Childers will take over the helm of the No. 7 team, while Peterson will lead the No. 71 car, driven by McDowell, who is also moving to Spire Motorsports for the 2025 season.

For more information, visit spire-motorsports.com.

August 2024

Meyer Opens New Location in Abbotsford, British Columbia

Submitted by ajh on Tue, 08/06/2024 - 14:04
Meyer Distributing


Meyer Distributing has opened a new Canadian location in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Hermiston, Oregon, distribution hub, which houses an inventory of crash and collision, 4x4 and off-road, RV and trailer parts and products.

"The Abbotsford, British Columbia, dock is an exciting expansion for Meyer," said Jeff Braun, CEO. "We are going to bring logistics to the table in British Columbia in a way that is going to save customers a lot of money. We will be covering Vancouver Island to Surrey to Kelowna, and this will help bring a lower landed cost and better competition to the British Columbia markets that haven't had an effective alternative for a long time."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

August 2024

Mickey Thompson Hosts Annual Dragster Adventure Challenge at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School

Submitted by ajh on Tue, 08/06/2024 - 14:01
Frank Hawley


Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels recently hosted a group of employees, dealers and distributors at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to participate in the Dragster Adventure Challenge.

The event was held at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, with Wheel Pros' Dan Pack winning a 16-car eliminations ladder.

Mickey Thompson has been the official tire supplier for all vehicles in the program since 1999. Participants received instruction and training before piloting the full-size dragsters capable of reaching 130 mph in the quarter mile.

For more information, visit frankhawley.com or mickeythompsontires.com.

August 2024